Hit me with a dose of reality

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boatlife

Veteran Member
Joined
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Hi folks!

I've got a plan to buy a boat and live on it, traveling the world as long as I'm physically able to do so. I recently turned 40 and am on track for a partial retirement and boat purchase in about 5 years. I'm starting my planning & research now so I'll be more than ready when the time comes. I'd love any advice or input you might have.

I'm looking at used boats in the 50' to 70' range and will have a budget between $500k-1000k with $75k-100k per year set aside for maintenance and expenses. The vessel will need to be blue water capable with long range, as I do intend to cross oceans and I'll also be looking for something with large capacities and able to spend extended time at sea or on anchor. Living at a marina strapped to a dock doesn't sound appealing to me at all. I'd rather be on the move or anchored in a harbor some place tropical.

Since the boat will be my long term home, I want something decently large and comfortable. However I'll need to balance size with the fact that I will be cruising shorthanded, potentially all alone if I don't meet someone who shares my passion for this lifestyle between now and then. I figure I can hire help when needed, particularly for the larger maintenance items and during crossings. I also figure I can learn to do much of the work myself. I previously owned (and briefly lived in) a 40' motor coach with a Detroit 8V92 and did most of my own maintenance & repairs on all systems.

I have no interest in sailboats and am currently considering trawlers and power cats.

My plan is to get on as many different boats and talk to as many owners as I can over the next few years. I live in the Pacific Northwest and will be attending the in-water boat show at Trawlerfest in May - this is my first show and is where I plan to start my adventure. As I get closer to realizing my dream, I'll start taking classes as I have much to learn. Getting a diving certification is a priority, also diesel engine maintenance, boat handling and so on.

After the purchase is made, I intend to cruise the west coast of North America for a period of time to get my bearings and learn to handle my boat. I'll probably hire a skipper until I'm confident I have enough experience to go it alone.

So that's the preliminary plan outline. Everything I know about this lifestyle I've read online, so it's time I begin to immerse myself more in real life by attending shows and talking to owners. I've actually had this dream for over 10 years now, I'm just finally getting to the point in my life where the cards are lining up such that I can actually begin to lay some concrete plans.

Thank you for any advice you can throw my way!
 
Greetings,
Welcome aboard. You're my new best friend...

200w.gif
 
I wouldn't call this a "dose of reality" but would strongly encourage you to taking a sailing class before ruling sailboats out. Sailboats are overwhelmingly prevalent in passage making for many reasons. If you already know how to sail and still don't want to consider one then please disregard this comment. I think you will find many trawler owners to come from a sailing background and turn to trawlers as preferred for inland and coastal navigation where draft, bridge clearances and confined channels detract from sailing. But open ocean passage making benefits the inherent stability of sail (which may sound odd initially). The size and complexity required in a trawler to match the seaworthyness and range of a quality blue water sailing yacht will be much harder on your budget not to mention a much smaller market to shop from.
 
My dose of reality is that you have not mentioned crew expenses. No boat in the size range you want is singlehandable in a practical sense, not for long offshore passages. And probably not for the constant docking, anchoring and mooring of inshore cruising either: picking up a mooring ball in a crowded harbor with a tide running, etc.
 
Welcome aboard. My advice is to not only try to get aboard different boats, get as many sea days as possible. It may be difficult to get insurance without any history of boat ownership. So get as much sea time as possible and keep a log. Take as many boating and navigation classes as you can. You mentioned diesel classes which is a good idea. I agree with you about trawlering versus sailing, much rather be powering than sailing. Good luck with your dream. Now get out there and do your homework...
 
Might want to charter for a couple weeks before you take the plunge.
 
Read up: https://www.setsail.com/

An FPB is about the only boat I would trust to do anything remotely like what you are talking about.
 
Barabus said:
Might want to charter for a couple weeks before you take the plunge.
Click to expand...

Many charter agencies will have some sort of training charters available to get customers ready to charter their boats. Anacortes Yacht Charters sent a captain to train us for the first afternoon and night on our first bareboat charter with them. This was on an Ocean Alexander 50 Mk1, the next year they let us bareboat a DeFever 65 for three weeks.

Another way to log some hours is to signup for a Training cruise when charter yachts relocate at seasons end. For a reduced rate you can spend a week traveling from Alaska to Seattle or south to Baja all the while standing watch and learning basic line and tackle handling. The same applies at the beginning of the season too. My wife and I both did this on Ursa Major a 65' Malahide trawler and were the only others aboard besides the captain, cook and 1st mate.
 
Barabus said:
Might want to charter for a couple weeks before you take the plunge.
Click to expand...

