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09-12-2008, 01:41 PM
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#1
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kristiana
1967 24' Tradewind
1960 Caravel
1962 16' Bambi
Gold Country & Palm Springs
, California
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 95
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Bay Area, CA fulltime parking space ideas ?
Hey Y'all,
I'm actually posting for a friend, who is looking to go from apartment living to full timing in an Airstream (or houseboat). She'd like to settle down anywhere in the Bay Area and possibly Central Coast of California, depending on where she can park & live in her Airstream.
Also, has anyone lived in a houseboat as well as an Airstream full time who
can advise on the pros and cons of each?
There's a bit of a time crunch, so any suggestions or tips are so very appreciated.
Thanks so much!
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09-12-2008, 05:48 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
West of Fort Worth
, Texas
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 6,699
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Due to real estate costs and availability, the central coast will be much cheaper and have many more options.
Central coast = $$$
Bay area = $$$$$$
__________________
AIR #15800
"Wimpy" 1/2 ton 2002 GMC Sierra 4X4 Z-71 Gasser
2000 Safari SS 25'
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09-12-2008, 06:17 PM
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#3
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Site Team
1974 31' Sovereign
Ottawa
, ON
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 11,219
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Reason #52:
Airstreams can do a lot of annoying things, but I've never seen one sink...
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09-12-2008, 06:44 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1960 22' Safari
in the wilderness
, The great Mojave Desert
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,077
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Woodalls is a website for locating and getting information on RV parks. A little scouting there will lead to parks with long term parking and prices.
__________________
I'd rather be boon docking in the desert.
WBCCI 3344 FCU
AIR# 13896
CA 4
Yes, we have courtesy parking for you. About an hour North of Los Angeles.
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09-13-2008, 05:16 PM
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#5
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kristiana
1967 24' Tradewind
1960 Caravel
1962 16' Bambi
Gold Country & Palm Springs
, California
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 95
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Thanks for the responses. Woodalls is a great resource, I'll pass it on to her
and will check it out for myself too.
True, I've never seen an Airstream sink either!
Well, I have told my friend what my vote is in the Airstream vs houseboat
question, but she knows I'm a bit biased .
Thanks again.
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09-13-2008, 11:38 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1966 24' Tradewind
Placerville
, California
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,328
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Aage
Reason #52:
Airstreams can do a lot of annoying things, but I've never seen one sink...
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Reason #52a:
They do leak............. sorry.
Neil.
__________________
Neil and Lynn Holman
FreshAir #12407
Avatar;
Kirk Creek, Big Sur, Ca. coast.
1966 Trade Wind
1971 Buick Centurion convertible
455 cid
1969 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight
455 cid
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09-13-2008, 11:40 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1966 24' Tradewind
Placerville
, California
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,328
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Kristiana!
Hey, neighbor, we haven't seen you in a while.
Neil.
__________________
Neil and Lynn Holman
FreshAir #12407
Avatar;
Kirk Creek, Big Sur, Ca. coast.
1966 Trade Wind
1971 Buick Centurion convertible
455 cid
1969 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight
455 cid
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09-14-2008, 10:14 PM
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#8
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kristiana
1967 24' Tradewind
1960 Caravel
1962 16' Bambi
Gold Country & Palm Springs
, California
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 95
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El Do Co !
Hey Neil (and Lynn),
Good to hear from you. Are you two going to the Coloma Resort rally next month? It's being hosted by the Tin Can Tourists. Always a good time.
Hope to see you there...
Kristiana
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09-14-2008, 11:30 PM
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#9
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aluminauti
Where we
, Park it!
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 316
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A/S vs houseboat
Hi Kristiana!
I bought one of your "little dude" necklaces at the April Coloma rally.
We've lived full time on a boat as well as our AS, so probably have a unique perspective on both lifestyles.
Both have their ups & downs - it's really great to wake up in the morning on the water - or even being lulled to sleep at night to the gentle motion of the boat floating in the water. But, in high winds, even the stoutest of boats or houseboats will rock & roll. Plus, in many marinas, you have to listen all night to the rattling of the halyards on those pesky sailboats!
We've been in some strong wind storms in the AS - slept well but heard complaints from the 5th wheelers & motor homers next morning that they thought they were going to blow over.
Generally, the marine environment is harsh on anything that floats in the water, hence more upkeep than with a trailer - metals corrode easier, woods weather faster. A friend says that once you finish the maintenance on one end of the boat, you have to go back to the other end & start over! Yes, trailers do require maintenance but, except for the running gear, it's not as much $$$ or as intensive as a boat.
The last time we looked at moorage in the Bay area, it was around $10 per foot - RV parks will generally charge for the site (some add a surcharge for slides or 50 amp power) so, houseboat moorage may be more than a similar trailer site. Having said that, the houseboat may afford more living space, especially if it's a double decker!
Here's a topic that may be overlooked - sewage. Since there is zero tolerance for sewage discharge in coastal waters, any houseboat would have to be "attached" to shore plumbing or regular pump outs arranged. This could amount to an added cost. This problem is handled by any RV site with full hookups.
Also, by design, your car/bike is always close to your RV site for unloading groceries, laundry, etc. Unless you can moor very close to shore, there's that long walk down the dock to your home. If something falls out of your bag on the way to the boat, it's usually some item that doesn't float!
