The Floating Office
Get expert tips on remote work, navigation, and more.
Note: Many of the articles featured here were originally published on Loop Life Academy, where I share insights on cruising life, remote work, and passage planning.
When you click on certain blog posts, you may be redirected there for the full article.
Remote Work Tips & Ideas
Remote Work ArticlesCareers You Can Do From a Boat
Boat-Friendly CareersBoat Life Budgeting
Budget ArticlesChoosing the Right Boat
Boat ArticlesApps for Life Afloat
Apps Articles-
Boat Connectivity 101: Choosing a Router That Actually Works for Life Afloat
Staying connected on the water doesn’t have to mean constantly switching between Starlink, marina Wi-Fi, and your phone’s hotspot. Let’s break down the difference between bonding and failover, share what we use aboard Fika, and offer real-world recommendations from other cruisers who work remotely while cruising full-time. If you’re overwhelmed by Peplink’s dozens of models, or you just want a setup that “just works,” this will help you narrow things down.
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Staying in Touch While Cruising: Tools for Email, Messaging & More
Cruising doesn’t mean going off the grid entirely. Here’s how our family stays connected with email, messaging apps, video calls, and offline tools—whether we’re at anchor, underway, or out of cell range.
[Article from Loop Life Academy ]
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How to Use Starlink on a Boat (and When It’s Worth It)
Starlink has transformed how cruisers stay connected—but it’s not always plug-and-play. Here’s what to know about setup, usage, and whether the cost is worth it for your cruising lifestyle.
[Article from Loop Life Academy ]
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Planning Your Cruising Route with Work in Mind: Tips for Remote Professionals
When you’re working remotely and living aboard, route planning isn’t just about weather—it’s about Wi-Fi. Here’s how we plan our cruising schedule to balance work deadlines, meetings, and connectivity.
[Article from Loop Life Academy ]
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Finding Balance: Setting Work Boundaries When Living on a Boat
Finding work/life balance is extra challenging when your home is also your office, and it floats. Here’s how we set boundaries, communicate as a family, and structure our days to make remote work actually work from the boat.
[Article from Loop Life Academy ]
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The Best Internet Gear for Boaters: Cellular, Satellite, and Wi-Fi Boosters
Wondering how to stay connected while working from a boat? Here’s a look at the gear we rely on—Starlink, cellular data, and Wi-Fi boosters—and how we manage power, prep offline work, and stay productive no matter where we’re anchored.
[Article from Loop Life Academy ]
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Top 5 Myths About Remote Work from a Boat
Curious if it’s possible to work remotely while cruising full-time? It is, but not without its challenges. Let’s debunk the biggest myths I’ve heard since moving aboard and running my business from the water.
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10 Remote Service-Based Roles You Can Run From a Boat
You don’t need a massive audience or a tech degree to build a successful business from your boat. These service-based careers let you support clients one-on-one while keeping your work life simple, flexible, and location-independent.
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Careers for Digital Nomads Who Want Creative Freedom
If you’re someone who thrives on creative expression and loves working on your own terms, these digital nomad-friendly careers might be your perfect fit. From freelance writing to podcast production, discover ways to blend your passions with a flexible, boat-friendly lifestyle.
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Entrepreneurial Paths for Boat-Based Businesses
Living on a boat doesn’t mean putting your entrepreneurial dreams on hold—in fact, it might just be the perfect place to launch something uniquely yours. From coaching and consulting to product lines and marine services, these business ideas fit the cruising lifestyle beautifully.
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Side Hustles and Passive Income Ideas for Boat Life
Looking to add some extra income while cruising? These side hustles and passive income ideas pair perfectly with part-time or seasonal work—and many can be set up with just a laptop and a little creativity.
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From Boardroom to Boat: Flexible Careers for Business-Minded Nomads
If you’re the go-to person for getting things organized, managing teams, or refining a business strategy, these boat-friendly career ideas will speak your language. Perfect for pros who want to stay sharp while living afloat.
