Learn to live aboard 101
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About Course
Learn to Live Aboard (LTLA) is a unique learning environment where you will learn to live aboard a boat. We take you through the basics to enable you to better understand the many aspects of a safe and enjoyable time on the water.
What Will You Learn?
- It is intended to help you learn the many aspects of life aboard a boat. From best practices for anchoring, to maintenance, power consumption, trip planning, safety, docking and so much more.
Course Content
01: Why Go Boating?
While this topic is important, it’s not really a test-based learning module. It’s been included here more for you to better understand what you’re hoping to get out of a boating lifestyle and, just maybe, help you on your journey forward.
There are no right or wrong answers. Just your answers that best suit your needs and desires.
Good luck and be open minded in your approach here.
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01: Lesson: Why Go Boating?
02:16 -
01: Quiz: Why Go Boating?
02: What Type Of Boat Is Right For You?
Deciding on the type of boat that’s going to suit your needs and budget is a big-ticket exercise.
For some, it will be a journey of excitement and enthusiasm. For others, it can be a daunting and traumatic experience.
In this module, we aim to do our best to take away some of the mystery and fear associated with buying your boat.
Work through a process with us and we’ll help you 1) refine the type of boat you’re thinking about and 2) help you navigate the purchase process so the stress levels are minimised and you know what to be aware of.
So, buckle up and watch the videos included here, download the Checklist and do the quiz to help you better understand the process of choosing the boat that's right for you.
And please be aware – there are no right or wrong answers here, just what is right for you.
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02: What Type Of Boat Is Right For You?
01:49 -
02: What Type Of Boat Is Right For You?
03: The Boat Buying Process
Like any big ticket purchases, there can be a number of hurdles you might need to jump over to reach a desired outcome. And it’s important to know what those hurdles might be.
In this module, we’re going to walk through some of the key aspects of buying a boat so that you can sail away happy and content knowing you’ve done the best you can and knowing what you've purchased.
It’s also important to note that if you’re buying a secondhand boat, there’s every chance the boat you’re focusing on will need some work. The biggest achievement for you during this process is to determine exactly what you’re buying. If the boat needs some work, or a few things need upgrading or replacing, don’t sweat it, just be aware and take these things into consideration when you’re working through your budgets. and negotiations.
All boats are saleable, but be cautious. A cheap boat may seem like a great opportunity, but getting it seaworthy and liveable could be a costly exercise.
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03: The Boat Buying Process
10:20 -
03: The Boat Buying Process
04: Budgeting & Financials
For all newcomers to boating, one of the most daunting challenges is to get a handle on costs to purchase, costs to maintain and costs to live on a boat.
In this module we’re going to try and help you break that down into some simple budgets that you can adapt to your circumstances and that can help you to be more comfortable with the dollars and cents of boating.
Of course, the numbers will vary dramatically, dependant upon your boat.
These numbers are just a guide and I'd hope you can adapt the concept to whatever budgets you're working with.
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04: Budgeting & Financials
08:28
05: Life On A Catamaran
In this module we talk to my good friends, Tony and Vikki, a couple who have been living aboard their catamaran for nearly 7 years.
In this chat you will gain some wonderful insights into life on a catamaran from people who have been living the dream for some time.
Both Tony & Vikki have been around boats for decades. This isn't their first rodeo.
In addition, Tony was a senior dive instructor and operator and now holds numerous marine and industrial safety training qualifications. And he's an interesting character to boot.
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05: Life On A Catamaran
03:09 -
05: Life On A Catamaran
06: Planning Your Move Aboard
We're going to give you some tips to save you the grief of either trying to squeeze your whole home into you new boat, or turning up with a toothbrush and a hat and finding yourself a little underprepared.
Being prepared is a big thing when it comes to being comfortable and safe on a boat.
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06: Planning Your Move Aboard
13:15 -
06: Planning Your Move Aboard
07: Safety & Equipment
Priority one on your boat (after hull integrity) is safety. Being safe. Acting safe. Planning safe. Let's take a look at how we can achieve the best practices, with the critical equipment for best safety.
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07: Safety & Equipment
10:40 -
07: Safety & Equipment
08: Primary Boat Systems
Like most things, there’s always a lot going on behind the scenes, and that’s no different for a boat. The only thing that varies, is the extent of those operational systems which is usually directly associated ith the size and complexity of your boat.
You can have pretty straight forward, basic systems on board to “keep things simple,” or you can have all the bells and whistles that make some boats look like floating Christmas trees the night before Christmas.
The size of your boat, your budget and your capacity to keep those systems running at optimum, reliable performance is key to a safe and enjoyable time on a boat.
We’re going to discuss the basic systems to get you on your way to a better understanding. You can chase down the bells and whistles if you so desire.
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08: Primary Boat Systems
12:37 -
08: Primary Boat Systems
09: Terminology 101
Gypsies, Bobstays; Bulwark and Davits.
These are the things that can make some people's lives crazy. What are they?
