I am wanting to purchase a Catalina sailboat in the next 2-3 years with the thought of living on it when I retire. The 35' and 42' were recommended. I'm wondering what I'm getting into living on a boat, maintenance costs, slip fees (figuring on going to warmer climates in the winter), and anything else that would be useful to know. The Cat is the only sailboat I've got experience with so far, are there any issues I need to know about going to a 'real' boat. If possible I want to buy the boat that I want without working my way up in size. I'll be sailing it on the Chesapeake Bay until that time so I will have 10 - 15 years to gain the experience that I need. Any input would be appreciated.
- Status
Jeff living on a boat full time is a different
life style than living on shore. First you no longer will have a back yard where you can store things. Second you will have almost all of you belongings in a space about ten feet wide and about 25 feet long and 6'6" high. In that space you do your cooking, sleeping, entertaining, reading, personal maintenance, and you may even be sharing that space with someone else. As to the cost it varies greatly depending on your location. My friends used to anchor in the harbor at Marathon Key and work in a local boat yard. They commuted by dinghy. If you can do all of your own repairs then the cost of repairs is limited to the cost of parts and the tools that you must have. Just as in houses and on cars things wear out they also do on boats so it is always something.
life style than living on shore. First you no longer will have a back yard where you can store things. Second you will have almost all of you belongings in a space about ten feet wide and about 25 feet long and 6'6" high. In that space you do your cooking, sleeping, entertaining, reading, personal maintenance, and you may even be sharing that space with someone else. As to the cost it varies greatly depending on your location. My friends used to anchor in the harbor at Marathon Key and work in a local boat yard. They commuted by dinghy. If you can do all of your own repairs then the cost of repairs is limited to the cost of parts and the tools that you must have. Just as in houses and on cars things wear out they also do on boats so it is always something.
Catalina 42 is very nice..
and I see lots of them cruising in the Carib. Personally I think for long term live aboard the 42 is as small as you'd want plus the 42 is a very, very nice sailing boat with really good sea kindly manners. Costs will depend on where you are and insurance in the South and Carib can be quite expensive sometimes three times the cost of what you might pay in MD. You can buy a good used 42 for less than the newer 350's or 380's 390's or 400's.. We are planning on retiring early, although it's still quite a ways off, and cruising for two to three years and the 42 is on our short list but so are a lot of boats. Don't limit yourself to Catalina only but also don't buy a boat you will be a slave to with teak decks and lots of bright work or you may quickly grow tired of boat ownership especially in the South. I've owned three Catalina's and the company has been so good to me, customer service wise, that I keep coming back. They are not the fanciest or the best built but they do the job and as my friend who owns a Sabre 362 says "I really doubt I'm having a 100k more fun on my Sabre than you are on your Catalina". That to me sums it up...
and I see lots of them cruising in the Carib. Personally I think for long term live aboard the 42 is as small as you'd want plus the 42 is a very, very nice sailing boat with really good sea kindly manners. Costs will depend on where you are and insurance in the South and Carib can be quite expensive sometimes three times the cost of what you might pay in MD. You can buy a good used 42 for less than the newer 350's or 380's 390's or 400's.. We are planning on retiring early, although it's still quite a ways off, and cruising for two to three years and the 42 is on our short list but so are a lot of boats. Don't limit yourself to Catalina only but also don't buy a boat you will be a slave to with teak decks and lots of bright work or you may quickly grow tired of boat ownership especially in the South. I've owned three Catalina's and the company has been so good to me, customer service wise, that I keep coming back. They are not the fanciest or the best built but they do the job and as my friend who owns a Sabre 362 says "I really doubt I'm having a 100k more fun on my Sabre than you are on your Catalina". That to me sums it up...
Try This
Jeff, A good read is the link below. You might also Google 'retire sailboat' and look for a link to a guy named Bill Dietrich. He provides a lot of interesting information about his experience living aboard. As for the move to a keel boat you might want to keep your Hobie for a while in case you feel the need for speed but you'll enjoy being able to take friends out, stay on the boat with comfort and know that you can go sailing without going swimming.(my buddies say I can pitch-pole a catamaran on a flat lake!) Have a great day!