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10 Boat-to-Boat Careers: Make Money Helping Other Cruisers
Skilled in sewing canvas, fixing diesel engines, or diving to clean hulls? These boat-to-boat service careers let you earn an income by supporting the cruising community—perfect for hands-on folks with a knack for fixing, maintaining, or upgrading boats.
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Top 10 Boat-Friendly Careers for People Who Love to Teach and Help Others
If you enjoy teaching, mentoring, or coaching, you don’t have to give that up when you move aboard. These boat-friendly careers let you keep doing meaningful, people-centered work—no matter where you drop anchor.
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Hybrid Jobs for Adventurous Travelers
Not every job has to be fully remote to work with the boating lifestyle. These hybrid gigs blend real-world interaction with location flexibility—perfect for outgoing, adventurous types who don’t want to sit behind a screen all day.
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New Book Remote Work Afloat Helps Aspiring Loopers & Cruisers Work from the Water
Remote Work Afloat is now available! This essential guide by experienced liveaboard and Gold Looper Alison Major helps aspiring Loopers and cruisers navigate the challenges of working remotely from a boat. Learn how to stay connected, manage power, and create a productive workspace while balancing work and life on the water.
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Remote Careers That Require Minimal Tech Skills
Not everyone who dreams of boat life is a tech wizard—and the good news is, you don’t have to be. There are plenty of remote jobs that rely on strong communication, attention to detail, and consistency, not technical know-how. If you’re looking for simple, low-tech career options that you can do from your floating home, this list is for you.
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Creative Careers You Can Do From a Boat
If you’re a writer, designer, or visual storyteller dreaming of life afloat, you don’t have to leave your creative work behind. From freelance writing to self-publishing, there are plenty of flexible, remote careers you can do right from your boat. Here’s a look at some inspiring options to get you started.
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Tech Careers That Let You Work From Anywhere
Tech careers are some of the most location-independent jobs out there—making them perfect for anyone hoping to work while cruising. Whether you’re a software developer or data analyst, this post explores how you can take your tech skills afloat and work from your boat.
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Fuel Efficiency: How to Choose the Right Boat for the Great Loop
Choosing the right boat for the Great Loop is crucial to managing your long-term fuel costs. In this post, we’ll dive into the most fuel-efficient boat types, from sailboats to motorboats, and help you make the best choice for your Loop adventure.
[Article from Loop Life Academy ]
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How to Plan Your Great Loop Budget: Top Tips for First-Timers
Planning your budget for the Great Loop? From choosing between marinas and anchorages to understanding fuel consumption, here are top tips for first-timers looking to set a realistic budget for their journey.
[Article from Loop Life Academy ]
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PODCAST: Navigating the #1 Boating Adventure
Join me on The Boater’s Lounge podcast as I share the story of my family’s unforgettable Great Loop journey! From navigating the Erie Canal to tackling seasickness in the Gulf of Mexico, I dive into the highs, lows, and lessons learned along the way. Tune in for tips, inspiration, and the story behind Loop Life Academy—a resource hub for families dreaming of this iconic boating adventure.
[Article from Loop Life Academy ]
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Understanding Water Draft & Air Draft for the Great Loop
Navigating the Great Loop requires understanding water draft and air draft to ensure a smooth journey. In this post, we break down what these terms mean, why they matter, and share expert tips on handling low bridges and shallow waterways. Whether you’re cruising through Lake Okeechobee, canals, or areas south of Chicago, knowing your draft will help you avoid obstacles and plan your route with confidence.
[Article from Loop Life Academy ]
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Apps for Homeschooling & Staying Connected
Discover the best homeschool apps for families living and learning on the water. From planning lessons with Notion to mastering math and language arts with Khan Academy, these tools make homeschooling on a boat efficient and stress-free. Plus, apps like NoForeignLand and Messenger Kids keep your kids connected to cruising friends and family back home. Learn how we manage education and community while exploring the world!
