How many years left?

[Bacchus]

Originally Posted by djmarchand

For me, the decision to quit boating will be when I can't maintain her myself. At 70 YO now I can still work my (heavier) body down around the engine to replace the impeller, change out the macerator pump, etc. The single engine does have decent access.

It has gotten harder to do these things the older I get. The joints protest and I sure know it a few hours later. But a couple of drinks watching the sun set over a nice remote cove soothes the pain!

David

Well said and I agree. To me maintenance us part of pride of ownership. I've learned to let go of a few things...not above hiring a young buck to wash buff and wax the hardtop...last thing I want w a new hip is to slip and fall..
It might cut into my racquetball games.
When considering our current boat we estimated the current configuration might let us boat comfortably and safely an additional 10 yrs.

We certainly admire those that can keep boating (or active in other ways / sports) well into the Sr yrs but also have admire those that know realstically when its time to move on to other activities.
We hope we never become too stubborn to quit even though it's well past time we should have.

[FoxtrotCharlie]

As my Doc friends say, "keep walking" to stay in shape. Currently I'm walking about 8 miles every morning, with a 35# pack. Getting in shape to hike the 220 mile John Muir Trail starting Sep 11. I'm 62 and my hiking buddy is 64. We are planning on 18 days, with one rest day somewhere in the middle. Trips like this are great incentive to stay in shape

[rwidman]

There's no set time we are given. One of my best friends is on his death bed and expected to pass within a few weeks. He just turned 59.


Other people are active into their 80s or longer.


It is smart to keep in mind that the older you are, the greater chance you have of contracting an illness or an injury. And on a boat, you could be hours or more from medical assistance. Make plans.

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by FoxtrotCharlie

As my Doc friends say, "keep walking" to stay in shape. Currently I'm walking about 8 miles every morning, with a 35# pack. Getting in shape to hike the 220 mile John Muir Trail starting Sep 11. I'm 62 and my hiking buddy is 64. We are planning on 18 days, with one rest day somewhere in the middle. Trips like this are great incentive to stay in shape

Good luck. On my last backpack trip which was in the High Sierra some fifteen years ago, met several folks attempting to do the whole John Muir trail. A single fellow said it was his third attempt, and a man and woman couple were on their first attempt. They had yet to cross Forester Pass, the highest, which I've never done. Too late for me now.

[Nightsky]

Originally Posted by Bruce B Wifey D

Have to share the visit we had this morning aboard our AT-395 while sitting at Wooden Boat in the rain and fog in Brooklin, Maine. Ruth and Herb are the crew of the American Tug 365 "Ancient Mariners" and they are totally awesome and totally cool. Herb is 99 and Ruth is 91. They came over to see our boat, and Herb announced that he liked our extra space and propane range so he "might have to trade in the 365 for a 395." Here's to being out cruising on our own boats when we are pushing the century mark.

Now THAT is totally awesome. We should all be so lucky!

[BruceK]

Last year a delightful 80yo couple on our marina sold their Riv 35 and bought a newish Riv 40. The difference is a lot more than 5ft. The wife had leukemia going in and out of remission. Took me a little time to understand in that context, how wise and wonderful was the move. They enjoyed the new boat together until earlier this year the health battle was lost.
Keep on boating!

[BandB]

Both sets of our parents died young but mine contributed to their deaths heavily with life choices they made and I don't do. Hers died in an accident well after she ran away and lost contact, but they likely would have died young considering how they lived.

I never thought I'd be big on exercise and managing weight but I do want to get all the healthy years I can. I also don't trust myself that if I ever got out of condition or overweight, I'd have the willpower to get back.

We play tennis and basketball, sing (yes it's actually good exercise and great for your respiratory system), and walk. We walk miles, preferably real miles but if not, treadmill. Cruising though gives so much chance to walk. Many times we've left marinas and headed to town and they've looked at us like, "do you know how far it is?" We'd give them the exact distance from google. Walking at home is boring, but walking in new places is actually fun.

Now, unlike Mark, I don't care a thing about being able to maintain a boat. I'm perfectly fine in my latter years doing nothing but the helm and choosing where to go. Of course, my wife reminded me, we don't do a lot more than that today.

[O C Diver]

Unfortunately not blessed with good genes, hope I can boat till 70.

Ted

[Lou_tribal]

Originally Posted by BandB

... sing (yes it's actually good exercise and great for your respiratory system)...

Pretty sure that if I start to sing I will die young killed by my neighbors lol

L.

[BandB]

Originally Posted by Lou_tribal

Pretty sure that if I start to sing I will die young killed by my neighbors lol

L.

At least you know that. Worst are those who think they can sing and do so loudly or make a video and then ask for your opinion. I use to work with a girl who apparently everyone at church told her how great she was. She made a few videos and shared them. Horrible. I too the path like all the others just not as blatant. I said something like, "Thank you. I had no idea you could sing like that." I didn't lie. But didn't hurt her feelings either.

