Life at the End of a Rope: All About Living On Boats

Have you ever imagined that you are sailing the around the world, or living on a party boat in your own slip, or that that you are raising a family on a floating residence in an exotic foreign port?Then reach back and activate these fantasies again and dive into ‘Life at the End of a Rope” by Anthony Alcock. It will be a timely read for you.If you see yourself in your minds eye as captain of the 7 seas, or at least your own destiny, encountering the adventures, and misadventures that will surely come, then read this book.Although it touches on many subjects, it is not a technical “how to” manual of a boat’s systems, nor is it instruction on sailing or navigation, but if you are considering this lifestyle for the first time, or reentering it, then you will want to get this book.These chapters provide useful information in broad strokes. What you will want to know before purchasing a boat, and want to know before moving on to your boat, and need to know before taking it out for your first trip, what to anticipate from your chosen dock, and slip rental expectations - is all here – and more.This is an information packed 180 page book, but very entertaining none the less. Alcock speaks about both the romance and the frustrations of living aboard and talks about the human experience in a personal tone as if he were sitting across form you on a bar stool at his local marina.The book closes with Chapter 6 which has nine true stories of others who have chosen this lifestyle on a variety of craft, and all of whom make their boats their home. - packed with entertaining experiences and information about their lives at the end of a rope. Alcock just galvanizes your attention with this little gem and prompts you to read on – and you will.

I really enjoyed this book . If your thinking of buying a boat for a weekend escape or a full time home , its informative and real and discussed both the good and the bad .The author also has included a selection of stories . These people are from all different walks of life who have taken the plunge and bought a boat . Its fun and a little bit of escapism to read their stories ..So if your thinking of living at the beach on a budget ,or interested in a tiny home or just feel like an adventure read this book . .

For those of us who have only dreamed of living on a boat or making a circumnavigation, this book will feed that dream. The author presents a realistic slice of life in and around boats. As a former Southern California boater, I can attest that similar stories can be found in every marina. After reading the book I'm thinking about buying another boat!

This is a very informative and practical view with just enough romance about the water to make it useful to anyone considering live aboard lifestyles I recommend the book as a long time boater and one considering this new way of living necessary in our new economy.

If you are truly wanting to live on a boat....this is not a book that will prepare you for it. While the people are real and interesting, none of the nitty gritty day to day life is presented. The boat details are presented and perhaps this fills in the gaps I did not grasp.

Includes interviews with multiple families with different motivations for living aboard. Quality writing.

I enjoyed knowing what it takes -- emotionally, financially, and organizationally -- to live on a boat. Having spent parts of my life in communities where live-aboards were common, I was curious about what it takes to sustain that life-style, and the author answered quite a few questions. Casual read -- lots of interesting information and personalities.

This book does not offer the reader much, if any, useable information regarding the pros and cons of the various types of vessels to live aboard.It reads more like a travel brochure for Catalina Island.This book will not contribute to any decision you need to make regarding living aboard a boat.

Nice, easy enjoyable read.