Jeff, A good read is the link below. You might also Google 'retire sailboat' and look for a link to a guy named Bill Dietrich. He provides a lot of interesting information about his experience living aboard. As for the move to a keel boat you might want to keep your Hobie for a while in case you feel the need for speed but you'll enjoy being able to take friends out, stay on the boat with comfort and know that you can go sailing without going swimming.(my buddies say I can pitch-pole a catamaran on a flat lake!) Have a great day!
'Until that time'.... and then what?
There are some books that you'll get a lot out of, but I think a good place to start is with the question I posed above. Paradoxically, this most important question - what your long-range plans are - is both the most critical one AND the least answerable. The reason why it is important is that while a Catalina (or Hunter or Beneteau or other mass-market boat) is fine for 10 or 15 years of cruising in the Chesapeake, it is not generally regarded as a blue-water voyaging sailboat. So if you have dreams of the South Pacific, Australia, Europe, etc., you may do better to raise your sights to boats that are more suitable for that kind of cruising. On the other hand, if you'll 'only' be headed to the Bahamas for the winter, the Catalina class of boats is eminently suitable. As to your questions, cruising/living aboard can cost as much or as little as you want/need/have. You can live in a marina (expensive), on a mooring, or 'on the hook'. Maintenance cost is very much a function of boat size, system complexity and willingness/ability to do work yourself. I know of people who cruise for less than $10,000 per year, and others who spend 10 times that. As I said, there are plenty of books that would interest you, but my first recommendation is: The Voyager's Handbook by Beth Leonard (Second Edition) This book contains a wealth of knowledge on boats, cruising and voyaging, including details on cost, budgets, types of boats, and what the cruising life is really all about. I highly recommend it. Other ideas as you move towards deciding on a boat and plans: 1. Go to sailboat shows. Not only can you see lots of boats, but there are seminars and lectures. You'll be able to see first-hand the differences between a Catalina 34 and a Tartan 3400 and learn why the Tartan costs about $100,000 more. 2. Do a learn-to-sail charter in the Bahamas - live on a sailboat for a week and find out if you're REALLY interested in being rocked to sleep every night before sinking big bucks in your own boat. 3. Race - find a boat looking for crew. Start with local 'beer-can races' that most every yacht club has. There's no better way to learn the techniques of sailing and meet sailors and see what it's all about - for FREE! Well, I could go on and on (and frequently do) but I don't want to bore you.
Cheers, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8
There are some books that you'll get a lot out of, but I think a good place to start is with the question I posed above. Paradoxically, this most important question - what your long-range plans are - is both the most critical one AND the least answerable. The reason why it is important is that while a Catalina (or Hunter or Beneteau or other mass-market boat) is fine for 10 or 15 years of cruising in the Chesapeake, it is not generally regarded as a blue-water voyaging sailboat. So if you have dreams of the South Pacific, Australia, Europe, etc., you may do better to raise your sights to boats that are more suitable for that kind of cruising. On the other hand, if you'll 'only' be headed to the Bahamas for the winter, the Catalina class of boats is eminently suitable. As to your questions, cruising/living aboard can cost as much or as little as you want/need/have. You can live in a marina (expensive), on a mooring, or 'on the hook'. Maintenance cost is very much a function of boat size, system complexity and willingness/ability to do work yourself. I know of people who cruise for less than $10,000 per year, and others who spend 10 times that. As I said, there are plenty of books that would interest you, but my first recommendation is: The Voyager's Handbook by Beth Leonard (Second Edition) This book contains a wealth of knowledge on boats, cruising and voyaging, including details on cost, budgets, types of boats, and what the cruising life is really all about. I highly recommend it. Other ideas as you move towards deciding on a boat and plans: 1. Go to sailboat shows. Not only can you see lots of boats, but there are seminars and lectures. You'll be able to see first-hand the differences between a Catalina 34 and a Tartan 3400 and learn why the Tartan costs about $100,000 more. 2. Do a learn-to-sail charter in the Bahamas - live on a sailboat for a week and find out if you're REALLY interested in being rocked to sleep every night before sinking big bucks in your own boat. 3. Race - find a boat looking for crew. Start with local 'beer-can races' that most every yacht club has. There's no better way to learn the techniques of sailing and meet sailors and see what it's all about - for FREE! Well, I could go on and on (and frequently do) but I don't want to bore you.