Houseboats tend to be damper inside as well - the weather can be damp & foggy along the central coast. If I were going to live on a boat/houseboat in the bay area, I'd look along the east bay or even up the Delta (less expensive!). These areas are less prone to storms & fog than adjacent to the ocean.
Whatever your friend decides, both lifestyles offer their pleasures and really force one to be a minimalist!
Cheers
Carolyn
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09-15-2008, 12:14 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Sunnyvale
, California
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,894
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How Central is the coast?
There aen't many reasonable places to stay near the beach between Marin County and San Simeon.. There are spots in Redwood City on Peninsula and in LArkspur area neat entrance to San Rafael Bridge... There are a number of Marina's with RV parking in Delta area between SFO and Sacramento, which are warmer and less foggy than coast.. Not sure if friend is going to try and commute into work or work from Airstream.. Houseboats very limited in SF Bay Area, due to limits on sewage, to a few marina's in Sausalito area and Alameda Estuary...
__________________
Condoluminum
In Theory, there's no difference between Theory and Practice, but in Practice, there is usually a difference...
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09-15-2008, 11:00 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
1966 24' Tradewind
Placerville
, California
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,328
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kristiana
Hey Neil (and Lynn),
Good to hear from you. Are you two going to the Coloma Resort rally next month? It's being hosted by the Tin Can Tourists. Always a good time.
Hope to see you there...
Kristiana
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Hi; We attended one 2 years ago there (what fun - great people) but this time it's Jackson Rancheria on the same weekend. Sorry for the 'hijack'.
Neil.
__________________
Neil and Lynn Holman
FreshAir #12407
Avatar;
Kirk Creek, Big Sur, Ca. coast.
1966 Trade Wind
1971 Buick Centurion convertible
455 cid
1969 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight
455 cid
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09-22-2008, 03:28 PM
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#12
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kristiana
1967 24' Tradewind
1960 Caravel
1962 16' Bambi
Gold Country & Palm Springs
, California
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 95
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she decided on...
WOW! Carolyn, thank you so much for that extensive post on the pros and cons of Airstream -vs- houseboat living! You thought of absolutely everything and I really
appreciate you taking the time to lay it all out .
(You also gave me a good laugh about your "little dude" necklace ).
Thank you to you as well, Condoluminum for the info on Bay Area parking and houseboat spots.
Well... the jury is in... my friend went with ... a houseboat.
(I know, I know, but be nice, she's following this post!)
She came across a great boat and everything just fell into place.
I'm grateful to have the knowledgeable feedback from you guys, she and I really appreciate your posts.
I wish her all the best on her new adventure. She still has Airstream living in her heart, but it will probably be further in her future.
Thanks again.
P.S. Neil, maybe I'll see y'all at the spring Coloma rally then!
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09-22-2008, 09:29 PM
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#13
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Rivet Master
1966 24' Tradewind
Placerville
, California
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,328
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kristiana
P.S. Neil, maybe I'll see y'all at the spring Coloma rally then!
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I have a high school buddy who lives in Grass Valley. He is 'jealous' of our classic car-vintage trailer combo and wants to find a vintage trailer to tow with his '68 Oldsmobile. I am going to send him and his wife over to the Coloma Rally so he can look/see and talk to some of you. He is not sure which make trailer he would like to look for. If he decides to go I will have him say hello to you.
Neil.
__________________
Neil and Lynn Holman
FreshAir #12407
Avatar;
Kirk Creek, Big Sur, Ca. coast.
1966 Trade Wind
1971 Buick Centurion convertible
455 cid
1969 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight
455 cid
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12-16-2008, 06:59 PM
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#14
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1 Rivet Member
2009 28' Flying Cloud
Bainbridge Island
, Washington
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 12
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I keep my trailer in San Jose (convenient to the airport), not as scenic as a marina but the hookups, parking, and access to shopping/etc make it easy.
I considered a boat for the time I spend in the Bay Area but liveaboard moorage is difficult to find and there tend to be conditions (like using your boat as a boat) to consider as well.
Good Luck.
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05-23-2010, 09:31 PM
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#15
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2 Rivet Member
2006 28' International CCD
New York
, New York
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 34
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I know this is an old thread now, but I just noticed it -- in case any future searchers want additional info-
We spent several months in the bay area last year in our 28 CCD. I evaluated a number of parks, and here are my recommendations:
- Coyote Valley RV Park in Morgan Hill is mostly class-a well-off types. Seemed like mostly transients; not sure how many semi-permanent folks were here. Facility was great, but the surrounding area was not particularly interesting. We only stayed here for about 5 days.
- There are several parks on El Camino Real in the sunnyvale area. They do allow fulltime trailers, but there is a waiting list. Most of them are your typical "trailer park" situation.
- There is a vast midwest-style trailer park monstrosity east of the 101 somewhere around redwood city. I didn't go in here, as it was not the type of place I wanted to live.
- I ended up settling on Saratoga Springs RV Park up in the hills. The drive out Big Basin Way is not fun towing a trailer, but it's definitely a nice spot. Lots of trees, stream, etc. The facility itself is definitely sparse -- more of a campground. They have electricity and water (and about 4 cable channels) but no sewage hookups - they do biweekly pumpouts. There were a number of people fulltiming there, and the rates were reasonable.
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