Aging Cruisers Choose Battles

[deckofficer]

Originally Posted by CaptForce

I'm glad you mentioned this. I tend to overlook this choice, but it's the most common step for people who are older sailors. Most of the people we meet cruising the East US Coast on trawlers are former sailors.

What I'm thinking of is a trailerable power catamaran that I can tow to other cruising areas, like Florida to Bahamas, the Great Loop, PNW to Desolation Sound, S of C, plus inland lakes like Lake Powell and Tahoe which is in my backyard.

[zeehag]

i like what i have and i will cruise it as long as possible--not writing meself off so quick...lol i have to outlive bubba, after all....

[deckofficer]

Originally Posted by zeehag

i like what i have and i will cruise it as long as possible--not writing meself off so quick...lol i have to outlive bubba, after all....

Or bubba becomes a house cat.

[FSMike]

Originally Posted by deckofficer

Or bubba becomes a house cat.

That'll be the day!

I'll be hanging out on my tri waiting for Zee to get to the right coast.
I think multihulls are really geriatric rigs, from the lack of heeling if nothing else. I took some monohull sailor friends out for a sail this past summer, and I pointed out that it sure was nice to be able to casually walk around when the boat was doing seven knots.

[nimblemotors]

Age is directly correlated with physical abilities--they don't improve with age.
Oh sure, some old people are in great shape. They were in better shape when younger.
A critical fact is that healing from injury becomes more and more difficult as you age.
I understand the most common injury is to fall down and break some bones, and then you are pretty much toast.
Falling down on a boat has got to be as common as getting wet.

A good example of 'geriatric' design is the Catamaran John Hitch built for himself.
X-IT has no below deck, all living a single floor.
The boat has no main sail or boom, just roller furling jibs that operate from inside the cabin, no walking out to the bow.

I'm designing my boat in a similar way, but no sails just solar panels.
One thing I'm planning is a way to get in/out of the dinghy very easily without 'climbing'

[zeehag]

hi mike!!! yes tris and formosas are excellent old folks boats..i can walk around casually when blowing 60 kts--btdt--was a kick--

bubba tried land---we visited a friend..he HATED it...scared him. every time a coyote hollered or yipped he jumped onto the desk. he couldnt walk right..funny to watch!

when i first got this boat--even before we made the deal, i fell and broke my back.it wasnt fun,but it healed well..yes i was 60 or there abouts.

[Teknav]

Never think of "retiring" from what you enjoy out of life! Having said, health related issues can put a damper on your lifestyle and send you to early retirement. Exercise, stay mentally alert and keep healthy habits, that's the way to do it!

Mauritz
Too much to do...not enough time to do it!

[Teknav]

Hiya Nimble! Look at Beneteau - Oceanis stern's design; outstanding! It has a platform that can be raised/lowered...easy to use for BBQ/dinner under the stars, jumping into the water snorkeling/diving and perfect for provisioning (no more climbing, or handing in bags to someone aboard.) Consider incorporating this design in your boat's design! I would not want to charter another boat that doesn't have this feature; yes, I'm spoiled rotten to the core. I knew it all along!

Mauritz
Simplicity and elegance through engineering.

[DumnMad]

We stepped on our 1st boat, this one, in our 70's. Initially got back pains and ligaments stress from stooping and stretching but gradually becoming less. We go for regular walks.
Our big focus is eating the the right food and not too much. Less refined foods, less meat, more fruit & more fish. Seems to be working.
Japanese have a saying re long healthy life ; restrict your eating to 80% full.

[Wraith_Mac]

Originally Posted by Teknav

Never think of "retiring" from what you enjoy out of life! Having said, health related issues can put a damper on your lifestyle and send you to early retirement. Exercise, stay mentally alert and keep healthy habits, that's the way to do it!

Mauritz
Too much to do...not enough time to do it!

Exactly Mauritz, that's why I use Boatman61 as my role model!
Cheers,
Mac

[FSMike]

Originally Posted by Wraith_Mac

Exactly Mauritz, that's why I use Boatman61 as my role model!
--

Oh my! lol.

[FSMike]

Hi Zee -
If you ever get over here Bubba's welcome to visit anytime.
I've been owned by several cats before.

[VirtualVagabond]

We figure we'll keep going with our big old barge as long as we can.
I'm nudging 66 but Sandy is only %&#@...
We added roller furling main and mizzen which will make her manageable for some years yet.
We'll probably go to a cat when this gets too much for us.
They're easier to use a walking frame on, especially with suction cups on the legs

Vic

[deckofficer]

If all the baby boomers are figuring a cat for their later cruising years, that is going to be more cats than are available. We all have seen cats hold their value, does the future insure this?

[markpierce]

Get a trawler.