Hanging around a bunch of sailors talking about boats, you could sometimes think you've stepped into an alien conversation. So be as prepared as you can be. Get to know the lingo.
In the event you struggle with the lingo, here's a free word of advice: "Remember, it's always better to remain silent and thought a fool rather than open your mouth and remove all doubt." :)
Let's talk boat stuff..
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09: Terminology 101
03:15 -
09: Terminology 101
10: Docking A Monohull
More often than not, you'll have crew on board to help you dock, but that's not always the case. And, of course, there's more to docking than just pulling up alongside and stepping off.
There's a bit more to it than parking the car.
In this lesson we're going to walk through the dynamics of a monohull and explain some of the key aspects to be aware of when docking a monohull, including docking on your own.
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10: Docking A Monohull
20:53 -
10. Docking A Monohull
11. Anchoring 101
There's a lot more to anchoring than just throwing a lump of steel over the side and hoping it sticks. With a few simple techniques and procedures, we'll have you anchoring like a pro in no time.
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11. Anchoring 101
14:23 -
11. Anchoring 101
12: Andrew’s Journey
You've heard the old saying: "everybody's different." Well, that's true with learning to live aboard too. Everybody has different skill sets, different budgets and different goals and desires.
Here, we take a look at one guy's journey and we talk about the key steps he's taken in his journey to living aboard.
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12: Andrew’s Journey
16:45 -
12: Andrew’s Journey
13: Radios & Communications
Communicating with others on the water, or with people on land, is a critical part of safe and enjoyable live aboard life. It's not difficult, but it is important to know how, when and what to do when you need to communicate with others.
It's also important to understand and respect the protocols with radio communications on the water.
Let's dive in and get a better understanding of what's involved.
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13. Radios & Communications
15:38 -
13. Radios & Communications
14: Pete’s Journey
Join me as we chat with my good friend, Pete, on his boat, Sand Dollar.
Pete's been at this living aboard thing for decades and he's not only a seasoned sailor, but also a dive instructor and general all-round legend when it comes to keeping boats maintained.
For some years he's been my "go-to" boating mentor.
A great bloke and his story is equally as interesting.
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14. Pete’s Journey
15:11 -
14. Pete’s Journey
15: Basic Trip Planning
Planning your trip well, whether it's a short day hop or a 4 week adventure, makes your journey so much more enjoyable and safer!
You'll need to take into account, weather; tidal currents; water depths; provisions (fuel and food!); possible obstacles and daylight, among other things both on the route you plan to take and at the destination.
It's also important to have "alternates" along the way. That is places to duck into if things change. Whether that's weather or breakdowns.
Here we'll take you through the basic principles to get you on your way more safely and enjoyably.
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15. Basic Trip Planning
15:57 -
15. Basic Trip Planning
16: What Knot’s That?
Many people ask, "how many knots do I need to know?" My answer: "not many." And it's true. Just a few good, practical knots will take care of 99% of your knotting needs. We're going to talk you through the core knots and then, you can take a length of rope and practice, practice, practice!
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16: What Knot’s That?
07:28 -
16: What Knot’s That?
17: Hands Signals On Board
They say docking, anchoring and picking up moorings are the best ways to really test a relationship on a boat.
Well, it's time we added some relationship management skills to your repertoire - hand signals!
Communicating with simple hand signals is the most efficient way to go! Every time! (And it could save your relationship).
It's far better to use a bit of simple hand signals as opposed to bellowing orders and profanities from one end of the marina or anchorage to the other.
While it may be entertaining to those around you, it certainly doesn't make for a pleasant atmosphere on board.
So, let's try and remedy that...
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17. Hands Signals On Board.
15:31 -
17. Hand Signals On Board
18: Boyd’s Journey
Join me as I share with you, how I came to be living this idyllic life on a boat.
As I've said before, there's a lot to be learned from those who've done it all before and that's why we will continue to bring you content with real people, like you, who've taken the step off the dock and chosen to live a life of freedom while overcoming fears and learning along the way.
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18. Boyd’s Journey
01:07:58 -
18: Boyd’s Journey
19: “Walden’s” Journey
Once again, this is not a test based exercise. It's simply another example of a different journey towards living aboard a boat.
In this video, my good friends, Leyton and Amanda took the plunge in the early stages of Covid and decided to launch an exciting new life aboard their boat, "Walden."
Leyton has kindly put together a video for us to enjoy his adventure and to share some thoughts about his journey into living aboard.
If you have any questions about Leyton & Amanda's journey, feel free to drop me a message any time.
Enjoy.
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19: Leyton & Amanda’s journey
00:00
20: Enroute – what should you be doing?
When you're in the middle of a sailing trip, or leg, it's important to know what you need to do. Seems obvious to many, and it is to seasoned sailors, but often newcomers to boating miss the basics.
In this episode we touch on some of the things you need to stay on top of while you're sailing.
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20: Enroute – what should you be doing?
10:23 -
20: Enroute – what should you be doing?