Where to Begin and other Advice

[s/v Breakaway]

Although this wasn't one of your questions, an important issue for this to work at all is your wife's opinions about what is needed to liveaboard. Or you may end of sailing solo!

[butterchurn]

Originally Posted by s/v Breakaway

Although this wasn't one of your questions, an important issue for this to work at all is your wife's opinions about what is needed to liveaboard. Or you may end of sailing solo!

No worries here. My wife is with me on this one.

[Play Actor]

My wife and I have been cruising happily on a 35 foot boat for over 20 years. For the last 11 years, we've been cruising full time with no home but the boat. We carry 100 gallons of water, which normally lasts us about 6 weeks unless we are really careful. A pressure salt water system for heavy cleaning / dishwashing makes a big difference in water consumption. Most of the time, we fill our tanks when it rains. We have rarely had to buy water or haul it from shore. Our 60 gallon fuel tank goes a long way -- gives us better than a 500 NM range under power.

The boat is big enought to be home, and small enough so that either of us can single hand it under virtually any conditions without resorting to roller furling or electric winches.

[IrishLass]

Originally Posted by CDunc

Butterchurn,
...... besides she makes my heart go pitty-pat.

A Tartan will do that.

[biminijimini]

Depending on where you intend to cruise I would not rule out powerboats esp. trawlers for extending cruising. The one problem I believe in trawlers are their asking prices. Usually a foot for foot a powerboat will be larger inside than a sailboat. If one takes in account of total maintainance comparing a powerboat vs a sailboat over a ten year period the price will usually even out.... esp engine repair vs. sails and rigging replacement. Its just another option that is available. With a powerboat space isn't a problem and most in the mid 30ft range carry generators; refrig; stove and have onboard showers; ac/heating; dining space and usually have a nice cockpit along with a flybridge for that extra seating if needed. Another big plus powerboats have with a flybridge is an upper and lower control stations; when the weather gets nasty outside its always warm or cool inside.