What you do in real life?

[Roger Long]

I was a boat designer most of my adult life. I designed most of the additions to the east coast university oceanographic fleet over a two decade period as well as yachts tugs, barges, and a few big educational sailing vessels, one of which got built and thousands of people have sailed on. Many of you have probably seen my designs.

Vessels Designed by Roger Long

I sold my business about five years ago and started cruising, the first three years on my 32 foot sailboat. When I realized I was basically using the sailboat as a trawler and met someone who wanted to cruise with me so more room was desirable, I decided to get rid of the tall stick that was keeping me from going to a lot of places I would like to explore. We bought a trawler that turned out to need more of the kind of work that I don't want to tackle at my age so sold it within a year. I think we have now found the perfect boat for us and are in the Chesapeake headed for Florida.

People sometimes wonder why I ask questions about boat systems it seems a naval architect should know. Well, a quarter century ago, I began specializing in the preliminary and basic design of special purpose boats for clients that had little experience with the boat procurement process. I helped universities and educational institutions figure out just what they needed as far as basic type and arrangement ant then engaged other naval architects or the shipyard to do all the stuff like piping, wiring, etc. I used to do all that stuff myself but it is lost in the mists of time.

 

[Art]

Janice... My prayers and best wishers are with you and for you, always. Your backbone and ongoing gumption are apparent. May all your days be in the range of better to best on the water and for your other times of life.

 

[McGillicuddy]

Thanks! This was the approach to Oslo, Norway.



Photo is taken from this vessel:

That's an interesting ship. Hope you never have to use that lifeboat.


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[KarmaII]

In order 1977 Pizza Hut dish washer/manager, 1980 roofer/owner, 1985 salesman/manager, 2006 roofer/concrete maker owner.

 

[Moonstruck]

Janice on Seaweed, you are a sweetheart in the highest sense of the term. Whatever good things life brings to you it is well deserved. I wish you a long and happy life.

 

[Moonstruck]

Well let's see. I had a few jobs starting at age 12 as a newspaper carrier. Before that an entrepreneur mowing lawns. Then an over the road trucker and shipper. Military was in field communications attached to headquarters companies.

55 years ago while in college I found my way into the wholesale and manufacturing of building materials. This resulted in my being a builder and land developer for over 40 years. I should have retired long ago, but my son has wanted to keep me involved in the family business. He has been running the day to day operation for the last few years. I have told him that I want out before I am 80. Working with my son (or as I like to say for my son) is really better than retirement. It is a pleasure to have seen him and the grand children develop.

Coastal boating for 46 years. No reason to give it up as yet. Living in the mountains and boating on the coast is great.

 

[Jeffrey S]

I'm a serial entrepreneur.

A company of mine used artificial intelligence and pattern recognition to detect learning disabilities in children 5 years before they were detectable by other means.

A company of mine created the first radiology systems to replace film for CT, MR, nuclear medicine, and even X-ray. We created something called teleradiology as the image data could be transmitted over the internet. We received 8 FDA approvals for diagnostic medical devices.

A company of mine created the smallest cardiac monitor with the same full diagnostic capabilities as in-hospital cardiac monitors. It optionally worked with cell phones to acquire and transmit the EKG anywhere. That product also received an FDA approval as a diagnostic medical device.

A company of mine created the first internet based system to replace paper guidebooks for cruising boaters. The many additional capabilities possible are what's next.

 

[Carolena]

Started as an auto mechanic, decided to get serious about my education after a few years, worked my way through college, then went to work for a wholesale insurance brokerage. Bought our first boat, a 14 foot McKee Craft, at 19 with my then girlfriend, now wife. We kept that for a few years then moved up to a 19 foot bowrider. Decided to go to grad school, so sold everything, and eventually became an attorney - but I do get to wear the white hat on the prosecution side, so not sure where that puts me in the continuum of hated professions. Could make a lot more in private practice, but I love what I do. My wife also took a meandering course with several jobs and attempts at various degrees, eventually becoming an elementary school teacher. After we both got our advanced degrees, we returned to boating first with a Pearson 303 sailboat, then to our current Nordic Tug. As public servants, we don't make a ton of money, but we don't have children (tons of nieces and nephews we like to spoil), save like crazy, and limit the things we splurge on (basically, the boat). We do all the maintenance work (except bottom paint) and repairs ourselves, which really cuts down on the running costs. At the end of the day, affording our boat is all about compromises - we don't eat out much, we bring lunches to work, we don't spend a lot on other toys or expensive clothes, have a relatively small condo as our primary residence, live in the city which means we only need one car and I have no commuting expenses because I walk to work. Before we bought the current boat, I pointed out to my wife that we could instead use the money to get a larger home. Her response was "why would I want a larger home when we can have a bigger boat." Hence, we have been together for going on 24 years.

