Looking To buy a top hat live aboard

[Levi]

Hi I'm new here I'm interested in buying a top Hat i think, i have not had a chance to look at one yet as I'm in melbourne and there non for sale here that i can find. my plan is to live aboard and sail round Australia and eventually further, but first need to find one to see if i could live in the space, if anyone has one they could show me down this way i would really appreciate it.

Thanks

[woodsy]

I was offered a 30 foot steel yacht for free. Twas in sailing condition but needed more work.
I declined & stayed with my Top Hat which I have had for 2 years.
For me the size is just right. Less size means less maint. less cost. More easily managed generally.
I wanted one on 1st. sighting it at the Sydney boat show when I was 23. I am now 62 & SLOWLY preparing mine to head off cruising in.
Took me 8 years to talk the previous owner into selling it to me.

You get what you pay for. Prices in Sydney can be $3000 up.
Some excellent ones for $15,000.
Will show you around if you visit Sydney.
There are lots of other happy TH owners.
Cheers & good luck.

[Tales]

Hi Levi,
Tales is in Melbourne.
Give me a call on 0419 161 201 if you would like to take a look at a MkIII set up for off shore.
All the best,
Tom

[bearmcnally]

Hi Levi
The Top Hat is a great little yacht, but have a look at a Swanson 28 a little more pricey,but a heap roomer, and a very good sea boat ? Well it is a Swanson !

Cheers Bear

[SeaLady]

Not sure I would want to live on board Sea Lady permanently.

But then again I am a sea 'lady'.

There are certain creature comforts that I require for everyday living and that would mean a boat at least 50 foot, king sized bed, internet, proper oven, microwave, electric anchor winch, fridge and freezer, toilet with super efficient holding tank (not the normal smelly ones), washing machine, wine cellar complete with a very capable crew.
All male wearing gold g string sailing uniforms who are expert at peeling grapes and waving palm fronds.
As well as massage, finger and toe painting, hair washing, coffee making, champagne bottle opening etc etc etc


Bugger - Woke up again

I have 'lived' on my Top Hat for 5 days at a time - then I need more ice, fresh food, booze, hot shower, garbage disposal etc.
Then back on board again
White wine and bubbly MUST be chilled!!!!!

Many have of course lived on a boat this size for longer periods of time.
Including one man I met living on board - he even had an iron. WTF???
Plus he had a generator.
My enjoyment of being on board does not include the serenity of a generator

A proper toilet is a real concern.
Many people continue to use a marine toilet.
But I am not a fan of swimming in sewage. Plus it is illegal in enclosed waters.
So a porta pottie for me and that is not enough for permanent living.

For me Sea Lady is a weekender / holiday house with 360 deg water frontage and the scenery changes.

All that said I know numerous people who currently live on board boats solo and love it.

There are 3 men who each live on their boats 2 straight one gay near mine at anchor plus another 3 who live on board at the marina nearby - all love it and would not choose anything else.

All this living on board is of course i llegal.
Diana

[RodM]

I can't find the live aboard checklist that's floating round somewhere on the web, but there are plenty of live aboard guides and books. I liked the one which suggested practicing at home by:
Sleeping on a camping mattress, cook with only one hot plate, use an Eski or engel size fridge, store all your food in one box, prepare food on the top of a milk crate, wash in a bowl or under the hose, carry all your shopping home by hand... You get the idea. The only, though significant difference being actually on board is that you're on/surrounded by water and that's worth all the sacrifices... For a while anyway:)