Making the decision to live aboard a vessel is life changing. The experience is unlike anything you’ve experienced before. It’s not for everyone, but for the people who can overcome the obstacles, space issues, and other factors, the rewards of life on the water make it all worthwhile.

Regatta Pointe Marina is Florida’s most liveaboard friendly marina. We are happy to help you on your journey to life on water.

On the Hook vs. Marina DockingThe most important decision you will make is whether to live at a marina or anchored somewhere. We HIGHLY recommend spending at least six months to a year living at a marina (even if its not with us), before even considering transitioning to living anchored. At a marina, you’ll have many standard conveniences, such as easy access to laundry machines, showers, garbage collection, pump out, and more. At Regatta Pointe Marina, you’ll have those amenities plus two boaters lounges, cable TV, WIFI, a pool & hot tub, on-site restaurants,

and the opportunity to interact within a live aboard community filled with experienced and highly knowledgeable boaters.

Selecting a BoatIf you’ll be purchasing a new or used boat to live aboard, there are many questions you’ll need to consider. Such as: How many people will be living aboard? Do you need standing head room? How much time will you spend cooking? How much do you plan to travel? Sail vs power?

We are fortunate to have many yacht brokers here at Regatta Pointe Marina. Whiteaker Yacht Sales, Massey Yacht Sales, American Marine, Edgewater Yacht Sales and All Captain’s Yacht Sales all have on-site brokerage offices. Combined, they have dozens of potential liveaboard boats. We certainly recommend speaking with representatives from at least one of these companies to not only find

a great boat for you, but to discuss the financial requirements of living aboard. Be sure to ask for their recommendations for insurance agencies best suited for your vessel, as well as a trusted marine surveyor.

Outfitting Your HomeOnce you have a boat, and a marina slip, you will need to start preparing your boat

to live aboard. Some things you’ll need to consider:

Sleeping Quarters: Your bunk needs to be comfortable. One of the easiest mistakes you can make is underestimating the necessity of proper sleeping quarters.

Ventilation: Check your open hatches, wind scoops, port holes, dorades, fans, the exhaust over the stove, and any other ventilation. You need to make sure that you have plenty of ventilation for your comfort on board. You also need to be sure that all hatches, windows, and other ventilation openings are water tight when closed.

Weather Escape: Some days, it’s going to rain, other days are going to be filled with relentless sunshine. Be sure you have a place on board to get out of any harsh weather conditions.

Ready to Live Aboard?Starting your journey from house to hull at

Regatta Pointe Marina

1005 Riverside Dr.,Palmetto, FL 34221

(941) 729-6021RegattaPointeMarina.com

Communication: Plan how you will keep contact with the outside world. You’ll need a Single Side Band (SSB) radio if you plan to take your boat on offshore trips. Otherwise, a VHF radio will do for coastal navigation and communication with other boats, marinas, etc. Most of us keep cell phones these days. Be prepared for dead batteries, lost signals or water damages with alternative communication methods such as satellite phones or back-up cell phones.

Showering/Laundry: If you stay at Regatta Pointe Marina, showering and laundry will not be a problem with our on-site facilities. However, you may have to plan things out if you decide to live elsewhere.

Cooking/Dining: Prepare yourself and your boat for your cooking and dining needs. Most galleys don’t have a lot of space for either, so determine your essentials.

Bathroom/Head: Before you live on board full-time, determine if your head is adequate for your needs. It will be much simpler to update prior to moving on board.

ResearchNo matter how much you prepare, there are bound to be growing pains when you decide to live aboard. It’s a good idea to gather as much research as possible. There are lots of books available about living aboard on Amazon.com. We also recommend you speak with other live aboard boaters. Most of the Regatta Pointe Marina staff have live aboard experience, and we’re happy to share our knowledge and expertise.

Transitioning from a house or apartment to a boat may sound daunting, but the

reward is spending your life surrounded by a beautiful water environment. The freedom and adventure of knowing you can move your home around the world is worth any initial headache involved in getting started.

Regatta Pointe Marina AmenitiesHere are just some of our amenities that will help make life on board your boat a little easier: • 24hr security camera and gated docks• 30 and 50 amp service available• Holding tank pump available at slip• Dock boxes at each slip• 100 channel cable TV at slip• On-site Ship Store serving as a satellite

location for West Marine• Fuel dock with gas and diesel

(Non Ethanol Fuel)• Shower & laundry facilities on site• Pool & hot tub• Private exercise facilities• 2 captain’s lounges with TV & internet• High-speed wireless internet• 2 on-site restaurants, salon, day spa• Close to premier shopping and

entertainment districts• Bridge-free access to Gulf of Mexico,

Tampa Bay & Manatee River• Pets are welcome• Airport shuttle courtesy vehicle• Regatta Pointe Yacht Club

membership available. Join club events and social meetings

On-Site BrokersSchedule a visit to Regatta Pointe Marina and get a glimpse of your future on the water. At any time, we can host as many as 80 in-water boats for sale as well as four brokerage firms with even more new and used listings.

You’re welcome to come and browse the selection of on-site yachts, or contact any of our four on-site brokerage firms for help finding the right boat for you.

American Marine(941) 779-0605

ExportAmerican.com

Massey Yacht Sales(941) 723-1610

MasseyYacht.com

Whiteaker Yacht Sales(941) 776-0616

WhiteakerYachtSales.com

Edgewater Yacht Sales(941) 417-7970

BradentonTugs.comEDGEWATER — YACHT SALES —