Lake Erie Boaters

[NautHome]

Hello from Ohio and the great lake Erie. Go Bucks! We believe we are about 10 years or so away from full time cruising. For now, our playground is the lake Erie islands in the western basin where we enjoy our summer weekends fishing and beach bumming around our marina. You'll find us somewhere between Catawba, Put-In-Bay, or Kelleys island May-October. Family and friends are always welcome. However, we also go to the lake/boat for a peaceful getaway (our happy place) and respite. We enjoy the serenity of sunsets and listening to the seagulls and sounds of the water lapping against the side of the boat.

We have a 1987 Cruisers Esprit 3370 we purchased in distress. She was in great shape mechanically with only about 700 hours on the twin 350's, but had some water damage/leaks in the cabin. The DIY cabin has been rebuilt and we are now in the process of doing our own canvas work. We've repaired a few soft spots in the rear deck, refinished the teak, added some personal touches and gave it a thorough wax/polish job. Loved every minute of working on our boat together. He's a handyman and found we can do much of the work ourselves. She is forever prepared keeping everything well stocked, organized, and has great taste in décor.

We've always had a liking for the water. Both of us growing up enjoyed vacations around the beach/water. Went on a cruise for our honeymoon and several since. Lived by the Chesapeake bay and had a small I/O bowrider. Now, living in Ohio and close to the lake, we found ourselves owning another boat and going to "the lake" every weekend during the summer months. It feels comfortable and at peace when we around the water. We follow many of the liveaboard blogs/vlogs of others that have already made the leap. We can do this!

It is our expectation someday we can retire and liveaboard, unsure if it will be part time or full time. We want to travel and see as much as we can. The more we read and experience, the more options we find available. The great loop and ICW, or cruising the great lakes in the summer and motor home across the U.S.A. in the winter, or cruise around the Caribbean, or perhaps an Atlantic crossing to the Azores and into the Med? We don't know yet, but know we want to go cruising when we retire. He wants a sailboat and she wants a large open back deck. Most monohulls do not have this, but a Trawler does. He doesn't want the expense of fuel and prefers sailing. That points us in the direction of a catamaran. Time will tell.

We are empty nesters and both work full time. In the process of downsizing, we want to continue to gain knowledge of what is right for us. So, when it comes time to make the leap, we will know which way to jump. In the meantime, we'll keep saving, downsizing, and learning as much as we can from others in the lifestyle.

Other interests include all kinds of music, playing guitar and mandolin, scuba, cooking, jeeps, good wine, backpacking, and sea turtles.
If anyone is visiting the Lake Erie islands and has any questions, needs some info, wants to join us for a sundowner, then please feel free to drop us a note.

NautHome

[Lake-Effect]

Hi and welcome.


You have a great playground!


One year we launched two Sandpipers from Leamington, spent one overnight at Pelee Is, next night at Put-In Bay, then around Kelly Is and back to Pelee for a night, then back to Leamington.


Only suggestion I have is that if you want to end up on a sailboat, you might consider getting one now so that you get your sailing chops together... and you get used to the speed (or lack thereof ).

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, NautHome.
Go Raptors!