Glad to find all of you. Looking to become one of you.

[cnilejr]

Hello everyone out there living my dream. I hope you do not mind, but I am just going to jump right in. I am currently going through a terrible divorce. Luckily no kids. I did everything right in my life. Saved early in life, paid off my house, had financial security and was happy. Than at the ripe old age of 39 I decided to marry. After 6 years of struggling(my wife could not find/keep a job) and now that my savings have run out, she filed on me. Fine, my life will go on. The sad part is she has taken almost everything from me financially, including my fathers inheritance. Thus why I am here. I have dreamed about getting out of Wisconsin my whole life. Winters and I do not mix. I have friends who live aboard in the Carribean. (Hello Chris and Linda aboard the Troubadour!) and have been for many years now. My questions. I know, it took a long time to get here. Can a single person handle living in the carribean on their own? If you think it is possible, what are your suggestions for must haves? IE, electronics, life rafts, PRB, solar or wind systems, boat size, etc. I sailed a 31 Oday on Lake Michgan for years and really have a knack for sailing(boat had to be sold to pay bills, yeah). It is my dream to live and travel on the sea. I am hoping to say goodbye to my old life and start something new. To feel like I have purpose again and to find true happiness. Any advice you can share would be appreciated. Thank you in advance. Corey

[s/v Beth]

I would keep your day job- live thrifty and learn to sail/cruise. In 5-10 years you will have a nest egg and the talent to live in the sea. Then do it.
BTW- be careful with your heart...fastest way to loose money.

[cabo_sailor]

I'm afraid I have to agree with s/v Beth. A lot of the gear you mention is nice, and expensive. Your primary concern is putting a solid hull under you. Even if you subscribe to the go small go now principle. Boats still cost money. The bigger the boat the more money.

Build up a cruising kitty, study all the boats you think you would like and afford and build up experience in sailing and maintenance. Remember that a bargain price boat may be more expensive than a boat in good condition. For any used boat, I would figure at least 25-30% of the purchase price should be budgeted to get her in shape. Finally, you will need funds to live on.

It can be done, many do. But you need a plan.

Best of luck,
Rich


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[FSMike]

Rule #1.
Do not buy a boat until AFTER your divorce is final.

Afterwards it gets easier. Take your time, no rash decisions, and before too long you can buy me a Kalik in the Bahamas lol.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Corey.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Welcome to CF Corey!

You're already one of us whether you knew it or not...

Move South, find some sailing friends, enjoy life, and tuck away every shekel you can... Before you know it, You'll have found the perfect boat that you can't afford, then really become one of us!