Re: full time with the family
Hello Pipelnemama,
Having lived aboard a boat (53'trawler) in a marina (actually several) for 13 years where your neighbors are only a "finger" distance (about 6 feet) away from your boat, I think that adopting a little boat ediquite will go along way towards making your experience a good one.
First, treat other peoples property as sacred. Help others protect their stuff and always offer your help if you can.
Second. Respect each others space at all cost. Instill this in your kids and dogs and never forget it. In the boating world you always ask "Permission to come aboard" when you come to visit. This is just a given and relates to that respect.
and Third, Don't judge others....Everyone has their own lifestyle and ways of doing things. Even You may have quirks that only you understand.
I must tell you that that was the best time my wife and I have ever spent (on board that boat) We still talk about all of the good times we had and are still in touch with the friends ( an I mean Friends) we meet among the other "Live aboards" at the various marinas we inhabited. You will meet the nicest people and they will all have the same interests (living in their RV).......You will always find something to talk about...even if it the dang toilet.
Good Luck in your new adventure..!!!!!