New Member - Hello to all

[footballfetch]

Thanks for the add! Longtime dreamer of the cruiser way of travel.

Can't wait to read through the threads and consume as much info as possible!!


I do have one question to start. My wife is interested as well but brought up a good point - is there a way to 'try it out' for a week or so to see if it is something we would like without having to purchase the boat first (it's good to have a more reasonable counterpart sometimes ). So I suppose there are options to charter a boat tour for a few days to get a feel of the lifestyle right? I am in NC so anything from Virginia down to SC for a touring option is fine.

I have a boat now and fish quite a bit - 22ft - so moving to this size boat will take time. I plan to invest in training captain time for sure.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to being an information sponge!

[Choices]

Charter one. Might do Moorings on a power boat.

[footballfetch]

Thanks - is Moorings the name of the company?

[Hyperion]

Not endorsing but know of these guys so it might be an option.

https://www.chitwood-charters.com/

[Comodave]

Welcome aboard. I don’t have any experience with them but there is a place in Florida, maybe Southwest Florida or something like that, that charters trawlers.

[TJM]

Welcome aboard. One comment I would make is that Charter boats are usually maintained with an open check book. A week on a charter SHOULD be flawless without incident.
If you take the leap of faith and buy a boat you need to understand that "sometimes" things happen and the comfort zone of you and your crew will be tested. Ex: Think about how you or your crew would respond to an engine stalling as you pull into a crowded port at sunset?
Captains or knowledgeable friends are a great help.
I personally have no regrets, but I am on my fifth boat over 40 yrs on the water.

[footballfetch]

Good points. I am more interested in the experience of living on the boat for a week or whatever more than anything. As a boat owner I know plan for everything but expect something new to happen enough times that you are always on alert.

[Delta Riverat]

Welcome aboard! Sounds like an excellent approach.