Since you mentioned that you live in SoCalif and you already have a marina
in mind, I strongly suggest that you find out how long the waiting list is
at that marina. From my experience, most all SoCalif marinas have liveaboard
waiting list that is several years long.

Sometimes you will find a boat listed for sale that is currently a live
aboard and the seller or broker may give you the impression that getting you
the 'live aboard slip' won't be a problem.. Don't believe it.. Sometime the
broker can pull some strings but it's normally a deal 'under the table' and
you could end up loosing the slip at the end of the current lease.

Others will tell you about the other short comings of living aboard.. I have
lived aboard and I am presently moving aboard my Ingrid 38. The time I lived
aboard in SanDiego was great but the only way I could do it was live aboard
at a mooring.. I was on the waiting list for a slip for about 4 years. I
finally move to the Pac. NW..

It's a great life but it does take a certian mind set and a willingness to
give up a lot of domestic luxuries (laundry, reserved parking, closet space,
privacy, etc.

But on the up side, you have a home right on the water..

Steve
s/v Good Intentions