A huge "thank you" to Boatshed customer Veronica Jane, who gives us the benefit of her experience, one year on from moving onto her beloved yacht. Well worth a read, if you're thinking about life afloat:

Advice From Complete Boating Newcomer to Confirmed Liveaboard…One Year Later!

1: Take advice from qualified experts

There will be many fellow boat owners who will be more than eager to share their knowledge with you. Their experience and wisdom can often save you from a sticky situation, but be hesitant to act on their advice. 5 other boat owners would all suggest completely different solutions to problems. They all mean well but tradespeople and qualified professionals have a reputation to keep. If in doubt, trust the expert.

2: Budget for the unexpected

The expected will be more costly than expected and the unexpected even more.

3: Be organised

There’ll be that glorious week of British summer when you can make a good mess of the boat. The rest of the time, keep everything in airtight containers or bags. This includes biscuits, paperwork, clothes and electronics. You’d be amazed what can absorb moisture.

4: Reduce everything

Take boat living as an opportunity to go full Marie Kondo on your belongings and only keep the absolute essentials. You’ll be spending the winter in your woolliest jumper and joggers and the summer almost naked, so have a good chuck-out of anything non-essential. Your boat will become your biggest joy, after all and everything else will slide into insignificance.

5: Learn about your boat

Your boat may be one of hundreds of its kind made, but it has its own unique history. Previous owners will have made alterations, improvements and completed maintenance. If your boat came with a log of receipts, read them - it’ll help you understand any damage and wear and tear it may have suffered.

6: It’s not just a home

Your boat may have been built with holidaying sea fellows in mind but it was unlikely ever meant to be lived on. It has a whole other persona and life meant for moving from one place to another in style. Make use of what it was meant to do, sail!

7: Do what you can yourself and be realistic about your capabilities

If you're thinking of changing the thingy to a what’s-it using a spinny round thing, you’re probably not the best person to do that job.

8: Stick with it during the winter months as summer makes it all worth it

The winter months will be harsh. There’s no getting around it. You’ll get home from work and want to put a coat on, instead of taking one off. A good dehumidifier is a must and will make all the difference when you get under a fluffy duvet instead a heavy moisture filled one. How you source your heat isn’t as important as air circulation when heating your boat. Make sure air is flowing through the boat, by keeping hatches ajar as much as possible.

9: Saving money will take time

Boat living can be cheap if you run off solar and wind, although getting to a place where your living costs are minimal will cost money in the first place. Bear in mind when calculating monthly costs, to add yearly boat maintenance.

10: Be prepared to fall in love

If you thought it was just a boat, then think again. This beautiful vessel you call home was formed from countless years of knowledge and craftsmanship past through generations of boat builders and made with love. Your boat has a unique personality. It will replenish your soul with its gentle swaying in the wind. It’ll share its thoughts and feelings with you in its creeks and moans. It can be both strong and delicate in the same gust of wind. Your relationship with your boat will be like no other you’ve experienced and before you know it, you’ve fallen in love.

Disclaimer: all comments, advice, checks and content are purely our own views and you should always consult a practising professional in all respects. All views are our own. Always ensure the boat is safe to approach and secured against movement by qualified professionals. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Take no risk. Do not base any diagnosis or financial commitment upon this guidance. We hope you enjoy.