Completely Overwhelmed

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by psneeld

I'll say it again...as I did months ago...but you are struggling to get through the swine to the pearls because you are going from novice to "big time skipper/owner" in one purchase. This is what so many threads discuss what a disaster is waiting in the winds for those with a wad of money and off they go (what many have been warning you about).

Find a boating friend who you can trust to guide you through the minefield....

That's the real message. If you asked how many folks who contributed to this topic how many boats they've had "before", I'm guessing it would be 99%.

You really should ask yourself why.

Good luck.

[deckofficer]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

That's the real message. If you asked how many folks who contributed to this topic how many boats they've had "before", I'm guessing it would be 99%.

You really should ask yourself why.

Good luck.

After 645 posts we get a real jewel of wisdom. Stu, I'm almost guilty of what GG is trying to pull off. A Flying Junior as a kid, two small trailerable power boats, and then the big jump to a Cal 40. I did feel a bit overwhelmed with that purchase and then I matched the purchase price with cruising systems and upgrades. Felt much better after getting in front of a Pacific high and having a downwind run from Long Beach to Cabo.

All vessels after the Cal were merchant, and the thrill was gone. Hoping to get back to pleasure boating/cruising.

[carstenb]

Originally Posted by GalaxyGirl

Forget sail. I think a sailboat would be faster and easier to learn and probably maintain, but not for me.

You think it would be easier to learn how to sail and maintain a sailboat than a powerboat???????????????


Good luck!

[chris_gee]

I backed out of this at the beginning when what I said was misinterpreted and drew a defensive response.
I am surprised that many of have persisted to the degree they have.
On the other hand the op has a fantasy and a determination and has said she will have a captain for 2-3 years, while she learns and it will be about 5 years before she goes full time cruising with her kids.
She also thinks she won't be single-handing because there will be 7 of them.
In practical terms I would be thinking several things.
Here it is illegal to have someone under fourteen in charge of other than a dinghy. By that I mean on watch. Never mind lines and docking.
Organising five kids, however helpful they may be takes time, let alone home schooling, cooking, and seeing they are capable of standing watch. That is they too are trained to a reasonable standard. Doing repetitive watches even shared is tiring and boring. Let alone in difficult conditions when something stops and contractors and parts are 100s of miles away.
It carries little weight with me that a child says live on a boat yeah cool idea mum. Chances are they might.
In 5 years these kids are going to be 17-18 or most of them. I wonder what their attitudes and interests will be then. Oh well I can hazard a guess. University and or work may also be on the near horizon. Separation from parents in some sense sure is - it being a required part of adolescence.
Deck officer's question of where exactly the op intends to go remains unanswered. The simple fact is that while tropical islands or what ever appeal to many stuck in ruts , they too pall without contrast, as do museums and art galleries for that matter. For adults as well as kids.
Ok she is determined. Fine. She also doesn't know much, but is working on it =somewhat.
However, that leads her to ignore what many say - the too much like camping etc.
Finally just looking at the last couple of boats suggested - would you seriously head out to sea in that?
Most of the ornaments lamps etc etc would be smashed real quick and as for the main sleeping quarters - well you would end up sleeping on the floor. As for the washing machines and driers and dishwashers and upright fridges and large galleys where you can't even stand up in any sea sure looks like a dock boat to me.
Still no skin off my nose.

[carstenb]

Originally Posted by chris_gee

I backed out of this at the beginning when what I said was misinterpreted and drew a defensive response.
I am surprised that many of have persisted to the degree they have.
On the other hand the op has a fantasy and a determination and has said she will have a captain for 2-3 years, while she learns and it will be about 5 years before she goes full time cruising with her kids.
She also thinks she won't be single-handing because there will be 7 of them.
In practical terms I would be thinking several things.
Here it is illegal to have someone under fourteen in charge of other than a dinghy. By that I mean on watch. Never mind lines and docking.
Organising five kids, however helpful they may be takes time, let alone home schooling, cooking, and seeing they are capable of standing watch. That is they too are trained to a reasonable standard. Doing repetitive watches even shared is tiring and boring. Let alone in difficult conditions when something stops and contractors and parts are 100s of miles away.
It carries little weight with me that a child says live on a boat yeah cool idea mum. Chances are they might.
In 5 years these kids are going to be 17-18 or most of them. I wonder what their attitudes and interests will be then. Oh well I can hazard a guess. University and or work may also be on the near horizon. Separation from parents in some sense sure is - it being a required part of adolescence.
Deck officer's question of where exactly the op intends to go remains unanswered. The simple fact is that while tropical islands or what ever appeal to many stuck in ruts , they too pall without contrast, as do museums and art galleries for that matter. For adults as well as kids.
Ok she is determined. Fine. She also doesn't know much, but is working on it =somewhat.
However, that leads her to ignore what many say - the too much like camping etc.
Finally just looking at the last couple of boats suggested - would you seriously head out to sea in that?
Most of the ornaments lamps etc etc would be smashed real quick and as for the main sleeping quarters - well you would end up sleeping on the floor. As for the washing machines and driers and dishwashers and upright fridges and large galleys where you can't even stand up in any sea sure looks like a dock boat to me.
Still no skin off my nose.

