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What to do?

7K views 70 replies 32 participants last post by  Stiche 
#1 ·
Hey, life is getting pretty boring, so I decided to buy a sailboat and sail around the world. I know the people here are really smart and could give me good advice on a couple of questions I have.

Only sailed a few times, but I have read a few books (that Slocum guy was quite a dude, we already have stocked up on thumb tacks) and lurked on Sailnet for a time, and figure it can't be all that hard based on what I read here and I have lots of time to pick up experience as we go. I sailed once on a friend's Hunter sailboat, I think it was a 42 footer and really liked it so I think I will get one of those. Can't afford anything that fancy and it is only for my girlfriend (she's a bit afraid of the idea right now, but will get used to it I am sure), our two year old twins and the Rotteweller so I was thinking about a 30 foot Hunter, so bought one for $7000 that I can fix up. I got maybe another $3000 to pour into the project (this sailing is pricey for sure) - that will mean we will have about $400 a month for a cruising budget which should be enough since we live simply and can fish a lot.

We will leave from around the Chesapeake in June next year and go to the Caribbean, I hear that things in Haiti are real cheap and that diesel fuel in Venezuela is almost free. Then we will sail to Europe and go through the Red Sea to India - always wanted the adventure of visiting some of these exotic spots. From India we will head to Australia and then around South America (heard the tolls on the Panama canal are really high so this way should be cheaper (money is tight, right).

Anyway, to my questions, budget is tight. The boat came with one anchor (12 pound Danforth the owner called it) and about 6 feet of chain (not sure what that's for, may take it off) and 100 feet of that stretchy yellow rope. I thought I might want a bigger anchor, maybe 20 pounds since I got the family to take care of, and another 100 feet of rope. Same time I thought I should have a gun to take with me since some of these foreign spots can be mighty dangerous. Problem is I can't afford both ever since that foreigner got into the White House and the economy fell apart, so which one should I buy - anchor or gun???

While you are at it, maybe you could tell me what type of anchor is best and what type of gun is best for cruising (is one gun enough, what about one for the wife too if we can get a deal)?

Also, should I go in 2013 or wait a couple of years in case the climate gets warmer and the sea level rises - hey, more ocean to sail on, right? OK, I was kidding about global warming, aint happening. BTW, if you think the world is going to end next week don't bother replying. I am not buying the anchor (or gun) until the January sales anyway - wouldn't want to waste the money if the world ends like the Mayans say it will. That's why we are not buying Christmas presents until the 23rd.
 
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#3 ·
It all sounds reasonable and you're definitely on the right track (welcome to Sailnet btw!), however to do it right you need to do it motorless. Your planned route is easy in a pure sailing vessel, no reason to complicate things.

Gun wise, I recommend black powder, you can't go wrong with the convenience of a muzzloader. .177 calibre is also good for fending off pirates, I like spring loaded single shots in that calibre personally.

Regarding anchors, any will do (just make sure you have good rope).

Fair winds, please don't forget to link your blog here so all can follow!
 
#9 ·
It all sounds reasonable and you're definitely on the right track (welcome to Sailnet btw!), however to do it right you need to do it motorless. Your planned route is easy in a pure sailing vessel, no reason to complicate things.

Gun wise, I recommend black powder, you can't go wrong with the convenience of a muzzloader. .177 calibre is also good for fending off pirates, I like spring loaded single shots in that calibre personally.

Regarding anchors, any will do (just make sure you have good rope).

Fair winds, please don't forget to link your blog here so all can follow!
Thanks for the kind words and encouragement. Sounds like people think I am ok for anchors (that concrete in the paint can is a great idea. I bet I could make two from one bag of cement and be really well setup). Guess I should spend the extra money for weapons. What would you recommend for a budget of $100 (including some ammo of course)?

Who said anything about a motor? It is a sailboat isn't it? Braveheart, our new trusty vessel had a dead motor (Atomic powered I think), that's why it was so cheap. I hauled that sucker out pronto. Lot more room for kibble and stuff where the motor was.

About that midnight grill shopping, is that guy likely to be armed???
 
