Mark Nicholas pulls no punches - he tells you the good, the bad, and the ugly about living aboard a boat. I have toyed with the idea for years, and all the good things he writes about reinforced what a great life choice it is. However, all the problems and expenses make me seriously question whether this is a good choice. I love being on the water and sailing, but his consistent discussions about the problems with heads (toilets), the smells, and the mold and the difficulties of dealing with others at marinas, make it sound as romantic as going on a date and being stuck in a toilet with your date and a bunch of obnoxious drunks and having to pay through the nose. I may still move back to the East Coast and buy a sailboat - just don't know if I would be a live aboard. This is an outstanding book if you are considering it, because, again, while he does point out the wonderful aspects of it, he also heightens your awareness of the costs, financial and otherwise, that go with it. ( )