Cheers, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8consider scale when singlehanding
Jeff, I'm assuming you'll be singlehanding the boat. There are some issues of scale and design when operating the boat by yourself. For one thing, a good autohelm system is essential, and having the traveler system in front of you ant the nav station is also essential, even if you have to re-rig some things to get it there. Some Hunters I've seen have a good traveler setup at the helm which doesn't interfere with movement in the cockpit, otherwise some racing boats have travelers running across the seating which is close enough but much fun on a cruising boat. As the boat gets bigger the hardware and sails get heavier, until you at last get to the point where equipment failures can't be dealt with by one person because a boom or sail is too heavy to manhandle, or a loaded jib line is too powerful, etc. Estimating what is "too big" is subjective, but nonetheless real. Too large a boat becomes an expense at marinas and may even keep you out of many places, another consideration. As for Catalinas, I like them as coastal cruisers. the 350 has been designed very specifically with cruisers' needs in mind (storage), so I would consider that the largest I would use as a singlehander. The 30 and 28 are excellent choices for manageable boats for singlehanding. Keep in mind that the Cruising Club of America doesn't allow any boat under 32' in their Newport-Bermuda race because they believe boats under that size are at a disadvantage in relation to the average size of Atlantic waves; the theory is abstract and subjective, but at least coming from a source which must be taken seriously. That would make the 350 the "sweet spot" for the considerations I've mentioned here. Finally, I take issue with the idea that a fiberglass boat is okay for Atlantic travel but not Pacific--the weather and conditions will be every bit as bad in either ocean if you go far enough out. Some kind of steel-hulled boat would be the ultimate, I suppose, but money always comes into the picture somewhere...
Jeff, I'm assuming you'll be singlehanding the boat. There are some issues of scale and design when operating the boat by yourself. For one thing, a good autohelm system is essential, and having the traveler system in front of you ant the nav station is also essential, even if you have to re-rig some things to get it there. Some Hunters I've seen have a good traveler setup at the helm which doesn't interfere with movement in the cockpit, otherwise some racing boats have travelers running across the seating which is close enough but much fun on a cruising boat. As the boat gets bigger the hardware and sails get heavier, until you at last get to the point where equipment failures can't be dealt with by one person because a boom or sail is too heavy to manhandle, or a loaded jib line is too powerful, etc. Estimating what is "too big" is subjective, but nonetheless real. Too large a boat becomes an expense at marinas and may even keep you out of many places, another consideration. As for Catalinas, I like them as coastal cruisers. the 350 has been designed very specifically with cruisers' needs in mind (storage), so I would consider that the largest I would use as a singlehander. The 30 and 28 are excellent choices for manageable boats for singlehanding. Keep in mind that the Cruising Club of America doesn't allow any boat under 32' in their Newport-Bermuda race because they believe boats under that size are at a disadvantage in relation to the average size of Atlantic waves; the theory is abstract and subjective, but at least coming from a source which must be taken seriously. That would make the 350 the "sweet spot" for the considerations I've mentioned here. Finally, I take issue with the idea that a fiberglass boat is okay for Atlantic travel but not Pacific--the weather and conditions will be every bit as bad in either ocean if you go far enough out. Some kind of steel-hulled boat would be the ultimate, I suppose, but money always comes into the picture somewhere...
