Ahoy!

[MaryEllenCarter]

I finally joined your forum after reading for months.

I will retire from the Navy in two years and plan on living aboard on the east coast of Florida, probably in the Brevard area where I have done most of my sailing. I have lived aboard a Columbia 28 back in my early 20's, so I have some recollection of the pros and cons and not many questions.

I've sailed since I was 7 years old, starting in Sunfishes and Hobies in Florida and once sailed with friends on a O'Day 23 to the Abacos, then the Columbia out of Ventura Harbor and the Channel Islands for a year. I crewed aboard weekly races on a Lindenberg 22 and a Wavelength 24 back in Florida. I had a Venture of Newport for a few years that I cruised along the Intercoastal on the east coast of Florida and I had a Santana 26 for a year in Pensacola, but I am currently boatless.

I'm thinking that a Catalina 30 should be my boat to liveaboard. I've read all about it and understand the limitations, however Tierra del Fuego is not on my list of destinations. Key West and Great Guana Cay sound just fine.

Besides sailing, my hobbies include photography, guitar, and beer.

Aloha!

[Neo]

Welcome aboard, MEC.

This is a good time of year to buy a boat up here in New England. The catalina is a good basic cruiser for what you have in mind. Good luck.

[Celestialsailor]

Welcome Mary. Catalina 30 is an excellent liveaboard. It's like the cartoons of the Arabian tent that is small outside, then opens up into a large kingdom when you enter.

[MaryEllenCarter]

Neo,

Thank you, but I'm not ready to buy yet. However, the idea of buying up in NE before winter makes sense. It would be a fun shakedown cruise to Florida.

Celestialsailor,

Joli' Elle is a beautiful boat and I enjoyed reading your blog. I wish I could afford one of those! Sure, I could pay for one, but my retirement plans require a cash reserve in addition to the vessel. A sound Catalina 30 (Late 1980's) fits perfectly.

Unlike many, I don't have a dream, I have a plan.

[Celestialsailor]

You would be surprised how cheap some of these are.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, MaryEllenCarter.

[Waterway Guide]

Welcome aboard! Sounds like a fine plan!

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!

Thanks for your service. Retired Navy here.

Great choice in a small inexpensive liveaboard. I wish I had chosen that instead of some of the others I've got myself into. Of the boats you mentioned I've got experience with the Sunfish and the Columbia 28. For quick rigged fun I enjoy the Sunfish.

The Venture of Newport above the waterline is something that has always appealed to my eye but just don't know about their sailing ability or their quality. What's your opinion?

kindest regards