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Considering PSC for family of 4

13K views 65 replies 13 participants last post by  jim2ksb 
#1 ·
I am considering a Crealock PSC (34' / 37') and am interested in opinions regarding cabin space / comfort for family (2 adults, 2 teenagers) / use in the Northern Chesapeake Bay. We mainly sail Pooles Island to Annapolis area, anchor, stay overnight, etc. Any passage making would be to Bermuda or Florida.

Does anyone on the East Coast charter PSC? Else, would an present owner be kind enough to take me along for a day?

I did visit PSC in Washington, N.C. recently, and Stephen & Thumper were fantastic. The boats are incredible.

Once again, any input would be appreciated.

Chris
 
#6 · (Edited)
Sailed a psc34 for a few years with the bride. Great boats. Never let you down. Got it to teach wife to sail and see how she did out of sight of land. With the secure ride all the crealock boats have she did just fine. Even so we had a lot of " excuse me s" as its a tight fit boat. Think you should look at the 40 which would be roomy or a valiant
 
#7 ·
This will obviously come out the wrong way, but not sure how else to say it...

Why anyone would buy a PSC or a Valiant to hop around the Chessy or possibly coastal hop to FL or maybe Bermuda is a mystery to me.

They are great boats, but TIGHT down below. Two adults and two teenagers... wow. So you know, I am raising and have raised my children on my boat (one a teenager now) so I have a pretty good idea what space they take up (for cruising at least). I could not comfortably do iton a Crealok 37.

I consider both of those boats a good couples or singles boat, but not one I would choose to take out with a family. Those boats are great go anywhere boats, but you are not going to be crossing oceans, right? WHy not get a boat with more space, comfort, privacy, and newer that may not have as many inherent problem? Quite candidly, the production boats are ideal for what you want to do.

If you look at a PSC, here are things to consider:

Many of the Crealoks had aluminum stanchions. Good friends of ours just replaced theirs for a mere $5000 after one broke and their crew ended up on the dock (and luckily not the water offshore). The track for the car on the cabin top had to be pulled and rebeded. That was a CHORE. Both the compression posts failed. Still in the yard for that one. The forestay pulled the stem plate loose on a crossing to Bahamas. Fixable, but more yard time in the US. They have spent insane amount of money to make that boat (or keep the boat) seaworthy.

If you buy an old Crealok, the theory is you are getting a really well made boat to go anywhere. They are (or were) well made for their time. But the reality is you are now dealing with a very old boat that inherently will have many problems as ALL old boats do. Make sure you are knowledgeable, financially prepared, and mentally ready for those issues. Its not going to be a fun family boat if it is sitting in the yard all the time, or draining your savings every time you turn around, or cramped and uncomfortable for anything more than a short weekend. Ask yourself if you would not be better suited to buy a much newer production boat that would be more comfortable, newer, and hopefully less maintenance issues and costs... even if you have to spend more for it??

Brian

PS I am not being negative on the boats. They have a place and a purpose. I just dont think this is it. BTW, if you buy a V40, many had blister issues. Look into that. THey are a comparable boat, and very well made (again, for their time).
 
#66 ·
...
The track for the car on the cabin top had to be pulled and rebeded. That was a CHORE.
...
But the reality is you are now dealing with a very old boat that inherently will have many problems as ALL old boats do.
...
One nice thing about the Pacific Seacraft is that the removable headliners let you get to every part of the deck so you CAN rebed deck hardware. Try that on a most production boats. Their fiberglass liners make it impossible to work on deck fittings without cutting large holes in the liner to access whatever it is you want to fix.

I've owned Catalina, Hunter, and Pacific Seacraft, and I have to say that I found the space vs. quality tradeoff of the PS well worth it for me. If you compare a PS to other boats of a similar age, I think you will find that Pacific Seacrafts age well because they were well-built to start with.

