Greetings.
I've been on the other end of your conversation (the guy in the cockpit) for the last 30 years and am also sniffing the exit strategy and have asked the very question you do.
I had a six pack for a while and could get it back. Or go larger, and again wear a Captain's hat and "drive the bus".
But, since it's mostly for fun and not for money (no one will pay me what I made) I've been looking hard at volunteering. There's a lovely maritime museum not too far away (St Michaels MD) and they ALWAYS need volunteers, heck maybe I'll get to drive the tour boat. But I also don't mind giving tours or getting my hands dirty.
Another volunteer avenue is the Auxiliary Coast Guard. Safety inspections are a great way to educate the boating public. Most of us that know enough to find this forum have the basic skills. But we all know that there's loads of people out there that could really use some basic stuff.
Teaching safety courses is another way. Some areas this is done commercially. Or, if you want to make a business out of it you can be the guy that helps the new owner get started in his boat. Work with brokers on this.....
There's many ways. I'll see you out there. "So long".
I'm another one that retired from aviation, so I can relate. And, as mentioned, the OP sure has some skills that can transfer over to marine life and there's a lot of opportunities.
I could argue that there are TWO musts in retirement.... be sure you're on the same page with your significant other, and occasionally discuss it, as things will change. When I got interested in this "loop" thing, it did take a bit to convince the admiral, and she's still a bit apprehensive. (She retired 20 years earlier than me, but kept active in her accounting profession part time).
And, speaking of aviation retirements... there are a LOT of folks out there that retired from the airlines, FAA and such with absolutely nothing to do, and are finding retirement really hard. There's the story of one captain that retired but never told his wife. So, once a week, he'd put his uniform on and disappear for a few days..... she never knew. (well, he had a hobby....)
The second thing is to have SOME activity that you look forward to, if not several, that challenges you and you enjoy. Owning a boat can have that. And like mentioned, one could get into a lot of boating activities, some that pay, some for fun. I'd enjoy a charter operation, but don't want to be the captain anymore, and would hire that out.
And, one needs to know their personality traits and what will and will not work. I'd argue strongly against business if one doesn't have hands on experience. It can be very financially and emotional draining... not something for retirement. For Tex, he needs to know what kind of experiences he can relate to. Perhaps chartering, teaching safety, or boating classes, or in the maintenance end.. lots of choices, but some will work and some won't. And find something that interacts with people.... that's where the fun is.
And, yes, retirement is different. One thing it brings that is great and that is choice and few commitments.
