Ah, libertarianism. A philosophy so self-centered that it could only thrive in a post-industrial country.

So let’s talk about sea-steading for a second. As Captain Bligh, among many others, discovered, the first thing you need in the open ocean is fresh water. People and plants consume a startling amount of water every day, so you need either to generate it, dock on the mainland regularly to refill, or have people bring it to you. The second and third options are, obviously, inconsistent with the philosophy of seasteading, which requires independence from terrestrial governments. But generating potable water from seawater requires both substantial amounts of energy and complicated technologies and manufacturing facilities for the membranes.

Then you need food. While fish pens and artificial reefs can probably generate the needed protein, you still need vitamins. So for every body, you need a certain amount of greenhouse space.

Shelter is the easiest bit. The British Navy for years allocated only 14 inches of hammock space per foredeck hand. Of course, getting people to volunteer to such cramped quarters may be a little challenging.

Then defense. No nation would allow anyone to build a platform in coastal waters and declare independence. The Coast Guard would be ordered to establish the rule of law. Even small islands don’t work; when stories of persistent child abuse at Pitcairn Island (speaking of Capt Bligh) surfaced, the New Zealand government essentially invaded. So defense is established by evasion, ie being a floating city.

Now we’re turning into Waterworld. That’s a place with no soil to grow things, no minerals to be mined and no fresh water. You’re planning on coupling this with enormously complex and, yet, robust agricultural and manufacturing facilities.

Seriously, best of luck.

p.s. Wouldn’t establishing an enclave or series of enclaves in a currently lawless environment, like Somalia, be easier? You have to defend a fixed position, but on the other hand you can grow food and capture rainfall.

That sounds absolutely awesome. Pencil me in as a definite maybe. Can I bring a friend or two for the crew?

There’ll likely be 10-11 people of a fairly philosophical cast of mind, with representatives from many points on the political spectrum. Should be fun. Signing onto our crew will also almost certainly be cheaper than renting a houseboat or somesuch.

Let me know,
~W

What could possibly go wrong?