billtwd
Veteran Member
Agreed
Picking a boat
- Thread starter billtwd
- Start date
The friendliest place on the web for anyone who enjoys boating.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.
billtwd
Veteran Member
I'm not 100% sure what my cruising budget will be. It won't be unlimited but I'm sure it will be enough. Some people say the cost of living on a boat is less than living on land. Some people say it's more and some say it's the same. I live a simple, low maintenance lifestyle and I'm capable of doing almost anything myself so my cruising budget might be insignificant.
Ha ha, we are opposites there. I want to feel like I'm living on a boat even when I'm in a house
Seriously though, maybe consider a houseboat. There are some that are more capable (Skipperliner? I know there are others too). Being a bit more squared off, you avoid that annoying boaty feeling.
If your cruising budget will be insignificant on a 45+' trawler, then "I'll have what he's having."
Seriously though, that would be a feat. (I mean, if you are counting boat expenses and not just food/clothing/etc.)It CAN be relatively economical, but boat choice factors in somewhat. Not saying you can't afford whatever it will cost, as I have no idea what your financial situation is. I would just not describe it as insignificant for most people.
Last edited:
After reviewing the thread, I will somewhat change my mind and say you should go with a DeFever 49. I say that because from reading your thoughts, I don't think you'll be happy with anything else. You'll always think the DF49 would have been the right boat.
So now I would say go with one. You will either love it and keep it "forever"; or you will decide you would prefer something else and sell it and buy something else, based on your own opinion and experience.
So now I would say go with one. You will either love it and keep it "forever"; or you will decide you would prefer something else and sell it and buy something else, based on your own opinion and experience.
billtwd
Veteran Member
Maybe, "insignificant" doesn't mean what I think it means. I wouldn't consider myself rich but if/when I buy a boat I will be paying cash for it and not have boat payments. IDK what minimum boat expenses are, fuel, phone/internet, insurance, maintenance, etc... but whatever they are, mine probably wouldn't be much higher than the minimum - simply because my lifestyle doesn't require it. I am not cheap or stingy or tight or anything like that. I waste money all the time but only when I choose to and not on a regularly scheduled basis. All I meant by my cruising budget being insignificant is that I probably wouldn't do things much differently regardless. How much do monthly boat expenses differ from monthly house expenses? Utilities, insurance, property taxes, maintenance, food...Ha ha, we are opposites there. I want to feel like I'm living on a boat even when I'm in a house
Seriously though, maybe consider a houseboat. There are some that are more capable (Skipperliner? I know there are others too). Being a bit more squared off, you avoid that annoying boaty feeling.
If your cruising budget will be insignificant on a 45+' trawler, then "I'll have what he's having."
It CAN be relatively economical, but boat choice factors in somewhat. Not saying you can't afford whatever it will cost, as I have no idea what your financial situation is. I would just not describe it as insignificant for most people.
Fair enough. I probably should have left that comment out. Sorry about that.
I basically superseded my own comments with #34 just above after re-reading the thread and thinking it over.
billtwd
Veteran Member
I still like your comment about going with the DeFever 49. I could easily see myself going with that or the almost completely opposite direction - like a Albin 36'. I saw a couple older Albin 36's online and they look like something I could see myself in while actually following the advice others have mentioned on this thread. I realize I rarely seem as if I'm considering taking any advice but I listen and think more than I appear to.
Last edited:
PierreR
Guru
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2022
- Messages
- 813
- Vessel Name
- Mar Azul
- Vessel Make
- 1977 Hatteras 42 LRC
The boat you choose will determine your boat budget. For me, a 42' boat, just to own it and not use it is $1,000 per month. To cruise with it is $3,000 a month. I do all my own work. That even includes AC and stabilizer repairs. The first couple of years have been higher.
For me, a 49' Defever would add another $500 a month or so.
With my wife I might consider upsizing yet. Without her I would downsize pretty fast to gain freedom at the expense of large living space. I can easily afford my present boat and cruise.
I fully understand the need to get beat up first.
For me, a 49' Defever would add another $500 a month or so.
With my wife I might consider upsizing yet. Without her I would downsize pretty fast to gain freedom at the expense of large living space. I can easily afford my present boat and cruise.
