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NWNate · 06-03-2024, 15:54

I bought my current boat, a Catalina 22, with the intention of one day upgrading to something larger. That is still my goal. However, I purchased this boat for almost nothing knowing that a cruising lifestyle may not be for me.

After a few seasons of single-handing, overnighting in my little boat, I am getting to the point where I think I can handle more. But once again, I do not want to break the bank on something. Just because I can buy something, doesn't mean I can afford it.

Point being, people need to keep their expectations at the lowest common denominator. Could I afford to lose it all on this bet?

The more comfortable you get with sailing/cruising, the less of a gamble it becomes. But the gamble is never zero.

BlueH2Obound · 07-03-2024, 18:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichMartin

How do you kill time when you can't sail?

Read lots of books! Surf the internet, and most important, Situational Awareness of what is going on around us!

OldManMirage · 08-03-2024, 02:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueH2Obound

Read lots of books! Surf the internet, and most important, Situational Awareness of what is going on around us!

Books are good, I like watching YouTube videos of where I plan to sail. There are many good channels and the information you can glean from them is very high value.

Personally I find YouTube better than television. The commercials are very minimal and the content is whatever I want.

mbianka · 08-03-2024, 03:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichMartin

How do you kill time when you can't sail?

Doesn't matter if you are cruising halfway around the world or your just in ones local harbor there is always something to work on or think about. I've had a number "Aha" moments just sitting in the cockpit thinking about a project I wanted to do.

Then there is the nature that is around you. From deer along the shore in my area to the schools of fish around the boat or watching the Osprey that hunt them.

One or two swims a day help keep the body moving.

Climbing into the bunk at night I watch a one or two videos of cruising sailors sailing places that I don't feel the need to visit now as much as I wanted to in my younger days. Start over with a cup of coffee and the sunrise.

K_V_B · 08-03-2024, 04:13

Well, this wannabee is still a wannebee....

What happened is: Meeting someone. Buying a house in a beautifull place...
But what happened too is that I managed to save up quite a bit, and I am ready to part time retire. So it may actually happen.

two-rocks · 08-03-2024, 04:28

We are closing our business (today), selling everything and sailing off for a 'few' years.
My wife is 48 and I'm 52.
Going while we still can.

mbianka · 08-03-2024, 05:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by two-rocks

We are closing our business (today), selling everything and sailing off for a 'few' years.
My wife is 48 and I'm 52.
Going while we still can.

As my friends uncle use to say: "Son, do it while you got the legs"
Though I would add just be realistic about ones limitations.

I feel for those I see while traveling hunched over with walkers or in wheel chairs and just hope they had some good memories in their life. I certainly have and don't have anything that I feel I need to accomplish other than to wake up and enjoy each day no matter where I am.

BlueH2Obound · 09-03-2024, 03:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by two-rocks

We are closing our business (today), selling everything and sailing off for a 'few' years.
My wife is 48 and I'm 52.
Going while we still can.

We have been RV'ing for about 10 years, and full time cruising for 2.5 years. I've yet to meet anyone who has said they wish they were still working!

The most common comment is that they wish that they had started earlier.

Mickeyrouse · 09-03-2024, 04:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by ekelly36

Amazing The batteries are done but pretty much everything else is as I left it.... I should have it ready to sail by the end of April, then I can learn how to sail

joking... I have sailed but its been many years and was on dinghys....

flame on....

It may be worth the minimal effort required to equalize the batteries. If they haven’t been thru too many charge-discharge cycles the plates may not be too badly sulfated. You could be surprised.

wingssail · 09-03-2024, 10:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueH2Obound

We have been RV'ing for about 10 years, and full time cruising for 2.5 years. I've yet to meet anyone who has said they wish they were still working!

The most common comment is that they wish that they had started earlier.

Well, I retired at 50 and left to go cruising. Now 77, still at it, about to leave to a cruise to Sea of Cortez. Not as much fun without Judy but, well, I'm doing it.

Do I wish I was still working, or left earlier? Nope.

If I'd worked longer I'd have more money now, and now I really need it. Still. I had 27 years since I cast off those lines and have never regretted any of it. Judy died last year and if we'd stayed in the work force we might have had more money but would have had less time to cruise, so I guess it was the right decision.

**JPA Cate** · 09-03-2024, 15:10

^^^^^^
It'll never be the same, Fred, but at least you're having the healing that being on the water brings.

Glad to see you're still around.

Peace, and fair winds, mate, and enjoy the Golfo.

Ann

OldManMirage · 10-03-2024, 03:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbianka

As my friends uncle use to say: "Son, do it while you got the legs"
Though I would add just be realistic about ones limitations.
.

Man ain't that the truth !

I commend all the young people who find a way to go cruising.

We lived aboard for a few years when we were in our 20's but never actually "cruised." At least never more than a week, so we never really went anywhere.

Now that I'm turning 62 I'm finally about to retire and go. But it's definitely a whole different ballgame as far physical abilities go.

Do what the Pardey's said - Go now ! Go as small and simple as you have to but go !

You never know if you'll get the chance later in life.

Go !