Presently, we sail a 2005 Hunter 36. Volume down below is nice, but with the beam carried aft, the stern is basically flat. When broad reaching or running, the waves overtaking the stern cause a bit of uncomfortable ride (pitch, yaw, roll, repeat).
I've found that the ride on our PS34 is just so much smoother than other boats I've sailed. I've sailed boats with higher and lower D/Ls and higher and lower "comfort factors" and it doesn't seem to matter. The designer, Bill Crealock, wanted the boat to be kind to her crew when sailing, and he really nailed it.

That being said, it's true that any of the Crealock models with canoe stern and narrow beam are going to be much smaller inside than boats shaped like your Hunter 36. You may even find that the PS40 feels smaller down below than your H36. So it depends on your priorities. If below decks space is what is most important, and if you are doing mostly Chesapeake cruising with the rare trip offshore, then you may be better off sticking with something like what you already have, and making judicious upgrades to make that boat capable of the rare offshore trip.
 
#8 ·
brokesailor, outbund, & cruisingdad

Thanks for the input -- this is what I need to hear.

Presently, we sail a 2005 Hunter 36. Volume down below is nice, but with the beam carried aft, the stern is basically flat. When broad reaching or running, the waves overtaking the stern cause a bit of uncomfortable ride (pitch, yaw, roll, repeat). The amount of free board makes docking somewhat difficult above 12 knots. (Maybe its me and not the wind!)

I did look at Valiant, but they are now out of business. Sabre isn't making any sailboats at present. I did not want to buy a boat built before 2000 for the issues mentioned. PSC has a good write up by Horner in BoatUS reviews, are still in business and on the east coast. So that's how I came to consider them. I also like the rudder design - better protection for the prop and better than a spade rudder.

Please keep the posts coming.

cb
 
#9 ·
I would take the Hunter before I took the PSC 37 for your use.

How much money are you talking about spending? BTW, note that we have a production boat (ours, C400, beam carried aft) and a double ender (Tayana 42). SO we have experience in both. And another thing I hate about these offshore boats is that they are NOTORIOUSLY slow and poor performers.

What are you trying to accomplish in the new boat that you do not like now?

Brian
 
#11 ·
Brian -

The main features are the off wind performance, freeboard. It also appears that the overall construction is superior, although I don't have any structural problems with mine. Several gel coat "pops" along the deck. The cockpit is wide, great at dock, but difficult to brace yourself when heeling -- generally we sail no more than 20 degrees of heel for comfort and rudder issues. Beyond 20 the spade rudder "slaps" at the water.

As the kids get older, they have more outside interests than sailing -- so I am not sure how long they will be along.

For offshore use, several modifications would be required for the hunter - double water tanks, secure floor boards, additional halyards, lee cloths in the stern cabin would be must, etc. Of course, I'm not going anytime soon.

So, I'm getting opinions and would like to climb aboard one and sail her. I thought I saw a post stating that there is a charter outfit in California, which may be the best way to figure things out.

cb
 
#13 ·
I'm totally spoiled now sailing an outbound but have to agree with everything Brian said. I've owned PSC and Tatyana. I've done the Bermuda thing on the Tayana multiple times and was glad to be in that boat. Even now with weather routing not a trivial trip. If it was you and the admiral go for the V40 or PSC but in your situation probably not wise. To really throw you a curve ?have you thought about a really solid multi?. No draft worries in the chessy and separate staterooms for the kids. Maybe something like the prout39. They're strong blue water boats and few have been beat up in charter.
 
#16 ·
I've done several hundred off-shore miles in a PSC 37 cutter. Very, very solid boat. And it performed quite well for a "heavy". It then went on to circumnavigate. Overall, a great boat.

But no way I'd personally choose it for family-with-kids cruising.
 
#22 ·
What is offshore? Are you under the impression that a production boat wont go to Bermuda??? I already posted that pic. Got the one of me crossing the gulf. Also have one that just crossed the Atlantic and is in the Med. What do you think are the limits of production boats?

