Cruising When Retired

[capndad]

Howdy sailors,
Defiantly decided to go cruising when retired. 12 years away.
Reading all cruising books and thinking about live aboard in a few years. Looking for advise and sailboats for the life. Looking for a fixer upper. I am a aircraft mechanic and good craftsman with wood.
I can handle a sailboat in not so good condition. I just need advise on what model. Thinking 40-45'.
A Columbia 45 looks like a good start/ boat? A few are for sale for $30k or so around the Caribbean!
I live in San Fran area, so not sure about getting one home.
Capndad.

[oldtomcat]

Capndad:

You stole the exact same statement that I was just about to post. accept for the location we are in the same boat; or not? Welcome aboard!

oldtomcat

[Ironhorse74]

I am still trying to figure out a way to cruise while I am working.

Welcome aboard

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you here. If you don't sail already I'd advise a basic sailing course just to get you off on the right foot.
Check out the two links after my signature for some boat recommendations. Unless you've got a big family or are very tall a 36 footer would be the max I'd recommend. But, that's just my opinion and there are many more opinions here on the forum.
kind regards,

[In Training]

Well, your post made me feel a lot better -- 12 years is a long time to wait. We are 3-4 years away from retirement and have been planning the getaway for the past 2 years. We are in Indiana.