Why is living on a boat the new home-owning trend for single, older women?
By
Gian T
- Replies 1
The traditional image of retirement living is evolving, with a surprising trend emerging among single, older women in Australia. Instead of settling into quiet suburban homes or downsizing to smaller apartments, a growing number of adventurous souls are casting off the bowlines and choosing to live on boats in marinas. This lifestyle shift is not just about embracing the romance of the sea; it's a practical response to financial pressures and a desire for community and freedom.
Take Virginia Frost, for example. Four years ago, she couldn't have imagined her retirement would involve living on a houseboat. Yet, at 73, she found herself doing just that after selling her Surfers Paradise unit to escape credit card debt and a mortgage. The decision to buy a 13-metre floating home was driven by necessity – the cost of renting a house on land was simply too high. Now, she pays $930 a month to berth her boat at a Hope Island marina, including power and water. With rent assistance on her pension, she's found a way to live more affordably and maintain her independence.
'I'd rather have my own place here and do this than live in a room in someone else's house, which is the only option for some people,' Ms Frost explains. Adjusting to life on the water was initially challenging, especially with no sailing experience, but she now enjoys the economic and community-driven lifestyle.
Ms Frost is not alone in her maritime move. The Australian Institute of Family Studies reports that in 2023, 55% of people living alone were women, with about half aged 65 or older. Stacey King, 69, is another woman who has embraced life afloat. After her husband passed away, the loneliness of her family home became too much. Selling her property, she invested in a 47-foot catamaran for $500,000 and now moors for $350 a week. As an experienced sailor, she relishes the sense of community, security, and freedom that living on the water provides.
'It's like a village atmosphere in here. You're never alone, but you can be … on your own, and everybody knows everybody,' Ms King says. She finds joy and pleasure in solo sailing and handling her large boat, starkly contrasting her isolation in her house.
However, this lifestyle is not without its challenges. Berth shortages are a reality, with the Boating Industry Association's Neil Patchett noting that demand at marinas is set to increase with five million people boating each year in Australia. Those choosing to live on a boat must comply with marine rules and regulations, including maintaining the seaworthiness of the vessel and adhering to sewerage and garbage laws.
Despite these hurdles, the appeal of marina living is clear. It offers a unique blend of independence, community, and affordability that traditional housing options may lack. For single, older women, it's a chance to redefine retirement and live life on their own terms.
Are you considering a change in your living arrangements as you approach or enjoy retirement? Could the marina lifestyle be for you? It's certainly not for everyone, but for those with a love of the water and a desire for a close-knit community, it might just be the perfect anchor for your golden years.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this trend from our Seniors Discount Club members. Have you ever considered living on a boat? What are the pros and cons in your view? Share your experiences and join the conversation below!
Take Virginia Frost, for example. Four years ago, she couldn't have imagined her retirement would involve living on a houseboat. Yet, at 73, she found herself doing just that after selling her Surfers Paradise unit to escape credit card debt and a mortgage. The decision to buy a 13-metre floating home was driven by necessity – the cost of renting a house on land was simply too high. Now, she pays $930 a month to berth her boat at a Hope Island marina, including power and water. With rent assistance on her pension, she's found a way to live more affordably and maintain her independence.
'I'd rather have my own place here and do this than live in a room in someone else's house, which is the only option for some people,' Ms Frost explains. Adjusting to life on the water was initially challenging, especially with no sailing experience, but she now enjoys the economic and community-driven lifestyle.
Ms Frost is not alone in her maritime move. The Australian Institute of Family Studies reports that in 2023, 55% of people living alone were women, with about half aged 65 or older. Stacey King, 69, is another woman who has embraced life afloat. After her husband passed away, the loneliness of her family home became too much. Selling her property, she invested in a 47-foot catamaran for $500,000 and now moors for $350 a week. As an experienced sailor, she relishes the sense of community, security, and freedom that living on the water provides.
'It's like a village atmosphere in here. You're never alone, but you can be … on your own, and everybody knows everybody,' Ms King says. She finds joy and pleasure in solo sailing and handling her large boat, starkly contrasting her isolation in her house.
However, this lifestyle is not without its challenges. Berth shortages are a reality, with the Boating Industry Association's Neil Patchett noting that demand at marinas is set to increase with five million people boating each year in Australia. Those choosing to live on a boat must comply with marine rules and regulations, including maintaining the seaworthiness of the vessel and adhering to sewerage and garbage laws.
Despite these hurdles, the appeal of marina living is clear. It offers a unique blend of independence, community, and affordability that traditional housing options may lack. For single, older women, it's a chance to redefine retirement and live life on their own terms.
Are you considering a change in your living arrangements as you approach or enjoy retirement? Could the marina lifestyle be for you? It's certainly not for everyone, but for those with a love of the water and a desire for a close-knit community, it might just be the perfect anchor for your golden years.
Key Takeaways
- Older single women in Australia are increasingly selling their homes to live on boats in marinas, seeking a more affordable lifestyle.
- Living on a boat offers financial benefits such as lower living costs compared to traditional housing, and it can also provide a sense of community and security.
- There is a growing trend of older women choosing life on the water after significant life changes, like the death of a partner or financial challenges.
- Despite the appeal of marina living, there is a shortage of available berths, and those living on boats must comply with maritime regulations and maintain their vessels' seaworthiness.