Living in a smaller space / by Steve Ton

It gets quite cozy in here.

It gets quite cozy in here.

In NYC, you're used to living in tiny spaces. Apartments can range anywhere from 500-1000 square feet. If you're really lucky, you might find something that has ample walking space in your bedroom with decent windows and lighting, a full bathroom, big kitchen with new appliances. The reality is that unless you're making a ton of money, you'll also be sharing your apartment with a roommate. 

Now think about living on a 33' sailboat. Imagine your livable space shrinks even smaller from 500 sq. ft. to only about 100 sq. ft. Talk about downsizing! I'm not going to say there is tons of space on a sailboat. But depending on how things are laid out, it can be quite comfy. The best thing about moving onto a sailboat is that it is already designed to have furniture with built-in storage. This really helps maximize the lay-out and space you have to work with. With everything hidden away, I would guess the space would be comparable to a small bedroom in NYC. Which isn't too bad, and completely livable. 

The main cabin of the boat has a small 2-burner propane stove, sink, fridge, and cabinet space for food and dishes. This counts as my "kitchen" area. I rarely use any of these living in NYC, and New Yorkers eat out most of the time. It's just more convenient, and there's so many cheap dining options here.

Looking back is the main living space. Every sailboat is going to be different in how they use this space. My Pearson 10M has two long "sofas" running along the sides. This is crucial to have other places on the boat to relax and hang out. I love laying down and reading a book on the settee, instead of laying in bed all day. I also find that this layout really maximizes the storage as your belongings can be stored behind and above the settees. Below each settee are large 20+ gallon fresh water tanks, which currently lasts me about 2-3 months. 

Immediately behind the living space is a small bathroom, mirror, and sink. This is especially important for when nature calls. Trust me, you really want a working head. 

Then finally, you have the berth in the far back. I am beginning to realize that I don't want to compromise on this space. I've invested in a really nice 800-fill down comforter to stay nice and warm. Since sleeping is where you spend most of your time, I'm also planning to fabricating some new mattresses for the bedroom. I'm sure any guests you bring over would appreciate this. 

Ultimately, a 33' sailboat is plenty of space for a single person. I rarely feel cramped or feel like I need more space. However, you still need to consider every single thing you purchase, because unlike, someone in a 500+ sq. ft. apartment, space is still a premium.