Who hasn’t dreamed of living aboard a yacht? The notion has certainly gone through every boater’s mind at one time or another, and with more people working remotely that ever before, living the nomad lifestyle is on the rise. All of the liveaboard yachts we have chosen have exceptional sea-keeping abilities, an extended nautical mile range to tackle long passage, fully-equipped interior cabins with appliances, fresh water and wastewater capacity, an onboard head (toilet) and galley (kitchens). These features enables boaters to reach remote anchorages and stay for extended periods.
Are you ready to sell up your home and begin an adventure on a live-aboard? These yachts would all be a great home sweet home all year round and are are readily available on the brokerage market today.
Grand Banks 54
Above: Grand Banks 54 is a luxury passage long-distance cruiser now for sale with YachtWorld. Image via Grand Banks.
This teak-clad long distance cruiser is a classic long distance kitted out with modern technology, and it looks and feels like a home from home. It has a fuel capacity of over 750 gallons and plus tankage for 220 gallons of freshwater. The Grand Banks 54 accommodates two or three cabins depending on how you choose to customize the vessel. Abaft you’ll find the steering system, hydraulics and stern thruster.
Standing at sixty feet, this yacht is pushing the limits in terms of manageability, but since it has a relatively narrow beam, maneuvering it around is straightforward. There is so much space making cruising incredibly comfortable, and it boasts a cruising speed of 20 knots; you can travel long distances relatively quickly. Grand Banks s are built with such serious seakeeping capabilities and they tend to attract serious owners—you’ll have a tough time finding one that’s not well-maintained and in excellent shape.
Browse for used and new Grand Banks boats for sale.
Ranger Tugs 43CB
Above: The practical and sturdy yacht boats more space than any other 40-footer on the market. Currently for sale through YachtWorld. Image via Ranger Tugs/Pocket Yacht Company.
The queen of Ranger Tugs fleet, the 43 Command Bridge is luxurious trawler with a spacious cockpit, interior and living space on the command bridge. In the dinette there is a utility room fully equipped with a full size washer and dryer. Another highlight is the saloon TV integrated into a countertop that erects at the press of a button, the circular shower stall door slides flush with the head bulkhead which opens up when the shower is not occupied, and in the forward stateroom there is a nook carved out to port of the berth that can be used as a workspace with a desk and drawer.
Browse for used and new Ranger Tugs for sale.
DeFever 48
Though this is the smallest yacht with live-aboard potential we’re willing to consider, the DeFever 48 is most certainly worth considering. One of this builder’s most popular trawlers, older models can be found for under $150,000—which means most middle class Americans can sell the rancher and move aboard tomorrow. The three stateroom/two-head layout with the master stateroom aft means there’s room for guests, and still plenty of privacy. We especially like that despite the boat’s relatively small size it was designed with full-time dwelling must-haves, like a full-sized refrigerator, a washer/dryer, and a generator.
Browse new and used DeFever boats for sale.
Leopard 47
Above: Leopard 47 is for sale for $499,000 through YachtWorld. Image via HMY Yacht Sales.
Leopard 47’s are becoming increasingly rare on the market since the later models make the most popular charter choice in exotic islands such as the Bahamas. However, this is good news because it means that some of the older Leopard model prices have been pushed down. The Leopard 47 is an ideal liveaboard for temperate climates since there is a vast amount of external living space both in the interior and in external areas. The Leopard 47 accomodates up to eight guests in four private cabins with queen-sized berths, each with a private head and shower. The systems are easy to operate with a good all around visibility from the helm and salon/galley, and the ease of handling under sail and power, speed under power and sail, and ease of anchoring makes it an ideal choice.
Browse for new and used Leopard catamarans for sale.
Nordhavn 76
Above: Nordhavn 76 liveaboard yacht is for sale through YachtWorld. Image via Pacific Asian Enterprises – Nordhavn Yachts & Brokerage.
If you’re moving aboard to quench a thirst for wanderlust, the Nordhavn 76 might be the ideal boat for you. A single diesel inboard provides a 10 knot cruise and, according to Nordhavn, a range of up to 3,800 miles. That means you can sell the house in Portland, and set a course for Portugal. The yacht has two guest cabins plus the master, full laundry facilities, deep-freeze capacity, and tons of stowage spaces. The small number of cabins is indicative of this yacht’s true nature; it’s not meant for cramming aboard on short journeys, but is truly designed for long-term habitation. Even the engine room has a live-aboard attitude, with walk-around engine access, easy access to the generators and wing engine (yes, it has a wing engine!) and a workbench with a sink and tool chest.
See all Nordhavn yachts for sale.
You want to learn more about potential live-aboards, but you need to find some with a lower price tag? Read:
- Albin Aft Cabin Trawlers: A Classic Boat for Living Aboard
- Hunter 456: Popular Coastal Cruiser or Live Aboard Sailboat
- Grand Banks 42 Classic: The Gold Standard in Traditional Trawler Yachts
Buying a liveboard yacht is challenging, since it’ such a big commitment but most boaters that take the plunge rarely look back. You can find out more by reading Buying A Liveboard Yacht: A Rollercoaster Journey. If you want to research more into types of boats check out Motor Yachts: A Definitive Guide.
Q&A
What Size Yacht To Live On?
As a rule of thumb generally we would recommend buying a yacht over 40 foot, with 50 foot being a sweet spot for liveaboards since they are still relatively easy to handle and operate. Yachts over 60 feet become more challenging to manage in marinas.
Popular Liveaboard Catamarans
Some of the most popular catamarans suited to a luxury liveaboard tropical island lifestyle include Lagoon, Leopard, Fountaine Pajot, Sunreef, and Outremer.
The Best Liveaboard Yachts
Trawlers, tug boats, pocket yachts and large catamarans (power and sail) all suited a liveaboard lifestyle and long distance cruisers. Liveboards are focused on utility combined with seaworthiness and large living spaces tha that is large enough to offer a comfortable lifestyle. Also, liveaboards need to be easy to manage and maintain and will not guzzle too much fuel.
If money is no object, perhaps an island all your own would be the preference. No problem—check out the World’s Largest Yachts, or our guide to the Floating Islands: A Different Kind of Live Aboard.
* Editors note: This article was first published in 2017, and updated and republished in December, 2023.
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