I fully understand the need to get beat up first.
ranger58sb
Guru
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2013
- Messages
- 8,204
- Location
- Annapolis
- Vessel Name
- Ranger
- Vessel Make
- 58' Sedan Bridge
1) Yes.
2) Yes/No/Maybe.
I think you're taking the right course, asking the right questions...
Cherry-picking some thoughts here, 'cause we have houseguests and I've only had time to speed-read through all the comments...
A "passagemaker" is more often thought ot as a "cross oceans" kind of thing. Yes, tankage and range are a thing, but often folks will immediately jump to the idea of a Nordhavn or some such -- good, but maybe way overkill for inland waters, The Loops, and the various ICWs.
A semi-displacement hull can often feel more stable than a full displacement hull, most often I think when at anchor. Assuming boats without additional stabilization. Has to do with those square chines versus rounded. IOW, don't think you should rule out SD hulls, and you might even actually prefer one.
There are a couple different versions of 49' Defevers. The 44+5 looks easier to deal with, to me, than the 49 RPH. Either -- or maybe one or the other but not both -- could be good boats for you, but there are about a bazillion others that might actually suit equally well... or even be better suited.
And selection is often better when you've broken the issue down into smaller pieces, find all the smaller pieces that work better, then find a boat that conglomerates all those smaller features. A single example: a side door next to a lower helm can be a good thing. For single-handing, you might choose to ignore all boats that don't have at least one door like that. Note no boat identified, yet. Compile a bunch of those features, eventually elimination can help you narrow the field.
It took us four boats to get the features we've finally got now... although some of that was cost-related. Some features I could identify early one, some I discovered along the way... as we used whatever boat we had at the time.
-Chris
I kept track of the money we spent during 7.5 years full time on a 41' sailboat and have kept doing the last 2 years on land. We brought an 1939 brick house because it was way less than renting, Overall our costs living on the boat are the same as what we spent on land, Now we were mostly anchor out while cruising and in hurricane season we would in a low cost marina at less than $500/mo.
I also once went over my cruising days cost records on a 41' boat to determine how they would have been different if it had been a 30' boat instead. It came out to about $500/YEAR less for us.
Costs of boating depend mostly on what you do and how you live.
I also once went over my cruising days cost records on a 41' boat to determine how they would have been different if it had been a 30' boat instead. It came out to about $500/YEAR less for us.
Costs of boating depend mostly on what you do and how you live.
ksanders
Moderator Emeritus
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2011
- Messages
- 7,059
- Location
- Mexico - USA
- Vessel Name
- DOS PECES
- Vessel Make
- BAYLINER 4788
Wow! Thanks for all the support of my humble Bayliner 4788.
As peter said so graciously, we have been from Alaska to Mexico, and back again. We are currently in Victoria BC, and are on the boat for probably three months this time, waiting on spring, and enjoying the hospitality of the wonderful Canadian people.
In a few short months we leave for a summer cruising BC and Alaska. After that, someday we will work our way south. We are supposed to return to La Paz in November 27, and have our slip waiting for us.
I'm saying this, not to emphasize the boat. The boat is not so important. What is important is you. You are in the planning stage. Part of that planning is to make your personal life ready for cruising. Here are some examples of people's getting ready for cruising..
I waited till I could retire, and left the workforce early giving up on prime earning years to go cruising.
My wife Vicky, hired two managers for her Bakery, and took well over a year to train them so she could go cruising. She sacrificed her time, and two employees salaries to make the dream happen.
My son waited for his wife to retire from the USCG, and he accepted a remote job at lower pay, disrupting his upward mobile career to go cruising. They sold their house, put their stuff in storage, giving up land life over a year ago.
As peter said so graciously, we have been from Alaska to Mexico, and back again. We are currently in Victoria BC, and are on the boat for probably three months this time, waiting on spring, and enjoying the hospitality of the wonderful Canadian people.
In a few short months we leave for a summer cruising BC and Alaska. After that, someday we will work our way south. We are supposed to return to La Paz in November 27, and have our slip waiting for us.
I'm saying this, not to emphasize the boat. The boat is not so important. What is important is you. You are in the planning stage. Part of that planning is to make your personal life ready for cruising. Here are some examples of people's getting ready for cruising..
I waited till I could retire, and left the workforce early giving up on prime earning years to go cruising.
