New to the Forum

[Shallow Runner]

Just taking a moment to say hello and introduce myself.
I am a 31 year old and I have grown up in Florida on the gulf coast near Tampa but now live in Ft Lauderdale where I am going for a Masters degree in Coastal Zone Management. I was in the US Army's 82nd airborne as an infantry soldier from 98-02. And now to the real reason I am here.

I have always been around boats and the ocean and both are at the core of my heart. I have always dreamed of owning my own sailboat and the freedom it affords. I have sailed before with friends and have always found something magical about it. I have also always had an interest in and have always enjoyed restoring things, mainly cars to this point. So I have decided that I want to bring these two passions together and bring this dream to fruition by purchasing an older boat that needs some TLC and completely restoring her custom to my specs. I just think that sailing a vessel that I have totally customized and put my time into will add to the overall experience. I have a few years before I graduate and hope to land a job someplace like the Caribbean or South Florida and so my goal is to have a boat ready by that point so I can sail to my new port of call. I hope to gain some good information through the process of choosing the right vessel for me, restoring it, and learning the ropes of sailing as I tune my abilities from mate to captain. I look forward to cataloging this experience here and to the feedback from the wealth of information that seems to contained herein. Thank you and I look forward to seeing you on the water and far off ports.

[Therapy]

This is a great place to start.

[Ben M-P]

Welcome aboard.

[swagman]

G'Day and can I add my welcome also.
Heres hoping your plans are realised and I wish you every success.
JOHN

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Shallow Runner.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Thanks for your service. Just be cautious on your vessel customization to meet your desires. There are some features that boats have built in that on the surface don't make much sense but after living with them for six months or more you come to realize there was a reason the builder put those things there. Consideration to adding things to your boat should be given lots of thought. Added weight on any vessel especially in the ends of the boat will deter performance and some electronic gear just plain is not necessary.
I'm certain you'll sort it all out as you go and I wish you best of luck.
kind regards,