Captain Pappy, New In Florida- Need Help Too! :)

[Captain Pappy]

Hello Everyone,
I am brand new to the forum (about five minutes), though I've read posts
before. I just bought my first sailboat (AHHH! nervous and excited all at once) and immediately admit I'm a novice. I went on one a few times as a kid and sailed a bit in Europe, and a few times last year in the US.

I will also list in the Crew Needed section some much needed help with moving the boat, possible minor engine work, and berating answers to my newbie "what is that thing used for" questions. It is a wonderfully humbling experience to start from nearly the beginning.

About me: I'm funny. Safety oriented (former lifeguard), and considered by most as having the classic swashbuckler movie star looks, a bit like Michael Douglas in Romancing The Stone, albeit a tad younger than he was then (ironically, it's the movie that first inspired me about sailboats).

My boat: a Columbia 32 (9.6 Alan Payne design). It needs minor interior leaks fixed and replacement panels around the salon windows (maybe add port windows vs. non-opening solid plastic). POSSIBLE minor(?) engine work (I should know in a few days). Needs a bottom job and checking the through holes, and an added tank for the head to become compliant.

My goal: possibly live-aboard, do some day-sailing and learn the boat. Then maybe some cruising of the inter-coastal. I have some skills but boating is still new to me. Would love to connect with locals or cruisers passing through to share some laughs, adventures and help me get my feet wet (mostly figuratively I hope). I do need immediate boat help and only know a few local boaters. I'm open to P.M. too. I'll find a good account picture soon.

I hope to become a wonderful asset to the forum. Thanks for having me.

[Celestialsailor]

Welcome to the forum...fair winds

[boatman61]

Hi Pappy.. Welcome to CF.
Enjoy the 'new' boat...

[HappyMdRSailor]

Welcome to the forum Pappy...

FL.... plenty of folk to help...

[Inkwell]

You will enjoy it here. Fair winds

[Captain Pappy]

Wow- thanks for all the warm welcomes!! Nice to see the forum is so active! Hope to meet many of you in my journeys! My crew wanted post is up, though it may fall into repair/fix/help me from myself categories too. HAHA!

[90footmast]

Hey Captain Pappy,
Good luck on your new boat, what's your 20?

[Captain Pappy]

Haha, I already feel humbled- 90footmast, what do you mean by "20"?

[90footmast]

What's your location?

[Captain Pappy]

Oh. Currently in St Augustine

[oldcal46skipper]

Welcome to the group. A lot of knowledge here and we are all willing to share.
From the West Coast of Florida, Pensacola

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you here and you're already an asset. I like those old Columbias and its good to see another one with a new owner.
10-4 is I understand and 10-20 is what's your location. All old Police and CB codes. QTH is what's your location when using HAM.

[Captain Pappy]

Thanks John for the quick cheat-sheet. I have tons of sailing books I've been devouring both pre-boat purchase and post. Do you know other Columbia owners here? Happy to connect with any (I found one so far!!) that read this.

[fjwiley1]

Hey Captain...just catching up to your post....a belated Welcome aboard. I read your other Thread and see you have already received some good advise from several experienced sailors.

I live on the St. John's and was curious as to what's the latest with you boat? Green Cove Springs ?

[Captain Pappy]

On the St John's too. Doing some engine cleaning/flush and wiring new panels after that. Going to bring her to GCS next month to do some sealant redoing in the interior.
Always happy to meet the local community.