My wife Vicky, hired two managers for her Bakery, and took well over a year to train them so she could go cruising. She sacrificed her time, and two employees salaries to make the dream happen.
My son waited for his wife to retire from the USCG, and he accepted a remote job at lower pay, disrupting his upward mobile career to go cruising. They sold their house, put their stuff in storage, giving up land life over a year ago.
Last edited:
I am 65 and sometimes I add up how much money I would have if I had not retired at 56 and gone cruising. It adds up to a lot. But I would just have more money to just get a fancier boat etc. and would have worked 9 more sucky years and done less fun.
Money doesn't buy happiness. It just lets be fancier.
Money doesn't buy happiness. It just lets be fancier.
ksanders
Moderator Emeritus
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2011
- Messages
- 7,059
- Location
- Mexico - USA
- Vessel Name
- DOS PECES
- Vessel Make
- BAYLINER 4788
Part of the problem is that we all lie to ourselves about our age, and our health.
I understand the pressures that lead to these lies. We are pressured to lead a "normal" life. We are pressured to provide for our adult children. We are pressured into thinking we need more, more, more $$$.
So... We believe the lie. We believe that just another two years won't hurt. Honestly many reading this will wait too long.
Here is the reality for most of us.
* We will be pretty healthy in our 60's. Still strong but our bodies are slowing down.
* Our 70's are a game of chance. Some will continue to be strong into their mid 70's, while many of us will start to develop strength, or balance, or other health problems that make cruising difficult.
* By our late 70's many of us simply won't be here. Sorry but that is the circle of life. We all see friends dropping the anchor, one day it will be our turn. The ones that are here are starting to face some serious lifestyle limiting issues.
* If we make it to our 80's we'll be for the most part dock bound, and shuffling.
Yes, there are exceptions, but that is the norm. If you really want to go cruising do it early, and realize that you are choosing the lifestyle and giving up your prime earning years to do it.
I don't know about that really. Guess that is up to each person, I delayed my retirement from 55 to 56 after a heart attack. That doesn't seem to make sense, but it was 1 year of NOT spending the cruising kitty and another year depositing into it.
If I had to I could make more money, but not more time.
billtwd
Veteran Member
I love this thread and it's getting into some core concerns/considerations that I wasn't sure I wanted to get into on a forum. Psychology. I'm kind of burned out psychologically. Life has become somewhat stagnant. Part of the reason for that is that there isn't anything to do that interests me. I left the corporate world years ago to start and run my own business that consists of a lot of things I used to do for fun (no regrets). Now after a couple decades of doing this stuff every day and having to deal with all the other small business issues, like nobody wanting to work anymore and stuff like that, it's not fun anymore.
I absolutely love life - but I feel as if I'm wasting my time doing nothing beyond existing/surviving. Boat life seems very appealing to me. Even if I did basically nothing while living on a boat, I'd at a bare minimum be seeing and experimenting our beautiful world. That sounds a lot more appealing to me. I know I might talk like cost isn't an issue but it obviously is. When I decide I'm done being a business owner, I'm very confident/certain that I will have a nice chunk of change to work with (not millions but enough to be set up). I will also have some monthly income from rentals and stuff., Again, it's not a lot but ... For me to start the boat life depends on a few things lining up that I'm not going to get into. It will most likely boil down to (in it's simplest form) - living a comfortable, financially stable, stagnant life where I'm at now. or living a more adventurous, more fulfilling but more financially stressful life on a boat. What boat isn't even that important yet but it gives me something to dream about.
I have a pretty good idea of what my minimum monthly income will be when I'm done with my business but I don't know for sure how big my bank account will be. I don't want to have a stagnant life but living on a boat is not the only option to break free of that, it's just the most romantically, adventurously appealing. I'm not sure it would be worth living in financial peril though (not that I would be). I already know I could live financially comfortable after my business life if I stay put. That's why I like the direction this thread is going - it's getting into some of the less fun but psychological and financial realities that matter.
