An Introduction

[BoatlessSailor]

So after some time lurking and absorbing info (and opinions) here on CF, I decided it was time to take the plunge and get more directly involved. My activity here is the result of my wife and I deciding some time back to finally get off our duffs and purchase a boat and go sailing. As you might infer from my handle, that transaction has yet to come to pass as we are rather deliberate in nature and want to ensure our chosen coastal boat sets us up right for the transition to a more suitable cruising/voyaging vessel 5-7 years down the line.

My sailing experience is light (a few trips out with friends), but ten years of my fifteen years in the Navy was spent on RHIBs (24ft, 9 meter, 10 meter), Zodiacs and a variety of other dive and insertion platforms, often as the Coxswain. So while I would best be desrcibed as a novice sailor with respect to sailing vessels, I do have a fair working knowledge of marine communications, navigation, Rules of the Road, etc... Additionally, I've been a civilian certified diver for 21 years and a U.S. Navy Diver for over 14. Not to say I am the be all end all of diving know how (many I know, know much more than I) but I can speak to how to do it safely. Point being, if you have a dive related question, shoot it my way! I'm happy to share what I know.

I have a load of questions myself, but I'll save them for the appropriate forums. Happy to be here and I look forward to learning and contributing.

Cheers,
Boatless

[s/v Beth]

Welcome aboard boat less! Buying a boat is an art, one that many of us learn after we have been through the process. I have a few pointers in my blog, as well as a lot of stuff here. Good luck.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Welcome to CF Boatless!

Sounds like you and the missus are a perfect fit for your plans...
(and our motley lot)

And Uh...

Be careful... The inevitable trap will most likely require changing your screen name to:

MyWifeIsDivorcingMeBecauseIHaveTooManyBoatsMon

[BoatlessSailor]

Thanks for the warm welcomes!

Newt - Thanks for the link to your blog. Already in the process of phase 1 Devouring of Information.

HappyMdRSailor - Not too much threat of divorce due to toy acquisition thankfully The Better Half is already outpacing me on kayak ownership (3 to 1). And she's on me to build another kayak and restore a freshwater runabout. So I suspect it will be a matter of me reigning her in...

Cheers,
Boatless

[boatman61]

Welcome to CF Boatless.

[gamayun]

Originally Posted by BoatlessSailor

Thanks for the warm welcomes!

Newt - Thanks for the link to your blog. Already in the process of phase 1 Devouring of Information.

HappyMdRSailor - Not too much threat of divorce due to toy acquisition thankfully The Better Half is already outpacing me on kayak ownership (3 to 1). And she's on me to build another kayak and restore a freshwater runabout. So I suspect it will be a matter of me reigning her in...

Cheers,
Boatless

Doesn't sound like you two are boatless at all Welcome!

[BoatlessSailor]

Thanks for the greetings, gamayun Truly boatless? No, to be sure.

[Jim Cate]

Perhaps "Sail-less boater"?

But welcome and dig in... there's bound to be a few ponies in all that horse...t that appears here.

Jim

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Boatless.

[barnakiel]

Hi,

Good luck with your boat hunting!

Mind you will find a good number of boats that will be excellent coasters and that may later become very decent passage makers. It is sort of easier when you are sailing a boat that you know very well already.

Cheers,
b.

[Waterway Guide]

Welcome aboard! Hope you're not "boatless" too much longer.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Thanks for your service.
I took basic sailing lessons after having been aboard ship and in the Navy for 8 years. Learning sail trim and how to make a sailing vessel move was entirely different from any form of powerboat experience so I do recommend just the bare minimum of sail exposure via certified instruction. In the area of boat maintenance, anchoring, dock landings and comfort in the water you'll be miles ahead so you'll be a welcome addition to any class.
Hanging out at a marina or yacht or sailing club is a great way of getting some sailing experience and especially if you are willing to clean a boat bottom in exchange for sailing or instructional time.
Good to have you folks here.
If you choose to buy a boat with little sailing experience anyway just make certain you get one that will be able to fetch a bit at resale. Get what there is most popular in your area. SoCal is where most Catalinas are and old Columbias and Coronados. If you find something you like then run it by the folks here before committing just to see what experienced folks have to say.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by BoatlessSailor

Thanks for the warm welcomes!

Newt - Thanks for the link to your blog. Already in the process of phase 1 Devouring of Information.

HappyMdRSailor - Not too much threat of divorce due to toy acquisition thankfully The Better Half is already outpacing me on kayak ownership (3 to 1). And she's on me to build another kayak and restore a freshwater runabout. So I suspect it will be a matter of me reigning her in...

Cheers,
Boatless

Oh man... This world would be a better place with wifey attitudes like this!

Where you guys livin'?