Might want to charter continually.

As it sounds like the op will still be working
and am on track for a partial retirement
Click to expand...
, so I assume will need to be near civilisation, he might be better off getting the million spend working for him and add in the $100k a year in expenses and rent someone else's boat in exotic locales.
 
Don't even think about buying yet. You don't know yet what you don't know.
Charter with a captain will be a good dose of reality. There is a big difference between monkey-see monkey-do learning and having and understanding all the systems involved.
 
What is your current boating experience? When it comes to cruising, reading books and conversing with imaginary friends on the Internet doesn't offset hands on experience.

Ted
 
Gdavid said:
I wouldn't call this a "dose of reality" but would strongly encourage you to taking a sailing class before ruling sailboats out. Sailboats are overwhelmingly prevalent in passage making for many reasons. If you already know how to sail and still don't want to consider one then please disregard this comment. I think you will find many trawler owners to come from a sailing background and turn to trawlers as preferred for inland and coastal navigation where draft, bridge clearances and confined channels detract from sailing. But open ocean passage making benefits the inherent stability of sail (which may sound odd initially). The size and complexity required in a trawler to match the seaworthyness and range of a quality blue water sailing yacht will be much harder on your budget not to mention a much smaller market to shop from.
Click to expand...

I agree 100% with Gdavid. Please learn how to sail before you dismiss buying a sailboat for crossing an ocean. Very few recreational ocean crossings are done in power boats.
 
Welcome Boatlife.

If I was going to consider ocean crossing cruising, it would definitely be in a motorsailor. The sails give range as well as comfort.

Also, if I was contemplating living and cruising solo in a powerboat, I would do it in a smaller boat than 50-70’. For me, I would be looking at a number of the bluewater boats in the 40-50’ range. 60-70’ is just way too stinking big if you are solo or even a couple. No reason for that much space.
 
It may be a better idea to buy your ideal coastal cruiser and simply ship it across any ocean in your way. I mean, beyond bragging rights, how much fun is it plowing for days and days across an empty ocean?
 
gdavid said:
i wouldn't call this a "dose of reality" but would strongly encourage you to taking a sailing class before ruling sailboats out. Sailboats are overwhelmingly prevalent in passage making for many reasons. If you already know how to sail and still don't want to consider one then please disregard this comment. I think you will find many trawler owners to come from a sailing background and turn to trawlers as preferred for inland and coastal navigation where draft, bridge clearances and confined channels detract from sailing. But open ocean passage making benefits the inherent stability of sail (which may sound odd initially). The size and complexity required in a trawler to match the seaworthyness and range of a quality blue water sailing yacht will be much harder on your budget not to mention a much smaller market to shop from.
Click to expand...
amen!
 
boatlife said:
Hi folks!

I've got a plan to buy a boat and live on it, traveling the world as long as I'm physically able to do so. I recently turned 40 and am on track for a partial retirement and boat purchase in about 5 years. I'm starting my planning & research now so I'll be more than ready when the time comes. I'd love any advice or input you might have.

I'm looking at used boats in the 50' to 70' range and will have a budget between $500k-1000k with $75k-100k per year set aside for maintenance and expenses. The vessel will need to be blue water capable with long range, as I do intend to cross oceans and I'll also be looking for something with large capacities and able to spend extended time at sea or on anchor. Living at a marina strapped to a dock doesn't sound appealing to me at all. I'd rather be on the move or anchored in a harbor some place tropical.

Since the boat will be my long term home, I want something decently large and comfortable. However I'll need to balance size with the fact that I will be cruising shorthanded, potentially all alone if I don't meet someone who shares my passion for this lifestyle between now and then. I figure I can hire help when needed, particularly for the larger maintenance items and during crossings. I also figure I can learn to do much of the work myself. I previously owned (and briefly lived in) a 40' motor coach with a Detroit 8V92 and did most of my own maintenance & repairs on all systems.

I have no interest in sailboats and am currently considering trawlers and power cats.

My plan is to get on as many different boats and talk to as many owners as I can over the next few years. I live in the Pacific Northwest and will be attending the in-water boat show at Trawlerfest in May - this is my first show and is where I plan to start my adventure. As I get closer to realizing my dream, I'll start taking classes as I have much to learn. Getting a diving certification is a priority, also diesel engine maintenance, boat handling and so on.

After the purchase is made, I intend to cruise the west coast of North America for a period of time to get my bearings and learn to handle my boat. I'll probably hire a skipper until I'm confident I have enough experience to go it alone.

