My new blog, about sailing, adventure and life in general

[MTLandlocked]

Hey all, I just wanted to let everyone know that I've started a blog detailing my upcoming adventure with purchasing a sailboat, outfitting it/repairing it, and living aboard and cruising it. My style of writing will probably drive you nuts, but I am who I am

I've made a couple posts already and I'd love your salty opinions on the matters I disscuss. The blog can be found at sailboatexplorer.blogspot.com Thanks!

[deckofficer]

And the link?

[MTLandlocked]

SailboatExplorer- Exploring the World at a Slower Pace
Thanks for the comment!

**Sorry, I left off the www part**

[deckofficer]

I'm just lazy. I went without the link, a travel trailer was good prep for the two of you because your budget is going to be a smallish boat.

[Ocean Girl]

I like the blog, good luck on your search. You mentioned liking tris, be sure to check out the brown tris, searunners. You CAN find a cheap one, it will need work but you both are young and industrious. Also marinas have auctions for boats that are abandoned, be sure to ask at marina offices about any coming up.
Plus, check out the Albin Vegas, Tartans, and bayfields.

Good links
Sailboatdata.com is the worlds largest sailboat database.

Sail Calculator Pro v3.53 - 2500+ boats

Anyways, good luck boat shopping and with your new blog
Erika

[MTLandlocked]

Thanks for the replies. I will certainly check out the brown tris, Vegas, Tartans, etc.

[deckofficer]

If your budget was higher you could get a Cal 40, great old ex race boat that made it into the 40 best boats, under $40K and very fast and capable. https://www.facebook.com/cruisingwor...2526dom%253Dfb

[MTLandlocked]

If my budget was larger I could get lots of things...lol Unfortunatly, my budget isn't really negotiable, unless I find someone willing to do payments over a longer time period (say the 4 years it will take to finish my degree). I can do $6,000 a year as is right now (thats $3000 per semester that normally goes towards living expenses/rent anyways). That would bring me up to $24,000.... but I figure the likelyhood of finding someone willing to do that is...well...doubtful for someone who doesn't know me personally...though maybe not impossiable? Maybe someone who is desperate to sell there boat quickly (moving, health related reasons, etc...)? Any opinions?? I know...It'd be smarter for me to just save up the money for the 4 years and THEN buy the boat...but then I might have a career and it'll be like so many other things that get put off. I want to do this know, when I'm still young and able to rebound (and learn!) from my mistakes


**oh wait, I forgot about my better halfs finances as well... hers will be the same as mine, 3,000/semester...

[MTLandlocked]

I have to say, I was checking out my blog stats, viewing the countries of origin for pageviews (most of which have been you fellow CFers). Interesting to note Most is US of course, followed closely by Austraila, UK and NZ tied, Canada, Belgium and Finland. My friend (Bob), who will be teaching me to sail once I buy the boat, is from Austraila. I love the international mix of people on this site. Course, that is also because it IS a sailing website...and sailors hail from all over..

[SaucySailoress]

Blogs need pictures!

[MTLandlocked]

Well its only been up for a few hours, give me some time

[Ocean Girl]

Just more 2cents
Buy a fixer upper, park her somewhere cheap and nearby, spend the next 4years getting to know your boat by working on it.
I saw a free boat yesterday, she seemed around 27ft..could not make her out, Bristol? Definitely early 70s, thick hull. But she is a free boat, that means rotten bulkheads and few gear, though her mast looked good. But you can find a better example, I bought a boat for $375.83 . My friend heard about it and passed it along to me since i was between boats living in my VW camper van at my marina. This boat was in a divorce situation and all the owner wanted was an underwater camera off eBay. She was a 1984 US Yacht, cheaply made but a blast to sail, and she had all her sails and working motor. I lived on her for a couple years then sold her for 4500 to buy my next boat a PS25, which I got for 5, though she was worth 10-15 easily. Talk to people, tell your story, there are a lot of owners who would rather find a couple willing to move forward in the dream if cruising than get top price to some no name who doesn't appreciate the awesomeness of their boat :-).
Sorry to pipe in again, I just remember when I was young and trying to figure a way to get on a boat. You can do it, have fun.
Erika