I would prefer to cross the Atlantic in a PSC or Valiant or Tayana, but it is doable on my boat. Production boats are all over the carribean. But you are not crossing oceans, right? You are talking about Bermuda and FL with most of your time in the CHessy. I hope you haven't been sold the bag of goods (typically by salesman of said boats) that you need a Valiant 50 to make the run down to Florida!

Ugh! I give up.

Brian
 
#23 · (Edited)
I have to side with Rain Dog :) calling a PSC 34 notoriously slow is false. ( period, save your breath). And BTW we did come in second at Harvest Moon(in our class). I think 200 started, 70 finished..? She has a lively manner and nice sweet motion. I'm not up on all the stats and ratings like you and my hubby seemed to be, I can just tell you what I've observed for myself, and BTW I've sailed a few boats also, from full keel heavy to spade rudder lite, you just cannot describe a PSC 34 as notoriously slow.

And to put speed in perspective http://www.bethandevans.com/pdf/200mile.pdf

To the OP
The PSC 34 is great for a cruising/liveaboard couple. But since you have a big roomy Hunter, not sure if you'd like the 34s interior day in day out, and add two teens?

On the flip side, cheaper made boats require more attention. Bigger boats usually have more stuff to break.

Oh and PS, love your solar panel arch. Have you posted somewhere how you made it?
 
#24 · (Edited)
Ocean girl thank you for the link-very informative. The very first day I had my new boat we did 206m/d. We had the broker( very experienced), my wife ( first offshore passage) and myself. We sailed in 30-35true DDW with poled solent and single reefed main ( sometimes double reefed) on preventer wing and wing. Autopilot did 75% plus of the steering. We frequently surfed up to 11+kts. (turned the Auto off when it became gusty). Did Norfolk to Barrington in under 56h with little wind after passing N.Y.C. and nearly no wind after turning corner at end of L.I. Point being 200m/d is golden and rare. Giggled much of the trip although seas were high and sleep tough.
OP on another thread I asked Bob why my old Tayana gave such a lousy ride broad reaching in any over ~6' seas. Would occur even if period was long. Wonder as it was so good at other angles. He explained why any boat will have a point of sail where the comfort quotient is lousy especially in the broad reaching area. Good to find that AWA and stay away from it. Only answer. Still in love with the 046 as I haven't found that angle yet but sure with the right sea, right wind, right angle it will appear.
 
#25 ·
Outbound - thanks - I thought that I was just a lousy skipper. The catamaran is a nice idea, but I'd have trouble finding dockage. OceanGirl & Dog - your opinions and links are very informative. I may take you up on the offer to visit. ShaneDennis is on their way south and will be crossing the Chessy, they have offered as well. Steve & Thumper offered to take me out on a 34' in Oriental, N.C.

Brian - your input has been most helpful. I am looking for something 2000 or newer, but guided by the input so far, it may be best to stay where I'm at. It is very comfy, and does a fine job. That's why I asked the question.

With all of the discussion regarding speed, let me ask one more question - I generally consider 50% of wind speed as SOG (in other words 5kn SOG in a 10 kn breeze) on a close -beam reach. Is this adequate / appropriate?

cb
 
#26 ·
As a PSC 34 live aboard and cruiser, I'm the first to admit the PSC 34 is slower on the pickup than lightweight production boats in light winds.

But step off a Catalina or Beneteau onto a PSC and the difference in attention to detail, quality and craftsmanship is immediately apparent. That's how we ended up on a PSC 34 - it's hard to go back to a Catalina 36 or Tartan 3700 or similar after taking your partner on a tour of a PSC 34.

McDonalds and Burger King make cheap and filling food. Target and Walmart sell cheap and good stuff. Catalina and Beneteau make cheap and safe boats. But isn't life about a little more than that?
 
