Big Plans

[That Way]

Hey to everybody,

After a series of sailboats, my wife and I want to sell all buy a live aboard, sail the west coast of Florida, set up home base in Key Biscayne and sail the keys and Bahamas. Our timeline is a little over 2 years out and pivots on my retirement.

The number 1 boat on our list is the Garcia Exploration 45. This has the shoal and air draft needed for ICW cruising.

My goals for being on this forum is to increase my navigation skills, learn systems management and learn what the forum has to teach me.

I look forward to learning.

That Way

[Muaddib1116]

I think a Southerly would be a better option for your plans. Or a cat.

[grantmc]

Welcome to CF.
The forum is a great resource with many people willing to share their ideas, opinions and thoughts. But don't hesitate to chip in with own contributions.

Perhaps complete your User Control Panel details, then everyone will know a little more about you, where you're from etc.

[That Way]

Thanks for ideas but I’ve pondered both. Neither fits our plans

[Muaddib1116]

What about the Exploration 45 beats out a similarly sized Southerly for sailing Florida and the Bahamas?

[That Way]

That was for Dune

[That Way]

Dear Muaddib1116

My goals do not include defending my choices or stirring up debate.

Enjoy your boat.

Peace out.

This is my first day.

[Muaddib1116]

I wasn't trying to attack your choice, no need to be defensive.


I was just curious what you preferred about it. I like the Exploration 45 a lot, and if I could have afforded one, I would likely have bought one rather than the boat I just bought. One of the big appeals to me for is the Aluminum hull, and the security that offers in sailing offshore and in high latitudes. But for sailing mostly in Florida and the Bahamas, the Southerly is also a really nice choice, so I was wondering what put it on top of your list.


I will enjoy my boat, thank you.

[That Way]

Exactly what you’ve mentioned plus helming from deck salon. And we may get comfortable enough to take off.

And I’m sure most love the Southerly’s lines. Not me.

[Muaddib1116]

Yeah, that was an important feature to me as well. Unfortunately, to find a boat with good indoor visibility that had the other features I wanted, I had to sacrifice on low draft. I definitely get not being attracted to a boat, even if it ticks a lot of your boxes. It would be really difficult to spend that much money on a boat you didn't enjoy looking at.

[That Way]

Dune Reboot out this December!!

I’m very excited. Spent my sophomore year in college in that world. Loved all the books

Hated all the movies