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I am 24 years old, currently in the Navy stationed in Pearl Harbor Hi onboard the USS Columbia. I've had this idea for the last year and i think I am ready to act on it. I want to liveaboard a sailboat for the next 2 years while I'm in the Navy and then sail it back to Southern California to go to school when I get out.
I have literally no experience in sailing so please tell me if this is a foolish idea. My plan would be to buy a boat now, live on it and learn to sail over the next 2 years. But since I know very little about sailing, I would need a lot of help. I've heard about people making this trip with little experience so I think I can do it too.
Welcome to sailnet. With some preparation is could be possible. There's a couple who did that for a while in Hawaii and sailed back and forth a few times to the west coast US and have been in Alaska for a couple years.
I'm Army, and Hawaii was my first duty assignment long time ago.
Try looking for the Ala Wai Harbor and see if there's any boats for sale. Might be able to find liveaboards or someone poking around their boat you could ask questions.
Research as much as you can in types of boats. Some are best for coastal cruising and some are best suited for crossing oceans. My understanding is it could be difficult to find something good in Hawaii. Not just a boat, but also a place to put it. Don't think there's many marinas there, but I could be wrong. Also be aware, some marinas limit how many people can liveaboard. Just more stuff to research while you're at it.
I have literally no experience in sailing so please tell me if this is a foolish idea. My plan would be to buy a boat now, live on it and learn to sail over the next 2 years. But since I know very little about sailing, I would need a lot of help. I've heard about people making this trip with little experience so I think I can do it too.
It's not crazy, but it isn't cheap either. Keep in mind marina expenses, haulouts, bottom paint and the list goes on. If you're getting sea pay and a housing allowance that might make it a bit easier. Learning to sail isn't going to be your biggest hurdle. Hawaii doesn't have quite the selection of boats that the mainland does. I'm sure there are many fine ones available. What's your budget and expectation of size? Will it be just you? You can do it on a Nor'Sea 27 or a Pacific Seacraft 31if you don't need too much space. Both of those boats are tough and have all the necessities. The PSC 31 in Hawaii on Yachtworld is a bit pricey but looks to be in great shape and will get you from Hawaii to California and back many times. It would be fairly easy to singlehand as well. Plus it keeps the associated costs based on length down. I'm partial to Pacific Seacrafts
Yeah that Pacific Seacraft is definitely over my budget. The Nor'sea 27's look nice, there are two listed, one a center cockpit and one aft. What would be a better option, the Nor'sea 27 or Cape dory 28?
Have you checked in with base Special Services. While growing up, with my Dad in the Navy I worked in base SS providing sail boats and instruction fro off duty crews.
NAS Norfolk, Coronado CA, NAS Alameda CA, Annapolis MD. All provide resources and recreation for Sailors.
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