[Cruisingdad]

Denise,

Yes, I see some versions of that a lot. I have a different version for you though.

Mr and Mrs retiree wnat a change of life and want to see the world. They start talking to sailors about cruising the Pacific, circling Fiji, and rounding the horn or their way to Utopia. They are strongly urged that they HAVE to get a Bullet-proof shoe box - and for what they have stated, is probably true. They empty their retirement and buy the "bluewater boat". It is a fine craft, and ready to circle the globe. But halfway out of the harbor, they hit a huge storm and realize that all boats have to ride the waves. Their awesome boat is a poor substitute for their total lack of seamanship and experience. They change their plans and decide to coastal hop for a while instead. Unfortunately, their boat is tight and life on the hook is very uncofortable. They spend mre and more time in marinas and off the boat until finally they decide this cruising stuff is not what it is cracked up to be and sailing is no fun. They sell the boat at a loss and leave it all behind: broken both mentally and financially.

I have always been a screaming advocate of being realistic on your goals and buying the RIGHT boat for the RIGHT cruising grounds. THere is more to see in this hemisphere than you could see in a lifetime and there is a lot to be said for the production builders and the boats they build. I find many people on this site underplaying the importance of a COMFORTABLE LIVEABOARD AND CRUISING BOAT versus a bullet proof shoe box. Living abord (ESPECIALLY WITH KIDS) versus the weekender and vacationer are toally different.

I read the Hoffa's thread with interest in the Liveaboard Forum. It isn't all sunsets and margaritas. Life is life, whether from a boat, RV, or your back yard. I prefer the life on the water, but it is not an escape from problems and it is far from being cheaper than living on land (especially if you are not handy and comfortable working on boats). I feel anyone who does not believe me here has never lived aboard or cruised.

- CD