Plan now is to move up one more time to something in the 40-50 foot range, retire between 57-62, sell the house in the city, live aboard and travel for a few years, then settle down somewhere with a lower cost of living but close enough to the water to continue boating so long as we are able.

 

[McGillicuddy]

I grew up in a fishing village on the east coast of Scotland. Learned to love the look of a North Sea trawler. Most were wood or steel. No glass. I did my schooling at Glasgow Nautical College and sailed on general cargo tramp ships all over the globe. In 5 years I circumnavigated five times. Married a girl from New Orleans. she travelled with me for a while. In the North Atlantic out of the Bay of Biscay our ship caught fire and we abandoned ship. Picked up by a Dutch tug. Wife told me my seagoing career was over and we were moving to the USA. Got a job as a trainee marine surveyor (commercial ships). After five years was Vice President of the company. Wife divorced me anyways so I threw caution to the wind and started a marine salvage company that I ran for ten years. That was ten years of the hardest work and most fun I ever had. Sold it for a tidy profit and went back to marine surveying for the next twenty years. Ran a company with 60 employees in seven locations that I believe was the largest independently owned ship survey company in US.

Always owned some kind of boat. But my true love was flying. Owned cross country capable aircraft and took them to each corner of this country, Alaska, Maine, California and Florida. And everyplace in between. I love to travel and see new things and meet new people. After some serious heart issues my Drs advised retirement and flying was not an option. Sold my plane and bought the Cheoy Lee. Am not rich but am comfortable, even after paying my share of the med bills. My flying training makes me a bit of a perfectionist and some in my company even called me anal. But attention to detail never failed me in my career and hopefully will continue to keep me safe. I can do most things on the boat, am even certified as a master mechanic by Caterpillar. But electrical and electronics are my downfall.

This forum has been invaluable in helping me sculpt my goals and help me with projects. I am indebted to you all.


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[twistedtree]

There seems to be a high percentage of people with military service of one sort or another in their background.

 

[RCook]

Maybe even more than mentioned it - time in Viet Nam (USN Supply Corps) was not the most interesting part of my life.

 

[Moonstruck]

Maybe even more than mentioned it - time in Viet Nam (USN Supply Corps) was not the most interesting part of my life.

Maybe not interesting, but necessary work none the less. How many battles and wars were lost because of out running the supply lines? If you see Robert E. Lee ask him about it.

 

[dhays]

There seems to be a high percentage of people with military service of one sort or another in their background.

I think that has a lot to do with the average age of many of the TF members. I fell into that gap where the US stopped the draft and then stopped draft registration just before I turned 18. By the time they started draft registration I was too old.

The other factor is that from my own observations growing up in a very military influenced area, those with military service in their background seem to be rather successful in general. Not sure if it is the experience which help breed success in later life or that those that are prone to success are attracted to the military.

 

[Wayfarer]

I had no idea we had so many pianists!

Another commercial sailor here. SUNY Maritime graduate, class of '06. I've been sailing on bulk freighters on the Great Lakes for just over ten years. This is my first year as Captain.

I've only owned one 'real' boat. I had a 29' express cruiser for a few years, which I just sold about six months ago. I was trying to put some money away in anticipation of a possible career change. That didn't pan out, which as it turns out is just fine. I'm enjoying what I do now, and have no plans to change it any time soon.

As a result, I'm considering getting another boat. I can't afford the sorts of dreamboats that most of you have. At least not while also owning a dirt home. Maybe someday I'll sell it. In the mean time, I think I'm going to get myself another go fast cruiser, albeit a much newer, much nicer one than I had last time.

