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5 Things you NEED TO KNOW about Boat Life - Spoondrifter
3 May 2025 · 8 min · 43K views
What this video covers
The Smith family, who live aboard a hurricane-damaged Morgan 462, share five lessons learned from seven years of full-time cruising with children.0:09 The 46.5-foot, 33,000-pound vessel features a masthead ketch rig, a long thin keel, and a skeg-mounted rudder.2:11 The family emphasises that the boat serves as a tool for adventure rather than a destination, advising owners to avoid delaying departures while chasing the perfect vessel.3:09 They advocate for anchoring over marina stays to reduce costs, increase mobility, and improve ventilation.3:50 Adhering to the "80% rule"—where a boat is considered ready for departure once vital systems and safety gear function—prevents owners from becoming trapped in endless maintenance cycles.5:43 Furthermore, the family views strict budgeting as a source of freedom that encourages self-reliance, such as fishing or diving for food, rather than relying on expensive shore-based amenities.6:10 Ultimately, they conclude that the act of leaving and moving the boat minimises life regrets.6:40
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