So that's the preliminary plan outline. Everything I know about this lifestyle I've read online, so it's time I begin to immerse myself more in real life by attending shows and talking to owners. I've actually had this dream for over 10 years now, I'm just finally getting to the point in my life where the cards are lining up such that I can actually begin to lay some concrete plans.

Thank you for any advice you can throw my way!
Click to expand...
:mad:.a competent Captain will cost you $100K a year minimum-- mostlikely 130K. A 50fter is a full time job just cleaning and maintenance---a 70foot trawler really takes 2 paid crew--do you enjoy doing menial work???
 
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I think it’s different things for different people. If I listened to much of the advice given, I would never have owned a boat. I started (my first boat) with a 58’ and moved to a 68’ 18months later (somehow even made money on the deal).

I did look at boats for almost a year. And likely could tell you about every boat on the west coast that was for sale during that stage. There is sound advice in getting on as many boats as possible before you purchase. There is also sound advice about consider a charter first for a few weeks or more to see what is important.

If your the type of person that researches and is a sponge and values the lessons and teachings that come with owning and captaining your own vessel with some since of risk avoidance and a lot of reading you will be fine. If you are not learning inclined and capable of finding solutions even when you may not understand everything, the heed the advice here about baby steps.

All that being said I’m not sure I would cross an ocean in my first year, but I do believe a person learns best when all is on his/her shoulders and strives to learn though experience.

As example, in my first 3 months I put on over 1000 nautical miles, left port 25-30 times. I cleared customs, docked at many remote marinas, docked in 40knt winds, anchored in remote locations. I learned a ton, and did so from talking/reading/doing. I have now over 10k miles, a trip to Alaska (another on the way,) experience in almost every weather condition the Puget Sound has to offer all under my belt.

It all depends on the person. If that’s is not you, find someone to teach you, but go! Don’t wait!

These have been the most rewarding days of my life and my families.

It comes down to you....

Oh ya, welcome to the forums.
 
dhays said:
Welcome Boatlife.

If I was going to consider ocean crossing cruising, it would definitely be in a motorsailor. The sails give range as well as comfort.

Also, if I was contemplating living and cruising solo in a powerboat, I would do it in a smaller boat than 50-70’. For me, I would be looking at a number of the bluewater boats in the 40-50’ range. 60-70’ is just way too stinking big if you are solo or even a couple. No reason for that much space.
Click to expand...
Not I! I had cruising sailboats from 1971 to 2017 and now have a 34trawler. I miss sailing! In my long career I helped deliver about 4 Motor Sailors. None of them sailed well or motored well. If I was younger (80) I would get another sailboat. :dance: BTW- exactly what is a "Bluewater" Trawler in the 40--50 ft range? can it do 16-18ft waves 6 second period?? Or is your 'Bluewater' different from mine? I recommend a 50ft sail Cat with a friendly athletic lady Captain who can cook. hard to find.
 
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boatlife said:
My plan is to get on as many different boats and talk to as many owners as I can over the next few years. I live in the Pacific Northwest and will be attending the in-water boat show at Trawlerfest in May - this is my first show and is where I plan to start my adventure. As I get closer to realizing my dream, I'll start taking classes as I have much to learn. Getting a diving certification is a priority, also diesel engine maintenance, boat handling and so on.

After the purchase is made, I intend to cruise the west coast of North America for a period of time to get my bearings and learn to handle my boat. I'll probably hire a skipper until I'm confident I have enough experience to go it alone.
Click to expand...

I'd have to say you are approaching all this very intelligently. Especially considering that this lifestyle is much more emotional than analytical, I believe you will do just fine!
 
dhays said:
For me, I would be looking at a number of the bluewater boats in the 40-50’ range. 60-70’ is just way too stinking big if you are solo or even a couple. No reason for that much space.
Click to expand...

Says you.
I know several couples living aboard and managing just fine on 65 and have been for a decade or more.
We were lucky to get our layout on 60 ft, I really wasn't wanting to go as big as 70 to get it and couldn't imagine LIVING on anything less.
 
I admire your passion and exuberance. While I am a supporter of your goals...let me play devil's advocate for a few minutes.

Consideration #1: The midpoint of your boat price range is $750K. The midpoint of your maintenance budget is $75k. Considering the rule of thumb that annual maintenence is is 10% of boat price, you don't have much left over for dockage, food and fuel.

