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stevenps · 21-09-2013, 18:34

Hello everyone, I'm looking at buying a liveaboard powered boat in the 40 - 50ft range. I'm learning now but I'm probably 6 months away from purchase. I'm getting divorced in Dallas and have relocated to Houston. I'm working offshore as a field service engineer and it keeps me gone at least half the time. I would really like to meet a few people that can show me the ropes and give me advice in person. I barely know anything other than I want something with a cockpit but don't think I want a full on sport fisher. I don't think I want a trawler either but this is mostly based on ignorance rather than logic. It would be great to meet some people to learn about boats, marina life, what's needed for marine electronics, equipment, etc. I''m staying with family when I'm not working offshore but my time is mostly free. I'm pretty good with anything mechanical or electrical although I'm very limited on boat knowledge. I would be happy to help work on anything or just hang out so that I can learn. I also would like to see what some of the marinas are like. I'm most likely be to keep the boat near league city/kemah/clear lake but this may change. I don't know any of the marinas yet and have only talked to a few brokers. I'm looking forward to meetings some new friends and learning about liveaboard life.

Thanks!
Steven

RainDog · 21-09-2013, 20:53

Welcome to CF. We were in Houston for years. Lots of friendly live aboards there. Good luck in your search.

kevins · 21-09-2013, 21:55

we just moved here too...I hope we are leaving within a month, but would be glad to meet some people while we are here. We live in Clear Lake.

Thanks
Kevin & Marina

Waterway Guide · 22-09-2013, 03:17

Welcome aboard, Steven!

Mimsy · 22-09-2013, 04:26

Welcome Steven! I would suggest you sign up for a class or two here- HOUSTON SAIL AND POWER SQUADRON Homepage (a unit of the USPS®) . Bonus is you will meet a lot of experienced boaters in the area, many of whom will be happy to help you learn a bit more about boats.

I would not worry about a marina until you find a boat. We have tons of marinas in the area but what will suit you best is going to be based on your draft, beam and whether or not you are looking for a quiet marina, one that is active with lots of kids, one with lots of amenities or a simpler set up.

stevenps · 22-09-2013, 08:23

Thanks everyone! I'm going to check into signing up... that looks like a good place to start learning.

Kevin and Marina, I would like to meet you next time I get over that way. I'm in Lake Charles right now. I am possibly delayed on going offshore

... waiting to find out for sure. I was supposed to leave out on a helicopter on Monday morning from Boothville (near Venice, Louisiana) for 3 weeks.

I looked at a 50ft Sea Ray in League City a week or so ago. It seemed close to what I was looking for... at least it does since I don't know much, ha ha!

If anyone wants to go look at boats with me I'll buy the beer

.

Thanks again!

Steven

xeon_tsd · 22-09-2013, 08:55

Welcome to the hood. I have a 44 sail in Watergate and so far am pretty happy with that marina. Lots of trees good people. You can always move whatever boat you buy, so keep marina life separate from boat purchase.

stevenps · 22-09-2013, 09:00

Thanks! I was interested in marina life because I lived the last 4 years on an acre in Dallas. It was nice having neighbors close but that you couldn't hear and they couldn't hear you. I like having people nearby but not so close that I overhear them late at night...

Steven

stevenps · 26-09-2013, 11:01

So I was wondering if there were any other liveaboards near Clear Lake, League City, Kemah?

RainDog · 26-09-2013, 11:07

Every marina I was in there had at least 20 liveaboards. Only one that I know of on CF however. If you walk the docs you will meet plenty.

All the marinas have liveaboard events too (potlucks etc.). You will see signs in the marina. You an always crash those parties. Just bring something good and people will be glad to have someone new to talk to.

stevenps · 26-09-2013, 11:10

Thanks, I will give that a try... Is beer always accepted or should I plan on some type of food?

Steven

RainDog · 26-09-2013, 11:25

I have not seen too many places where beer is insufficient.

Mimsy · 26-09-2013, 11:34

Not everyone drinks but everyone eats.

I would BYOB for yourself and maybe a couple to share but by bringing food you are absolutely guaranteed of being welcome.

Ditto to what Raindog said re:live aboards. I can not think of one marina in the area that doesn't have quite a few.