Houseboat living only for a few

By TERESA TALERICO
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

In contrast to decades past, living aboard today takes serious bucks. South Lake Union includes only a sprinkling of houseboats. The busy lake and its public docks are not particularly suited for a quiet home life.

Gregg Gammack, his wife and their dog, cats and cockatoo live aboard the 55-foot boat Patriot docked at the Yale Street Landing marina. After four months on South Lake Union, they are moving to Shilshole Marina for some peace and quiet.

"I like it here, but the negatives are all the bars," says Gammack, 57, a flight training salesman. "The parking's horrible in the summer. This dock is really made for these brokerage companies."

His neighbor, Bob Salnick, couldn't be happier. He has lived on a 50-foot ketch -- which he plans to christen Eolian -- on South Lake Union since October. His wife will join him once they sell their house in Spokane.

"I haven't slept better any time in my life," the 50-year-old UW systems engineer says while varnishing a hatch one recent afternoon. "The constant motion rocks me to sleep."