#4 ·
Don't worry about the 327 ships on the AIS in the Singapore Straits, Sumatra squalls with 40 knots and wind around the clock...or mention the unlit tugs with tow, funny lights on all kinds of fishing boats, fish traps, fish nets, FADs, fishing boats that want to play chicken or tag, huge tidal flows, leaky trannys and the new list of boat projects for someplace in paradise.

Yep, the wind is free, come on out and enjoy it!

Ok, OK, it's really more like dancing dolphins, cocktails at sunset and a women in every port....Thailand here I come!
 
#5 ·
Hey, cut the guy some slack, you armchair sailors. Don't discourage his dreams!:hothead

I was sailing while in my mum's womb and the rest of you sit around the dock drinking beer while I am out there doing manly things!

Go for it, Dude! Send some postcards (or nekkid pictures of your wife would be even better ;) )!
 
#7 ·
Hey, life is getting pretty boring, so I decided to buy a sailboat and sail around the world. I know the people here are really smart and could give me good advice on a couple of questions I have.

Only sailed a few times, but I have read a few books (that Slocum guy was quite a dude, we already have stocked up on thumb tacks) and lurked on Sailnet for a time, and figure it can't be all that hard based on what I read here and I have lots of time to pick up experience as we go. I sailed once on a friend's Hunter sailboat, I think it was a 42 footer and really liked it so I think I will get one of those. Can't afford anything that fancy and it is only for my girlfriend (she's a bit afraid of the idea right now, but will get used to it I am sure), our two year old twins and the Rotteweller so I was thinking about a 30 foot Hunter, so bought one for $7000 that I can fix up. I got maybe another $3000 to pour into the project (this sailing is pricey for sure) - that will mean we will have about $400 a month for a cruising budget which should be enough since we live simply and can fish a lot.

We will leave from around the Chesapeake in June next year and go to the Caribbean, I hear that things in Haiti are real cheap and that diesel fuel in Venezuela is almost free. Then we will sail to Europe and go through the Red Sea to India - always wanted the adventure of visiting some of these exotic spots. From India we will head to Australia and then around South America (heard the tolls on the Panama canal are really high so this way should be cheaper (money is tight, right).

Anyway, to my questions, budget is tight. The boat came with one anchor (12 pound Danforth the owner called it) and about 6 feet of chain (not sure what that's for, may take it off) and 100 feet of that stretchy yellow rope. I thought I might want a bigger anchor, maybe 20 pounds since I got the family to take care of, and another 100 feet of rope. Same time I thought I should have a gun to take with me since some of these foreign spots can be mighty dangerous. Problem is I can't afford both ever since that foreigner got into the White House and the economy fell apart, so which one should I buy - anchor or gun???

While you are at it, maybe you could tell me what type of anchor is best and what type of gun is best for cruising (is one gun enough, what about one for the wife too if we can get a deal)?

Also, should I go in 2013 or wait a couple of years in case the climate gets warmer and the sea level rises - hey, more ocean to sail on, right? OK, I was kidding about global warming, aint happening. BTW, if you think the world is going to end next week don't bother replying. I am not buying the anchor (or gun) until the January sales anyway - wouldn't want to waste the money if the world ends like the Mayans say it will. That's why we are not buying Christmas presents until the 23rd.
I read your post and I am shocked. I really thought I knew you better than that. You need to spend a lot more time on Sailnet and learn a lot more. You see, after reading your thread, I realized your forgot the grill. As such, you are not ready for such adventures. THe rest looks fine I guess, but leavnig the grill behind is a novice mistake.

If you can't afford the grill, no problem. You are in the Chessy, right? I know of a 35 foot C&C where you can get one. Just bring the wrench over after dark. I'm not sure the Dave fellow who owns the boat knows how to use the grill anyways. Bests to just leave him with a microwave and toaster oven.

Brian
 
#10 · (Edited)
You're the man Killarney! When you get around to it, can you give us your wisdom on choice of dinghy (hard or soft), keel types (full or fin), and how you're making all that cash to keep the cruising dream alive? While you're at it, educate us on the virtues of using an iPhone as a complete nav station.

Lastly, I'm sure you thought of it already, but if you flush your holding tank with bleach then you can fill it with rum and not have to lug around all those heavy glass pint bottles. Of course this means you'll have to pee in the sea, but dilution is the key to pollution, right!?
 
