Cashing it in !

[stasia420]

Me, 34 YO Female, IT manger He is a 35 YO Male who is a marine Tech. We have come to the conclusion that waiting for retirement is NOT an option anymore so we have a game plan to buy and cruise in 2 years allowing us to sell what we own and bank paychecks. I would like to be able to make an income while cruising. The husband, being a marine tech for 10+ years, will make some cash but what about a computer person? Installing wifi on boats? Fixing Nav systems? Any suggestions or ideas are welcomed! If I had a game plan when it comes to employment it would make this a lot easier.

[ActiveCaptain]

There's a current discussion going on about this subject here:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ist-37982.html

Given your background, you should especially consider my rather long post on the 3rd page of that thread. The nice thing is that my model for making money is something you can easily start right now, long before you cut the lines and head out.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by stasia420

The husband, being a marine tech for 10+ years, will make some cash but what about a computer person? Installing wifi on boats? Fixing Nav systems? Any suggestions or ideas are welcomed! .

Greetings. I've found that most cruisers with this kind of expertise do it for nothing (maybe a beer or two). That's one of the beauties of the cruising community, cruisers helping cruisers. Also in most countries you're not allowed to work (at least for money) even if the work is on another cruiser's boat.

[rebel heart]

I'm in management myself, but I've found software development and random IT assignments to be a more profitable enterprise. You never know what you're going to run into out there, so be prepared to do everything from fixing printers to building websites to configuring routers/vpns.

[stasia420]

What about private wireless connections on peoples boats? Is that something people would be interested in having? Or leaching onto a wireless network for a small fee when a free one is not available?

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by stasia420

What about private wireless connections on peoples boats? Is that something people would be interested in having? Or leaching onto a wireless network for a small fee when a free one is not available?

Pay wifi is available all along the east coast US (don't know where you're from as you don't state your location) and cruisers are very adept at finding "free" wifi. Most have very good antennas now. In the Bahamas free and commercial wifi is available. The most expensive is about $10 a day. You would have to stay in one spot a long time to drum up any business and may run afoul of the local business or authorities. Sorry to rain on your parade. The most successful cruiser I ever met was a certified airplane mechanic. Folks used to fly in to where he was for work on their planes.

[stasia420]

Interesting, Thank you for your candid answer.

[Sabbatical II]

Originally Posted by stasia420

Me, 34 YO Female, IT manger. I would like to be able to make an income while cruising. Any suggestions or ideas are welcomed!

My brother in law used to work as an IT consultant in London fixing network problems for a major British organisation. Of course it was all done by remote, he never actually visited on site to fix problems. He decided to move to Australia and he still works for the same company doing the same job. Some of his workmates are based in (you guessed it) India. The downside is that he has to work to GMT when Britain is awake. It's also a real drag to attend the work Christmas party.

I therefore reckon IT could be ideal for a cruiser.

Greg

[stasia420]

That's a brite hope. We are currently in MD in the states and while I can dock the boat in CA or NY and work for a year here, year there I would like to leave the states and still have some sort of income

[Doodles]

From what I've seen in a short time, the more generalized and ordinary your skills are the better your chance of finding some work. Think bookkeeping, cooking, general boat repairs & maintenance, canvas work, haircuts, etc. My wife is pretty good with a sewing machine and needle and thread, and she gets more alterations and general sewing jobs than she wants.

I think the more specialized you get, especially with computer/internet work, the smaller your market base is, unless you are in a large metropolitan area. And like Vasco says, a lot of that stuff gets done for free ... cruisers helping cruisers.

I also like the saying "specialization is for insects."

[NYCSavage]

This was a question that I was asking, I too am an IT specialist (networking, internet and home PC) and wondered how I could transfer my skills to make a living at sea.

Thank you ActiveCaptain for the link, will be up all night reading this

[Chief Engineer]

Once the Mass Coronal Ejection Event happens.......no more electronics....for a while

[Tllee]

Good idea, your social security will not be there, Congress has eyes on your 401k, the Dems will hold congress,your taxes will go up,and major inflation is on the way. So, I agree with you. Cash out and go sailing.

[Capt Phil]

I say go for it!! You remind me of a couple who I met several years ago before wifi was a word. He was a gifted programmer in Silicon Valley (Before the Bust) and she had a high paying financial advisory job. They were in the early thirties as I recall and both quit their jobs, sold their cars and house. He continued to fly back to the US from Mexico to perform contract work from time to time and she handle the maritime chores like rebuilding the engine in their boat and picked up a few dollars doing sail repairs and splicing line. The name of their boat, "Dessert First". They figured they could keep up their lifestyle for at least 5 years. Good Luck! Remember, life isn't a dress rehearsal!

[maxingout]

I knew people on a US yacht that had computer programming skills that easily found jobs in New Zealand and Australia during their circumnavigation.