#27 ·
I have to agree with Rain Dog and Ocean Girl. Our PSC 34 would never be considered a race boat, but notoriously slow? We have never felt that way.

It's not all about speed though, and I agree that a PSC or Valiant is more boat than you need for weekend or coastal cruising. But for some, having a boat that is comfortable in a seaway and can handle anything you throw at her gives people piece of mind. I've known two people that swore they would never go sailing again after getting caught in some snotty weather. My aunt, who had sailed for years on their Hunter 36 never stepped foot aboard the boat again after one bad day and ended up selling the boat, which was sad because my uncle really loved to sail. Some friends of ours had a similar experience on their Catalina. The wife said she was done. They ended up recently buying a PSC 31 and she is back on the water, mostly because she knows the boat is solid and can handle much more than they would ever go out in. She feels safer on this boat and I firmly believe she wouldn't be out on the water right now otherwise.

The most important thing is whether or not the boat tugs at your heart strings. If you don't smile everytime you see her sitting in the slip, anchor, etc, then you have the wrong boat. Obviously this is subjective. I love the classic look. Production boats just do nothing for me. I can appreciate their space, boarding platforms, low maintenance, etc, but they do not pull on the heart strings.

As for a family of four? I would look for a bigger boat. But, that too is subjective. The Martins (see the book Ice Blink) circumnavigated as a family of four on a 25 foot boat. They later cruised the artic as a family of five on a 33 foot boat. To each their own...
 
#28 ·
I sail my Crealock 37 Yawl in the Chessy and have actually been pleasantly surprised that it doesn't take much wind to get her going.
BTW I used to own a Hunter 36. I got rid of it because I did not want to get caught in bad weather on it doing coastal or offshore work. I've already been in situations on a cruise to New England where I was glad to be in the Crealock and not the Hunter.
So guess it comes down to choices.
Like cruising dad says if I were you I'd get the Catalina and then make sure you pick your weather windows when doing coastal work.
 
#29 ·
Reason I bought the PSC was to introduce the wife to the life. Knew I would never even f do Bermuda on her just coastal hops. Got caught in t storms and line squalls. She felt safe. Much to say for that.
Bought the outbound as our future house and for big hops. Hopefully oceans. She's solid glass and although of modern design has a PHRF of 90. In past argued with Paulo about advantages of giving up a small bit of speed for comfort,strength ,ride and security. Spec'd no external wood. Yes the PSC is gorgeous but remember unless you huck Finn it's you pulling th epifanes.
P.s. I smile from the dinghy and bless The Lord. Whatever you do you should too. Even better if the admiral does as well. Much as I dislike them an I.P. may fit the bill. They are solidly built and have a lot of room.
 
#32 ·
Outbound - We looked at IP several years ago, the admiral disapproved.

Safety / security is a consideration, as brokesailor points out, and is one of my considerations as well. Not that I plan to go out in 40+, but...

Also, we won't be 4 forever, they have to leave the nest at some point. So, then we are just 2.

I am blessed to have this dilemma
 
#33 ·
Yes, with a boat like a PSC you are not talking about a boat you want for just a few years, heck it will likely take till the kids are out of the house before you get it fitted out the way you want after all they are older. So if I had two teenagers, and I do (15 and 17) I am looking for a boat for a single guy as I know they will be gone soon. Heck my older kids in there 30's I am lucky to see them twice a year so I wouldn't buy thinking about the kids comfort at this point.

Now about being slow, yes they are compared to more modern designs, no doubt about that the numbers just do not lie.
 
This post has been deleted
#34 ·
CJB,

I have been watching this thread with amusement. I am amused by all of this emphasis on speed and the impression that PSC's are old boats and old designs (they are still being built today).
They were building the Valiant until a couple of years ago. That didn't make it a new design. They were building the C400 (designed 1995) up until last year. Didn't make it a new design. PSC is a company and they dont quit building boats because they are an old design. They quit building them when people quit buying them. BTW, how was PSC doing in May, 2007? Do you know, cjp? I will tell you: Bankruptcy. Yep, they filed. Catalina has never done that. The only, (ONLY) reason that they are still being built today is someone bought the molds. Oops. Kinda screws that argument up.