Consideration #2: You self proclaim that you have a lot to learn and will be coastal cruising while you do. Why not coastal cruise and learn on a 40 footer for 2 or 3 years. Weather, systems maint, navigation, electronics, etc that you learn will all be directly applicable to your "forever boat" a few years down the road. The savings in purchase, depreciation, fuel, and rookie mistakes, invested for 2 or 3 years, will make the "forever boat" purchase easier. AND.....there's a chance that you don't take to the lifestyle, and your sunk costs will be less with a smaller boat.

Consideration #3: There's no better way to know what you like in a boat than owning one. You won't know if you need upper and lower helms until you've had one and either loved or hated it. Single engine or twins....galley up or down....beautiful brightwork or easy to maintain paint/fiberglass......pilot house or single level...and so on. There are so many considerations in boat layout and design that the odds of your nailing it on the first try are slim. Buy a 2-3 year boat while you learn, and look for your "forever boat"

Consideration #4: The satisfaction and contentment of telling your story to someone sitting at a thatched roof bar on tropical island a few years from now will be truly priceless. Don't lose sight of that.
 
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Visit lots of boats , even dockside.

40-50 ft will do fine,, 70 is far too much to be bothered with.

Enjoying the venture is the game , mere volume while expensive is useless unless there is a constant need.

With experience under 40 ft in a well engineered boat can be grand.
 
I won't say rhat what you are thinking about doing is impossible, but make sure you know what you are actually gettig yourself into.
 
Moonfish said:
I'd have to say you are approaching all this very intelligently. Especially considering that this lifestyle is much more emotional than analytical, I believe you will do just fine!
Click to expand...
He said Bluewater-not Puget Sound:angel:
 
I semi-retired when I was just over 40. Until then, I worked long and hard hours and didn't have much time for my young family. I grew of retirement quickly, and missed the challenge, stimulation and reward of work. So, I went back at it with a new appreciation. At this stage, I fear retirement. I just don't see myself being content to do nothing but golf, fix my boat and post on the internet all day. My advice is make sure you will be glad you retired early.
 
Woodland Hills said:
My dose of reality is that you have not mentioned crew expenses. No boat in the size range you want is singlehandable in a practical sense, not for long offshore passages. And probably not for the constant docking, anchoring and mooring of inshore cruising either: picking up a mooring ball in a crowded harbor with a tide running, etc.
Click to expand...

Many Nordhavns in this size range with couples only piloting. Read James Hamilton's blogs as well as dozens others on Nordhavn's website. Many on TF know of vessels in this range that are couples only, with occasional guests for longer hauls.

This BS aside, an experienced third hand for blue water travels is wise. But I do question the OPs budget goals. For serious blue water work a well tended N47 would work. The larger sizes are +$1 million. There are a few large Buehler designs popping up that may be on target too.

I do wholeheartedly support the OPs goals. Suggest he spend dock walking and boat looking right now to hone in on required mechanical training, nautical learning and boat alternatives.
 
sunchaser said:
Many Nordhavns in this size range with couples only piloting. Read James Hamilton's blogs as well as dozens others on Nordhavn's website. Many on TF know of vessels in this range that are couples only, with occasional guests for longer hauls.

This BS aside, an experienced third hand for blue water travels is wise. But I do question the OPs budget goals. For serious blue water work a well tended N47 would work. The larger sizes are +$1 million. There are a few large Buehler designs popping up that may be on target too.

I do wholeheartedly support the OPs goals. Suggest he spend dock walking and boat looking right now to hone in on required mechanical training, nautical learning and boat alternatives.
Click to expand...

I missed where the OP stated that he was 1/2 of a couple. I have no issue with two or more people undertaking the voyages the OP posits as his future, coupled or not. However if he is single, my points still stand. For instance: how will one person bring a 60' 70,000 lb boat through a lock by themselves? I am sure there is a way to do it, just as I am sure that someone here has done it themselves, but was it fun or enjoyable?
 
All I have to say is test the waters before you jump in. After all my years of boating including overnight coastal runs I was shocked at my inability to sleep on an overnight ferry out of Sicily. Sometimes the littlest things can kill a good plan.
 
Simi 60 said:
Says you.
I know several couples living aboard and managing just fine on 65 and have been for a decade or more.
We were lucky to get our layout on 60 ft, I really wasn't wanting to go as big as 70 to get it and couldn't imagine LIVING on anything less.
Click to expand...


I agree. I owned 65 ft and single handed and maintained it exclusively myself. Being a live aboard helped of course. Since it was a twin engine and had direct access from pilot house to deck, could dock it myself and take the locks out of Lake Union. My girlfriend served as stewardess when chartering.

Personally I think bigger is better especially out on the ocean. However for overnight passages I always brought watchstanding crew, but that would be the same on a 30 ft boat as well.
 
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