[Article from Loop Life Academy ]
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Everyday Apps That Keep Us Connected, Organized, & Cruising Smoothly
Discover the everyday apps that make life on the water smoother and more connected. From organizing provisions with AnyList to tracking adventures with Blue Boat Log, these tools help us effortlessly manage cruising life. Stay in touch with loved ones through Messenger Kids and WhatsApp, plan meals with Paprika, and connect with fellow Loopers using Nebo. Whether you’re cruising full-time or planning your next voyage, these apps are must-haves for staying organized, prepared, and in touch with your community.
[Article from Loop Life Academy ]
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Navigating & Weather Planning on the Great Loop: Our Favorite Tools and Tips
Planning a safe and enjoyable journey on the Great Loop starts with the right tools. In this guide, we share our favorite weather and navigation apps to help you navigate with confidence. Discover the best apps for tracking tides, monitoring anchor drag, and planning routes for open water crossings. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or new to the Loop, these tools will keep you informed and prepared for every leg of your adventure.
[Article from Loop Life Academy ]
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The Joy of Virtual Games
Discover the joy of staying connected this holiday season through virtual games! From online board games to multiplayer console favorites like Mario Kart, virtual game nights bring laughter, teamwork, and quality time with loved ones—no matter the distance. Explore tips and ideas to make your next game night unforgettable!
[Article from Loop Life Academy ]
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Cruising the Great Loop with Kids: Safety, Costs, and Community
Curious about what it’s like to live on a boat with your family? In this post, we share why we chose this adventurous lifestyle, how we handle safety, meet other families, and manage costs. Discover practical tips and inspiration for making the leap into a life of adventure on the water!
[Article from Loop Life Academy ]
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Sharing Work & Parenting Responsibilities While Cruising the Great Loop
Finding the right balance between responsibilities can be challenging, whether you're navigating the boat, homeschooling the kids, or juggling remote work. We’ll explore clear communication, time management, and teamwork strategies to help you and your partner stay productive, reduce stress, and create a smoother experience for the whole family as you cruise.
[Article from Loop Life Academy ]
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Boost Your Boat’s Internet: Adding Extra Inputs to Pepwave Router for Remote Work
In this video, I demonstrate adding additional internet sources, such as marina Wi-Fi, to our Pepwave router. This setup ensures a stable internet connection even when our primary Starlink satellite connection encounters issues. It is perfect for remote work, homeschooling, and staying in touch with family and friends.
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Business Travel While Cruising
When your remote work requires some business travel while cruising, you will need to do a little planning to know which airport to book your flights from or where you'll base your boat while renting a car. In this video, I demonstrate how we review the distance we can cover before we need to be at an airport, what we look for in a place to leave the boat, and how I plan out our route between now and our destination.
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Prioritizing Personal Wellness
Living on a boat and working remotely offers a unique blend of adventure and flexibility, but it also comes with challenges. From maintaining a stable internet connection to adapting to confined living spaces, boat life requires careful planning and a proactive approach. One critical aspect that often gets overlooked in this exciting lifestyle is personal wellness.
[Article from Loop Life Academy ]
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Ergonomics on a Boat
Boats are not optimized office spaces. However, considering ergonomics and making adjustments can enhance comfort, productivity, and overall well-being, reducing the risk of injury and stress while promoting a healthier work-life balance.
[Article from Loop Life Academy ]
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Finding the Perfect Looping Boat for Your Family
When selecting the perfect boat for your family, it’s important to remember that there is no “one size fits all” solution. Each boat is unique, just like each family. The key is to find a boat that best suits your family’s needs and cruising plans. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this process, complete with recommended boats and helpful resources.
[Article from Loop Life Academy ]
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Navigating Remote Work on a Boat: Tips and Challenges
Many dream about living full-time on a boat, but fewer embrace it. With the modern rise of remote work, life on a boat while cruising is more attainable than ever. I have worked remotely for over a decade, even before it became popular. By leveraging available remote work options, I've made the dream of taking my family on America’s Great Loop a reality.
[Article from Loop Life Academy ]