The life aboard
Jeff, I will add to what the others have said here about living aboard. I have been living aboard now for almost two years (well it would be two years if not for that seven month stint in Iraq... but that's a different story for a different day). The one thing that sticks out in my mind is that it is a very different way of living, and you have to be ok with this. Some people love it and some people miss "the hard". I personally am very happy living aboard, but then I live aboard in San Diego and generally the weather is always very nice around here and so I never feel cooped up in my boat. I think I would have a whole different view of living aboard if I did it in Maryland where there are long winters. As for what type of boat to own. I personally think that Hunters are just about the best "live-aboard" boat, but there is a trade off for this comfort (BTW as a good friend of mine says: "Boats are always a trade off between one thing and another") and the trade off is that they are not the best blue water boats (meaning they probably shouldn't be taken on a cruise around the world). Catalina’s are better for blue water in my opinion, but you lose some of the nice live aboard comforts (such as large ports and huge holding tanks). Yet as others have said you need to consider what you are doing with the boat. I own a Hunter, but I also realize that I will never be sailing this thing around the world and accept the trade-offs as being comfortable at the dock is worth giving up a few "blue water" features. Then there is cost. Personally I find it extraordinarily cheaper to live-aboard that to own a house (now mind you I'm in San Diego where housing prices are through the roof). Maintenance is about similar to that of a house, meaning that there is always something to be fixed (I believe an earlier poster mentioned this) so that doesn't change, but you will have this no matter if you live-aboard or if you own a house on the hard... so for me it doesn't make any difference. Yet boats can be expensive at times, and as it’s your house that’s now floating above the water you often want to put the money into it rather than find it at the bottom of the bay one day. The other thing to consider is that everything “marine” costs about 20-30% more than the same item for a non-marine use. They say this is because they use better quality parts for marine purposes, but I think it also has to do with the fact that they know us boaters are a specialized market and they can charge us more because we will pay it. However there is ways around these additional costs and the people on this board can often help you find a more affordable solution to many common problems. If you are going to live aboard I would also advise you to buy a newer boat and save yourself the headaches of fixing up an older one (unless you really like working on boats). An older Catalina 34 or even an older Catalina 42 could be had in the 30-40K range but most of these boats require some serious TLC before they are very comfortable to live on. I bought a 2000 Hunter 340 for 80K and although my boat was much more expensive than many of my neighbor’s boats, I go sailing on the weekends while they are still fixing things. Again it is a trade off (did I mention everything on boats is a trade off?) but I prefer to pay the money and have fun rather than spend all my time fixing stuff and being stuck in the docks. On top of this the newer boats are much nicer to live aboard, tend to stay drier, and generally make your living experience much more enjoyable. Anyway that's just my 2 cents (or perhaps that was the 5 cent answer... it was pretty long). Good luck with your search for a boat and let us know how it goes in the end. Take care, -Levin
Jeff, I will add to what the others have said here about living aboard. I have been living aboard now for almost two years (well it would be two years if not for that seven month stint in Iraq... but that's a different story for a different day). The one thing that sticks out in my mind is that it is a very different way of living, and you have to be ok with this. Some people love it and some people miss "the hard". I personally am very happy living aboard, but then I live aboard in San Diego and generally the weather is always very nice around here and so I never feel cooped up in my boat. I think I would have a whole different view of living aboard if I did it in Maryland where there are long winters. As for what type of boat to own. I personally think that Hunters are just about the best "live-aboard" boat, but there is a trade off for this comfort (BTW as a good friend of mine says: "Boats are always a trade off between one thing and another") and the trade off is that they are not the best blue water boats (meaning they probably shouldn't be taken on a cruise around the world). Catalina’s are better for blue water in my opinion, but you lose some of the nice live aboard comforts (such as large ports and huge holding tanks). Yet as others have said you need to consider what you are doing with the boat. I own a Hunter, but I also realize that I will never be sailing this thing around the world and accept the trade-offs as being comfortable at the dock is worth giving up a few "blue water" features. Then there is cost. Personally I find it extraordinarily cheaper to live-aboard that to own a house (now mind you I'm in San Diego where housing prices are through the roof). Maintenance is about similar to that of a house, meaning that there is always something to be fixed (I believe an earlier poster mentioned this) so that doesn't change, but you will have this no matter if you live-aboard or if you own a house on the hard... so for me it doesn't make any difference. Yet boats can be expensive at times, and as it’s your house that’s now floating above the water you often want to put the money into it rather than find it at the bottom of the bay one day. The other thing to consider is that everything “marine” costs about 20-30% more than the same item for a non-marine use. They say this is because they use better quality parts for marine purposes, but I think it also has to do with the fact that they know us boaters are a specialized market and they can charge us more because we will pay it. However there is ways around these additional costs and the people on this board can often help you find a more affordable solution to many common problems. If you are going to live aboard I would also advise you to buy a newer boat and save yourself the headaches of fixing up an older one (unless you really like working on boats). An older Catalina 34 or even an older Catalina 42 could be had in the 30-40K range but most of these boats require some serious TLC before they are very comfortable to live on. I bought a 2000 Hunter 340 for 80K and although my boat was much more expensive than many of my neighbor’s boats, I go sailing on the weekends while they are still fixing things. Again it is a trade off (did I mention everything on boats is a trade off?) but I prefer to pay the money and have fun rather than spend all my time fixing stuff and being stuck in the docks. On top of this the newer boats are much nicer to live aboard, tend to stay drier, and generally make your living experience much more enjoyable. Anyway that's just my 2 cents (or perhaps that was the 5 cent answer... it was pretty long). Good luck with your search for a boat and let us know how it goes in the end. Take care, -Levin
Good posts, all
Jeff, you may want to check out the Catalina Association websites to see what the owners of those boats have to say about them. The C30s, C34s, C350s, C36s, C380s and 387s and C42s have good ones. The C310s are on this site.
