Full-Time Boat Life: A Day of Shopping, Sightseeing, and Rocket Thrills

Starting the Day on SV Agua Azul

Living full-time on a boat means every day brings new surprises. On November 14, 2025, we kicked off our adventure from our 41ft Hunter 410, SV Agua Azul, docked in Luperon, Dominican Republic. Our puppy Bella got her treat, and we turned on the stereo to calm her while we headed out. The water maker hummed as we cleaned up, dropped off trash, and prepared for a bus ride arranged by The North—a local restaurant that helps boaters like us. If you’re looping into Luperon, connect with The North great food and awesome boaters community.

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Full-time boat life isn’t just sailing; it’s about blending daily chores with fun discoveries. Today, we mixed grocery shopping with sightseeing, ending on a high note watching a rocket launch our son helped build.

Off to Puerto Plata: Bus Ride and First Stops

We set off to the bus The North provided to Puerto Plata, where the energy buzzed. Locals chatted loudly—my wife thought they were yelling, but it’s just the lively vibe. We heard boaters hooting from afar, a reminder of how close-knit this community is.

Our first stop: a used cram store (likely a thrift shop) packed with tools and Christmas lights. Everything looked well-worn, but it sparked ideas for boat fixes. We skipped heavy tourist traps at first, though a motorcycle gang zoomed by, adding to the chaos. Nearby, we found a gym clinic and debated empanadas from a street vendor. Instead, we chose a cozy restaurant with ocean views. My hamburger was juicy, and my wife’s food was delicioso—simple, fresh eats perfect for boaters on the go.

Walking let us soak in the scene: juice stands for health boosts, horses and buggies clopping along, and cars honking like they’re in conversation. Watch for motorcycles on sidewalks—they don’t share space!

Tourist Vibes: Umbrella Street and the Mall

We couldn’t resist the tourist pull. Umbrella Street burst with color—pink umbrellas overhead, souvenirs everywhere. My wife eyed clothes at Bad Fish but passed on the $55 pieces, wondering where to wear them on a boat. We grabbed a Christmas decoration (filming inside was a no-go) and a shot glass from a chocolate shop. Rain threatened, but our boats stayed safe in the harbor.

Next, Flag Street led to the new mall entrance. “No fuma” signs kept it smoke-free, and Christmas displays lit up the space. The mall felt fancy but half-empty—stores still opening. The food court lacked options, but the elevator worked (a win in the DR!). I hit the toy store for fun gadgets, spotting Sonic and JBL speakers. My wife browsed kitchen items to match her apron—practical finds for boat life.

Outside the mall sat Jumbo, our grocery haven. We stocked up on gelatin (for homemade gummies, like my mom’s old recipes), meat, beers, and pillows. Back on the bus, waves rocked us, but the haul was worth it. For DIY tips on organizing boat storage, see our post on Installing & Testing a High Load on Our New Victron 3000 Boat Inverter, which ties into keeping provisions secure.

Back on the Boat: Fridge Overhaul and Prep

Returning to SV Agua Azul, we unloaded. The fridge was a mess—too many condiments we rarely use, like sandwich spread from one-off meals. My wife cleaned it top to bottom, using Lysol wipes and baskets for dairy, veggies, condiments, and hot sauces. We ditched paper towels after I kept using washable ones for “disgusting” tasks outside. Now, everything’s organized with bentos for soy sauce and more.

The fridge temp hit 16°C after loading meat—cool enough, but we fixed past issues (link to our fridge DIY video). Veggies got a wash, and we prepped papayas that looked like fish eggs (seeds, really—ripe and ready to eat or waste).

Full-time boat life means constant tweaks. This cleanup made our small space feel bigger and fresher. For recipe inspo using fresh produce, try Cheesy Mushroom Twice Baked Potatoes from our easy meals section.

The Highlight: Watching the New Glenn Rocket Launch

As we settled, excitement built—a rocket launch! Our son Nolan works on Blue Origin’s New Glenn 2, handling guidance systems and gold fins for stabilization. This flight carried a Mars exploration package, orbiting 13 months until alignment. It was the third try, delayed by weather and a cruise ship.

We tuned in from the deck, sipping refreshments. Bella fussed, but the countdown hooked us. At T-minus 3 minutes, tension rose. “Here we go!”—liftoff with 3.85 million pounds of thrust. Stage separation nailed, then the booster return. Nine minutes of nail-biting as it descended through clouds to the barge. Touchdown! Success on the first try.

My wife teared up; Nolan texted from Alabama, ecstatic. His team partied at a brewery. We’re Army vets proud of our boys’ paths—Nolan’s resume now boasts this video. A year of emotional investment paid off.

Wrapping Up: Pride and Boat Life Reflections

This day summed up full-time boat life: errands, exploration, and family wins. From Puerto Plata’s streets to rocket flames, it’s unpredictable joy. We’re grateful for connections like The North and moments watching our son soar (literally).

Subscribe to our YouTube for more unscripted adventures, or browse Chris Does What for recipes and DIYs. What’s your favorite boat hack? Share below!

For more on our eating adventures, check out Dining in with Danielle on our site, where my wife shares easy recipes like Cucumber Pico De Gallo to recreate meals like these at home or afloat.

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