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CNC-Charters · 21-08-2012, 16:20

We have seen topics about what jobs you can do while cursing and we really enjoy reading those posts. We are lucky enough to have been setting ourselves up for when our youngest son finishes high school in a little less than two years so we can work from our future yacht, YEA.

For our business, we need to have access to phones (phones can be internet) and internet during the normal work week. Our intention is to find a nice marina to hang out for a month or two or six or however long we “feel like staying” or kicked out due to visa restrictions and then off to the next place to work and explore. We want to go out exploring Friday through Mondays and so on.

We can afford to buy our yacht and not have payments but after that we have to work to make a living, we’re just lucky enough to be able to make our living anywhere in the world with internet access. So trying to find nice marinas throughout the Caribbean to move, explore, and still have the ability to work is our current plan.

Which leads us to trying to find safe, nice, and modern marinas with a price tag that meets our budget seems to be hard to find. I KNOW they are out there but finding reviews is kinda tough.

We are looking to buy a 47’ Beneteau and can’t wait to get to cruising even though we have to work while we go. We are hoping to spend around 500.00 a month or less if possible for the Marina fees (really hoping that they would be nice to decent on that budget).

If you have some advice on marinas from Mexico to the Virgin Islands and all points south we would really appreciate sharing your experiences and recommendations. We are hoping to spend a few years exploring the Caribbean (as much of it as possible) before heading west, WAY WEST!

Does this make sense?

Thank you all in advance.

Dsanduril · 21-08-2012, 16:44

Quote:

while cursing

Sounds like sailor should be right at home on the jobs list

LMAO

belizesailor · 21-08-2012, 16:49

Lots of possibilities for under $500 a month. Most cruiser friendly marinas have WiFi...although speeds are often a bit slow because it is shared with other cruisers.

Also, see the threads here for using a cellular modem and local SIM chip. This way you are not tethered to a marina. Why not spend that $500 a month on something else!

Here on the Rio Dulce slip rates range from about $150 to $350 per month....still have beer money left from $500, but electricity is relatively expensive if you plan to run the AC.

CNC-Charters · 21-08-2012, 18:17

Here on the Rio Dulce slip rates range from about $150 to $350 per month....still have beer money left from $500, but electricity is relatively expensive if you plan to run the AC.[/QUOTE]

IS the one your mentioning this one? Captain John's Marina and Marine Service
Or this www.monkeybaymarina.com

CNC-Charters · 21-08-2012, 18:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dsanduril

Sounds like sailor should be right at home on the jobs list

LMAO

OMG Thanks Spell Check!

Bash · 21-08-2012, 18:46

Are there marinas out there where you can spend <$500? Absolutely. But you're not likely to find many that will accommodate a 47' boat for that price.

Something to think about: a 47' boat is going to be charged for a 50' slip.

**Ex-Calif** · 21-08-2012, 18:57

Sounds like a great plan. It sounds like you are at the very beginning of this with little boat experience. No harm in that. Here are some observations, maybe predictions and some soft advice...

- I think you will find 47 feet too much boat for a couple and will settle below 45.
- You should consider getting involved in boating now and getting some lessons and charters under your belt in the next 2 years
- You should also make sticking around the southern US - and the money needed to do so available - for the first 6-12 months. You will have the best chance at the infrastructure needed to support you internet connectivity requirements
- You will also be fairly close to junior should he need you in the first year of college - Especially if he goes to a southern school
- Venture forth after that and I think you will have great success

It's great that you are structured to take your career portable. Good luck!

belizesailor · 21-08-2012, 18:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bash

Are there marinas out there where you can spend <$500? Absolutely. But you're not likely to find many that will accommodate a 47' boat for that price.

Something to think about: a 47' boat is going to be charged for a 50' slip.

Depends a lot on the venue. Very realistic here on the Rio.

Pelagic · 21-08-2012, 19:07

What you are suggesting makes sense; you just have to clearly define in detail your priorities when choosing a cruising and standby location that will support both your professional and aesthetic needs.

There are certain minimums in support infrastructure that we take for granted in a developed world that may be missing and frustrate you if you need them for work.

Best to list then research in detail before deciding.

While this Marina tool is geared more for Superyachts, it does help to list the support items you should consider.

Dockwalk - The Essential Site For Captains And Crew - Superports

Good luck in your quasi retirement plans

belizesailor · 22-08-2012, 06:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by CNC-Charters

IS the one your mentioning this one? Captain John's Marina and Marine Service
Or this www.monkeybaymarina.com

Did not have a specific marina in mind, that's an approximate range for a cruising size boat 40-50 ft across all the Marina's here on the Rio.

One of the best deals going right now is at Catamarans. Had friends keeping their 42' mono there last season for $150US per month. And, Catamarans is one the nicest facilities here. See Catamaran Island Hotel, Rio Dulce, Guatemala.

It all comes down to what you want in a marina. All of them have Wifi so that's easy, but consider other features: Easy town access? Bar/Restaurant? Live aboard community?

Just depends on what's important to you.

Azul · 22-08-2012, 07:15

Buying a 47 foot boat without a retirement fund or guaranteed employment sounds like a recipe for stress and disaster. A 35 foot boat would be plenty to handle for a couple, provide enough room (no boat is going to be big enough for everything,) and not have the recurring 3 year nightmarishly expensive refit problem.

CNC-Charters · 22-08-2012, 09:29

We have guaranteed employment. We have been setting it up that way for years and it's recession proof, We just don't have allot banked! My wife is settling from a larger boat - Damn boat shows!

CNC-Charters · 23-08-2012, 06:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Did not have a specific marina in mind, that's an approximate range for a cruising size boat 40-50 ft across all the Marina's here on the Rio.

One of the best deals going right now is at Catamarans. Had friends keeping their 42' mono there last season for $150US per month. And, Catamarans is one the nicest facilities here. See Catamaran Island Hotel, Rio Dulce, Guatemala.

It all comes down to what you want in a marina. All of them have Wifi so that's easy, but consider other features: Easy town access? Bar/Restaurant? Live aboard community?

Just depends on what's important to you.

Is it safe in the local towns and is it the kind of place you want to stay for more than a few months?

CNC-Charters · 23-08-2012, 06:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by belizesailor

One of the best deals going right now is at Catamarans. Had friends keeping their 42' mono there last season for $150US per month. And, Catamarans is one the nicest facilities here. See Catamaran Island Hotel, Rio Dulce, Guatemala.

It all comes down to what you want in a marina. All of them have Wifi so that's easy, but consider other features: Easy town access? Bar/Restaurant? Live aboard community?

Just depends on what's important to you.

I'm checking out the Catamaran Island Hotel and it looks great!

As you can see, we're getting ready for our retirement career and for every answer I get it generates three more questions LOL

Have you tried using magic jack for phone through wifi and is a viable solution for business calls when your in marinas and such? I have researched the communications issues on this site and I'm more confused that ever.

What IS the season there (assuming winter) and is the summer unbearably hot or am I off the mark entirely?

I could see us spending a year there working and being able to explore and dive Belize, Cayman's, and so on. Am I on the right path?

BTW, Thank you ALL for putting up with our newbie questions!

22 Months to go and we set sail. After so many years dreaming, we can finally see the light...