I absolutely love life - but I feel as if I'm wasting my time doing nothing beyond existing/surviving. Boat life seems very appealing to me. Even if I did basically nothing while living on a boat, I'd at a bare minimum be seeing and experimenting our beautiful world. That sounds a lot more appealing to me. I know I might talk like cost isn't an issue but it obviously is. When I decide I'm done being a business owner, I'm very confident/certain that I will have a nice chunk of change to work with (not millions but enough to be set up). I will also have some monthly income from rentals and stuff., Again, it's not a lot but ... For me to start the boat life depends on a few things lining up that I'm not going to get into. It will most likely boil down to (in it's simplest form) - living a comfortable, financially stable, stagnant life where I'm at now. or living a more adventurous, more fulfilling but more financially stressful life on a boat. What boat isn't even that important yet but it gives me something to dream about.
I have a pretty good idea of what my minimum monthly income will be when I'm done with my business but I don't know for sure how big my bank account will be. I don't want to have a stagnant life but living on a boat is not the only option to break free of that, it's just the most romantically, adventurously appealing. I'm not sure it would be worth living in financial peril though (not that I would be). I already know I could live financially comfortable after my business life if I stay put. That's why I like the direction this thread is going - it's getting into some of the less fun but psychological and financial realities that matter.
Last edited:
billtwd
Veteran Member
p.s. I found the perfect boat. A 1986 Ocean Alexander 40' Double Cabin. Unfortunately, it's on the wrong side of the continent (in Washington). It seems like most of the perfect ones are over there. I'm not ready to buy yet anyway - but I think that would be a good pick for me.
billtwd
Veteran Member
Because I'm insane... or maybe bored, perhaps excited. Probably insane. lol
I agree with insane
sneal4600
Veteran Member
Went through this very mental process starting in 2020. We knew our cruising plans included the Great Lakes and eventually more blue water so the research started with watching many YT videos on boat styles, reading "Midsize Power Boats" by Dave Pascoe and Robert Beebe "Voyaging Under Power" in order to get a wide array of input on what is out there. All that distilled down to a DeFever 44OC for us. The condition and price point were just too great to pass up so we bought it in October 2024. Now that I have owned and cruised this boat for one season, I can say we could not be happier. The twin Ford Lehman 135s are so solid and dependable. The boat eats up Lake Michigan waves. Our guests are comfortable and some even say it is the best boat experience of their lives. Can you spend more and get more? Absolutely. There are some great boats to include Flemming, Selene, Nordhavn, Grand Banks, Hatteras, Kady Krogen, Krogen Express, Ocean Alexander, etc. We even considered Tiara which are Michigan made.
In the end as others have stated, all boats are a compromise. We have learned to live with what we do not have and plan to improve our DeFever over time to help offset some of those things. But I will also say once we bought our boat and learned to pilot and navigate, there has been no greater feeling of peacefulness that a calm 60 mile trip on Lake Michigan. Dave Pascoe said if he knew then what he knows now he would have bought his fourth boat first. Enjoy the hunt!
In the end as others have stated, all boats are a compromise. We have learned to live with what we do not have and plan to improve our DeFever over time to help offset some of those things. But I will also say once we bought our boat and learned to pilot and navigate, there has been no greater feeling of peacefulness that a calm 60 mile trip on Lake Michigan. Dave Pascoe said if he knew then what he knows now he would have bought his fourth boat first. Enjoy the hunt!
ranger58sb
Guru
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2013
- Messages
- 8,204
- Location
- Annapolis
- Vessel Name
- Ranger
- Vessel Make
- 58' Sedan Bridge
Yep. Some features, we knew up front we needed. Some we prefer now have come from experience.
Example, although it won't apply to many: When we got our first bigger boat, we had two big dogs. We knew that meant we needed a swim platform and a transom door. We didn't know we needed stairs (not a ladder) to the flying bridge... and actually, stairs might not have been invented yet anyway. After a few trips in bumpy weather, operating from the lower helm, we learned visibility sucked from there and that we had to go back up top to be able to dodge the crab pots. Unhappy dogs. Unhappy us.
Mainship introduced the 350 -- with stairs -- seemed like it would be nirvana.
Hard right turn: I've forgotten to mention, the Powerboat Guide can be useful for reviewing basics about boat models, usually including layout diagrams. Not every boat is included, but boatloads are...
-Chris
Gdavid
Guru
This is the type of thread that leads to long responses, it is a big topic. I will try to keep this short (will probably fail).
You may find yourself enjoying taking a transient slip more than you anticipate. Much like this forum, you run into lots of people with similar interests and interesting backgrounds to BS with. Some people come to shore and keep to themselves only replenishing or hiding out from weather, but this seems to be the exception. Most can find marinas that appeal to them and enjoy the camaraderie on a periodic basis.
