What is the ideal sailboat size for living aboard?

It depends on how many people will live on the boat and for how long. A couple can live comfortably on a 34 to 38-foot sailboat. Families, or those who often host guests, usually prefer 44 feet or more.

How much water does a sailboat need for long seasons?

There is no single number, because consumption varies a lot with the crew's habits. Compare tank capacity with your estimated daily use and the distance between refill points on your route.

Which MJ sailboats suit living aboard?

The MJ 44 DS was designed for long voyages, with 550 L of water, 200 L of diesel and 2.30 m headroom. The MJ 60 DS has 4 suites and was designed for a complete liveaboard experience.

Living aboard a sailboat: 8 things to check before choosing the boat

Living aboard, or spending months under sail, is very different from weekend sailing. Details you barely notice on a day trip become priorities in daily life. These are the ones that matter most.

1. Fresh water

Tank capacity decides how long you can stay away from a refill point. Compare the boat's capacity with your crew's real consumption and your route.

Model	Water	Diesel
MJ 34 DS	360 L	90 L
MJ 38 DS	400 L	90 L
MJ 44 DS	550 L	200 L

2. Engine range

Even on a sailboat, the engine is used for harbor entrances, calms and charging batteries. A bigger diesel tank means fewer fuel stops on long passages. The MJ 44 DS carries 200 L.

3. Headroom

It sounds minor, but walking hunched over every day is tiring. Check the headroom in the saloon and cabins:

MJ 34 DS: 1.95 m
MJ 38 DS: 2.10 m
MJ 44 DS: 2.30 m

4. Natural light and ventilation

Hatches and opening portlights make all the difference in tropical climates and help prevent damp and mold. The MJ 38 DS and MJ 44 DS are known for their abundant natural light below.

5. Cabins and privacy

For a couple, one good cabin is enough. For those who host family and friends, separate cabins and more than one bathroom avoid queues and give privacy. The MJ 38 DS and MJ 44 DS have two bathrooms with showers. The MJ 60 DS has four suites.

6. Galley and saloon

You will cook almost every day. Look for counter space, a decent fridge, lockers that stay shut when the boat heels and a table where everyone can eat together. On some models the saloon table converts into a berth, which helps when you have guests.

7. Cockpit

In warm climates, the cockpit becomes the living room. A spacious cockpit with shade, where you can move around easily, makes a difference on long seasons. The MJ 44 DS has a spacious, integrated cockpit; the MJ 38 DS has a flush cockpit.

8. Maintenance and support

Far from home, parts and technical advice are invaluable. Ask the shipyard how after-sales works. Veleiros MJ provides direct technical support and genuine parts to owners.

Customization makes the difference

Every crew lives aboard differently. A custom-built sailboat lets you tailor cabins, interiors and equipment to how you will actually use it, as with the whole MJ range.

MJ owners have taken their boats from Brazil to the Caribbean and from Ilhabela to New Zealand. Read their testimonials or schedule a shipyard visit to see the interiors up close.