| The perfect size liveaboard cruiser is a simple | | | | desirable |
| question to ask, but can be complex to answer. | | | | These options are some of many which makes |
| The difficulty is that a liveaboard cruiser appeals | | | | identifying the perfect liveaboard cruiser difficult. |
| to individuals on many levels including logically, | | | | To make this process easier it is necessary to |
| practically and emotionally. | | | | look at who will be sailing on the boat. |
| What appeals to one person may be | | | | People who will be sailing together on a boat need |
| inconsequential to the next. | | | | to establish what they want from the cruising |
| So to define the perfect liveaboard cruiser, a | | | | experience. They need to to take into account |
| person must define and prioritise his wants and | | | | the boat in terms of living, eating, sleeping, |
| needs in a cruiser. A typical list of attributes a | | | | cleaning, sailing, recreating,.... together. |
| liveaboard cruiser may include: | | | | With the needs and desires of the sailors |
| - spacious living area... cruising is all about lifestyle | | | | established, research of boats can begin. It will |
| and sufficient area to live is part of this lifestyle | | | | soon become apparent whether a boat will fulfil |
| - fast sailing boat... sailing is a high priority when | | | | the dream of the perfect liveaboard cruiser. |
| cruising | | | | It is often the sailors needs and desires that will |
| - a strong reliable motor.... for some cruisers, they | | | | establish the minimum size of a liveaboard cruiser. |
| find it easier to simply motor to the next | | | | The more equipment needed to enjoy the cruise |
| anchorage rather than set the sails | | | | usually necessitates an increase in boat size to |
| - latest electronic gadgetry.... GPS, chartplotter, | | | | allow for storage. |
| internet, satellite phone, radar | | | | Next, budget constraints can influence the choice |
| - minimalist approach.... where possible all items are | | | | of boat. It is much easier to work within your |
| manual rather than automatic to minimise | | | | budget and stay focussed on what a particular |
| breakdowns, eg bilge pumps, anchor windlass, | | | | boat offers, rather than trying to stretch your |
| manual head | | | | budget to suit the boat. |
| - a cruiser that comes as a complete package | | | | When looking to purchase, the variety of boats |
| with all the extras a typical sailor may need.... this | | | | for sale can dictate whether the perfect |
| works well for those on a budget | | | | liveaboard cruiser can be attained. Good cruising |
| - sleek fast looking.... most boat owners are proud | | | | boats that are fitted out well are popular with |
| and the appearance of their boat is important | | | | potential purchasers. If you find one that meets |
| - suitable for cruising climate.... if cruising in warm | | | | your requirements and is within budget, move |
| climates a large cockpit for outdoor living is | | | | swiftly to register your interest. |