Here's a recent snap of my ship. I'm piloting up the beautiful(ish) Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, OH.

Also, check out the link in my signature to see some short videos of what I do.

 

[cardude01]

I had no idea we had so many pianists!



Another commercial sailor here. SUNY Maritime graduate, class of '06. I've been sailing on bulk freighters on the Great Lakes for just over ten years. This is my first year as Captain.



I've only owned one 'real' boat. I had a 29' express cruiser for a few years, which I just sold about six months ago. I was trying to put some money away in anticipation of a possible career change. That didn't pan out, which as it turns out is just fine. I'm enjoying what I do now, and have no plans to change it any time soon.



As a result, I'm considering getting another boat. I can't afford the sorts of dreamboats that most of you have. At least not while also owning a dirt home. Maybe someday I'll sell it. In the mean time, I think I'm going to get myself another go fast cruiser, albeit a much newer, much nicer one than I had last time.



Here's a recent snap of my ship. I'm piloting up the beautiful(ish) Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, OH.

Also, check out the link in my signature to see some short videos of what I do.

You have what seems like an interesting job (to someone like me anyway). Do you take retired dudes aboard as interns? Line handlers? Deck swabbers ? [emoji51]

 

[Wayfarer]

I passed my exams a few days ago and am now working as a second merchant officer.

Regards,

Thom

Greetings fellow merchantman. Congratulations on passing your tests! Around here, the second mate job is the one to have. More money than the 3M, without much more responsibility. Plus people assume the 2M knows what he's doing, and they tend to leave you alone, which is nice.

You have what seems like an interesting job (to someone like me anyway). Do you take retired dudes aboard as interns? Line handlers? Deck swabbers ? [emoji51]

Far more often than you might think, actually. I've worked with deckhands that were well into their sixties on several occasions. I think I'd rather be on your boat if given the choice, though...

 

[Irish Rambler]

I got the boating bug after being trained by the Army in R&D and technical instructor on amphibious landings/river crossings. 14 yrs time served.
Drove a truck by day, delivered newspapers by night for 2 years to make the readies..
Went solo, pioneered bulk tankers, storage, chemical processing etc in Ireland, designed and built our own specialised bulk handling equipment. European refrigerated transport.
My first boat was a sunken dinghy, after lifting and repair I just kept trading up, fixing up, present boat cost 59,000 Euro's.
The ex was just like a hurricane. She came on all hot and wet, when she left she took the feckin roof with her !
After divorce in 1985 went 'temporary' liveaboard and lived on board ever since
I retired early and now I'm SKI-ing, Spending the Kids Inheritance and steering well clear of any bar where I can hear Bruce playing the piano !

 

[janice142]

Janice... My prayers and best wishers are with you and for you, always. Your backbone and ongoing gumption are apparent. May all your days be in the range of better to best on the water and for your other times of life.

Thank you Al. I know I am blessed. Life aboard Seaweed would not work for everyone however there are possibilities in even the smallest of boats with budgets far under what others consider "minimal"

This life is available even for those of us with limited resources. Mother used to say

The ideal boat sleeps two, feeds four and drinks six.

She is correct. We need far less than we think. I am blessed.

P.S. - "Thank you" to Linda. That's right nice of her.

 

[dhmeissner]

D.H. Meissner

Do I know you? AFSC 32871, USAF 67-74 Last base was Langley AFB, VA.

Hi Don, nope I doubt it. AFSC 30250, USAF 69-74, separated at McGuire AFB, NJ. MAC.

Cheers!

 

[Irish Rambler]

McGillicuddy.
A man after my own heart our employee's were always taught the difference between amateurs and professionals is the attention to detail after a while they do it with pride.
Your avatar is not referring to McGillicuddy reeks by any chance, been there.

 

[Codger2]

Living in the mountains and boating on the coast is great.

Just the opposite for me....living on the coast & relaxing in the mountains.

 

[CPseudonym]

Just the opposite for me....living on the coast & relaxing in the mountains.

