Hello from Tacoma

[Marq]

Hello there everyone I am a retiring soldier and have been bitten by the cruising bug. Problem is past a 15' fishing boat I havent been on the water too much in the last 10 years. I have no Idea how to sail and probably couldnt due to medical issues. So I ask for opinions and advice on economical options to this as well as any and all advice you can give for a fledgling coastal cruiser who wants to live his dream and no idea how to do it.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Marq.

If unable to sail, look for a "go slow" powerboat, of the "trawler" style.

[Jon Hacking]

There's LOVELY cruising grounds just north of you. You can cruise in magnificent protected waters all the way up to Alaska. But winds are a bit flukey. I'd take Gord's advice & look for a nice trawler.

The Coast Guard &/or Power Squadron (or even your local JC) give classes on coastal navigation & small boat handling. Lots of useful info & you'll likely meet some folks trying to do what you're trying.

Good Luck!

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Lots of us military retirees on this forum. Thanks for serving.
Yes, I'd try the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Power Squadron to get you going on the right track with likeminded sailors. I'm certain there are sailing classes you could take through MWR either where you are (Ft. Lewis?) or at one of the Naval Stations around. The Air Force Base at McChord might even have sailing or boating classes.
Good luck in your pursuits.
kind regards,

[Ike]

Sgt, I am retired USCG, currently staying at Camp Murray Beach in my RV. You couldn't have picked a better palce to learn boating and do cruising (although the weather right now really sucks)
here's a link to BOATUS They maintain a list of courses all over the US. BoatUS Foundation

The Seattle Boat show is in about three weeks SeattleBoatShow.com - Your online boating resource for boat listings, services and accessories! and is a great place to talk to the right people and find what you need. The CG Auxiliary and the Power Squadron usually have booths there. Plus they give a lot of seminars at the show. SeattleBoatShow.com - Your online boating resource for boat listings, services and accessories!

Washingto state has an on-line course to get a Boater Education Card. Washington Online Boating Safety Course & Boat License Test It is strictly the basics but it's a place to start.

Both Ft Lewis and McChord AFB have boats to rent. They will have you sit through a boating safety video (which I helped produce in the 80's, so I got a real chuckle when they insisted on me viewing it!) As for real courses I haven't seen any on base but you shoulkd be able to find some in the area.

Jon's comment about this being a great cruising area is right on. Of course I did most of my "cruising" on a large Coast Guard Cutter, but the trip up the inside passge to Alaska was really amazing.

Let me know if you have any questions. I spent 25 years working in Boating Safety so fire away.

[boatman61]

I'll just stick to Hi and Welcome... the others seem to have it covered...
However if you lived in Europe you could get a nice canal barge and have a ball in Paris, London and most of Europe.... ah well

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7nSpyWtCeI

[Marq]

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome and great info. I have finally decided and purchased a boat she is in rough shape but well worth it for me (one of those you walk aboard and feel the life in it) I have been on so many in the last two years.
Well here is to dreams of a terrific new year and start of a new life.

[IceDog]

Welcome and congratulations on your purchase! I hope you have a great time getting the boat in shape and living your dreams on it...