Should I buy an RV Instead?

[Rick Webb]

Get A 30' RV and a 26' Trailerable Boat

Then trade them both in on the one you decide to do. It will also give you a chance to travel around and decide where you want to base yourself out of.

 

[Denis]

Thanks Brian

The reason for bringing my wife and children on a charter is not to teach. It may or may not be a crewed charter depending on how confident I feel. The purpose of it would be to seek her real interest (even though she is REALLY into it now) and to see how many of us REALLY get sea sick. If both my children do nothing but get sick all week (or all four of us for that fact), I doubt I would persue this. I would be happy on a power boat at that point just to see how the week went.I do appreciate the response though! I will be including my wife, but only AFTER we have decided if this is for us. She doesn't have to like to do the sailing part (in my mind) just enjoy the experience. If she enjoys the experience first, then I hope SHE decides to go forward.We would both go if we could both tolerate being away from the kids. Right now, I don't like to be away from them. Two birthdays coming before Christmas Thanks again.

 

[Been There]

Seasickness

(a) Seasickness is one reason to choose sail over motor. Sailboats generally give a more comfortable ride than motorboats. Many trawlers have a riding sail that is used purely for comfort. (b) I know this sounds trite, but seasickness is a function of the seas you're in. Sailors that never get seasick on a lake will turn green in the chop of a bay. Sailors that never get seasick on a bay will suffer when they cross the stream, with 8' seas. Sailors that never get seasick, do when the seas get bad enough. (c) Because of this, most sailors going offshore take their chosen remedy prophylactically. They may plan a weather window so that they never encounter the seas that bother them. But weather prediction is dicey, and once you're there, it's too late to take a pill to feel better.

 

[Brian Pickton]

Thank goodness!

Dec.4, 2000Dear Denis,I was so releived by your reply, you wouldn't believe. I know I was opening myself to a possible flaming. Great to here that your wife is in to it as well. With the further clarification I understand better what you are going to do and I say Go For It !On the seasickness front go to your pharmacist and ask for the generic ingredient in the majority of seasickness remedies, meclazine hydrochloride. A bottle of a 100 cost less than $4.00 the last time I bought some. Get the 25 mg. size and start taking it 48 hours before you go on board the boat, not after you've put to sea. Works like a charm. Check with the pharmacist or a doctor at your local yacht club who might actually know what he is talking about for the dosage for the kids.And please, tell us how it goes.Now I really look forward to seeing you on the water!Brian Pickton @BeneteauOwners.netAboard the Legend, Rodney Bay, St. Lucia

 

[Kurt]

Jeepers!

Denis;As I newcomer to big boat sailing (my wife and I and two small kids just made the leap form a 14 foot day sailer on the local lake, to a 31 foot live-aboard at the shore) I'd say, sure go for it, you'll love it!But we spent years looking at sailboats, before we bought our little day sailor. We sailed that for three years, sailed on vacation in the caribean and then took two ASA sailing courses before we decided to move up. But by that time it was clear that sailing was our passion and was going to be an important part of our lives. To say nothing of the fact that we spend all our free time on or near the water anyway!I don't think there's any other way around this other than going out and sailing for a while before you decide which way to go. I'd love to say you'll be just like us and fall in love with the sailing life, but who knows? It's like asking someone who's never listenbt to classical music who they like better, Beethoven or Mozart?But be warned: if you do get bit by the sailing bug, it's an expensive, thought thoroughly enjoyable, hobby!Kurt

 

[Jim McCue]

Take a bareboat course first

Why not take a few weekends and then a bareboat cruise with one of the sailing "schools" in FL.You will get into it with experienced help and guidance. You'll find out your limits and how much of a stomach you may have for it. And you'll hedge the cost until you are sure of what you want.Jim McCue