Hello everyone

[Slowboattochina]

We are beginning the process of thinking about moving onto the water full time. All the businesses, houses, cars, motorcycles, smaller boats, possessions that must be gotten rid of is exhausting to think about. It will take 2- 3years so we better get started.

We are looking at marinas in FL with the idea that we would make the ICW trip north to Peconic Bay on Long Island for the summers. We are 60 and 63 so thinking about low effort motorsailers like the Island Packet 41SP.

Sure there is hurricane season but don't worry "Nothing can go wrong"

[Comodave]

Welcome aboard.

[DavidM]

Welcome aboard. You will find lots of TF'rs who do exactly or similar to what you are thinking about doing.

The north/south run each year is fun, relaxing or tedious depending on your state of mind. It will take you the better part of a month to make it from say the Vero Beach area of Florida to the Peconic Bay of LI. A good friend made a similar N/S migration and each year his northern and southern points got closer until he gave it up and bought an RV.

The IP 41SP is a very capable boat (one of our TF members owns one) and could make much of that trip outside rather than slogging up the ICW. But that would require lots of overnights to make it worthwhile which may not be your cup of tea. Also realize that the bridges over the Shinnecock Canal are limited to about 16' clearance which won't work with your mast so you would have to go through NYC and past most of LI and come back in at Orient Point. That bridge will also be an impediment for some trawler type boats with high radar arches.

So make your plans work and live the dream.

David

[Eddie W]

The process to live aboard status has been difficult but liberating, We started the process about 10 months ago and today sit in an almost empty house. All we have left is essential furniture to sit and sleep on and my packed 2 1/2 car garage. We are now excited at each yard sale, we use the proceeds to purchase goodies for the boat. We had a few arguments about what to keep or let go, but are finally on the same page. Now as soon as we leave the boat, we are anxious to get back to her. Good luck and good wishes in your adventures.

[Slowboattochina]

Thanks for the input. No problem going through NYC and Long Island Sound we know those waters well. Our search for a liveaboard boat has expanded to Hatteras's so we may be pure power boaters again. If we do this we will retire completely so the migration north and south can be done without time pressure which means good weather.

[claramax600]

Welcome to the forum.