Your question was about cabin space on a PSC34 for a family of four, but only a few of the posts addressed that. Most were about trying to talk you out of a PSC altogether based on speed.
No, that was addressed, repeatedly, and unless I am mistaken, everyone said it was a mistake, even current PSC owners, which kinda made the whole point about discussing it anymore moot I thought. We moved on to one of my arguments about speed, which I still hold.

CJB,
Okay, let's talk about speed.
Yep. Lets. We will never agree on this Dave because there are two frames of thought. One frame of thought (endorsed by boat salesman for your type of boats) is that it is better to sacrifice speed for comfort and stability at sea. The other frame of thought is to lessen the time at sea, time of exposure to the bad elements, by going faster at a sacrifice of comfort and stability when things get that bad.

You are obviously in the first camp. I am between the two. Let me share my view on that. I have been cruising and living aboard (and raising children aboard... something you are not doing) since roughly 2000 and have been sailing and owning fixed keel boats since 1995. I am not new to this life either. My frame of thought is that leaving a safe port to sail out in high winds and high seas is STUPID. I believe it is poor seamanship. Why not wait another day or two when the sea is more agreeable? You especially Mario! You are 66 and retired? Why expose yourself and your vessel to those conditions? Because you are sure it can take it? One chain plate failure would fix that real quick. Why risk taking off a line of gel coat so you can get out there a few hours earlier? My answer (and likely yours): You don't. You stay in port just like I do, just like anyone that practices good seamanship.

Now, here is where MY argument falls apart: What happens when you are already out there and the winds and seas become unsafe? You will be more comfortable and stable than I will, though I will be in it less. This is where I am in your camp on boat selection. However, those winds are generally predictable many days in advance. They don't just pop up out of nowhere. I am relatively confident in a five day forecast on generally what to expect for winds, with 5 days the marginal. After that, I believe the forecast begin to really deteriorate.

Now, how does this influence our OP (CJP) and others? His sailing area will provide him sufficient warning for when the winds and seas reach this state. He should be able to make Bermuda with a reasonable forecast (and back)... this is assuming he ever goes there at all. It's not like the trip from the Chessy to Florida isn't predictable. And certainly for most of what he is going to do (the Chessy, which should never provide these conditions anyways without a named storm) it ain't gonna happen.

So, as I said before, as I say again, as I will continue to say: Get a boat that can get out of its own way and is not notoriously slow. Get a larger boat, a production boat (obviously not a Hunter), that will provide you comfort when you anchor and while sailing for you, wife, and two teenage boys. If you are sold on high-end name brands, get a Sabre, a Tartan, an X, a J. Heck, if you are absolutely sold on the 'I gotta have a circumnavigating boat so I can daysail in the Chessy without sinking' camp, at least get a Valiant that has some small resemblance of performance and is of at least the same build quality (if not more) than a PSC. They are still in business too. Just don't get a cramped shoebox with a PHRF of 195 that will be bobbing around in the Chessy all day unless Sandy comes to visit again.

We have lived aboard and traveled almost 24,000 miles in the last six years in our 34. Nearly all those miles are offshore/ocean.
He's not travelling 4000 miles/year!!! He is daysailing on the Chessy with two teenage boys and a wife and maybe, MAYBE, going to Florida (can you spell ICW?) or Bermuda (what... 600 miles away)? He would have to make that Bermuda trip three times (at 1200 miles/piece/Round Trip) a year to equal those numbers!! Ain't happening! He didn't say he was taking off to go cruising and was about to cross the Atlantic. If so, I would understand though I would still point him to other mfg (but not production boats).