#25 ·
You're the man Killarney! When you get around to it, can you give us your wisdom on choice of dinghy (hard or soft), keel types (full or fin), and how you're making all that cash to keep the cruising dream alive? While you're at it, educate us on the virtues of using an iPhone as a complete nav station.
I don't want Braveheart to look dinghy at all so we went all out at the Home Depot and got the deluxe, semi gloss house paint and a really good roller for applying it. A bit tricky when fishing boats went by and we got wakes. Had some left over and I always believe you should not waste so did the floor of the cabin too. Molly says the colour is mauve but just looks light purple to me.

As for money, I am sure we will make out fine like always as long as the cheques from the govt keep coming.

Think I got the navigation figured out in a KISS kind of way. Got a real nice compass (btw, should I be worried about the big air bubble?) and figure to use it. Will go down to Florida and keep going until I see Cuba (pretty hard to miss) , then turn left and keep going until we see Haiti where we will stays awhile most Molly can learn French + it's cheap. Then keep going due east until we find other parts of the Caribbean. We are going to learn how to say "What place is this?" In French and Spanish, so that should work. If we miss the Caribbean, no big whip, we will just keep going until we hit Africa and then turn left and follow the coast until we can turn into the Medw. Same idea everywhere else. How hard can it be to find India, or Australia, or South America. If we hit New Zealand (well not really hit if you know what I mean) that would be a bonus. Thought about a sextant but was never that good with math and I don't trust the govt not to turn off the GPS. I think some people like to pretend that navigation is hard so they will look smart.
 
#11 ·
Step 1: Put white leather upholstery everywhere, inside and out, especially the dog bed.
Step 2: Pass on an anchor or gun, get a couple flat screen TVs. Hang them anywhere.
Step 3: Practice tugging on ropes and pulleys around the docks before you go.
Step 4: Don't worry about anything. Because what's the worst that can happen? People did it hundreds of years ago by looking at stars.
 
#13 · (Edited)
I've been sailing for almost a year, so I am happy to help you with advice.

Just make sure you get a full keel boat. But not one of those ones where the bolts get weak and lets the keel fall off. You also need ten life rafts and seventeen EPIRBs, and duct tape to hold the VHF to the EPIRB when you abandon ship halfway to the Bahamas, as most sinkings occur when people hit a submerged container while crossing the Gulf Stream.

I think you will be okay if you move to Florida and get a job while you take ASA 101-783. It will give you time to look for a boat and your old lady can take lessons, too. Since the lessons will cost more than your boat budget, and take fifteen years to complete, you will forget your foolhardy notions of ever sailing anywhere and leave those dreams to other people who, by the grace of God, made mistakes and learned along the way without dying. They are special and you are not. They read about Fastnet 79 and how Nick Ward got left for dead because there was only one liferaft and he got stranded on the boat without one, which is why you need redundant liferafts. And the boat he was on was new and lots better than yours, so that's one more reason you will never make it.
 
#15 ·
... get a job while you take ASA 101-783. It will give you time to look for a boat and your old lady can take lessons, too.
I second the recommendation of the complete ASA series. You may not be able to sail, but the framed certificates look great hanging on the bulkhead.

Plus, you should always sail with a group of people on your boat and a group of boats around your boat - safety in numbers - say at least 5 crew on your boat and 20 or more other boats in close proximity around you (maybe even tied together). I believe the Round the World in 15 Years Rally only charges a cool million for the privilege of endangering you.
 
#26 ·
We have trained Snark the Rottweiller (named after my first boat, a clapped out bass boat named Snark) to play dead and even hold his breath. He looks just like a giant stuffed animal so anyone looking would not know we have a pooch.
 
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#16 ·
Although I fully understand your reason for removing the engine - and see the benefits of the extra space - safety is important, and in some situations a motor will be useful. I suggest that you go electric. Find an old golf cart, use its batteries (and perhaps the motor too) and go all-electric. Very environmentally sensitive.
 
#20 ·
KS - you really are bored, aren't you? :)

The hypothetical sailor would have also asked about an internet connection mid-ocean, so that they can post questions to SN in case of an emergency. After all, we are very helpful.
 
