Yeah--you can buy smoked yellowtail for a lot less than it costs to go and catch it yourself.
Ha! Much as I like the joke, I think I'll always calculate the cost per duck. Unless the real point is sitting in a tree drinking beer. Then it should be ducks per beer I like sailing because I like freedom. If my boat cost a lot then that robs me of my freedom because it forces me to work.The corollary is: Never calculate the cost per duck if you are a duck hunter!
Better hope the bull Market holds for the next several years. Current estimates are that one needs 8x annual income in the tank to retire at or near the same standard of living as when working. Not clear if that's even good for much more than 10 to 15 yr unless there's a pension involved.,... and I've been pretty religious about stocking the 401k and living on the cheap. There's a guy online who goes by Mr. Money Mustache who retired at 30.
If you plan on overnighting then one of the best ways to save money is to bite the bullet and spend $200-$500 for good anchoring gear. You will sleep good and be safe and save a lot more than the expense by not staying in marinas at night. For a basic anchoring setup I'd recommend at a minimum a 22 lb. claw type anchor and 150-200' of 3/8" 3 twist nylon rope plus 25 feet of chain. That has worked for us fine in numerous different conditions.....Anyone else have ways that you save money on boat stuff?
It sounds nobler than it actually is. For >95% of the kids I doubt the experience would endure to the ends you fantasize. When one knows next to nothing of what he speaks, anything seems possible. Helping a kid find a real job would work better IMHO.I live in a pretty rough neighborhood, and would love to take some of the kids out sailing. I'm told it's a great way to learn responsibility and confidence for kids with challenging home-lives.
@Kings Gambit I don't have on rose-colored glasses. I've been hiring the kids to do yard work for me for years and getting to know them and their families. Some of them have a good work ethic and I'd be happy to write a reference for a job. My dad works in a school for kids who were expelled from regular school, so I know the odds of their being really successful in life. But staying out of jail most of the time is a kind of success compared to the alternative. I think that many of us have an unrealistically high bar for what it means to make a difference. I don't think I can change people, but there is a difference between "down" and "down and out." Most of the kids won't like sailing, but if some do then that would be a good opportunity to get them in a different context and try something. Outward Bound has had some moderate success at this, so it's not like there's no evidence it can help.It sounds nobler than it actually is. For >95% of the kids I doubt the experience would endure to the ends you fantasize. When one knows next to nothing of what he speaks, anything seems possible. Helping a kid find a real job would work better IMHO.
And, unless you try to have a positive impact you will never know if you could have positively influenced a kid to go in the right direction. Good for you Fritz.@Kings Gambit I don't have on rose-colored glasses. I've been hiring the kids to do yard work for me for years and getting to know them and their families. Some of them have a good work ethic and I'd be happy to write a reference for a job. My dad works in a school for kids who were expelled from regular school, so I know the odds of their being really successful in life. But staying out of jail most of the time is a kind of success compared to the alternative. I think that many of us have an unrealistically high bar for what it means to make a difference. I don't think I can change people, but there is a difference between "down" and "down and out." Most of the kids won't like sailing, but if some do then that would be a good opportunity to get them in a different context and try something. Outward Bound has had some moderate success at this, so it's not like there's no evidence it can help.
Well, now we're getting philosophical! I'm reading a few James Baldwin novels (mentioned in another thread) about his solo sailing adventures and his philosophy would be very similar to your' s except that he didn't put off sailing and instead, put off work as much as possible. He eliminated all the electrics and mechanical functions of his boat and sailed from Fort Lauderdale to Asia without an engine to keep everything as cheap as possible. His rigging was obtained by dumpster diving at the marinas. Don't laugh, it's an option that many a cheap sailor has used.I like sailing because I like freedom. If my boat cost a lot then that robs me of my freedom because it forces me to work.
It's not necessarily the sailing that makes a difference. It's the exposure to somebody who cares about their future that can make a difference. In your case, sailing is just a conduit for these kids, and most likely a good one! Outward Bound functions by helping kids with confidence, goals and teamwork.@Kings Gambit Most of the kids won't like sailing, but if some do then that would be a good opportunity to get them in a different context and try something. Outward Bound has had some moderate success at this, so it's not like there's no evidence it can help.
Sometimes you are a real ass.It sounds nobler than it actually is. For >95% of the kids I doubt the experience would endure to the ends you fantasize. When one knows next to nothing of what he speaks, anything seems possible. Helping a kid find a real job would work better IMHO.
I resemble that remark LOL. My new to me life ring came from a post Hurricane Irma trash pile. I did however have to order a rail mount for it online, So, even free stuff can have a cost.His rigging was obtained by dumpster diving at the marinas. Don't laugh, it's an option that many a cheap sailor has used.
Some people would say most of the time.Sometimes you are a real ass.
Look up Strom Thurmond. Oh heck. Here’s the info from Wikipedia...Ok, something doesn't add up. How is it that you have a "3 year old" AND plan to retire in 7 years? I have a 35 year old daughter and maybe won't retire in 7 years. I suppose maybe you are talking about a grand child that you look after?