Live Aboard for Next to Nothing

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Skipper Dan

Well I am in the minority, and I like it. You do have some good observations. There are two ways to skin a cat so to speak. I hardly think that something not built in can be a violation (The stove). Gives me something to look in to anyway. I have no experience with ocean storms. From everything I read though I never heard of motoring through it. I have heard of "riding it out" though. The outboard is just to get down the Mississippi. Once in FL I will convert to electric. Rachel Ray lived in a what, 10'x12' cabin in the Adirondacks before she got famous? But she's upsized a bit since then. I was just upsized, I designed, built, and lived in a 7,000 sq ft house. The taxes were more than I will spend in 5 years now. I downsized after upsizing. I am happier in my little boat. I would not mind having one other person along (preferably 5'3" 125# 35 year old beauty) but I do not want to depend on 1) an engine or 2) any crew. Once you have to depend on something else, things get more difficult. This is not a hobby or vacation. This is a way of life. I will look into the stove, but I think as long as it is not built in there is little they can do. I do not plan on docking in marinas. Remember I am in minority if not in a class by myself.

Bonne nuit Dan

Welcome to the minority....

[seagypsy2012]

way to go !! where do you plan to sail?

[ty.gregory]

Skipper Dan, I got nothing but love for you! I can't wait to read your blog!

[wolfenzee]

It is not so much the destination...the journey is the worthier part.
Skipper you are doing what I have been working towards all my life....the hard part has just been getting the boat, now that I have it I am going to try to do the same.

[Rolf the Rotten]

You da man Skipper Dan!!!

[Skipper Dan]

Thanks for all the encouragement. It will be a fun trip. It is not a race kind of trip for me. More of a, when I make it all the way around kind of thing. I am having a hard time just getting out of Portage De Sioux. Mike the marina owner is just fantastic. He got a guy to buy my last plane, but I had to take a Harley in on trade. The new plane owner has a place down in the Keys that I can dock my boat at. Now I have a place to call home until I can get real acquainted with the Triton. I have a Harley to ride around Florida on. The only real problem is they want me to fly them around in the plane. This may make it easier to take it a little slower and learn how to sail the big blue without any pressure to just head out and hope for the best. At any rate I have to go back to WI for another doctor appointment (They did not get enough of my money last week). When I get back I have to get going back on the river.

"Good things come to those that live on the water"

[Skipper Dan]

Originally Posted by seagypsy2012

way to go !! where do you plan to sail?

My first stop was going to be the Virgin Islands. Now it looks like I will be in the Keys for a little bit. It will give me a chance to talk to some seasoned sailors and find out little more about weather.

Dan

[Rosi]

Wow Dan, first saw your blog today and I can honestly say I am visualizing a raft with Tom or Huck floating down the O'l Mississippi. Sounds like you are really enjoying your lifestyle, a good lifestyle, but maybe a little lonely. I hope for you that you find someone who will join you and appreciate it as much as you do but I am afraid you might have limited the playing field with your simplicity. I am real curious about how your adventure plays out. Good luck and fair winds !

[useDaGreyMatter]

That's my thoughts on this entire thing exactly, and what I'm working on getting done, although I probably will go with some sort of engine, maybe.

[Mainebristol]

Hey Skipper Dan, just found this thread. I'll check out your blog in a bit. I work as a pilot, and spend half my life winging around the country, down into Mexico, out to the Bahamas, or up into Canada. I have come to hate my job. But my nine year old daughter is leaning on my shoulder right now, and she and my wife are counting on me. Maybe someday in a parallel life...
I would write more, but the daughter is demanding attention, and I don't blame her. After all, I'm gone half of her life. Guess I'll have to live vicariously through your blog.

[capngeo]

Dan....
On your way South, I have a slip for you in Nokomis (27 11.00) and a big shop if you need anything... I have another place in KW too; stop in for a beer (no frig for the beer only an ice-box!)
George

[wetsail1]

More power to you sailor live your dream

[READY2GO]

I'm with you Dan, We are on the Missiissipi right as well in a 25' Coronado sailboat. I am fortunate that my wife is on board with the dream with me. Maybe not as deep rooted, but she is here with me having a good time of it. You had better hurry, it's getting cold up there.

[Skipper Dan]

Rosie it is not as bad as all that. I just got out of a long hot shower, had breakfast, put away the laundry and am going to go up and help the owner install a washer and dryer in the 2nd bath house. Same thing I would have done on land if I had a house except I would not have to fill my car with $48.00 worth of gas and fight traffic for an hour.

I talk to girls all over the world so I am not all that lonely. I would not mind a cuddle every once in a while though. It will come soon enough I think. Trick is to find the right person that is tired of all the go go go and just wants a nice peaceful life. I wake up with nature every day. Matter of fact I go to bed with nature each night. I have plenty to do. I have internet, movies, and books. Sitting in a bar is not my kind of fun it is more aggravating than anything. My idea of a great night is cooking what I just caught for dinner, a movie in the tranquility of my boat or maybe a (float-in Drive-in) up on deck so the animals can watch also. Sharing it with someone would also be great. If you read my blog you read about "Bill" now that guy is Huck Finn. In a kayak with nothing other than a tent. I have a mansion compared to him.

À bientôt Dan

[Skipper Dan]

Originally Posted by Mainebristol

I would write more, but the daughter is demanding attention, and I don't blame her. After all, I'm gone half of her life. Guess I'll have to live vicariously through your blog.

Give it to her they are gone all too quick. Family is the most important thing to me or should be to anyone. I have raised all my kids and 9 more years of raising two more grandkids. Now I have to settle down and take care of me.

Dan