Oi!

[asval]

yeah and no you don't need water to survive. Water does replenish stamina at a faster rate then resting and you need it to craft some things.

Make a downsing rod to find a well near you.

[SeanPan]

Hearthlings have an highly efficient metabolic system that allows them to internally reabsorb all liquids such that they never have to drink a single drop of water.

[MagicManICT]

Boat building is hardly necessary. If you live far enough inland, it's more of a pain to keep a boat secure than it is to have wasted the points on it early on.

As far as security goes, if it's that valuable to you, never set it down off claimed area. There's one rule in this game: If it's not claimed, it's fair game. That's why the Yeomanry skill is so important and getting that claim up. Once it's on a claim, theft can be tracked.