Drop anchor, you're home - With housing prices high, living on a boat is gaining popularity among ocean lovers.

For some, it's the fulfillment of a fantasy lifestyle -- the freedom to pick up anchor on a whim, living unburdened by possessions beyond one's true needs. But the reality is that people choose to live on the water for a number of practical reasons as well.

In Southern California, where homeownership can be cost-prohibitive and rents aren't far behind, living on a boat can be a low-cost housing option or a retirement choice for those seeking adventure. And it's a more affordable answer for families seeking a vacation home on the water.

There are no census or other reliable statistics to indicate how many people live aboard boats. But the long waiting lists at marinas suggest that the demand for live-aboard slips is strong, whereas 10 years ago, some marinas had to offer a free month's rent for people willing to sign a year's lease.

But against the backdrop of today's increased demand, boaters and marinas throughout the country continue to engage in a lively back-and-forth about whether having some -- or any -- boats occupied full time is a good thing. The issues involve safety, environmental concerns, establishing fair usage fees and plain old snobbery.

"If you are a considerate boater, clean and take care of your boat and dock area," said Dave Geoffroy, executive director of the Southern California Marine Assn., "living aboard can be a pleasant experience for all involved."

Once a live-aboard for four years himself, Geoffroy said a few bad apples can spoil it for everyone. "There are people who hang their laundry out, let their boats fall into disrepair, you know, make it look like a tenement."

According to Linda Ridihalgh, editor of Living Aboard magazine, marinas sometimes undervalue their live-aboard clientele -- an opinion echoed by many boaters.

"Sometimes, marinas lose sight of the fact that full-time boaters can be an asset," she said. In a storm, the live-aboards tend to take to the water in their dinghies, recapturing boats that have broken loose. In less dramatic circumstances, their everyday presence helps thwart criminals and vandals.

"Living aboard used to have a certain image, of derelicts or hippies," she said, "but now it's more for boomers heading toward retirement, people looking for more out of life."