Hello from Tampa (Hudson, Actually)

[Robert117]

I was going to add my picture as an avatar, but then I saw my picture. So now I'm not sure what I'm going to do about it.
I'm a long haired country boy with a very low tolerance for people taking advantage of others. I believe in fair dealing and the value of a man's word. If I find that your word has no value, I'll cross you off the list of people I care to associate with.
If you think that makes me judgmental, I'm sorry, but that's the way it is.
I don't care if you agree with me. I learn a lot from people who disagree with me. (It's amazing how often people can disagree with me and still be right) I would , however, appreciate you explaining why you see things the way you do, because that is the part where I get to learn something.
I worked on boats in the Gulf on the oilfield, and have been wanting to get back on the water ever since. My wife of nine years is finally convinced to try it, so by July first of 2011, I plan to be full time liveaboard.
I'm not sure where I stand on the great wind/power debate. I see a lot of advantages to each, but I'm going with sails myself. Currently searching for something in the 40' range, bluewater capable, that I can get into relatively cheap, and have ready to go by 6-1-2011.
Somewhere in there, it might also be a good idea to actually learn how to sail.
Looking forward to chatting with you and learning how to avoid looking like the newbie that I am.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Yes, take a basic sailing lesson and see which way you might want to go. Even the little boats use the same principles for sail handling.
You might try the links after my signature for boat recommendations.
regards,

[Pelagic]

Welcome to CF Robert.

We tend to have open and friendly discussions here, with the full awareness of our limitations and the fact that…. like the wind….

Our advice is free… but you still have to know how to use it…..

Best of luck in your search

[Robert117]

Thanks for the links, Skip, I'll check them out.
Pelagic: I always tell people my advice is free, and worth every penny they paid for it.

[maxingout]

You have got to start somewhere, and this is a good place to start.