People are living on boats as Australia's housing crisis continues to worsen and some say authorities should make it a more viable option for other coastal communities.
A small boating community has emerged at a marina in Albany, on WA's south coast.
Among them is Alan Shafto, his partner Violet and their rescue dog Emmy.
They became tired of the hustle and bustle of Perth and ended up trading life on land for life at sea about a year ago.
"I was earning really good money [but it] just seemed to keep disappearing into life expenses," Mr Shafto said.
The 34-year-old bought an 11-metre boat in the Great Southern for $30,000 and began renovating it.
He said he had looked for rentals in the Albany area so he could stay somewhere while he fixed his boat, but was unable to find a place.
"If there is a house, there's 20 to 30 applicants and that just drives the price up," he said.
Mr Shafto said Albany rentals were around the $500 mark for a two- or three-bedroom place and $300 for one room.
"I shouldn't have to have two jobs to pay to live somewhere comfortably, that doesn't make any sense to me," he said.
The boat owner said he liked the idea of being able to move around on his home and sail the seas.
Everything you need
Mr Shafto's boat has a queen-size bed, bathroom, cooking facilities, lounge area, a TV and internet.
"I'm 6 foot 2 and I can stand up comfortably in my boat but I'm not about to have a dance party onboard," he said.
The aviation engineer said embracing the minimalist lifestyle was a challenge, but it was helping him work out what really mattered in life.
He said he had not been affected by sea sickness yet and was not affected by the slight rocking of the boat at night.
Is it legal?
Mr Shafto pays pen fees to stay at the marina, which work out to about $200 to $250 a week.
He said that covered electricity, water and the nearby toilets and washing facilities, and it allowed him to live on board his boat for a period of time.
Mr Shafto said people on boats contributing to the local economy should be able to live on their boats at a reduced rate.
He said it could be a way to help ensure there were enough homes available for everyone.
However, the Department of Transport said "in general" the department did not allow living on board at its marine facilities.
Coastal facilities director Donna West said travellers seeking respite after a long voyage were permitted to remain longer at the Albany Marina if they requested the option.
"Marine facilities are operated on a cost recovery basis," she said.
The department's website has the full list of pen fees around the state.
