Dream Awakened !

[xstreamangler]

Bought 22 footer in central Texas to learn the basics. Dreamed of upgrading and living aboard in Caribbean. Got married. Sold 22 footer. Had 2 kids. Got divorced. Now trying to figure out how to make it happen with a 4 and 7 year old without depraving them of dear old Dad. We have joint custody. Advice welcomed.

[Unicorn Dreams]

Welcome Aboard Cruisers Forum

Keep the DREAM alive

[Boracay]

Does your dream include a budget?

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, xstreamangler.

[Fortytwo]

Create a plan with your 4 and 7 year old. Ask their advice. The dividends will be priceless.

[tonforty]

Keep sailing with Ken and learn. One day at a time then the dream will happen.

[Eleven]

Get something you can live aboard, sail and entertain the kids and others on. I'd suggest a small Prout but I'm biased. The kids will love it, the ex will hate it but will understand that it's not as dangerous as driving to get there.
Finding a decent mooring is tougher but it's still cheaper than living ashore once you've paid maybe 30k for the boat plus improvements (solar panels etc). The mast can be folded forward on the Prouts so inland motoring is possible to find that cheap convenient parking place.
Learn to sail with the local nearest dinghy club AND a decent yacht club. The skills are different and introducing the kids to dinghy sailing should do them good. The social side will do you good too, at either. Make your dream a lifestyle, you may have been forced to make the first step, shedding ballast, but you still have a life, just need a well hung set of sails to fill it with joy again.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Come up with a plan that will include a boat and the kids.
Good luck,
kind regards,