Speed was at the bottom of our list when we went looking for our boat,
Of course it is, you bought a PSC.

especially when the wind is blowing like a brass band and all about us are shortening sail. In those conditions, we suddenly become fast. The same thing occurs in big seas when we hear from others later that they had to heave to when we were still sailing. We were obviously faster then.
And what were you doing out there then? Why didn't YOU stay in port? Why didn't they? Either you failed to look at the forecast and appreciate it (poor seamanship) or you were sailing at distances which were beyond a forecast (which the OP will not do... ie, my 5 day rule). Your boat is a long distance passagemaking boat which you use it for. He is daysailing in the chessy with two teenage boys UNLESS he somehow decides he wants to go to Bermuda. And if so, why not pick your weather window as you will also do in your PSC???

High on our list was comfort and safety at sea. We wanted a boat that would not beat us up at sea, a boat that would allow us to carry on when others would quit. Isn't that a form of speed?
Nope. And what do you keep considering 'sea'? Is that 5 feet from the dock? 500 feet from the shore? 5 miles? 500? Once again (broken record) that ain't what he's doing!!

I noticed in the thread how quickly the term "offshore" is separated from "crossing oceans." Funny, since some of the worst ocean conditions I've ever encountered were within 100 miles of shore,
Once again, why didn't you go in before it got there? Why were you out there to begin with!??? Is it because your boat can 'take it'? Like I said earlier, you are one chain plate from a disaster. PSC's are not invulnerable to the conditions at sea either, no matter what the salesman told you. I have always believed that prudent and good seamanship is not about how to handle the big stuff offshore, or within 100 miles of land.... it's about knowing when not to. Seamanship starts at the dock. Everything else is a test to see how well you did.

If you want to see real numbers and not just conjecture about comfort and safety, consider the calculated comfort ratio for a PSC34 which is 34 and the capsize risk of 1.62 (Holtrip's optimums are 30-40 and <1.8 respectively). Then, for example, look at the same numbers for a Catalina 400, which are 23.8 and 1.99. Or, a Hunter 36 at 23.7 and 1.94.
What a crock! I love it when people point this stuff out. So let me ask you Dave, how were these numbers calculated? Were they calculated at sea? Did they take a c400 out and a PSC 34 in a hurricane to see when it turtled? Did they sail them in horrid conditions, and while pondering their navel, arbitrarily come up with some decimal number to define how 'comfortable' these boats are?? NO!! More theoretical crap designed on a drawing board. Yet you quote these things, like many others do, to make you feel better when going to sea?

You see, here is the problem with those numbers. 1) They are not based upon YOUR boat. As a cruiser, you have a kayak aboard, water jugs on the lifeline, fenders tied up, lines in the cockpit, sails in the cockpit, canned goods all over the place, etc. All of this screws up those numbers. And when you take a cramped little 34 boat, and stick two adults and two teenagers on it, how much of that stuff is now going above the waterline and REALLY screwing it up? Another 'comfort' factor is where most of us spend 99% of our time... at anchor/marina. They don't tell you that when selling you one of those types of boats either and that's another thing those numbers don't show you. So are you going to be more comfortable on a 34 foot sailboat, with a tiny cockpit, tight quarters down below, etc... or a spacious boat, large cockpit, and space to chill out and relax?? A large bed? Comfortable head? Separate shower? Separate sleeping quarters?

2) As I mentioned earlier, those capsize numbers are theoretical based upon weight distribution and other factors. However, and here is another thing the salesman don't tell you: Do you have any comprehension of the seas and winds it would take to turtle my boat or yours!?? I would certainly think we are talking hurricane force if not cat 2+. YOU ARE NOT GOING TO SEE THOSE SEAS DAYSAILING IN THE CHESSY. In fact, I conjecture you will never see them in your life unless you are really unlucky and equally stupid. As the tech editor for C400, with hundreds of our boats made, we have not had one (not one single, never, ever) C400 turtle. Quit trying to scare someone into buying one of these boats.

But, what sold us was that first tour of the plant when we crawled through the 34 and were astounded by the build quality and the utter beauty of the boat. Then, that sail on a particularly blustery day and we were done looking.

I'm 66 years old. I've raced and I've cruised since I was eight. I've sailed light boats and heavy ones. I crossed the Pacific from San Diego to New Zealand in an engineless Yankee 26, but I didn't fall in love with a boat until I bought a Pacific Seacraft.

Just my opinion. Good luck in your search.

Dave Mancini
PSC34 #305 Swan
Now THAT, we can agree on. They make an outstanding boat... but it is a purpose built boat like ALL boats are. Read this: ALL BOATS ARE... even mine. I simply don't understand why you guys are trying to make it out to something it is not. It was not designed to be daysailed in the Chessy with two teenage boys or raced. It is not a light wind boat and it is not fast. YOU HAVE A PHRF of 195!! The PHRF is not like the numbers you guys keep throwing out there. It is not theoretical. IT IS REAL WORLD AVERAGES OF HOW FAST THOSE BOATS PERFORM OFF THE DRAWING BOARD!!! And I will tell you that probably all cruising boats will sail well below their PHRF because you don't race with Kayaks tied onto the bow. There are few boats slower than yours. Yours is a long distance passage making boat, designed for a couple at best (thus your 24000 miles). He is not doing that. The reality is that few do... even those who buy your boats.

That is why I have steered him away from that boat. It is NOT that I don't care for those boats. I like them. Good boats. Very well built&#8230; but built for a purpose. Buy the boat for the purpose you will use it for. Don't buy a Ford F350 to commute to work, don't buy a Porche to go mudding or pull your trailers, and don't buy a PSC for day sailing in the Chessy with two teenage boys, or for possibly running down to FL, or maybe (just maybe) going to Bermuda.

One other point before I sign out of this thread since I have probably pissed off every single one of the posters here, ALL OF WHOM I HOLD RESPECT FOR (you Dog, your wife Ocean, T5, and certainly you Mario), I believe that buying a boat that does not work for your family now is a mistake. Don't buy for what you might do in the future. Buy something to enjoy for all of you now. Your kids are teenagers. You don't have them a lot longer and they will be gone. Get them out on the boat where they can be comfortable and have fun&#8230; maybe even bring a friend or two. That is how you get them into sailing and that's how you get to spend time with them as parents. You are right, CJ, they will be gone soon. Enjoy the time with them while you can. At least that was (and is still) my philosophy. My kids and my time with them meant everything to me. I shut down my business and walked away from a LOT of money. I have made major long term sacrifices, both financial and personal&#8230; all so I could go sailing with my kiddos. And I have not regretted one second of it and never will. You wouldn't either.

Enjoy the pics looking backwards of a life at sea, our life at sea. It is about all we have ever known&#8230;





















 
#35 ·
Great pics!! Cruising kids are the most impressive kids I've ever met. While i was stuck up in the Rio Dulce, I ran a make shift day care for the cruisers at Mario's Marina, so parents of little ones could get some "me" time. I was always amazed by kids creativity, resilience and curiosity. The games they taught me. One of my kids, a little 4year old aboard an old wooden boat, came up to me while I was refinishing some oars. We started talking about how good they were, he liked my rope work for the oar locks, how light they were, bass wood right? I thought I was talking to a ten year old!
Anyways, we will disagree on speed. But totally agree that your sacrifice was worth it, if those smiling faces and sparkling eyes have any indication.
Cheers
 
#44 ·
Good story. You will find that most cruising kids talk at an adult level. They are generally mature beyond their times. It is both a blessing and a curse. It is a blessing in dealing with them as adults, but they have troubles sometimes in communicating with land based kids.

BTW, I am not trying to upset you or your husband, both of whom I have respect for. I like you guys. We just have a different opinion. THat is all it is... opinions.

Brian
 
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