Jeff, you may want to check out the Catalina Association websites to see what the owners of those boats have to say about them. The C30s, C34s, C350s, C36s, C380s and 387s and C42s have good ones. The C310s are on this site.
I remember when Levin was very green ...
behind the ears that is. He was a poster coming to this website a few years ago with no experience who was looking for a way to live onboard a boat. Now it sounds like he has quite a bit of valid experience to share! Jeff, it sounds like you are not particularly interested in living on board just yet. It sounds like you are thinking that it is 10 to 15 years before shifting gears! I would suggest that you not consider looking for the boat that you would ultimately retire on. The problem is that you can't possibly know enough about what you want, which would make your selection a much bigger gamble. Why not consider a pocket cruiser in the size range of 27' to 30' to give you the experience that you will ultimately find invaluable? You can find a very good deal to get you started if you look for an older boat that is generally in good condition, but needs more maintenance than a new boat would. You can learn a great deal about cruising, navigation, and boat systems. The knowledge would then be your best frame of reference for selecting a much newer (or brand new) boat that suits your needs and preference. I had the same experience as you with plenty of time on the water in a variety of small boats. But until we bought our 27' Starwind (1984), I didn't have any valid experience for the type of sailing that you are thinking about now. After 3 years of experience, I have learned a great deal more about what I might prefer in the future but I can assure you that I am nowhere near as experienced as I want to be before searching for our ultimate dreamboat. Plus, I think it is a big bonus to gain this experience on a boat that needs attention before purchasing a boat that will ultimately give us years of enjoyment. I am with Levin on that one ... when it comes time to really enjoy your boat, get something newer.
behind the ears that is. He was a poster coming to this website a few years ago with no experience who was looking for a way to live onboard a boat. Now it sounds like he has quite a bit of valid experience to share! Jeff, it sounds like you are not particularly interested in living on board just yet. It sounds like you are thinking that it is 10 to 15 years before shifting gears! I would suggest that you not consider looking for the boat that you would ultimately retire on. The problem is that you can't possibly know enough about what you want, which would make your selection a much bigger gamble. Why not consider a pocket cruiser in the size range of 27' to 30' to give you the experience that you will ultimately find invaluable? You can find a very good deal to get you started if you look for an older boat that is generally in good condition, but needs more maintenance than a new boat would. You can learn a great deal about cruising, navigation, and boat systems. The knowledge would then be your best frame of reference for selecting a much newer (or brand new) boat that suits your needs and preference. I had the same experience as you with plenty of time on the water in a variety of small boats. But until we bought our 27' Starwind (1984), I didn't have any valid experience for the type of sailing that you are thinking about now. After 3 years of experience, I have learned a great deal more about what I might prefer in the future but I can assure you that I am nowhere near as experienced as I want to be before searching for our ultimate dreamboat. Plus, I think it is a big bonus to gain this experience on a boat that needs attention before purchasing a boat that will ultimately give us years of enjoyment. I am with Levin on that one ... when it comes time to really enjoy your boat, get something newer.
