Living on a sailboat was a dream I'd cherished for years. The idea of waking up to the gentle sway of the ocean, the morning sunlight streaming through the hatches, and the freedom to explore secluded coves and turquoise waters seemed idyllic. And for a while, it was. But as the tides of life ebbed and flowed, I found myself unexpectedly drawn to a new adventure — RV life.
In this blog post, I'll share my journey of swapping boat life for RV life, exploring the reasons behind my decision and the joys I've discovered along the way.
Living Aboard a Sailboat Full-time
For the past several years, I lived full-time on my 34-foot Beneteau sailboat and traveled over two thousand nautical miles from Florida all the way to Puerto Rico and back. I also lived in The Bahamas for months at a time which may have been my favorite part of boat life.
Boat life isn’t for everyone, and it has its ups and downs, just like any lifestyle, but overall, it was a life-changing experience. It taught me how to live minimally, be self-reliant, embrace nature’s ever changing ways, and enjoy the little things in life.
While I thoroughly enjoyed traveling via sailboat and living aboard, after a few years of this lifestyle, I was feeling ready for something new.
The Call of the Open Road
For years, I had been captivated by the allure of the open road. While sailing offered a unique sense of freedom, there were limitations inherent to life on a boat. Navigation was restricted to waterways, and while the ocean was vast and beautiful, there was a world waiting beyond its shores that I longed to explore. The idea of traversing highways and backroads, and discovering hidden gems in every corner of the country, ignited a new sense of wanderlust within me.
Flexibility and Mobility
One of the primary motivations behind my decision to transition from boat life to RV life was the unparalleled flexibility and mobility that RV living offers. Unlike a sailboat, which is bound to the water, an RV provides the freedom to roam wherever the road may lead. Whether it's exploring national parks, visiting friends and family across the country, or simply chasing the sunset to a new horizon each day, the possibilities are endless.
With a sailboat, things such as finding anchorages and marinas to dock at or checking into new countries weren’t always as simple as finding a campground to call home base. I yearned for the ability to be fully mobile and easily able to secure spots to park at night.
Embracing Minimalism
Living on a boat taught me the value of minimalism and the beauty of a simpler way of life. However, even in the confines of a sailboat, there were still possessions and space constraints to contend with. Transitioning to RV life allowed me to further embrace minimalism, paring down my belongings to only the essentials and freeing myself from the burden of excess. In doing so, I found a newfound sense of liberation and clarity, unencumbered by the weight of material possessions.
Community and Connection
One of the unexpected joys of RV life has been the sense of community and connection that comes with it. While there is a strong community of live-aboard sailors, RVing has introduced me to another vibrant community of fellow travelers and adventurers. Whether it's swapping stories around a campfire, sharing tips on the best campgrounds and scenic routes, or forming lasting friendships with like-minded individuals, the sense of camaraderie among RVers is truly special.
Exploring Nature's Wonders
One of the greatest rewards of RV life is the opportunity to immerse oneself in the splendor of nature's wonders. From towering mountains to pristine lakes, from vast deserts to lush forests, the diversity of landscapes waiting to be discovered is awe-inspiring. With each new destination, I've been humbled by the beauty of the natural world and grateful for the chance to experience it firsthand.
Challenges and Adaptation
Of course, transitioning from boat life to RV life has come with its own set of challenges and adjustments. From mastering the intricacies of RV maintenance to navigating unfamiliar roads and campgrounds, there have been moments of frustration and uncertainty along the way. However, with each challenge overcome, I've grown more resilient and adaptable, gaining confidence in my ability to thrive in this nomadic lifestyle.
Live-aboard boat life prepared me well for RV life, and for that, I am truly grateful. Both lifestyles bring uncertainties and challenges, but they are filled with moments of genuine happiness and a feeling of freedom you can’t get anywhere else.
Fully Embracing RV Life with Cruise America
Swapping boat life for RV life has been a transformative journey, filled with moments of discovery, growth, and adventure. While I'll always cherish the memories of my time spent at sea, I've found a new sense of freedom and fulfillment on the open road.
Whether it's marveling at the majesty of a sunrise over the desert or sharing stories with fellow travelers beneath a starlit sky, RV life has enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined.
As I continue to wander, exploring new horizons and embracing the unknown, I'm grateful for the opportunity to live life on my own terms, guided by the call of adventure and the spirit of exploration.
Cruise America played a big role in my switch to RV life. Once I sold my live-aboard sailboat, I purchased a used RV from Cruise America. The process was efficient and cost-effective, and left me feeling excited for the adventure ahead!