I couldn't agree more. Those boats won't stand up to even a light gale.

So here's one for sale. I know this ship. It will take anything you throw at it. It used to be a merchant marine training ship and has been completely redone. No expense spared.

But it is a ship - not a boat.

It will set you back about 5 mil USD but hey - it's only money!
MS Navigator

[psneeld]

You guys have no idea if those boats are fit for sea...the lamps could be bolted down as well as the fridge....do they have active stabilizers?

With as many sailboats being lost theses days...I'd rather captain one of those "pretty" boats than crew with all the internet " sailing wizards" around.

Plus...many long range powerboaters check the weather and avoid it.......You can cruise many miles without long ocean passages....

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by chris_gee

Finally just looking at the last couple of boats suggested - would you seriously head out to sea in that?
Most of the ornaments lamps etc etc would be smashed real quick and as for the main sleeping quarters - well you would end up sleeping on the floor. As for the washing machines and driers and dishwashers and upright fridges and large galleys where you can't even stand up in any sea sure looks like a dock boat to me.

I'm pretty sure the pics Bob posted recently were just meant for a laugh.. or maybe a test

-Chris

[deckofficer]

Originally Posted by ranger42c

I'm pretty sure the pics Bob posted recently were just meant for a laugh.. or maybe a test

-Chris

Both. And a consideration for a means of living on the water with all the space she desires at a fraction of the cost.

Her mom convinced her to buy her first home in her early 20's and she has bought many since, renovating and flipping. Either she has saved a lot more than any of us could guess, and has the means to have her boat professionally crewed, or she is going to clean out all of her savings and assets on a life she thinks she wants. Stu Jackson nailed it when he mentioned that most all of us are not on our first boat, and through experience of owning all of the earlier boats we have arrived on our current boat.

My suggestions of a much lighter displacement boat she could captain was based on her wanting to cruise now with the kids and keep cruising till the youngest was off to college and a assumed budget for this lifestyle of $1 mil. If her budget is 5 times that, then a 185,000 lb boat and crew is within her means and I'm happy for her.

[psneeld]

Originally Posted by deckofficer

Both. And a consideration for a means of living on the water with all the space she desires at a fraction of the cost.

Her mom convinced her to buy her first home in her early 20's and she has bought many since, renovating and flipping. Either she has saved a lot more than any of us could guess, and has the means to have her boat professionally crewed, or she is going to clean out all of her savings and assets on a life she thinks she wants. Stu Jackson nailed it when he mentioned that most all of us are not on our first boat, and through experience of owning all of the earlier boats we have arrived on our current boat.

My suggestions of a much lighter displacement boat she could captain was based on her wanting to cruise now with the kids and keep cruising till the youngest was off to college and a assumed budget for this lifestyle of $1 mil. If her budget is 5 times that, then a 185,000 lb boat and crew is within her means and I'm happy for her.

She still may not get insurance on the boat with her as captain no matter WHAT displacement till quite a few years down the road.

[GalaxyGirl]

Originally Posted by carstenb

You think it would be easier to learn how to sail and maintain a sailboat than a powerboat???????????????


Good luck!

I've sailed before, it wasn't a very large boat (25'), and I was a teen, but it wasn't very difficult. I actually won a race with several other boats although it was my first time sailing. I picked it up rather quickly.

