[BuzzedHornet]

The liveaboard site Torque gave is a great site. There are many things to consider before making the move. I came very close to doing this myself a few years back and my father has lived aboard in the bay area for many years.

About the marina. It has to be a nice place that is easy to get to and has plenty to do that is walking distance. You will get real bored fast if you have to get into your car everytime you want to get off the boat. Talk to the other owners who live on that dock and see what their lifestyle is. They maybe a bunch of old farts who don't want young punks parting or they might party too much for you. Maybe they don't even like to talk to eachother. You have to meet them. My father is a old fart who parties, so when he and his wife moved to "A" dock they pissed alot of people off with thier BBQ's and such.

Then there is the boat. Find one that you can completely stand up in. Plastic is a much better choice for your situation than wood, however there are some very nice classic wood boats out there that you should atleast look at. If you have a good inspector (just like a house) wood shouldn't cost you anymore than plastic it is just a bunch more work, if you want your boat to look great all the time it will take work and wood will take even more work. Buy a diesle. Stay away from a gas/diesle conversions.

If you buy a rag/bagger (sailboat) expect to shower at the marina (read public shower) and expect to use the crapper at the marina most of the time. You don't want to fill your gray water tanks and pay to have them pumped so you get to go for a walk up the ramp and over to the restrooms to crap.

It is a pain in the ass for sure. But the rewards are huge. I say do your research and find a kick ass inepector in SD who will work hard for you. It may cost a bit up front to get an inspector but it could save you lots of headached in future.