#22 ·
I'm pretty sure you're joking, but in case you're not there are a couple of very serious considerations that you have not addressed.

  1. What kind of coffee will you be taking? (French press, instant, percolated)
  2. Should you install granite counters in the galley?
  3. What to do in case of Zombie Apocalypse.

Also: make sure you take a tin opener as heating up food in sealed tins will have explosive results.
 
#23 ·
Killarney:

Lighten up! You're way overthinking this thing! And your anchor/gun question is a no brainer...get a very big gun and it will double as an anchor. Am I right? You're welcome!
 
#24 ·
Wrong way round. With the right size anchor you do not need a gun.

 
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#36 ·
I thought that that was when you switched from System B to System A.

Speaking of navigation lights. When you are below sleeping remember to hoist two red lights at night and 2 black balls during the day. Actually with your purported sailing knowledge and skills just leave those lights and shapes up at all times.
 
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#39 · (Edited)
The pirate thing. The best way to handle pirates is to be the first over the side. If blood is going to be spilled, better to do it on their boat and not yours. Besides, pirates can't take your boat if they never make it on board, that's what I always say.

By the time the pirates come up alongside, our halyards have already been strung from the spreaders and weapons made ready. As soon as the hooks come over and the pirates draw nigh, we send the first wave (my wife and kids) over. Hit 'em first, I always say.

The question always comes up about how to swing on a halyard and keep your sword secure at the same time. It's embarrassing to swing across to another vessel, only to arrive empty handed because your sword fell in the drink. Talk about a red face! Orthodontists aren't cheap, so holding the blade of the sword in your teeth isn't optimal. I tried splitting a pool noodle and slipping it over the spine of the blade, but only my wife has a mouth big enough to chomp down on a pool noodle.

I came up with a solution for my kids one night while carrying my son to bed. You only have to step on a Lego barefooted once to realize the potential for sheer horror that Legos can inflict upon the unwary. When my kids swing across, they wear fanny packs full of Legos, which they then scatter around the deck of the pirate brigantine. Since pirates are warm-water sailors, they sail barefooted like everyone else down here. What they don't count on is that my crew wear flip flops, so we are impervious to the Legos! Take that, scaliwags!

As to the question of carrying cash: we don't. With the impending collapse of worldwide banking systems, bank notes are going to be worthless anyway. Our plan is to make port in 3rd world countries where my kids can get jobs making shoes and clothes for wealthy liberals who pretend they don't use sweatshops. Hell, it's all good commerce if you ask me. What else would you do with those dirtly little urchins besides put them to work? Keep 'em off the street, I always say.
 
#40 ·
I'm appalled that not one of the so called experts here has addressed several things you need to bone up on.
Here's a couple things I found out when taking my Hobbie 16 on a trans atlantic

Fishing - Use the floaty type rope to hold the bait (taking the dog will save on wear an tear on the kids, good thought).
You'll want at least a 8 foot boat hook for pulling in the shark with.
Sun dried fish can be quite good- don't worry about fuel for the stove.

Kelp and seaweed is a delicacy in Japan.

Water can be a bit of a problem if you don't think ahead - a shower curtain is useful to both catch and hold water. Check out the "still" thread here as well.

Often you will find that when you go into restaurants and bars to cadge free meals and booze - they will have charts just laying around on tables being used as place mats. They aren't very good on detail but make up for it with colorful cartoons.

My second boat was a Hunter 31 - here's a tip - when the carpet on the walls has finally rotted off and peeled away you will want to use black paint to replace it. Otherwise the sun shines through the fiberglass and it's hard to sleep during the day time.
Also, with the Hunter you won't need to worry about pirates - just out sail them.

You ARE going to need some way of making electricity (for the ipod/ipad and kids toys) - Read up on the solar stick thread here then go out and make your own - it just takes a 2x4 and some lag bolts. Here's a good tip - lots of folks on mooring balls leave these small flexible panels laying on their decks, they don't want them (that's why they left them out). Borrow them at night when they aren't hot.

As to learning other languages - why? You obviously speak English already?
 
#48 ·
"Success teaches nothing." - Bill Gates
 
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