Jeff, get the smallest boat that you can
live on. A Catalina 36 is a nice size. You can single hand it, but it has a seperate aft cabin, so you can take friends sailing in style and comfort. ODay 32 centre cockpit is another one to look at. The advice about newer vs. older boats is valid, but there are older boats for sale that the previous owner has spent the money for the upgrades. These boats can be a good deal. If you can easily afford a new or nearly new boat, go for it! They really do get better every year. A one to five year old boat in really good condition cam be a better deal than a new boat. Price is lower, and there are usually add ons like electronics, dodger, dinghy etc. that cost thousands extra on a new boat. A 2005 Catalina 30 has as much usable room as a 1994 Catalia 36, and the 30 is easier to handle, less expensive to moor, lower maintenance, less fuel, etc. If you live aboard, you need good dry heat, and plenty of it. Consider a wood burning stove. If you get a propane or diesel heater, get a big one! There's nothing so cozy as a warm, dry boat in the winter, and nothing so miserable as a cold, wet one. Go for it! I lived aboard for 30 years in Washington State, and loved every minute of it, even the rain.
live on. A Catalina 36 is a nice size. You can single hand it, but it has a seperate aft cabin, so you can take friends sailing in style and comfort. ODay 32 centre cockpit is another one to look at. The advice about newer vs. older boats is valid, but there are older boats for sale that the previous owner has spent the money for the upgrades. These boats can be a good deal. If you can easily afford a new or nearly new boat, go for it! They really do get better every year. A one to five year old boat in really good condition cam be a better deal than a new boat. Price is lower, and there are usually add ons like electronics, dodger, dinghy etc. that cost thousands extra on a new boat. A 2005 Catalina 30 has as much usable room as a 1994 Catalia 36, and the 30 is easier to handle, less expensive to moor, lower maintenance, less fuel, etc. If you live aboard, you need good dry heat, and plenty of it. Consider a wood burning stove. If you get a propane or diesel heater, get a big one! There's nothing so cozy as a warm, dry boat in the winter, and nothing so miserable as a cold, wet one. Go for it! I lived aboard for 30 years in Washington State, and loved every minute of it, even the rain.
1985 ofday anniversary 26 ftr
Jeff,I too think of an early retirement and spending a few years on board.Currently I sail a 26 ft oday and know that for today I am learning each time I go out,primarily I singlehand and realize the limitations thereof.i would hope to retire to a 35 to 40 ftr. But as some of the previous posts had mentioned singlehanding a boat of this size is not always plausible. My feelings on this issue would be go out and get a boat you can sail today and enjoy for years to come and then when you are ready get that newer boat you can retire to.Less work when you retire and more fun. I do not have the experience I know that I need for cruising solo and I am only 8 to 10 years away from my ideal retirement date. SO I guess I better get ready. I have thought of staying here in the north east for the summers and then heading south for the winter with or without the boat.If this were to happen I think I would like a smaller sailboat down south for the winter months. As you can see I am still just dreaming and need to formulate a plan.
Jeff,I too think of an early retirement and spending a few years on board.Currently I sail a 26 ft oday and know that for today I am learning each time I go out,primarily I singlehand and realize the limitations thereof.i would hope to retire to a 35 to 40 ftr. But as some of the previous posts had mentioned singlehanding a boat of this size is not always plausible. My feelings on this issue would be go out and get a boat you can sail today and enjoy for years to come and then when you are ready get that newer boat you can retire to.Less work when you retire and more fun. I do not have the experience I know that I need for cruising solo and I am only 8 to 10 years away from my ideal retirement date. SO I guess I better get ready. I have thought of staying here in the north east for the summers and then heading south for the winter with or without the boat.If this were to happen I think I would like a smaller sailboat down south for the winter months. As you can see I am still just dreaming and need to formulate a plan.
Living aboard
Jeff, You didn't say whether or not you live alone. Makes a big difference. I lived on a 28 for a pretty good while. But by myself, it wasn't that cramped. Two would have been very cozy, and more than two would have been nearly impossible. There is very limited ( How ya doin Scott? Getting warm enough up there to do any sailing.) If you are 10 to 15 years away, I would start a little smaller, and see what you actually need, and what you can handle. Also learn which boats are easier or harder to sail witstorage, small water capacity, and the list goes on. I would agree with Scott on this. h the number of crew you have. I currently sail a 37' Seidelman, and at my age I am at the upper limits of what I can sail single handed. If you get too much boat for you and/or available crew to handle, you are going to sooner or later get yourself into trouble. It is easy enough to get in trouble without having a boat you don't have the man power to sail.