[dhays]

Originally Posted by FoxtrotCharlie

As my Doc friends say, "keep walking" to stay in shape. Currently I'm walking about 8 miles every morning, with a 35# pack. Getting in shape to hike the 220 mile John Muir Trail starting Sep 11. I'm 62 and my hiking buddy is 64. We are planning on 18 days, with one rest day somewhere in the middle. Trips like this are great incentive to stay in shape

18 days is a reasonably aggressive schedule. My son did it solo a couple years ago in about 12 days. He was 24 years old however.

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by dhays

18 days is a reasonably aggressive schedule. My son did it solo a couple years ago in about 12 days. He was 24 years old however.

Suppose if you are a Walter Starr type, and if you don't know Starr, you're likely unprepared.

I'd expect at least a 30-day transit if the body holds out, and you'll likely need at least two resupplies.

[RT Firefly]

What was the question again?

[Gumbalaya]

I love this hopeful, passionate thread.
Thanks Bruce for starting it.

Having started with boating a tad late (52) I most certainly hope to enjoy it as long as I can.

My mom won't be able to ever join me (heart patient), breaks my heart but also encourages to give it my all.
And to FaceTime her on cruises and boating lazy time (bless her heart to be a vivid iPad user).

Us healthy lot should maximize the experience. We only have one lap down here.

[BandB]

Originally Posted by Gumbalaya

I love this hopeful, passionate thread.
Thanks Bruce for starting it.

Having started with boating a tad late (52) I most certainly hope to enjoy it as long as I can.

My mom won't be able to ever join me (heart patient), breaks my heart but also encourages to give it my all.
And to FaceTime her on cruises and boating lazy time (bless her heart to be a vivid iPad user).

Us healthy lot should maximize the experience. We only have one lap down here.

Not questioning the decision, but just wondering why she can't ever join you on the boat?

Glad she's facetiming. Being able to skype and facetime has been incredible for us. We started our niece two weeks after her birth. Obviously, she didn't know what was happening. I've told so many grandparents who had grandkids far from them.

[Gumbalaya]

Originally Posted by BandB

Not questioning the decision, but just wondering why she can't ever join you on the boat?

Glad she's facetiming. Being able to skype and facetime has been incredible for us. We started our niece two weeks after her birth. Obviously, she didn't know what was happening. I've told so many grandparents who had grandkids far from them.

Isn't it neat to hook up this way? One of the better advancements of society and technology. Good on you David.

My mom is not mobile anymore with heart function below 60% after two heart attacks and diabetc/obesity. But she enjoys the iPad shows and my visits.

[Mike.p]

Originally Posted by Bruce B

I often wonder how many years my wife and I have left to enjoy boating.
Her parents are just now giving up boating, their favorite lifelong pastime, at the age of 85. I thought that was an impressive run. Tonight we ran into couple that are in their early and late 90's who are out cruising in their 36' American Tug!!! How awesome is that? The photo is of my wife's dad rowing his beloved Dyer dinghy in Block Island a year or two ago, a dinghy they owned for some 50 years...
Bruce

That is a good question and one I have wondered about myself, then I realized that asking the question doesn't solve the problem.
We won't know until it happens, we should live life to the full, Carpe Diem-seize the day.

[BandB]

Originally Posted by Gumbalaya

Isn't it neat to hook up this way? One of the better advancements of society and technology. Good on you David.

Not that long ago, we were talking to our sister, Tiffany, and then she handed the phone to Aurora, our niece. Aurora made a face and looked around, shook her head and walked over to the screen she normally sees us on. She wasn't use to this regular phone stuff and didn't like it. We got on cam to make her happy.

[FoxtrotCharlie]

Originally Posted by markpierce

Good luck. On my last backpack trip which was in the High Sierra some fifteen years ago, met several folks attempting to do the whole John Muir trail. A single fellow said it was his third attempt, and a man and woman couple were on their first attempt. They had yet to cross Forester Pass, the highest, which I've never done. Too late for me now.

Thanks - need all the luck I can get - especially this yr. With the record snowpack in the Sierra there will be deep snow/ice on the non-sunny sides of most passes, and all of the streams and rivers are raging torrents from the runoff. My hiking buddy is an acute care doc And we have a bit of experience - not trying to prove anything and will not take undue risks.

[FoxtrotCharlie]

Originally Posted by markpierce

Suppose if you are a Walter Starr type, and if you don't know Starr, you're likely unprepared.

I'd expect at least a 30-day transit if the body holds out, and you'll likely need at least two resupplies.

Yep, I've read Starr's guide. We will have two resupply points - Vermillion Ranch and by horseback at Kersage pass. The plan is to hike 17 days, and have one rest day at VVR.