Dock of the Bay - military couple lives on boat

Airman, August, 2001 by Lt. Carie A. Seydel

It's these peculiarities that have kept the Engelkes interested in waking up seaside.

"Owning a boat teaches self reliance. I am the pilot, navigator, engineer and crew chief," Doug said. "Whenever you're on the boat, it's an adventure."

And the adventure's just getting started. Doug's dreamed of sailing his family around the world once he's collecting his military retirement.

"We have a headwind wherever we go," Kathleen said. "We always joke about getting away from the headwinds. Once Doug retires from the Air Force, we're going to go wherever the wind blows us."

Keepin' your head above water

Just a few basics on relocating with a boat:

* If the vessel is used as a principal residence it's treated as a mobile home.

* The boat may be moved over water or towed over land.

* Reimbursement only covers actual transportation costs and is subject to limitations.

* The automobile mileage rate per over land mile for the official distance between stations is authorized.

* Reimbursement cannot exceed the cost of moving the member's weight allowance over land using a mobile home allowance factor.

* Member must sign a statement to accept payment for mobile home transportation in lieu of unaccompanied baggage and household goods transportation for moves within the States (except to/from Hawaii).

Over land reimbursable expenses may include: carriers' charges for transportation, ferry fares, tolls, taxes, charges or fees for permits to transport, carrier service charges for obtaining permits, charges for flag car services, temporary storage costs and over-dimension charges.

Over water costs may include: temporary dry storage costs, fuel, oil, parking, docking fees and en route.

Your local traffic management office can provide more information on how to move a boat.

Data from Joint Federal Travel Regulations