Hello from Massachusetts

[Galroc]

Hi everyone,

I am investigating full-time cruising currently, with a possibility of cruising in about 23-24 months (earliest). My wife and I will initially stick to the US east coast (+ICW), and maybe the Bahamas..depending on how it goes.

I am using the next year researching everything possible and taking a few basic refresher sailing courses. I have sailed before..

My biggest hurdle is convincing the misses. She would rather RV. She thinks we will drown, and/or be hit by a hurricane. It would be great to find some statistics... but it will be a slow education process..

Financially, we will be probably looking at a used 37-47' boat in the $150,000 range (negotiate down to $125K with $25K left over for immediate repairs/upgrades).

In two years, we will have retirement income to last, and not worry about working again. This is assuming we can get total expenses below $45,000/year, but we could go as high as $80,000/year, but would rather not. The difference will be used to save for a better boat down the road.

Decent monohulls appear to be in that $150,000 range, while Cats are way more expensive. Catalina (400,440,470) and Hunter are two major brands that I am looking at. I am not looking for a project, but I am extremely handy. I rather be cruising and not renovating, but if something needs replacing/repairing, I can do that.

So, I will be in lurk mode for a while...this forum has been educating and fun to read.