Living aboard a Cargo Schooner

[Aground]

Hello Everyone,

Anyone among us living aboard a cargo Schooner?

I am exactly 21 years from retirement, yes i know that is still a good piece away, and i have decided to start building the boat i will retire onto. While searching plans i keep coming back to 50-60 foot cargo schooners. I love the look. I love the fact that they have a pilot house. Most of all i love that they have a cargo hold to hold our 2 Touring motorcycles.

So I was wondering, is anyone else traveling about, living full time on a cargo Schooner? If so, what do you like about it, dislike about it. Would you change anything if you had the chance. Besides shallower ports, will having a cargo Schooner keep me out of certain marinas if the vessel isn't being used commercially?
Anything else you care to share about your boat would be much appreciated as i try to narrow down in my mind what boat to "break ground" on.

[Don C L]

I haven't lived on a cargo schooner, but welcome aboard here anyway!

[zeehag]

my bestestest friends have cargo schooner (patricia belle). they are not resricted from anywhere, and in fact are invited into wooden boat festivals and shows, as their boat is of wood.
some female crew dislike the open sleeping area and lack of privacy in crew quarters, but for the most part all enjoy it.
it is a cool boat and sails great.

[Lepke]

I sailed on a fishing schooner when I was young. And always wanted one since.
A real cargo schooner, your talking a very big boat. Some marinas like big boats and some don't. Money talks. Yacht clubs often only want yachts, for some reason lost to me.
Building a boat is many, many hours. Days, weeks, years if working alone. I have built several 35' and up. Always with at least a helper and mostly with a crew. I think 80% of the people starting a boat of any size, never finish it. You need money up front and a lot of money in tools that save time. Some kind of crane for building bigger boats. Scaffolding, etc.
Work with a surveyor as you build so you get good insurance rates. Steel, you need to be a certified welder.
If you're going to build the boat inside, make sure the door is big enough.
You might be better off with somebodys unfinished project or maybe a boat that needs remodel.
Here's one that needs finishing, 52' schooner $17,500: https://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/boa/6076670359.html

[johnyhask]

Google "Bessie Ellen" you'll be amazed.

[Sea Dreaming]

Hmm...I am not trying to be a wet blanket but you could retire much earlier if you bank the dough and buy something smaller and ready made. But if building a boat is as much a part of the dream as cruising, you have picked a beautiful one to build. Good luck!

[Aground]

Originally Posted by Sea Dreaming

Hmm...I am not trying to be a wet blanket but you could retire much earlier if you bank the dough and buy something smaller and ready made. But if building a boat is as much a part of the dream as cruising, you have picked a beautiful one to build. Good luck!

21 years and i will be 50 and retire with full salary. i can hold out until i'm 50. i figure if it takes me 20 years to build the thing I will love it or despise it come time to cast off and see the world.

[Aground]

Originally Posted by johnyhask

Google "Bessie Ellen" you'll be amazed.

What an amazing Schooner. Thanks

[Jim Cate]

Aground, I'm curious: have you ever sailed such a vessel? While the romance of the coastal schooner is undeniable, they are not the handiest sort of vessel for short handed cruising. Such things get to be more important as you segue from dreamer to sailor.

Jim

[atoll]

in 21 years time you might be better off with an armed raider,with,biological chemical and radiation suits for outdoor use when sailing in fallout areas

[hafa]

Originally Posted by atoll

in 21 years time you might be better off with an armed raider,with,biological chemical and radiation suits for outdoor use when sailing in fallout areas

Or, in 21 years time you may be better off with a coastal cruiser; but me crystal ball, she's in the shop...

[taxwizz]

Originally Posted by Aground

21 years and i will be 50 and retire with full salary. i can hold out until i'm 50. i figure if it takes me 20 years to build the thing I will love it or despise it come time to cast off and see the world.

"50 and retire with full salary"?
Must be a government job eh?
There is nothing like that in the "Real World."
I sure wish that the taxpayers would fund my retirement vacation.
(No jail references, please)

[category4jay]

Keep your dream alive man! BTW there aren't any guarantees you're gonna be here in 21 years. Maybe shoot for an earlier departure with a partial pension. Just saying.

[category4jay]

Originally Posted by Aground

What an amazing Schooner. Thanks

Bessie Ellen is a beautiful sailing vessel. Thank you.....but its not a 50-60 footer that the OP is shooting for.

[taxwizz]

Keep your dream alive man! BTW there aren't any guarantees you're gonna be here in 21 years. Maybe shoot for an earlier departure with a partial pension. Just saying.

I agree.
"Go when ya can.
Ya never know when ya can't."