No Regrets Lifestyle Cruising the Hatteras LRC through the Panama Canal

[Adopo]

I thought I would share this video channel I've been watching on youtube that I think gives one an idea as to what long distance cruising is like on a day to day basis on an older but very capable classic. I say I think because I have not done it, and for those who are or have done it perhaps you could chime in. What I do like about these videos is it provides a glimpse of the day to day challenges and monotony you might face on such a cruise, and it is especially interesting as they do the Panama Canal.

I'll mention this about youtube: I use youtube almost every day for a variety of things, like instructional videos, news, and entertainment like this video series I am sharing on cruising the LRC. If you use youtube, you should consider upgrading to the premium account as it eliminates all external commercials and lets you organize all of your channels for viewing. I think it is around 140 bucks a year, benefits can be found here. I find it well worth the fee.

YouTube Premium

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And this is just one of the channels I find interesting. There are many other cruisers who have channels you can watch that are better produced, like Tony Flemings that can be found here:

Tony's Adventures

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But I think what I find interesting about this channel is it seems more real life to me. And who doesn't like the LRC? Capt Paul's journey starts with the refit and follows each day of the cruise. Here are a few, with a jump ahead to Panama. You can go to the channel if you want to see the day to day cruise.

Cheers

this is a jump ahead, you can go to the channel if you want to see them in order

 

[Adopo]

 

[hollywood8118]

I couldn't disagree MORE on the No Regrets guy. If you want to herald a guy that bumbles along in the most unprofessional manner he it the poster child. They seem to have a " fix it when it breaks " attitude and know NOTHING about how to prep a boat for open water. I would be embarrassed to post about all the crap that seems to happen with the way they go about boating. Every episode is titled as "Clickbait". There was a time I watched a few times just to be able to view the train wreck that eventually follows. But I have eliminated the subscription off YouTube as it just amazed me the comments for support of this guy from the obviously non boating public.
Hollywood

 

[CharlieO.]

I haven't watched his cruising to Panama videos yet, I watched a couple of the yard videos. Not a fan of the clickbait titles, but he is out there putting miles under keels and days on the water year after year.

 

[Gdavid]

I couldn't disagree MORE on the No Regrets guy. If you want to herald a guy that bumbles along in the most unprofessional manner he it the poster child. They seem to have a " fix it when it breaks " attitude and know NOTHING about how to prep a boat for open water. I would be embarrassed to post about all the crap that seems to happen with the way they go about boating. Every episode is titled as "Clickbait". There was a time I watched a few times just to be able to view the train wreck that eventually follows. But I have eliminated the subscription off YouTube as it just amazed me the comments for support of this guy from the obviously non boating public.
Hollywood

I tend to agree, although I may cut him a little more slack. I don't care for the clickbait and also am put off by how many maintenance and repair items had been unaddressed prior to the first attempted departure. I find it a great comparison between this channel and Intoodeep, where Russ seems very capable and confidence inspiring in spite of running similar vintage and complex boats on (what I assume to be) a limited budget. While the true story may differ from video content, I doubt it and Russ seems very capable of working within his limits and gives more respect to the safety of passengers through competent seamanship (just my own impression).

I am a little unclear on the no regrets channels on what boats he owns or is doing a delivery for others, it was probably explained but my attention was overcome by annoyance of the antics of this "Captain". I have to credit him with making it to Panama, but I just don't care for the seemingly limited shakedown of the boat prior to attempting such a passage. Without knowing any details, I credit the stubborn durability of the lower output 6-71's to his success.

If you follow the you-tubers out cruising, there does seem to be an alarming amount of vessel loses and/or major damage incurred. Maybe this is just reality but I suspect there are some that just don't make the best decisions for whatever reason.

 

[READY]

I deleted the No Regrets feed for reasons above. And I own a 48 LRC (currently for sale). I find him annoying and the quality is poor. I reallyhate the click bait. In Too Deep is interesting and he is likeable.

 

[Adopo]

Agreed with everything said, it's just interesting to me to see the trip slow rolled, the everyday life while doing this, and what is going to break next and how they are going to fix it. For instance I had not considered that one fin would still help on the crossing in rough water, I thought both needed to work. I think the Panama transit could provide a real view into what it might be like, but I don't know, have never done it. And who wouldn't like Gus of In Too Deep, he's living the life and is very capable, likable. Youth, freedom, adventure....

 

[psneeld]

One fin in rough seas may help on some boats but I wouldn't say all boats.

I became the captain on a guy's 55 Viking when his regular pro captain basically stranded him over a week because a non-functioning fin. The captain refused to take it 15 miles up the coast of Jersey offshore because of conditions that made the boat was miserable but would have been fine if both fins worked. He was advised not to take it up the ICW by quite a few captains, so he didn't.

Based on what the owner/other captain said, instead of running offshore, I snuck the boat up the NJ Intracoastal and got the owner/wife home the next day. Became great friends with the owner and his wife after that, as they were both anxious to get home.

 

[Barking Sands]

I used to watch Paul in the very beginning. I credit him for finishing his first cruiser way back and then zooming through the loop to get enough hours for his Captains license. He then moved to delivery, and I think brokering a bit. So he had his sights on something new and made it happen. He is clearly not as experienced as many of you guys here. But as someone said, he is putting in miles. Could he be better...I am sure. But most of us could be better.

If someone filmed every mile of your travels and all your decisions and shortcuts and mistakes on youtube...what would it look like..lol.

I did watch several of his videos he had of an Albin 50 called Blue Max that had a bulbous bow and Paravanes and many upgrades. Interesting boat that was for sale.

I am partial to the small channel Cruising This Old Boat with Ron and Marie. A super nice married and retired couple on a budget. They have been on their Marine Trader for years now, cruising non-stop on a budget and making budget repairs. They are constantly moving and full time liveaboard. Nothing fancy or flashy or click baity. And I imagine my wife and I will be doing something just as unflashy and basic in the next few years when I retire. And I cant wait.

Gus from In Too Deep is an anomaly. He is fantastic for such a young age. Sharp kid.

 

[heysteve]

This channel has one of my biggest pet peeves on YT: the arbitrary and/or reverse order playlists. It's like dirty windows in a restaurant... it makes me concerned about the quality.

 

[Pprior]

I watched a few, got real tired of the clickbait titles - every one is OMG ARE WE GOING TO SURVIVE, and then they basically are putting things together with baling wire and twine. Unsubscribed.

 

[ABfish]

I looked at a boat that was featured in one of his vids; he was helping the owner move the boat for several days. He could not say enough good things about the vessel, which was listed for sale.

I toured the boat for a couple of hours and made an offer subject to survey. (That's on me; it was the height of COVID madness, and I really wanted a boat and didn't look closely enough. It also checked all of my boxes, and the wife approved).

Regardless, the boat failed the survey miserably. Best $2,000 I've ever lost. The term "lipstick on a pig" comes to mind. The final straw was when water began dripping from the salon headliner while we sat post-survey. Closer inspection revealed that the seams in the headliner had been caulked. I suppose that was easier than repairing the penetrations in the flybridge deck.

 

[long-cours.62]

I don't check witch engine she have , did you know ?
When heard in engine room looks running at high rpm, but may be it is only my feeling ?

 

[Sababa]

I’m a big fan of Onboard Tangaroa. Some mad DIY skills there, and lovely people. And I can’t get enough of Gus and In Too Deep.