Got the bug

[Shallow Runner]

Greetings to all! My name is Shawn and I currently live in Ft. Lauderdale Florida. I am 31, former Army (82nd Airborne all the way!) and am now studying marine sciences in a Masters program. I have always loved the water and being on the ocean and a few months ago finally got my US Sailing basic cert for Sloop rigged boats. Since then I have had that bug pretty bad and have a new life goal of making my way south and living aboard in the little latitudes; and in my field that is very likely to happen. Through my many trips to the islands and friends I have made along the way who are cruisers I know this is the life I seek. Currently I have no boat (Broke a$$ college student here) but I am always searching for that little starter boat (anything around the $5k range if you know of anything ) to get my bearings and hone in my sailing abilities until the day comes I can afford my dream boat. But in the mean time I am reading up and trying to get experience through offering to crew for locals (so if you are local and could use a hand let me know; free labor!) and just dreaming of the day I can sail away even if only for the weekends. Cheers everyone.

[SHNOOL]

if you can't find a liveaboard with the economy this far in the hopper you ain't looking... No offense.

$5k is pretty low, and something that big (live aboard) brings an ongoing cost of where to put it (marina/mooring). You could always start smaller and tow it where you want to go... Try 22 feet or less.

People are literally giving them away in places (they usually need a lot of work)... but they are available. Try allofcraigs.com and search by model, you can find free stuff even.

[Shallow Runner]

Thanks for the info man; I have been thinking of finding a smaller one for just sailing around here for now so to get more experience and so forth. Cheers.

[TheCruisingKitty]

Welcome Shawn!

You have an interesting background and plan. We're looking forward to hearing your updates.