Another factor that new boaters frequently overlook is shore power, living on the hook sounds ideal and can be, but there are days that will make you want to crank up your AC and it is nice to do so without running a generator. Solar and battery power is getting close to support partial AC on some boat, but it is rare, comes at great expense and is still compromised. A smaller boat tends to be easier to find available transient slips and is also more affordable.
For inland waterways, less draft provides a lot of flexibility and freedom. There will be creeks you can explore with a 3 foot draft that are simply not possible in a larger boat. These offer protection ( from wind and waves) and privacy. Less draft allows you to take both shortcuts and more flexibility in choosing routes when avoiding rough weather. Many sections of both the ICW and inland waterways are just easier with less draft and more relaxing.
Large boats with massive tankage sound like they support long independence, and they can, but having water tanks oversized or fuel tanks oversized leads to challenges of keeping fuel and water fresh.
It is really hard to anticipate every preference you have in an activity you really haven't tried yet (cruising can be very different from day tripping smaller craft), it is very common for a new cruiser's preferences to evolve. I would get a boat with a low cost of entry that you could easily sell as you learn your preferences.
You may find yourself enjoying taking a transient slip more than you anticipate. Much like this forum, you run into lots of people with similar interests and interesting backgrounds to BS with. Some people come to shore and keep to themselves only replenishing or hiding out from weather, but this seems to be the exception. Most can find marinas that appeal to them and enjoy the camaraderie on a periodic basis.
Another factor that new boaters frequently overlook is shore power, living on the hook sounds ideal and can be, but there are days that will make you want to crank up your AC and it is nice to do so without running a generator. Solar and battery power is getting close to support partial AC on some boat, but it is rare, comes at great expense and is still compromised. A smaller boat tends to be easier to find available transient slips and is also more affordable.
For inland waterways, less draft provides a lot of flexibility and freedom. There will be creeks you can explore with a 3 foot draft that are simply not possible in a larger boat. These offer protection ( from wind and waves) and privacy. Less draft allows you to take both shortcuts and more flexibility in choosing routes when avoiding rough weather. Many sections of both the ICW and inland waterways are just easier with less draft and more relaxing.
Large boats with massive tankage sound like they support long independence, and they can, but having water tanks oversized or fuel tanks oversized leads to challenges of keeping fuel and water fresh.
It is really hard to anticipate every preference you have in an activity you really haven't tried yet (cruising can be very different from day tripping smaller craft), it is very common for a new cruiser's preferences to evolve. I would get a boat with a low cost of entry that you could easily sell as you learn your preferences.
billtwd
Veteran Member
I believe you - that I might find myself enjoying a transient slips more than I anticipate. I tend to describe myself as antisocial but I misuse that term a lot. I can actually be very social. I can also be very introverted. I'm way more introverted than social but when I socialize I'm really good at it. IMO
A cute little XX chromosome at the marina could change my mind about all kinds of stuff until I reclaim my rational thoughts. I'm aware that dreams, fantasies, ideas based on YouTube videos and Netflix and reality are often (usually) entirely different things. But if I keep reading all the comments on this thread I will eventually know everything. Right?Gdavid
Guru
Cute single ladies in a marina are few and far between. If you think you see one, you are likely seeing a siren.I believe you - that I might find myself enjoying a transient slips more than I anticipate. I tend to describe myself as antisocial but I misuse that term a lot. I can actually be very social. I can also be very introverted. I'm way more introverted than social but when I socialize I'm really good at it. IMO
Mac2
Guru
Just the opposite. Every time Im on this forum I find out how little I know-the main reason I keep coming back. I think that’s why I love boating. Always a challenge, and you never stop learning.
billtwd
Veteran Member
The only time I see sirens now are when the cops are chasing me so mermaids would be a nice change of pace
Ertyqway
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2024
- Messages
- 133
- Location
- Seattle, WA, USA
- Vessel Name
- Jackaroo
- Vessel Make
- Ocean Alexander 42 Sedan
My wife and I have been talking about doing the Great Loop when we retire. This has led to many years of thinking about what kind of boat would be the best setup for us and for looping. In describing our thinking on this, there may be a few items which resonate.
