A Message to all Wannabees.

[DeepFrz]

I saw this video today and thought it wise council and figured it would be good to share it here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orTfSy7lm24

[GTom]

A good one. One difference: normally I seep better on the boat than on land )

[JPA Cate]

I think she means well with trying to elucidate some difficulties. If someone wants, as a young person, to go cruising, the challenges are different that if one has saved enough to do it later on.

It is certainly true that by choosing one thing--cruising--you give up others. Some of what you give up is not what you anticipated would be a problem for you. If you have been getting a feeling of self-worth from your employment, you, as a cruiser, do have to find other sources of validation. I had that problem. I also did not anticipate that my old friendships would eventually die from lack of feeding. You really cannot keep them alive with no -- or limited -- contact.

I thought she was really correct that cruising isn't for everyone. If being self reliant without backup, far at sea scares you, you should really pay attention to that fear, evaluate it, and see whether your inner counsel isn't to just let go of the cruising concept. You might want to let go of the fear, but if it is a core issue for you, you will not cruise long. I once met someone who became ever more fearful with each voyage they took. It was horrid for both of them.

Even starting small (as they did, with a 28 footer), it becomes a huge investment of time, energy, and commitment. And, boats are depreciating assets, even when kept up well. This kind of investment may not suit everyone.

I think the young woman hit most of the factors that could wreck a cruise.

Ann

[GTom]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

I think she means well with trying to elucidate some difficulties. If someone wants, as a young person, to go cruising, the challenges are different that if one has saved enough to do it later on.

It is certainly true that by choosing one thing--cruising--you give up others. Some of what you give up is not what you anticipated would be a problem for you. If you have been getting a feeling of self-worth from your employment, you, as a cruiser, do have to find other sources of validation. I had that problem. I also did not anticipate that my old friendships would eventually die from lack of feeding. You really cannot keep them alive with no -- or limited -- contact.

I thought she was really correct that cruising isn't for everyone. If being self reliant without backup, far at sea scares you, you should really pay attention to that fear, evaluate it, and see whether your inner counsel isn't to just let go of the cruising concept. You might want to let go of the fear, but if it is a core issue for you, you will not cruise long. I once met someone who became ever more fearful with each voyage they took. It was horrid for both of them.

Even starting small (as they did, with a 28 footer), it becomes a huge investment of time, energy, and commitment. And, boats are depreciating assets, even when kept up well. This kind of investment may not suit everyone.

I think the young woman hit most of the factors that could wreck a cruise.

Ann

Indeed it's a huge commitment, my rule of thumb: don't buy a boat that you can't pay for 3x...