Taking the Plunge in the PNW

[rosuzq]

Hello all,

Been a lurker for awhile, now time to introduce. Myself (Rory) and wife(Suzie) have been living aboard for two years. We are getting ready to take the first stage of early retirement, I'm 53, wife 51. We enter the world of not having a monthly income with trepidation. Financially we are blessed that I have worked for a great company. Our current plan is to live on a budget of $50,000 per year. We currently have that in savings, and my company will pay me out defered compensation of $980,000 over five years. We have $700,000 in retirement funds. Crossing our fingers, our financial planner projects out that our plan is solid.

The Boat- We live on a 2000 Caliber 35 LRC, we purchased two years ago, cash, with 150 hours on engine. It was someone elses failed dream that couldn't get away from the dock. Since purchase,we have done some extensive refitting- Garmin Radar, GPS, AIS, VHF- added second 30 amp inlet, additional 110v and 12v outlets throughout boat. Rewired and upgraded to AYBC standards. Installed high output alternator, AGM batteries and upgraded battery cabling.

Our plan is to gradually increase skills. We have done numerous 2 and 3 day crusies in the Puget Sound. Last year we spent two weeks in the San Juan's. This year we plan to venture as far as southern B.C. Next summer, we and a buddy boat to Alaska. The summer after, to the Sea of Cortez. After that- Who knows? So "Hello" to all and hope to see you on the water.

[Astrid]

hello and welcome aboard.

[St. Elsewhere]

Welcome to the CF. The PNW is a great place to do boating!

[boatman61]

Welcome Suzie... Rory.... glad to see you guys... more grist for the mill...

[jkindredpdx]

Very Cool! I'm looking forwrd to reading about your experiences.

[Lancerbye]

Welcome aboard. However taking a plunge in the cool waters of the PNW make you a braver than me.lol

[capnorv]

Welcome aboard, we'll be up that way the months of July and August, maybe we"ll cross paths. You'll hear our Grandkids first! Wish we had your budget lol.

[lookoutnw]

Go out past Neah bay for 1/2 day and turn back. Then go 1 day out and then back. Past where you can see any land. You'd know when you are 3 days out whether you are liking it or not. A solid windvane system in CRITICAL! Maybe see you some day on the water.

[janders]

Hey! Nice to see another Caliber in the PNW. Goodonya! We're doing the opposite of you: we did the Sea of Cortez last year and are headed to Alaska next year.

Welcome!

[delmarrey]

Welcome aboard!

Looks like you've planned well and all set to go. Just need some more experience. Go slow for a while and do be careful as you head north. The environment changes with each mile North. Deeper anchoring, stronger currents, stronger winds at night, colder water, hidden shoals and less services, just to mention a few. But perdier!

[captain58sailin]

Welcome to the forum.

[SaucySailoress]

Always nice to have rich people with nice boats aboard. Let us know if you wnat some crew when you hit warmer waters!

[rosuzq]

Thanks for the welcome. We will be sure to share our exploits.

Janders- followed your blog start to finish, will be reading about Alaska!

LookoutNW- great idea to practice by running out the strait, hadn't thought of that for exprience. Thank you

[lookoutnw]

Not only does easing into teh big blue give you experience, but is also shows you what needs to be tied down, secured differently and all the junk that needs to be left back on land...
You'd be suprised what comes loose and goes flying in teh Straits of Juan De PUKA when it is 14' seas 5 seconds apart or less...

[captain58sailin]

That is a rough patch of water.