This is what Mike and Misa call home.
The couple started looking at boats in 2005, while everyone else was buying real estate at the height of the bubble. Friends and family thought it was an absurd idea.
Nevertheless, the couple figured that they could save money living on a boat rather than squandering money on rent or using up their savings on a house - San Francisco is one of the most expensive housing markets in the US (between 2005 and 2017, the median sales price rose from $840,000 to $1.5 million).
The pair looked at over 200 boats between Seattle and Los Angeles before settling on a 58-foot fishing boat designed by a retired naval architect. The boat set them back by $300,000.
At 900 square feet, the boat is big enough for the couple and their rescue dog, Roxie.
Misa had to downsize. She had to give away most of her furniture and books and rented a storage unit where she kept her art supplies.
The boat was renovated in the same way they would have designed a house, with new carpets and wood paneling.
A custom-built cabinet hides the television, giving the living room a cleaner look.
Because the kitchen is a little light on storage, the couple uses magnets to hang their cutlery on the wall. Though the knives are stored away once things get rocky.
Most of their dinners are made using meal-kit delivery services including Blue Apron, Sun Basket and HelloFresh. Misa likes that the services send as much food as they need.
In the lower deck there are two guest bedrooms, including bunk beds for their grandchildren.
Misa also carved a small studio space out from the kids' room as well as a small hatch that lets in natural light.
The master bedroom feels like a cozy retreat.
The boat also has three small bathrooms and a desalination tank which provides up to 800 gallons of fresh water for the showers, sinks and ice maker.
Perhaps one of the biggest differences between living on a boat than in a house is the septic tank (which stores human waste) which must be emptied once a month. A custom-made alarm lights up indicating when the tank needs to be emptied.
There are some sweet perks that come with living at sea, primarily the harbor views.
After a day at work, Misa enjoys taking a walk around the marina to check out other boats.
The marina is a close-knit community. In fact, whenever Mike pulls up to the dock, his neighbors come by to help him tie the boat down.
The couple's monthly expenses include a mortgage they have on the boat - they have about $150,000 left on their balance and a $900 slip fee to live aboard the boat.
Every three months they have to hire a diver to clean the bottom of the boat to prevent it from rusting and fork out $300 for an oil change.
The costs of maintenance and renovations can also be prohibitive.
Living on a boat isn't for everyone, primarily because of the maintenance involved. The couple spend three hours every weekend washing the outside of the boat. Nevertheless, the payoff can be worth it and in Mike and Misa's case, the boat is their vacation, home and passion.