Also, sailboats don't have massive diesel engines to maintain. Seems easier, but if I'm wrong, then that's just another plus on why I want a powerboat

[GalaxyGirl]

Originally Posted by chris_gee

I backed out of this at the beginning when what I said was misinterpreted and drew a defensive response.
I am surprised that many of have persisted to the degree they have.
On the other hand the op has a fantasy and a determination and has said she will have a captain for 2-3 years, while she learns and it will be about 5 years before she goes full time cruising with her kids.
She also thinks she won't be single-handing because there will be 7 of them.
In practical terms I would be thinking several things.
Here it is illegal to have someone under fourteen in charge of other than a dinghy. By that I mean on watch. Never mind lines and docking.
Organising five kids, however helpful they may be takes time, let alone home schooling, cooking, and seeing they are capable of standing watch. That is they too are trained to a reasonable standard. Doing repetitive watches even shared is tiring and boring. Let alone in difficult conditions when something stops and contractors and parts are 100s of miles away.
It carries little weight with me that a child says live on a boat yeah cool idea mum. Chances are they might.
In 5 years these kids are going to be 17-18 or most of them. I wonder what their attitudes and interests will be then. Oh well I can hazard a guess. University and or work may also be on the near horizon. Separation from parents in some sense sure is - it being a required part of adolescence.
Deck officer's question of where exactly the op intends to go remains unanswered. The simple fact is that while tropical islands or what ever appeal to many stuck in ruts , they too pall without contrast, as do museums and art galleries for that matter. For adults as well as kids.
Ok she is determined. Fine. She also doesn't know much, but is working on it =somewhat.
However, that leads her to ignore what many say - the too much like camping etc.
Finally just looking at the last couple of boats suggested - would you seriously head out to sea in that?
Most of the ornaments lamps etc etc would be smashed real quick and as for the main sleeping quarters - well you would end up sleeping on the floor. As for the washing machines and driers and dishwashers and upright fridges and large galleys where you can't even stand up in any sea sure looks like a dock boat to me.
Still no skin off my nose.

Chris,
I won't be single-handling because I have folks that I will bring as crew. I have no intention of having my kids do much of anything except learn and have fun. As they get older and more responsible, maybe.

Yes, I will have a captain until I learn. We will take advantage of holidays as much as possible initially, but I would like to take off permanently much sooner than 5 years. 5 years is worst case scenario. But I am pushing for less than 2.

My kids can't wait to get the boat. They keep asking when, and are discussing amongst each other who will bunk with who.

I didn't answer Bob's question because everything is fluid. I am taking it one step at a time, and see where we end up.

[deckofficer]

GG,

What is your first choice of a major cruising destination?

Like me, I guess it would depend on where you took delivery of your boat. If I bought a East coast or Gulf coast boat, then the Caribbean would be my first cruising grounds. If it was a West coast boat it would depend on the season, summer in the PNW and Desolation Sound where I've never been, or if winter back to the Sea of Cortez where I have cruised and familiar with the great anchorages all along Bahia Conception.

[chris_gee]

I was unclear in the interests of relative brevity. I was thinking of this 1987 Kha Shing 65 Long Range Trawler Power Boat For Sale - rather than the pictures of the house boat.
Sure some things might be potentially bolted down or stowed, but I can imagine in any decent sea flying from one side to another, and breaking bones. It looks dock and sheltered waters to me.

[psneeld]

Originally Posted by chris_gee

I was unclear in the interests of relative brevity. I was thinking of this 1987 Kha Shing 65 Long Range Trawler Power Boat For Sale - rather than the pictures of the house boat.
Sure some things might be potentially bolted down or stowed, but I can imagine in any decent sea flying from one side to another, and breaking bones. It looks dock and sheltered waters to me.

You might be surprised....most serious, cruising powerboaters aren't this "I'm going and will take whatever comes" mentality...

Most of the circumnavigating powerboaters I've met say they have never really been in severe weather...cause they don't have to be if they don't want to be....and have a little upstairs to figure it out.

[GalaxyGirl]

Originally Posted by psneeld

You might be surprised....most serious, cruising powerboaters aren't this "I'm going and will take whatever comes" mentality...

Most of the circumnavigating powerboaters I've met say they have never really been in severe weather...cause they don't have to be if they don't want to be....and have a little upstairs to figure it out.

I was waiting for someone to say this. I'd get chewed out if it came from me.