Jeff, You didn't say whether or not you live alone. Makes a big difference. I lived on a 28 for a pretty good while. But by myself, it wasn't that cramped. Two would have been very cozy, and more than two would have been nearly impossible. There is very limited ( How ya doin Scott? Getting warm enough up there to do any sailing.) If you are 10 to 15 years away, I would start a little smaller, and see what you actually need, and what you can handle. Also learn which boats are easier or harder to sail witstorage, small water capacity, and the list goes on. I would agree with Scott on this. h the number of crew you have. I currently sail a 37' Seidelman, and at my age I am at the upper limits of what I can sail single handed. If you get too much boat for you and/or available crew to handle, you are going to sooner or later get yourself into trouble. It is easy enough to get in trouble without having a boat you don't have the man power to sail.
Go for it
Well, Jeff - go for it, man. If you are comfortable on your Hobie - I mean you can make it do anything it's capable of doing - then you can theoretically sail anything, IMHO. The fundamentals are all the same. I started sailing H16s in '77, went thru three of 'em, had the last one for 19 years. Now I finally have a "real" boat for my retirement. My first and hopefully last. Don't let anyone tell you that you have to start with a small "real" boat and work your way up. If I can do it, anyone can. That said, all those years I was bouy racing cats I was also chartering and getting on any "real" boat I could to crew. That amounted to "starting small" for me. So I suggest you do some chartering, do some crewing on "real" boats, and find out by trial what you really like and what likes you. Dave S/V Pas de Deux Catana 471-44
Well, Jeff - go for it, man. If you are comfortable on your Hobie - I mean you can make it do anything it's capable of doing - then you can theoretically sail anything, IMHO. The fundamentals are all the same. I started sailing H16s in '77, went thru three of 'em, had the last one for 19 years. Now I finally have a "real" boat
for my retirement. My first and hopefully last. Don't let anyone tell you that you have to start with a small "real" boat and work your way up. If I can do it, anyone can. That said, all those years I was bouy racing cats I was also chartering and getting on any "real" boat I could to crew. That amounted to "starting small" for me. So I suggest you do some chartering, do some crewing on "real" boats, and find out by trial what you really like and what likes you. Dave S/V Pas de Deux Catana 471-44Really do love my Cat!!
Dave, Didn't mean to offend you by using the word 'real' in reference to a sail boat. I do enjoy the Hobie but I have to drive 200 miles to get to the Bay and it would be nice to be able to get on a boat and go out for 2 or 3 days on the weekend with out having to return to the marina at the end of the day to go to a motel. Everyone has given me sound advice. How would I get in touch with someone to crew for?? I would also like to learn alot more about how to sail. I can get from here to there but I know I'm not doing it correctly or as efficiently as possible. I guess if I crewed for someone I would learn and could try it myself on the cat. Stupid question. I will have a couple of weeks off this summer that the plant shuts down any chance of bringing my boat down and having you show me some things??? Certainly appreciate your input. Jeff
Dave, Didn't mean to offend you by using the word 'real' in reference to a sail boat. I do enjoy the Hobie but I have to drive 200 miles to get to the Bay and it would be nice to be able to get on a boat and go out for 2 or 3 days on the weekend with out having to return to the marina at the end of the day to go to a motel. Everyone has given me sound advice. How would I get in touch with someone to crew for?? I would also like to learn alot more about how to sail. I can get from here to there but I know I'm not doing it correctly or as efficiently as possible. I guess if I crewed for someone I would learn and could try it myself on the cat. Stupid question. I will have a couple of weeks off this summer that the plant shuts down any chance of bringing my boat down and having you show me some things??? Certainly appreciate your input. Jeff
Jeff, Can the two of you spend an entire
weekend in each other's company confined to the kitchen and bedroom and bathroom? If you are on the anchor you must conserve your batteries so you probably don't watch TV. you use only enough light for the task at hand. The reality of living aboard is a small space and a constant awareness of conservation of resources.
weekend in each other's company confined to the kitchen and bedroom and bathroom? If you are on the anchor you must conserve your batteries so you probably don't watch TV. you use only enough light for the task at hand. The reality of living aboard is a small space and a constant awareness of conservation of resources.
