Crunch time

[Davegw]

G'day thrill seekers,

Let me introduce myself. I’m Male, 47, single, no dependants and just about to try and retire, economic climate permitting. I've spent a considerable amount of time on the water both sailing and in power boats in the past. I can navigate and use a radio, I have good mechanical knowledge and practical skills, and the common sense is questionable after posting this I guess. Seriously I want to get myself into the live aboard, cruising lifestyle. It’s not a lightly made decision, I have been pondering the pro's and con's for many a year. Ok so it's time to sell up, whittle down the belongings and find a seaworthy, capable yacht to call home. Something in the 40-45' range would be most suited I imagine. I would love to hear from all those that have been in my position and hear what you experienced along the way.

Until then may the winds be fair and the sea be kind to all,

Regards Dave

[skipmac]

Welcome to the asylum. As you readily admit, a transition to a liveaboard lifestyle is not necessarily a logical move but, in my opinion, may be the best thing you ever do.

I made a similar decision regarding a boat, 40-45' to me is large enough to make a comfortable home but not too large to handle short handed.

You have found a great place to get answers to boating and cruising questions so jump right in.

What part of the world are you in and where do you plan to cruise?

Skip

[Minggat]

When I bought my boat, I found a book called "The Livaboard Report" to be very helpful. It was written my a statistician who basically did a survey and reported back sort of an average of peoples choices and why.

That's my 2 cents.

[Davegw]

G'day Skip,

Im from the land down under well the top bit anyway, Darwin. I dont have a clue where I will start my life aboard although I would imagine it's where I end up purchasing a yacht. I have no set destination in mind other than the warmer climates. Being bought up in the tropics and not overly fond of cold weather, Im open to suggestions though. Ive had my eye in a 1997 Bene 461 oceanis Bilge keel any ideas ?

[BadFish]

Dude, seriously, just go for it man. If ya got no serious comitments (spouse, dependents, etc.), then it's time ta sail. Ya might be lookin a little big too, IMHO, a 30'-36' would do a single man better (Myself, single, live on a 30').

Besides brother, if I'm 26 and single and doin it, that makes you old. Ya better get out there and prove me wrong.

Look forward to seein ya on the water.

Cheers

Bill

[Davegw]

G'day Minggat,

Read, Offshore sailing, 200 passage making tips. Living aboard a boat, the voyagers hand book, sailing for dummies, to mention a few thanks

[skipmac]

Hi Dave,

From tonight's news I think the top end of Oz is a better spot to be than down south. Hope things cool down soon for your mates in the fire zone.

I think the Beneteaus are pretty good boats but to be honest do not have any experience with them. Been out of sailing for a while and just now getting ready to get my feet wet again. I am sure that you will get plenty of opinions on the list. Generally I think most reasonable boats are suitable for tropical cruising as long as you watch out for the hurricane season (think you call them typhoons on your side). If you do plan serious offshore cruising you might find this list interesting. Mahina Expedition - Offshore Cruising Instruction Just one man's opinion of boats considered serious blue water boats.

Good luck in the boat search. If I make it to the Pacific from Florida I'll definitely plan on coming down your way. Decided seeing the Great Barrier Reef is a must do before I get too old.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Davegw

I’m Male, 47, single, no dependants and just about to try and retire, economic climate permitting.

Hi Dave,

You're lucky. I have an anchor.

[Davegw]

Good looking anchor Mark, hang on to her, better the devil you know mate !

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Davegw

Good looking anchor Mark, hang on to her, better the devil you know mate !

Thanks

We are heading up your way and will be in the pub in July to start that indonesian rally.

Unfortunately I will miss the Beer Can Regatta Oh woe! its on in the last week of July and we sail in the 3rd week! I have been in training....




I gotta say this bloke looks like a Territorian!

[Davegw]

Yeah Skip,

damn unfortunate about those poor buggers, even worse I think arsonists were to blame. keel hauling comes to mind as a start for fitting punishment. We call them cyclones over here and Florida is on the cards in the not too distant future. If you need contacts in and around Cairns keep in touch.

Thanks for the link mate.

[Davegw]

Mark, Im always keen for a coldie, as you would expect being a Territorian

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Davegw

Mark, Im always keen for a coldie, as you would expect being a Territorian

I shall hold you to that in July


Mark

[Davegw]

I have the house on the market and I'm seriously looking to being in a position similar to yours well before july. Having said that the market is a tad flat at the moment and probably will be for a while. so I might be here for a few July's yet. How do you find the 393 ? Ive been looking at baneteau's and would like any feedback at all. Is it just the 2 of you heading up this way ?

[Davegw]

G'yday Bill, thanks for the enthusiasm, as you, I will be there soon enough. I just have to make the right decisions and make sure I do get the right boat that is seaworthy and capable of ocean passages in safety and comfort something I wouldnt do short handed. I am however a little concerned about the old caper ! Mate there is a saying "you're only as old as the woman you feel" going by that im just a few years older than you :-)

Cheers Dave