1) Any loop boat must be able to handle all the various conditions of the Loop route itself. That means it needs to have relatively low bridge clearance (air draft) and be river friendly (shallow water draft). It also needs to be able to comfortably cross parts of the Gulf and go out into the Atlantic in select areas. It doesn't need to be fast, but being able to put on some speed occasionally in order to make timelines and weather windows is a big plus.
2) It needs to be small enough to fit into urban docks and be single-handed if necessary, but large enough to be comfortable for living on board for many months at a time in a variety of seasonal conditions.
3) It needs to have enough tankage and storage to provision and sustain longer cruise legs.
4) For us, having a layout which doesn't require going up and down lots of stairs to do things on board is a major lifestyle requirement. That's more of a convenience issue than a mobility issue, but that convenience is really important. This applies to both the internal layout (deck and living areas all on one level more or less) and external layout (good sized cockpit and decent walk-arounds to the bow).
We've been back and forth over all kinds of options which meet these requirements. Our current OA 42 Sedan actually meets a lot of them, but it's in the wrong place (PNW). We could ship it to somewhere on the Loop, or buy another boat.
Out of all the other boats we've looked at, the ones which best meet all the criteria are actually power catamarans. They have lots of one-level living area for their size, both inside and out, shallow water and air drafts, coastal/gulf capabilities, and good efficiency. Out of all the power cats we've looked at as potential Loop boats, the one that really stands out is the Aspen C120.
Now, an Aspen C120 is not a cheap boat. Even older used models are running around $700K to $800K right now. It's also not a "trawler" per se (neither is our OA, though we use it like one). But in terms of ticking all the boxes as a great Loop boat, that's the answer we got.
1) Any loop boat must be able to handle all the various conditions of the Loop route itself. That means it needs to have relatively low bridge clearance (air draft) and be river friendly (shallow water draft). It also needs to be able to comfortably cross parts of the Gulf and go out into the Atlantic in select areas. It doesn't need to be fast, but being able to put on some speed occasionally in order to make timelines and weather windows is a big plus.
2) It needs to be small enough to fit into urban docks and be single-handed if necessary, but large enough to be comfortable for living on board for many months at a time in a variety of seasonal conditions.
3) It needs to have enough tankage and storage to provision and sustain longer cruise legs.
4) For us, having a layout which doesn't require going up and down lots of stairs to do things on board is a major lifestyle requirement. That's more of a convenience issue than a mobility issue, but that convenience is really important. This applies to both the internal layout (deck and living areas all on one level more or less) and external layout (good sized cockpit and decent walk-arounds to the bow).
We've been back and forth over all kinds of options which meet these requirements. Our current OA 42 Sedan actually meets a lot of them, but it's in the wrong place (PNW). We could ship it to somewhere on the Loop, or buy another boat.
Out of all the other boats we've looked at, the ones which best meet all the criteria are actually power catamarans. They have lots of one-level living area for their size, both inside and out, shallow water and air drafts, coastal/gulf capabilities, and good efficiency. Out of all the power cats we've looked at as potential Loop boats, the one that really stands out is the Aspen C120.
Now, an Aspen C120 is not a cheap boat. Even older used models are running around $700K to $800K right now. It's also not a "trawler" per se (neither is our OA, though we use it like one). But in terms of ticking all the boxes as a great Loop boat, that's the answer we got.
Tingum
Senior Member
You need to spend some time on the size boat you are considering. One attempt at docking single handed in a crosswind will be eye opening, try adding a current and I think you will reconsider your size choice. A single handed live aboard does not need a 49’ boat. Now let’s add the maintenance and dockage costs.
billtwd
Veteran Member
It seems as if a lot of the boats I like the most are located near the PNW, I simply don't want to purchase something that is going to double in cost because of relocating. I was stuck on the idea of a DeFever 49 for a while but I broke free of that notion. Based on my personal preferences and the advice of the people on this forum I'm now drawn more towards a much smaller vessel (38-40'). My favorite so far is the Ocean Alexander 40' Double Cabin but there are others I like almost as well or maybe more. It's nearly impossible to make a final decision without stepping foot on any of them. I'm also blessed with a personal relationship with God, who will help me make the final decision when the time comes. In the meantime I will just keep soaking in the advice given on this forum but acting as if it goes in one ear and straight out the other.
Last edited:
