Cruising World always has great articles about cool couples that set off to exotic destinations and live aboard their boats. While the romance of this is not lost on me, the practicality of it is. I don't have the money to live this type of lifestyle, but one day I want to be able to sail whenever I damned well feel like it. I have been daydreaming for years about retiring early, maybe at 55, and spending some serious time sailing while I (and my wife) are still in good shape. For several reasons, I have decided that I would like to live on land, as opposed to onboard. The ideal setup would be a little bungalow or condo as close to my slip as possible. This also means I could have a smaller boat, like a 34 or even a 37, instead of a big 40 plus liveaboard. This would allow for weeklong jaunts followed by some time at home, and daysails whenever and wherever. I am still young (30's), so I wanted to hear from other sailors who are either working toward this goal, close to this point in their lives, or are actually doing it (you lucky dogs!). What body of water did you choose, and why? What are the advantages and disadvantages to your setup? Is there anything you wish you did differently? Was this something you had planned for a long time, or was it just a natural evolution? What tips can you offer someone in my position? As always - thanks in advance! Rob
- Status
Financial freedom afloat!!!!
I too have the "goal" of cruising and living aboard. My plan is to work as I go. Being that I am a cabinet maker/carpenter, I feel that I will not have any problems finding work. All I need to do is market myself. I found a book called "Financial freedom afloat" written by Charles Tullar and published by Seaworthy Publications. (see link below) This book instructs on how to shove off now and ways of making money as you go and to enjoy the freedom now when you still can! Being that I'll be 40 next month and still in good health, I don't want to wait until I am too old to go. I have a plan to go in 5 years which is about how long it will take me to finish the re-fit of my Pearson 323. I plan to load my tools on my boat and sail to the Virgin's and South America by myself and really enjoy my life the way that I want to live. I know that I will not make a lot of money in some small 3rd. world country but so long as I can feed myself and take care of my boat, I won't need a lot of money. This is truly the life style that I wish for myself. My 32 footer has enough room to be very comfy and won't cost that much to up-keep and I can sail her by myself with great ease. If you really want to go, I would highly recommand this book for you. It has been like a bible to me and I have read it 3 times now. Read the book, put your plan together, untie your lines and just "go"!!! Good luck and keep your dream alive. Steve, s/v Rover (P323)
I too have the "goal" of cruising and living aboard. My plan is to work as I go. Being that I am a cabinet maker/carpenter, I feel that I will not have any problems finding work. All I need to do is market myself. I found a book called "Financial freedom afloat" written by Charles Tullar and published by Seaworthy Publications. (see link below) This book instructs on how to shove off now and ways of making money as you go and to enjoy the freedom now when you still can! Being that I'll be 40 next month and still in good health, I don't want to wait until I am too old to go. I have a plan to go in 5 years which is about how long it will take me to finish the re-fit of my Pearson 323. I plan to load my tools on my boat and sail to the Virgin's and South America by myself and really enjoy my life the way that I want to live. I know that I will not make a lot of money in some small 3rd. world country but so long as I can feed myself and take care of my boat, I won't need a lot of money. This is truly the life style that I wish for myself. My 32 footer has enough room to be very comfy and won't cost that much to up-keep and I can sail her by myself with great ease. If you really want to go, I would highly recommand this book for you. It has been like a bible to me and I have read it 3 times now. Read the book, put your plan together, untie your lines and just "go"!!! Good luck and keep your dream alive. Steve, s/v Rover (P323)
Living and Sailing
Actually I think you have a more realistic view of sailing than those who aspire to cruise the world. I know my own limitations. I am in the process of planning such a "life" and hope to accomplish my goal in two years. My ideal would be: A boat in the 35 ft range which I can sail singlehanded and have a shoal draft, perhaps a centerboard. I would like to locate in and area on the east coast which would allow me to take short cruises, no more than 10-14 days. I would probably settle on the Chesepeak so I could travel north or south with the seasonal changes. I will certainly downsize my lifestyle such as reducing my possessions and hopefully live in maintenance free housing. I want to be able to just pick up and go without any entanglements. Pretty simple plan but I think it allows me to have th ebest of both worlds.
Actually I think you have a more realistic view of sailing than those who aspire to cruise the world. I know my own limitations. I am in the process of planning such a "life" and hope to accomplish my goal in two years. My ideal would be: A boat in the 35 ft range which I can sail singlehanded and have a shoal draft, perhaps a centerboard. I would like to locate in and area on the east coast which would allow me to take short cruises, no more than 10-14 days. I would probably settle on the Chesepeak so I could travel north or south with the seasonal changes. I will certainly downsize my lifestyle such as reducing my possessions and hopefully live in maintenance free housing. I want to be able to just pick up and go without any entanglements. Pretty simple plan but I think it allows me to have th ebest of both worlds.
From observing my Dad..
Rob, My dad was about 63 when he sold everything and bought a 45' Columbia. For 2 years he sailed the east coast, bahamas, and spent most of the winter in Marathon in the keys. The things he sold ,like the farm, the guy never paid for it so, he had to return to land to make some money while the lawyers argued. Well he ended up in Ft. Lauderdale on one of the Isles.He sold the 45 and bought a 32 Allied Seawind. This he enjoyed but had rare occasion to take it out because it was just big enought that singlehanding was not his most enjoyable thing to do. Mind you, he was and still is very capable. He singlehanded the 45 for 2 months while my stepmother sought an insect free land base while dad sailed up the Chesapeake and through the canal. My three brothers and I have had in the past an annual sail with dad for 10 days to two weeks. That was always enjoyable. Dad sold the 32 two Octobers ago. But the annual sails continue. This year we chartered a boat out of Justin's home base in Maine and sailed the coast of Maine. Unfortunatly I was not able to go this year. Back to the subject...Rob, The more reasonably sized boat you buy the more you will use it. There are many large boats out there with dreams of cruising but they end up anchored in the same area for a year or more just because moving them is a task. A 32 to 36 is a nice size boat, easily singlehanded, less expensive to operate. If you want the bigger boat for guests, You are paying alot for that maybe 2 week a year visit from land folk. 4 people on a 32' boat is not that bad for 2 weeks. The point of sailing is to enjoy it. My choice is about a 30 footer. good luck in your planning. you still have 25 years to get there. I am almost 50 and am about to adopt two boys. Retirement funds will not be that great so I am hoping my new-to-me 25 O'Day will go along way. r.w.landau
Rob, My dad was about 63 when he sold everything and bought a 45' Columbia. For 2 years he sailed the east coast, bahamas, and spent most of the winter in Marathon in the keys. The things he sold ,like the farm, the guy never paid for it so, he had to return to land to make some money while the lawyers argued. Well he ended up in Ft. Lauderdale on one of the Isles.He sold the 45 and bought a 32 Allied Seawind. This he enjoyed but had rare occasion to take it out because it was just big enought that singlehanding was not his most enjoyable thing to do. Mind you, he was and still is very capable. He singlehanded the 45 for 2 months while my stepmother sought an insect free land base while dad sailed up the Chesapeake and through the canal. My three brothers and I have had in the past an annual sail with dad for 10 days to two weeks. That was always enjoyable. Dad sold the 32 two Octobers ago. But the annual sails continue. This year we chartered a boat out of Justin's home base in Maine and sailed the coast of Maine. Unfortunatly I was not able to go this year. Back to the subject...Rob, The more reasonably sized boat you buy the more you will use it. There are many large boats out there with dreams of cruising but they end up anchored in the same area for a year or more just because moving them is a task. A 32 to 36 is a nice size boat, easily singlehanded, less expensive to operate. If you want the bigger boat for guests, You are paying alot for that maybe 2 week a year visit from land folk. 4 people on a 32' boat is not that bad for 2 weeks. The point of sailing is to enjoy it. My choice is about a 30 footer. good luck in your planning. you still have 25 years to get there. I am almost 50 and am about to adopt two boys. Retirement funds will not be that great so I am hoping my new-to-me 25 O'Day will go along way. r.w.landau
Steve - How's that hand?
I just got my wisdom teeth out a couple days back - have been doing nothing but lying around in bed and reading this website on my laptop! Rob
I just got my wisdom teeth out a couple days back - have been doing nothing but lying around in bed and reading this website on my laptop! Rob
Rob....
I got the cast off on Thurs. they also took out 12 of the 17 outside stiches. There is not a lot of movement "yet" and no feeling. I get the rest of the stiched out tommorrow along with my 2nd. hand rehab Bottom line is that, it's getting better all the time!!! OOOOOO maaaaaaa gooooooooddddd!!!! I feel for you and your mouth!!!! I had surgery to have my wisdom teeth removed about 7-8 years ago, I remember it like it was yesterday. It hurt like hell for two weeks... Good luck with that and I hope you don't get a "dry socket", you'll be eating real food in no time. Thanks for asking about my hand, won't be long until I can type as fast as Steve Dion again. Steve...
I got the cast off on Thurs. they also took out 12 of the 17 outside stiches. There is not a lot of movement "yet" and no feeling. I get the rest of the stiched out tommorrow along with my 2nd. hand rehab Bottom line is that, it's getting better all the time!!! OOOOOO maaaaaaa gooooooooddddd!!!! I feel for you and your mouth!!!! I had surgery to have my wisdom teeth removed about 7-8 years ago, I remember it like it was yesterday. It hurt like hell for two weeks... Good luck with that and I hope you don't get a "dry socket", you'll be eating real food in no time. Thanks for asking about my hand, won't be long until I can type as fast as Steve Dion again. Steve...
55, Retired and getting ready to leave.
I was forced to retire 3 years ago due to a non-reversiable medical condition. We actually did sell the farm and relocated to a smaller and easier to maintain place. By doing this my wife also was able to retire. Looking for something to do after this major shake-up in life we by chance saw a sailing program and started talking about what fun this might be and it appeared something we could physically do. We immediatly advertized and sold the hot-rod and everything else possible and bought a mint condition and very well equiped 1995 Hunter 26 with trailer. Last year we sailed over 1100 miles in probably 50 days onboard. We have our home 30 miles from where we docked the boat and even though it was only a 1/2 hour drive we choose to stay on board and missed the house not one bit. About 2/3s the way thru the summer we decided this was something we would like to do for at least the next 5 years or until it is physically impossibly to continue. For us there is no later, and after an extensive search we have settled on a 36 to 38 foot boat with the plan of sailing the Puget Sound area for 1 year and then heading south for where ever. We are in the process of selling the house and putting what we need to keep for later in storage. Then we will be starting the rest of our lives. All I would say to anyone else is that if your responsibilities to your family are complete, and your life is in good order, then what do you want to do? Can you do that now? If yes, then what are you waiting for? That time might not be there then, it might only be there today. Ray
I was forced to retire 3 years ago due to a non-reversiable medical condition. We actually did sell the farm and relocated to a smaller and easier to maintain place. By doing this my wife also was able to retire. Looking for something to do after this major shake-up in life we by chance saw a sailing program and started talking about what fun this might be and it appeared something we could physically do. We immediatly advertized and sold the hot-rod and everything else possible and bought a mint condition and very well equiped 1995 Hunter 26 with trailer. Last year we sailed over 1100 miles in probably 50 days onboard. We have our home 30 miles from where we docked the boat and even though it was only a 1/2 hour drive we choose to stay on board and missed the house not one bit. About 2/3s the way thru the summer we decided this was something we would like to do for at least the next 5 years or until it is physically impossibly to continue. For us there is no later, and after an extensive search we have settled on a 36 to 38 foot boat with the plan of sailing the Puget Sound area for 1 year and then heading south for where ever. We are in the process of selling the house and putting what we need to keep for later in storage. Then we will be starting the rest of our lives. All I would say to anyone else is that if your responsibilities to your family are complete, and your life is in good order, then what do you want to do? Can you do that now? If yes, then what are you waiting for? That time might not be there then, it might only be there today. Ray
extra cash from tourist
Rob, During the 80s and early 90s I spent a lot of time wandering Central America (on land). I met two different guys who lived aboard and would travel to say San Jose, the capitol of Costa Rica, and chat up tourist. "Have you seen the coast? Its really beautiful!" "Me, oh I have a sailboat and am just visiting." Then he'd mention that for a small fee he could take 'em cruising for a couple of days. They'd get a few hundred buck which last a long time in Central America. (I lived one year on 1500 including a plane ticket). Maybe that's in the book I haven't read it but I know it was working for those guys. Later, Mike
Rob, During the 80s and early 90s I spent a lot of time wandering Central America (on land). I met two different guys who lived aboard and would travel to say San Jose, the capitol of Costa Rica, and chat up tourist. "Have you seen the coast? Its really beautiful!" "Me, oh I have a sailboat and am just visiting." Then he'd mention that for a small fee he could take 'em cruising for a couple of days. They'd get a few hundred buck which last a long time in Central America. (I lived one year on 1500 including a plane ticket). Maybe that's in the book I haven't read it but I know it was working for those guys. Later, Mike
Chuck it all . . .
Hello Rob, You mentioned you're already in your 30s, so here's my advice. Sell everything, and go right now. There's nothing sadder than an old bald retired guy driving down the street in a brand new Corvette . . . Seriously, you didn't say what you do for a living. If you have a profession you can "take with you" it's a lot easier. For instance, I'm a barber by trade, so I just announce myself as the "Harbor Barber" everywhere I go (I almost painted my mast with red and white stripes before I got hold of myself) and by doing that I can easily make ends meet. Of course, I don't keep a land dwelling like you want to do, but like a lot of other liveaboards I've become a minimalist and this lifestyle suits me fine. Good luck, Nick "Julia Bell" San Diego Bay
Hello Rob, You mentioned you're already in your 30s, so here's my advice. Sell everything, and go right now. There's nothing sadder than an old bald retired guy driving down the street in a brand new Corvette . . . Seriously, you didn't say what you do for a living. If you have a profession you can "take with you" it's a lot easier. For instance, I'm a barber by trade, so I just announce myself as the "Harbor Barber" everywhere I go (I almost painted my mast with red and white stripes before I got hold of myself) and by doing that I can easily make ends meet. Of course, I don't keep a land dwelling like you want to do, but like a lot of other liveaboards I've become a minimalist and this lifestyle suits me fine. Good luck, Nick "Julia Bell" San Diego Bay
Interesting thread Rob.
Especially since I am about a year away from something like that. But what exactly!? It's easy to get carried away with the articles in CW, I subscribe also. Then I bring it up with the First Mate at dinner and get those blank looks. We have already covered the liveaboard option and that is not going to happen, not even for a few months a year. So step #1 is to go alone or be sure the significant other is on board with the plan. That's the advantage of your idea and why I have thought along those lines. If you want to go explore some islands for a day or a weekend you can go yourself. The wife can go shopping. But you can probably agree to an occasional two week outing to someplace special. Our location near the islands on Lake Erie is ideal for that. But only for six months of the year. Property near the boat is cheap and the grandkids are not so far away. Then comes winter. From my travels near the East Coast I like two areas a lot. One is Pamlico Sound in North Carolina. Nice protected sailing but the ocean is close by. And it's a good jumping off spot because of the ICW, North to explore the Chesapeake or South to Florida and out to the Bahamas(see Link). Downside is they do get cold weather for a month or two. The Southwest coast of Florida around Fort Myers is also inviting. Lots of places to go, some close and some a little farther. I have followed the travels of many on this web-site from that area and it is very appealing. Downside here is that marina costs are fairly high. And it's almost too hot to sail in the summer. So that's the dilemma. I know the answer, a boat in two places!
Especially since I am about a year away from something like that. But what exactly!? It's easy to get carried away with the articles in CW, I subscribe also. Then I bring it up with the First Mate at dinner and get those blank looks. We have already covered the liveaboard option and that is not going to happen, not even for a few months a year. So step #1 is to go alone or be sure the significant other is on board with the plan. That's the advantage of your idea and why I have thought along those lines. If you want to go explore some islands for a day or a weekend you can go yourself. The wife can go shopping. But you can probably agree to an occasional two week outing to someplace special. Our location near the islands on Lake Erie is ideal for that. But only for six months of the year. Property near the boat is cheap and the grandkids are not so far away. Then comes winter. From my travels near the East Coast I like two areas a lot. One is Pamlico Sound in North Carolina. Nice protected sailing but the ocean is close by. And it's a good jumping off spot because of the ICW, North to explore the Chesapeake or South to Florida and out to the Bahamas(see Link). Downside is they do get cold weather for a month or two. The Southwest coast of Florida around Fort Myers is also inviting. Lots of places to go, some close and some a little farther. I have followed the travels of many on this web-site from that area and it is very appealing. Downside here is that marina costs are fairly high. And it's almost too hot to sail in the summer. So that's the dilemma. I know the answer, a boat in two places!
Our plan
About 13 years ago we started getting ready to go crusing. We knew that it would be along time before we would be able to go but one needs a goal. Then about 4 years ago we moved on to the boat. We sold the house to our daughter along with most of the stuff in it. This last Friday I was layedoff after 19 years with the same company. As my boss said it dosen't pay to get old. Now we have moved up the date we will be leaving by 5 years. One of the good things is that I will be able to go to school and have it payed for. I plan on taking HVAC which will give me a skill that I can use as we go along. Where we will end up I have no idea but we are planning on doing the 2004 HeHe HaHa. Besides it will take me that long to get the boat ready.
About 13 years ago we started getting ready to go crusing. We knew that it would be along time before we would be able to go but one needs a goal. Then about 4 years ago we moved on to the boat. We sold the house to our daughter along with most of the stuff in it. This last Friday I was layedoff after 19 years with the same company. As my boss said it dosen't pay to get old. Now we have moved up the date we will be leaving by 5 years. One of the good things is that I will be able to go to school and have it payed for. I plan on taking HVAC which will give me a skill that I can use as we go along. Where we will end up I have no idea but we are planning on doing the 2004 HeHe HaHa. Besides it will take me that long to get the boat ready.
cool port
Md portion of Chesepeake Bay. If you're sure that retiring on the water is absolutely for you then look into it now. The nothern Chesepeake Bay is in great proximity to all the major east coast cities NY to DC. I live in the NE portion of the bay and love it. I work in NY (commute bi weekly) land links on AMTRAK, commuter rail, and I95 really are accomodating. If I should want to go south the intercoastal waterway is a cakewalk. Goe east young man but do it now. Real estate on or near the water is going up every day but given the overall market it is still reasonable. I am 55 and have been retired since age 44. I hobby as an Able Seaman for Moran Maritime on a deep sea tug boat. I planned this since age 37 when I first was stationed here in Md. I live in Port Deposit Md, a waterfront town which is economically depressed but as we speak developers are moving in right and left. A restorable home here starts around $40,000, new waterfront condo's sold starting in the mid 90's with an option to buy a condo slip $ unknown. They have all been sold. Continued development of the waterfront is expected with additional slips available in the unknown future. Because we are above the AMTRAK bridge at Havre d Grace Md (vertical clearance 52' not many sailboats come up here. I have a 30 Catalina and have no problem with a 46' air draft. The current trend here is towards "go fast" boats which are nothing but noisy! Still I think it is the best place on earth for a sailor. Annapolis, Baltimore, St Michaels, etc etc etc. Read Michners "Chesepeake" while fiction it is historically consistent. So from the head waters of the Bay on the Susquehanna River I say com'on down. Archie
Md portion of Chesepeake Bay. If you're sure that retiring on the water is absolutely for you then look into it now. The nothern Chesepeake Bay is in great proximity to all the major east coast cities NY to DC. I live in the NE portion of the bay and love it. I work in NY (commute bi weekly) land links on AMTRAK, commuter rail, and I95 really are accomodating. If I should want to go south the intercoastal waterway is a cakewalk. Goe east young man but do it now. Real estate on or near the water is going up every day but given the overall market it is still reasonable. I am 55 and have been retired since age 44. I hobby as an Able Seaman for Moran Maritime on a deep sea tug boat. I planned this since age 37 when I first was stationed here in Md. I live in Port Deposit Md, a waterfront town which is economically depressed but as we speak developers are moving in right and left. A restorable home here starts around $40,000, new waterfront condo's sold starting in the mid 90's with an option to buy a condo slip $ unknown. They have all been sold. Continued development of the waterfront is expected with additional slips available in the unknown future. Because we are above the AMTRAK bridge at Havre d Grace Md (vertical clearance 52' not many sailboats come up here. I have a 30 Catalina and have no problem with a 46' air draft. The current trend here is towards "go fast" boats which are nothing but noisy! Still I think it is the best place on earth for a sailor. Annapolis, Baltimore, St Michaels, etc etc etc. Read Michners "Chesepeake" while fiction it is historically consistent. So from the head waters of the Bay on the Susquehanna River I say com'on down. Archie
Wife 1st, job 2nd, area 3rd, boat 4th priority
Rob, In order not to get blank stares when you try to discuss your plans you will need to get her enthusiastic about sailing (or even powerboating). This is often a process of courtship and seduction not unlike what you had to go through before she said "yes" to you. However, at that time the deal did probably not include a boat (at least not in HER mind), let alone being chased by pirates and sharks while battling storms and seasickness in a ridiculously small home that has no room for a decent kitchen , bathroom, plants, pets or knicknacks. So, start by renting a HOUSEboat for 1 week on Lake Powell (in my homestate Utah). It is not that expensive if you can share the costs, joys and sorrows with 1 or 2 other couples. The next year try to move up to a week on a houseboat in less sheltered waters (e.g. Florida coast or Mississippi River ) and/or try to arrange for a couple of daysails on a stable catamaran (whale watching is favorite with many women). If she likes that you are ready to start talking about a sail charter in The Bahamas, etc. Unfortunately, if she simply does not like being on the water, not even in a houseboat (with the emphasis on HOUSE), then you might as well forget about a cruising future together. If you have managed to get your wife starting to look dreamy-eyed whenever you talk about the next boating vacation together, then it is time to find a job that will allow you a minimum of 2 months off each summer. Something educational is the obvious choice but there are many more possibilities. Don't look for an employer who will PAY you during those months, just one who will keep your seat warm while you are gone. Now you need to figure out where you both want to cruise: cold/cool/warm/hot
Rob, In order not to get blank stares when you try to discuss your plans you will need to get her enthusiastic about sailing (or even powerboating). This is often a process of courtship and seduction not unlike what you had to go through before she said "yes" to you. However, at that time the deal did probably not include a boat (at least not in HER mind), let alone being chased by pirates and sharks while battling storms and seasickness in a ridiculously small home that has no room for a decent kitchen , bathroom, plants, pets or knicknacks. So, start by renting a HOUSEboat for 1 week on Lake Powell (in my homestate Utah). It is not that expensive if you can share the costs, joys and sorrows with 1 or 2 other couples. The next year try to move up to a week on a houseboat in less sheltered waters (e.g. Florida coast or Mississippi River ) and/or try to arrange for a couple of daysails on a stable catamaran (whale watching is favorite with many women). If she likes that you are ready to start talking about a sail charter in The Bahamas, etc. Unfortunately, if she simply does not like being on the water, not even in a houseboat (with the emphasis on HOUSE), then you might as well forget about a cruising future together. If you have managed to get your wife starting to look dreamy-eyed whenever you talk about the next boating vacation together, then it is time to find a job that will allow you a minimum of 2 months off each summer. Something educational is the obvious choice but there are many more possibilities. Don't look for an employer who will PAY you during those months, just one who will keep your seat warm while you are gone. Now you need to figure out where you both want to cruise: cold/cool/warm/hot
Living aboard and freedom from "convention"
I think Rob has complicatd the issue somewhat. In order to do what he is talking about doing requires becoming a "minimalist", otherwise he faces continuing the ratrace up until the day he dies. I have already made the move, am 51, have been living aboard for a year now, sold the house, put the remainders in storage, and am working on getting the boat finished off to go cruising for a few years. I possess a number of marketable skills so I am not particularly worried about monetary survival. If you want a "highrolling retirement"....focus on that. But if you want to really go cruising....you're going to have to make some adjustments in your approach.....unless you are filthy rich and can have both worlds. Frankly, I'm happier now that I "divested" myself of all the "trappings", and my wife shares my joy. She wishes we had moved to the boat years ago. So do I, because the boat would be finished long ago and I'd be way south of here right now. You might want to really find out how big of a boat you need and focus on buying it cash. Maybe learn the boat by doing the improvements or repairs yourself. Then you can go from there. The two of us are living quite comfortably on a Morgan 33 Out Islander with a 12' beam. And she is a seaworthy boat that just needs some TLC and upgrading and some additional equipment for cruising. Oh, my wife says: "Just up and do it, because their is no right time to do it!!" If you keep waiting for the right time......it will never arrive. We are in SW FL on the Gulf...as I am a Florida native...thats why I'm here. What I do now is work in a boat store, work on my boat, enjoy life and in general live a pretty stress free life. I wish you luck in your pursuits and desires. Rob Homan s/v Meri-Mac
I think Rob has complicatd the issue somewhat. In order to do what he is talking about doing requires becoming a "minimalist", otherwise he faces continuing the ratrace up until the day he dies. I have already made the move, am 51, have been living aboard for a year now, sold the house, put the remainders in storage, and am working on getting the boat finished off to go cruising for a few years. I possess a number of marketable skills so I am not particularly worried about monetary survival. If you want a "highrolling retirement"....focus on that. But if you want to really go cruising....you're going to have to make some adjustments in your approach.....unless you are filthy rich and can have both worlds. Frankly, I'm happier now that I "divested" myself of all the "trappings", and my wife shares my joy. She wishes we had moved to the boat years ago. So do I, because the boat would be finished long ago and I'd be way south of here right now. You might want to really find out how big of a boat you need and focus on buying it cash. Maybe learn the boat by doing the improvements or repairs yourself. Then you can go from there. The two of us are living quite comfortably on a Morgan 33 Out Islander with a 12' beam. And she is a seaworthy boat that just needs some TLC and upgrading and some additional equipment for cruising. Oh, my wife says: "Just up and do it, because their is no right time to do it!!" If you keep waiting for the right time......it will never arrive. We are in SW FL on the Gulf...as I am a Florida native...thats why I'm here. What I do now is work in a boat store, work on my boat, enjoy life and in general live a pretty stress free life. I wish you luck in your pursuits and desires. Rob Homan s/v Meri-Mac
Well, I have to throw my 2 cents in too.....
Several of you have spoken about doing this thing before they are too old or their health is not good enough... well, 3 weeks ago my out look got shakened. One minute I was fine, the next I found myself in the hospital fighting for what I believe was my leg and my life. Turns out now that I am 47, the dream I had some 20 years ago of sailing to faraway places might have just come to an end, or, maybe not. My leg got very swollen and developed an infection that became life threatening in just a few short hours. Five days later after a continuous treatment with IV antibotics, my doctor told me another week or two on my back at home and maybe I could get back to some of my routines.. but I could never go anywhere that I was too many days from a hospital or medical access. Turns out, I'm suppose to carry antibotics with me everywhere I go and always have a plan for what if... Piont Being..... Money is not the most important thing you have, your health is, and with that, your young years will not return once they are gone. "The older I get, the better I use to be" ... part of a song a friend of mine wrote now rings true in my ears... I say.. do it while you can, the future is uncertain and time is rarely on your side. Good luck to everyone going or gone, I still may see you out there, but now I'll appreciate it a little more if it happens. David
Several of you have spoken about doing this thing before they are too old or their health is not good enough... well, 3 weeks ago my out look got shakened. One minute I was fine, the next I found myself in the hospital fighting for what I believe was my leg and my life. Turns out now that I am 47, the dream I had some 20 years ago of sailing to faraway places might have just come to an end, or, maybe not. My leg got very swollen and developed an infection that became life threatening in just a few short hours. Five days later after a continuous treatment with IV antibotics, my doctor told me another week or two on my back at home and maybe I could get back to some of my routines.. but I could never go anywhere that I was too many days from a hospital or medical access. Turns out, I'm suppose to carry antibotics with me everywhere I go and always have a plan for what if... Piont Being..... Money is not the most important thing you have, your health is, and with that, your young years will not return once they are gone. "The older I get, the better I use to be" ... part of a song a friend of mine wrote now rings true in my ears... I say.. do it while you can, the future is uncertain and time is rarely on your side. Good luck to everyone going or gone, I still may see you out there, but now I'll appreciate it a little more if it happens. David
Well, Yes, Rob. Worked For Me...
I retired at 57. Saved enough to invest and live on plus a pension. Hope to invest wisely and at least be ahead of inflation. Thought about a small condo near the boat, but went with a bigger boat and less expensive place a hundred miles away and very different than the marina life. (A lot more place for a lot less money!) It is great so far. We spend about a third of our time in the marina on our L40.5 and the other at our mountain home. It is a rich life with two very different settings, friends and life styles. We have not yet decided to cruise extensively, but may do some coastal into Mexico for a season. I think your plans are just fine. You do not need a lot of money to do it in smaller pieces. We spent a lot of time on our O'Day 27 while we were starting out our married life and gave up bigger homes to enjoy a water-based recreational life style. It's the same experience and worth doing even in a small scale if your interests tend that way. Good luck. Rick D.
I retired at 57. Saved enough to invest and live on plus a pension. Hope to invest wisely and at least be ahead of inflation. Thought about a small condo near the boat, but went with a bigger boat and less expensive place a hundred miles away and very different than the marina life. (A lot more place for a lot less money!) It is great so far. We spend about a third of our time in the marina on our L40.5 and the other at our mountain home. It is a rich life with two very different settings, friends and life styles. We have not yet decided to cruise extensively, but may do some coastal into Mexico for a season. I think your plans are just fine. You do not need a lot of money to do it in smaller pieces. We spent a lot of time on our O'Day 27 while we were starting out our married life and gave up bigger homes to enjoy a water-based recreational life style. It's the same experience and worth doing even in a small scale if your interests tend that way. Good luck. Rick D.
A word about health!
I appreciate the responses so far, but Dave brings up a crucial point - health. My wife has diabetes, which means we have to be within quick reach of a good hospital at nearly all times. Sound familiar Dave? By the way, sorry to hear about your leg. Ocean going is out. Sleepless nights during storms are too, so we really need to have a house, and a boat, near civilization. It's not a question of being caught up in material things and ratraces. That's not me. I only need a few things to be happy - a roof, a boat, and my lovely wife. That's it. (well, maybe a beer and an old friend or two...) Looking forward to more responses. Rob
I appreciate the responses so far, but Dave brings up a crucial point - health. My wife has diabetes, which means we have to be within quick reach of a good hospital at nearly all times. Sound familiar Dave? By the way, sorry to hear about your leg. Ocean going is out. Sleepless nights during storms are too, so we really need to have a house, and a boat, near civilization. It's not a question of being caught up in material things and ratraces. That's not me. I only need a few things to be happy - a roof, a boat, and my lovely wife. That's it. (well, maybe a beer and an old friend or two...) Looking forward to more responses. Rob
Thanks for the thread, ya'll!
This has been a great thread. My wife (36) and I (43) moved aboard in July of this year after sailing our newly purchased used Catalina 30 to Bermuda where we currently work. We didn't have to sell off much as we didn't own much to start with. The original idea was to save money, rents are skyhigh here. But we are now working towards early retirement in 3 years. I lucked out in that my wife is adapting well to this life. She may never be an open ocean sailor but the ICW, Bahama's and Mexico will suffice. Our prime motivation is to live close to the elements, close to the bone, and close to each other, not necessarily in that order. We plan to divide our time between climbing and cruising with no permanent land base. We have however just helped her Mum in Britain buy a place with the eventual aim of settling there when we are too old or too tired to sail and climb. So I say, don't put it off too long. My wife would go tomorrow if I agreed. 3 years will allow us to sock away more dough, learn to live even more cheaply, and fix up the boat some more. Cheers Robb
This has been a great thread. My wife (36) and I (43) moved aboard in July of this year after sailing our newly purchased used Catalina 30 to Bermuda where we currently work. We didn't have to sell off much as we didn't own much to start with. The original idea was to save money, rents are skyhigh here. But we are now working towards early retirement in 3 years. I lucked out in that my wife is adapting well to this life. She may never be an open ocean sailor but the ICW, Bahama's and Mexico will suffice. Our prime motivation is to live close to the elements, close to the bone, and close to each other, not necessarily in that order. We plan to divide our time between climbing and cruising with no permanent land base. We have however just helped her Mum in Britain buy a place with the eventual aim of settling there when we are too old or too tired to sail and climb. So I say, don't put it off too long. My wife would go tomorrow if I agreed. 3 years will allow us to sock away more dough, learn to live even more cheaply, and fix up the boat some more. Cheers Robb
Our 5-Year Plan
The plan of "Our 5-Year Plan" (5 years of live aboard cruising) started around 1982. I was to retire at age 55 but will will miss that by 1
The plan of "Our 5-Year Plan" (5 years of live aboard cruising) started around 1982. I was to retire at age 55 but will will miss that by 1
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