Not unlike my passion

[oldsalt_1942]

I stumbled on to this site and forum while looking for inspiration to a lifestyle I enjoy...Shanty boats and living easy on the water. There are a lot of similarities between shanty boating and van dwelling. We confront a lot of the same things. Electricity, internet connections, hostility from people who don't understand our way of life. I've retired to Panama where my Social Security dollar goes a long, long way. While I'm trying to get things together to build a shanty boat (it would be the second one I've lived in if I get it going) It's pretty hard to live more inexpensively than I do right now. Rent, for example. I rent a comfortable, fully-furnished (just bring your toothbrush), air-conditioned HOUSE for the extortionate price of $175/month. My electricity generally runs me about $15/month though last month was pretty hot and I used the a/c a lot and ended up having to pay $37.35 for the month. Bummer!

Living on a shanty boat will be rent free. Things here, unlike in the States, is pretty lax. You can live "on the hook" or simply tie off to a tree. Nobody minds. Nobody's going to roust you out. Where I plan of living is a suburb of David, the country's second largest city. A bus from Pedregal into the heart of the city costs 35 cents. Right now it costs me 60 cents to make the 40 minute bus ride into the center of the city, and I'm not talking any "chicken bus," either. They're all nice 35-seat, air conditioned Toyota Coasters. Things are different down here, and I love it.

I look forward to getting ideas here.

 

[ttpadilla]

Sounds pretty great!

 

[Wabbit]

Hi Oldsalt! That info on Panama is very interesting, would love to see some pics of your boat when you get it done!

 

[Bdog1]

Tell us more about pros and cons?

 

[cyndi]

Welcome to the CRVL forums, oldsalt! Some friends and I are planning to take a drive down into South America in 2017. Maybe we'll look you up! In the meantime, I'd love to hear more about Panama and the shanty boat!

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[Patrick46]

Hiya OldSalt!

I too have talked about the idea of shanty boats with my wife. (her folks had a traditional houseboat while she was growing up)

I was looking into the idea of buying a decommissioned commercial fishing boat, and turning it into a floating studio for myself. (I live on the Oregon Coastline, and I'm an artist/illustrator)

I'm a reader of Wooden Boat magazine, and there has been several fascinating articles about shantyboats lately in there.
I read a book review in there back in June, about a couple (the Hubbards) who lived in a shanty boat for many years back in the 50's. I think it was called Wonder. I need to look further into this.


I'm with ya pal, and would love to see some pics of your past and future boats!!

Welcome to the asylum!!

Patrick from Oregon

 

[Lostinspace]

For those interested, here is 'OldSalt's blog where he writes about his dream and adventure....
http://onemoregoodadventure.com/category/shanty-boat/

Nice read.