Use the internet, jeff.....
google 'yacht club' along with your area and/or the stretch of the Chesapeake Bay you live nearest and/or whatever river or lake is nearby. Don't let the term 'Yacht Club' put you off... it's NOT all navy blue blazers, blue-rinsed dowagers and hundred foot superyachts. I belonged to a 'yacht club' in Louisiana where the largest 'yacht' was a Hunter 26.5. Many yacht clubs and sailing associations maintain bulletin boards on which boats seeking crew and crew seeking boats post their particulars and match up. Don't worry about your lack of knowledge and experience - you won't end up on one of those rocket sleds with the kevlar sails, canting keels, carbon fiber spin poles and matching uniforms, but if you take a close look at those boats, you'll find that they usually aren't having a whole lot of fun. I always think of a Roman galley when they sail past me, with the skipper screaming commands and the crew scared of getting keel-hauled if they don't win the race.... I think they keep the whips out of sight when other boats are close. ;D If you look around, you'll find a boat to crew on, and you'll learn a LOT very quickly about handling a sailboat and trimming sails. Cheers, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8
google 'yacht club' along with your area and/or the stretch of the Chesapeake Bay you live nearest and/or whatever river or lake is nearby. Don't let the term 'Yacht Club' put you off... it's NOT all navy blue blazers, blue-rinsed dowagers and hundred foot superyachts. I belonged to a 'yacht club' in Louisiana where the largest 'yacht' was a Hunter 26.5.
Many yacht clubs and sailing associations maintain bulletin boards on which boats seeking crew and crew seeking boats post their particulars and match up. Don't worry about your lack of knowledge and experience - you won't end up on one of those rocket sleds with the kevlar sails, canting keels, carbon fiber spin poles and matching uniforms, but if you take a close look at those boats, you'll find that they usually aren't having a whole lot of fun. I always think of a Roman galley when they sail past me, with the skipper screaming commands and the crew scared of getting keel-hauled if they don't win the race.... I think they keep the whips out of sight when other boats are close. ;D If you look around, you'll find a boat to crew on, and you'll learn a LOT very quickly about handling a sailboat and trimming sails. Cheers, Bob s/v X SAIL R 8Where are you, Jeff?
Where are you, Jeff? What part of the Bay do you sail? One thing you can do right away to improve your sailing skills is to get involved in your local Hobie Fleet. I know of a couple in the Bay area. Get involved in the local races. Racing in one designs is the very best way to improve your skills, IMHO. Dave S/V Pas de Deux Catana 471-44
Where are you, Jeff? What part of the Bay do you sail? One thing you can do right away to improve your sailing skills is to get involved in your local Hobie Fleet. I know of a couple in the Bay area. Get involved in the local races. Racing in one designs is the very best way to improve your skills, IMHO. Dave S/V Pas de Deux Catana 471-44
sailing areas
I come down through Anapolis, usually sail in the Cambridge area. Go to Taylors Island a lot cause no one is there to see when I make a fool of myself.
I come down through Anapolis, usually sail in the Cambridge area. Go to Taylors Island a lot cause no one is there to see when I make a fool of myself.
Fleet 54
Jeff - Google Hobie Fleet 54. I haven't been around them for 5 or 6 years, but they were quite active on the northern Bay at one time. Also, Google CRAC or Catamaran Racing Association of the Chesapeake. I did a lot of long distance racing with them back in the last century. See if you can get involved. They are used to folks like you wanting to learn more and you'll feel welcome. Dave S/V Pas de Deux Catana 471-44
Jeff - Google Hobie Fleet 54. I haven't been around them for 5 or 6 years, but they were quite active on the northern Bay at one time. Also, Google CRAC or Catamaran Racing Association of the Chesapeake. I did a lot of long distance racing with them back in the last century. See if you can get involved. They are used to folks like you wanting to learn more and you'll feel welcome. Dave S/V Pas de Deux Catana 471-44
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