Life happens to people. I am in the beginning, with plans laid out and trying to sort out what is needed and what isn't. Fly
fishing may not be the same as sailing but one thing is.... if you come into this sport never having done it you have to start somewhere and many people spend 5 times as much
money to get going as they need. Sailing is more expensive and I do NOT want to spend 5 times more than I need to. I have thought about getting a sailboat for a long time. But career and
family, other hobbies and fly
fishing trips have kept it at bay. I always thought that owning a sailboat to go to the
bahamas was unrealistic. With a child in Western Mi, one going to Mi State and a 3rd with 3 years left in High
School I will have to wait 3 years. I may be able to get somewhere sooner. Perhaps after taking
sailing lessons and
learning what is really needed and what is a luxury item and then getting a boat I may be able to
dock it on Lake Michigan for the summers with weekend jaunts. I will do everything I can to make it happen.
For fly fishing I was big on several
forums for several years. Writing articles for magazines, sharing and giving
advice and guiding. I don't do forums anymore for FF. Too many know it alls giving too much
advice and far to many elitist twits that are all about branding. For
classic cars, duck hunting etc.. etc.. I have found the same. I see it here already and haven't been a
member for a week yet. Regardless of getting a boat and cruising to the
bahamas like I want, like I will, I probably won't report back here every day, week or even month. Would I read and post to help pass along knowledge. Yes, absolutely. I firmly believe in giving back and paying it forward.
I have a great wife that is all on board with sailing too. I think that really helps make a plan come together. If my wife hated water, being on a boat and warm
weather I would have to make a hard choice... boat or wife.
I can see one overspending on a sailboat and
gear very easily. Especially if you can't do for yourself and have to have someone do it all. I am fortunate enough to be mechanically inclined, intelligent enough, and physically capable.
Part of my "3 year plan" is knowing what kind of cash flow I will need to make it for "x" years. Can I go the
route of using my sailboat as a
winter home? Instead of a condo or 5th
wheel I would rather be on a sailboat. Or will it be home? Do I keep a car and a house in Michigan? Do I perhaps sell the house and get a condo?
There is a lot to this. Many variables here. If I were
single..... I'd sell everything and hit the water. No doubt. But... too many variables now. It all has to come into line.
Perhaps in a year or 2 I'll have the boat on Lake Michigan. I'll be sure to let you know. AND if it all comes crashing down? Well, I don't know if I will. If I have made friends here, then yes. I would feel that I owe you that. If not, why should I then?