Unlike you and Don we are trying to have it all in one. Currently buying 20 acres in the "mountains" (ok hills)of south Puget Sound a few minutes drive from a marina. Wish I didn't have to wait for retirement to move there

 

[mgrennie]

My career is as project engineer leading teams that design parts for jet engines. I'm hoping to retire in 30 years. Most of my life otherwise is spent maintaining and racing my 27' sailboat with my wife and close friends. We got kind of bored with not being able to cruise the sailboat with our dogs, and not being on the water with our travel trailer, so we bought a project trawler as well. Luckily the house maintains itself, right?

10 years as an entrepreneur building Audi and VW performance parts in my garage and shipping all over the world..

Hey Steve, I had some of those parts in my TT until I sold it to fund my sailboat.

 

[Heron]

Hey Steve, I had some of those parts in my TT until I sold it to fund my sailboat.

Wow! You know me as "Modshack" then! Small world. I was the TT guru for a lot of years. The car Became a bit of a science project starting in 2001 and morphed into a home business because owners liked my unique designs. Wound that all down a year or so ago to concentrate on the boat and retirement. Thanks for your past Biz..

 

[Codger2]

Currently buying 20 acres in the "mountains" (ok hills)of south Puget Sound a few minutes drive from a marina. Wish I didn't have to wait for retirement to move there

I love that whole area as my daughter lives in Kirkland, WA and I get up in that neck of the woods often. Best cruising area in the lower 48.

 

[mgrennie]

Wow! You know me as "Modshack" then! Small world. I was the TT guru for a lot of years. The car Became a bit of a science project starting in 2001 and morphed into a home business because owners liked my unique designs. Wound that all down a year or so ago to concentrate on the boat and retirement. Thanks for your past Biz..

It is indeed a small world. I owned and loved a 225 Coupe from 2005-2014, and followed a lot of your work. I put it all together with Steve from NC had a home business making parts.

 

[dhays]

Unlike you and Don we are trying to have it all in one. Currently buying 20 acres in the "mountains" (ok hills)of south Puget Sound a few minutes drive from a marina. Wish I didn't have to wait for retirement to move there

I know you were looking, where did you find the land the buy?

 

[Steve]

Retired seller of equipment for the Sugar Cane and Pineapple industries. About 85% of our company's business was outside the US so I spent lots of time in the areas those crops are grown.

 

[gaston]

Left school at 13 due to dyslexia which was somewhat an unknown at the time I was said to be lazy and could do better.

Started work in a tool shop at 13 10 hours a day behind a lathe and mill till I finished my trade as a tool maker god knows how I used a slide rule.

Then 6 years at Uni mechanical engineering and at the same time was deeply involved in sales repairs of color TVs this was at the time color TVs were first introduced to Australia a 7 day a week job and a gold mine at the time 5am till 12pm for 5 years this hard work set me up for life.

After a 24 month holiday and to fill in time enjoyed several engineering related jobs that payed for my exotic hobbies and travels. then retired very early this didn't last long think I retired 5 times in 25 years.

Always owned boats of some description and now spend 3 to 4 days a week mucking around on the waters of the Hawksbury River region along with deep plans to spend extended time in my new home outside of Tokyo

 

[pacopico]

Started out of trade school as a mechanic 21 years ago in a Detroit Diesel Truck Shop, moved up to Manager before moving to Seattle Area. Started again at the bottom (service writer) at the DD shop up here, then moved into the commercial marine/industrial side of the business after 10 years in trucks...11 years too many as I often say.

After helping build up a good business unit for the company I was asked to move over to another division - Northern Lights Generators, here in Seattle.

Just a working guy with a working wife and four (4) young kits. The boat is old, and not anywhere worth millions...my Wife's Ford car cost more than I paid by a large amount!!!

Had small trailer/ski boats since my early twenties, and with the kids I felt it was time to get something bigger that we could use year-round.

Enjoying the life on the bigger boat so far...too bad it ate a camshaft the first time out...too bad I knew how to fix it too. Typical story for me, too much time fixing not enough time cruising, but it's in my budget!

No matter the price of the boat, the water is the same...I am glad to have the opportunity to enjoy the water and give the opportunity for my kids to experience the same.