New to the board, Novice to sailing

[offrd2001]

Greetings to anyone who actually reads the posts in this "Meet and Greet" section. Ive actually already posted one other thread in another section but figured I would stop by to add my footprint here as well.

A little about me -

Im 26, work overseas (Afghanistan) and finally have the chance (Finances are a big part of "the chance") to grab a dream. In 2000 I was stationed in Annapolis MD with the Marines and used to sit on the dock overlooking the masts in the harbor. I always wondered and was at awe at being able to drop everything and have the world as a playground. Waking up to the sound of waves tapping the side of the hull on a warm summer morning with a salty breeze blowing in through hatches was what I imagine as I looked out. I told myself, if I ever get the chance, Im going to do it. I do have some sailing experience as I grew up on the outer banks of NC. Most was gained on small (20' and below) vessels but to own a boat of my own of size and make it my home for liveaboard crusing, is my dream.

Recently, I stumbled upon a Bruce Roberts steel 44 offshore. I love Bruces designs and I seem to find that most people that sail them are happy with them. The boat is currently just a hull and deck. It was stripped completely by the current owner who had plans to sail her again but is now selling. I am no expert in boat building and dont plan on piecing her together with the little I do know. If I purchase her, she will be moved and fitted by a professional. Being a former Marine I have that "do it right the first time" attitude. Luckily I have the financial support to see the task thru to the end.

Well this is pretty much my story and where I am at now. I will be home in May to inspect her and see if we have that "bond". Im sure I will be consulting all the salty veterans of the sea on this forum and learning new things along the way. I look forward to maybe meeting a few while sailing one day. Anyways, thanks for reading and happy sailing.

Dave

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May your waters be calm and your sails stay full

[Hud3]

Good to have you on the Forum, Dave. This is a good place to get advice for what you're planning to do. Best of luck with your "new" boat.

[iscurt]

hey dave ,i dont have a grey beard or wear a watch cap but one thing i can offer is there is a perfect book for your boat ."from a bare hull" i read it a long time ago and cant remember who wrote it .very informative !good luck.
curtis

[offrd2001]

Thanks for the Welcoming Hud and curtis for the advice. I will have to grab a copy of it. Im looking foreward to getting out on the water...whenever that may be.

__________________________________
Offrd (Dave)
May your seas be calm and your sails always full

[Celestialsailor]

Aloha offrd2001...Welcome to the forum. Of course we read meets and greets. You are the life blood of the forum.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Marine,
Welcome aboard! Thanks for serving. I do have a grey beard and wear a watch cap while at sea.
Just a suggestion but since we are experiencing the economy that we have currently it would be much much less expensive to buy a completed vessel with bells and whistles already installed. I've seen several Bruce Roberts on the yacht listings. They aren't my favorite design or material but look to be very seaworthy and well put together.
Good luck in your cruising pursuits.
kind regards,
JohnL

[SkiprJohn]

From a Bare Hull - Ferenc Mate

JohnL

[offrd2001]

The only thing that is on my side in this build would be the fact that I am working overseas where, so far, the economy hasnt been affecting me. I always do wonder though...do the people that decide to build their own boats always get the responses of dont do it?

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by offrd2001

The only thing that is on my side in this build would be the fact that I am working overseas where, so far, the economy hasnt been affecting me. I always do wonder though...do the people that decide to build their own boats always get the responses of dont do it?

I think it all depends how quickly you want to be on the water,,,sailing. I have built 2 steel boats from a pile of metal and refurbished a number of F/G boats, one from a bare hull. I can tell you it takes a long time and a lot of money. I can suggest if you want to live the cruising dream, it would be cheaper and quicker to find a smaller vessel that is in the water and just needs updating. Say in the 35 ft range.