Embarking on an adventure in a Recreational Vessel (RV) presents an opportunity not found on land to blend the comfort of an RV with the serenity and freedom of open water and quiet coves. There are many advantages of this form of RV travel.
Pros of recreational vessel travel
- Camp on the water every night – Waterfront campsites are elusive in terrestrial RV camping, but one of the most prominent features of a marine RV is the ability to camp on the water each night. Whether you drop anchor in a secluded cove or drift gently on a serene lake, you can bask in the beauty of unobstructed views and the soothing rhythm of the waves. In all probability, you will not be bothered by pesky camp neighbors.
- Fish every day – If you like fishing, having an RV on the water means you can fish daily. From the comfort of your RV, you can cast a line any time you please without having to leave your home on the water. On top of that, you can set shrimp and crab pots for delectable crustaceans for a main course fit for royalty.
- Yachts roomier than land-based RVs – Yachts, whether sail or motor boats, are designed with roomy interiors, full galleys, and spacious staterooms that are arguably even more comfortable than shore-bound recreational vehicles.
- There are no tires – When it comes to maintenance, marine yachts offer an advantage over land yachts because—no tires! No tires mean no flat tires, no blow-outs, no fretting over tire replacements, lower costs, and stress.
- Enjoy your private campground – With a floating RV, you can find a secluded cove and have the entire “campground” all to yourself. No need to worry about crowded campsites, noisy neighbors, obnoxious lights, or smoke.
- Air conditioning not required – Being on the water naturally provides a cooler environment, often eliminating the need for air conditioning. You can enjoy the fresh breeze from the water, cooler nights, and breezy days.
- Expansive travel opportunities – 71 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. 0.000016 of the earth’s surface is covered by campgrounds.
- Maritime law – When you’re on international waters, maritime law applies, which can sometimes offer more flexibility than the laws on land.
- Bigger fish to catch – The open water is home to larger species of fish than what you would typically find in a pond or a river. Instead of a 2 lb. trout, you could hook an 80 lb. halibut!
- No campground fees – Lastly, one of the major financial benefits of a sea-going RV is: No campground fees! Anchoring in the secluded coastal waters and coves costs nothing. Even spending a few days tied up at an en-route marina slip or dock is less costly than a campsite.
A floating RV provides numerous advantages, from cost savings to increased travel opportunities, better scenery, and different wildlife, creating a unique RV travel experience.
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The sailing we did on small vessels in the Puget Sound area was idyllic in the last century. Now that we are retired and still active- the lure of the sea still calls. The fact you can move around while in motion really appeals to me more than being lashed in with a seatbelt for hours.
I’ve owned and operated 39 recreational boats from 6′ to 57′. Just remember that almost any boat is a “hole in the water into which you pour money”. Especially large, berthed yachts. I kept that 80,000#, 57′ trawler in Sausalito, Ca for almost 20 years. Man, its SO expensive now. Berthage fees are sky-high. The regular haul-outs are too…and DIY is being regulated out of existance. Labor costs for repairs and maintenance are very large. So are supplies. Then there are pricey surveys and insurance…not to mention fuel which costs a more at a marine filling station. And boats burn a LOT of it. Boats are expensive. And more so today than ever. Eyes wide open!
So- I’m finished with boats. It was a real blast. Now retired, we have a modest RV and tour the country with it. Been all over…coast to coast, border to border. Its a different experience, but still fun. If you not just sitting around parked and are on the roll, its really not much cheaper than car travel and staying in a modest hotel, but has a bit more spirit of adventure and feeling of independence. RVing is a lot of work, too…before, during, and after the trip.
And they depreciate like rocks.
All of what you write is true. However, I have had the opposite experience, i.e., very high unexpected costs of upkeep in my motor coaches vs. relatively modest, predictable costs afloat. But your points about DIY, fuel, and moorage costs are accurate and must be considered.
It may depend on the vessel size and type. My experience is more in line with Captain Gort’s with our experience on the water including 120 plus nights/year some years. Salt water and fresh.
The biggest lifestyle differences is shore power versus a generator when in your slip versus anchored or beached. Haven’t had to clean barnacles off the bottom of my coach yet either and fuel usage. WOW. Boats are measured in gallons per hour and a 60 foot boat burning 30 to 50 gallons an hour while underway is an expensive hobby. Sailing obviously is a different story. My last boat held 450 gallons if fuel. It is different than a motorhome in costs but is very similar in living quarters.
I wouldn’t trade those days and nights on the water for a double my money back refund. Best memories of our lives.
When I got too old to sail, I got an RV(ehicle). I drive a Class B because the interior resembles the cabin of a sailboat.
Interesting comparison…we contemplated doing the great loop and were looking at suitable crafts while shopping for our RV. We found the RV first so here we are. Both of us have owned boats/yachts …sail and power..in our previous lives and know that BOAT means Break Out Another Thousand. Happy with our choice but doing the great loop is still on the table
Being the owner of both a boat and a RV, I can tell you that the real differences as much less than most understand. I have decided that far and away the greatest difference is that water can leak OUT of an RV. Other than that, Same – Same.
An RV on the water is not referred to as an RV recreational vessel. It is either an SV (sailing vessel) or an MV (motor vessel).
Not true, according to 20 CFR 701.501.