10 Things I Absolutely Want in My Next Sailboat After Years at Sea

After years of living at sea, the "dream boat" checklist starts to look a little different. Glossy brochures and sleek hull lines get replaced by hard-earned lessons learned while fixing things in the rain, dragging anchor at 2 a.m., or sweltering through a tropical night. This isn't a fantasy list. It's my personal, non-negotiable list of the 10 features I absolutely want in my next sailboat, based on real-world experience. These are the things that separate a boat that just gets by from one that lets you thrive and truly enjoy the cruising lifestyle. We're talking about the features that keep you safe, sane, self-sufficient, and comfortable when you're far from shore. My 10 Non-Negotiables for a Liveaboard Cruiser: 00:00 - Intro 00:49 - Shallow Draft Without Sacrificing Performance 01:45 - Proper Ventilation 02:40 - A Real Shower Setup 03:34 - Dedicated Workbench or Tool Area 04:30 - Reliable Windvane Steering 05:30 - Large, Well-Insulated Fridge and Freezer 06:25 - Decent Tankage for Water and Fuel 07:21 - A Comfortable Sea Berth 08:19 - Cockpit Designed for Safety and Comfort 09:15 - Bulletproof Ground Tackle Setup 10:15 - Ending What's on your "must-have" list for your next boat? Share your hard-earned lessons in the comments below! And if you find this useful, give it a LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more real-world sailing tips. #Sailboat #Liveaboard #SailingLife