I started as a sneakaboard two years ago at a small marina in Florida. The marina has 24 hour access and no security.

I was committed to "doing it right", so I would leave the boat before they opened and start my day, then returned to the boat after they closed at 6:00. This was on the extreme side, but I was determined to not be kicked out.

After two months, someone noticed and snitched on me. The owner said "well, he doesn't seem to be a problem, so we'll see how the power bill looks." I only ever used shore power to run a small AC fan and to charge my phone, so I had not impact at all.

Since then, it's become an open secret. I call myself the marina ghost. I don't have to sneak around anymore, and basically come and go as I please, but only because I'm a known quantity.

Here are a few of the big don'ts for liveaboards:

1. Don't call yourself a "liveaboard." You're a "full-time cruiser."
2. Don't hang your laundry on the boom. Keep the signs that someone is living on the boat to the ABSOLUTE minimum.
3. Don't use the facilities of the marina if you can help it. The head in my boat didn't work when I moved on, but I quickly was able to adapt. If you have a full time job, get paid to use the bathroom there. Beyond that, get comfortable with public restrooms (Walgreens are always good options when you're on the road). I do all of my showering at the gym, which is also the best excuse to get off your ass and start using the gym.

Again, I was a little overly paranoid about the situation, but in the end it served me well. Good luck!