On Jun 11, 1:48 am, Bruce wrote:

wrote:

If you want practical ideas, I've been living aboard in Singapore,
Malaysia and Thailand for the past 10 years.

Problems you are going to face a

Assuming you are at anchor:

All sail boats of the type you envision have poor ventilation. Opening
the forward hatch gets some air flow but also lets in the mosquitos
and screens cut down airflow by a surprising amount.

12 Volt fans don't move a lot of air but help. They also run your
batteries down.

Refrigeration. Either you are going to carry ice (not always
available) or you are going to have a fridge, or you are going
shopping everyday. I'd recommend a 12 VDC fridge.

On the type of boat you are thinking about there probably isn't a
generator set. A Honda, or Chinese made copy, will do everything you
need.

Water! Water is a problem. It is heavy and not always available. Plan
on lugging 20 Ltrs a day and learn how to sanitize it.

Renewable power. In SEA wind generators are of limited value - not
enough wind. Solar panels, on the other hand work a treat.

Getting back and forth to shore. You will need a dinghy and reliable 2
- 3 HP motor. Dinghys do get stolen from time to time.

Assuming you are in a marina:

You can have a window air con blowing down the front hatch and live
comfortable. Big 220 VAC fans move a lot of air.

Water no longer is a problem. Just turn on the tap.

Visas:

If you are from N. America or the EU then:

Indonesia is not very hospital with many and varied immigration
regulations. You need a cruising permit to take your boat there.
Bribery and Corruption is a way of life there.

Singapo Gives you a 2 week Seaman's Visa. Staying longer is
possible but complicated. Go to the Seaman's section of Immigrations
and they will give you exact instructions. No bribery or corruption.

Malaysia: 90 day visa after which you must leave the country and
return for a new 90 days. I lived there for more then a year leaving
for the day every three months. No problems. Very little bribery at
the level you will be operating at.

Thailand: 30 days upon entry which is renewable for a limited number
of months by leaving and returning. Complex visa regulations. Contact
a Thai Embassy BEFORE you arrive in Thailand will undoubtedly make the
procedure less complex. Bribery is a complex subject here. It exists
but can only help in some cases. If you have overstayed your visa a
bit of dosh might get you a day or so extension so you don;t have to
pay a fine but won;t get you another 30 days.

Hope that helps a bit.

Bruce in Bangkok
(brucepaigeatgmaildotcom)



Bruce, excellent post.

I have one question. With the bugs, heat, visitor/in-transit
requirments, why did you chose that area compared to any other spot in
the world?

Bob