Seeking advice.

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Seeking advice

May 10, 2009

Good day all,

I’m considering the aspect (being single with no responsibilities to speak of) of buying a sailboat and living on it year round while doing some travelling. I currently reside in New Orleans, Louisiana and have never sailed anything bigger than a small 12’ sailboat as a kid. So needless to say, I have zero sailing experience. There are some local places to take sailing classes but I have too many question and figured the best advice would come from folks like yourselves who have been there and done that.

First, once I attain some sailing knowledge/experience what size boat would be practicle for sailing solo while having enough room aboard to not drive myself crazy? I’m thinking around a 40-50ft’r. I plan on going to the Carribean Islands area, Mexico way, down to South America and stopping in Brazil for some time. A few shorter excursions would be the smartest thing to plan in my opinion. (Like sailing the Gulf Coast over to Florida, etc.)  For obvious reasons I’m not planning any trips to far away lands at this point. I pretty much figure I could follow the coastline and just have a fun time in my travels. The speed in which I get there is of no importance.

I’ve been researching alot of information as to the type of boats and I must say, there’s way more to it than I realized. I can’t even determine what type or style of boat would be best suited for my idea. I’m hoping to get my plan underway within the next 2-3 years so I have some time to figure things out and more importantly, learn how to sail. :-)

So at this point I’d just like to ask any of you for guidance in maybe what I should do first (besides taking classes on sailing), and what type of boats I should be considering. If all goes to plan I should have a budget of $100k – $200k for the boat.

Thank you in advance for your advice and recommendations.

Comments

caymaniac

caymaniac May 12, 2009 at 04:31 AM

I assume you will be free of all responsibilities on land and be free to take on the challange of maintaining a boat and the liveaboard lifestyle that comes with being a live-aboard. Sailing in and of its self in not a difficult thing to master. The real training is in decission making.

First thing is not to get in over your head in the size of boat. A 40 to 45 foot boat is a big job for single handing.

Look for help to get from place to place. Lots of people going places who can help. Check local marinas for people daysailing and ask if anyone needs a crew or just help cleaning the boat after a day sail. Sailors are by philosophy are usually a friendly lot and are not unwilling to express their knowledge and willingness to demonstrate their abilities. good luck I’ll chech back

lanasfault

lanasfault August 12, 2009 at 08:16 PM

I would suggest highly that you check with the US Coast Guard Auxilliary to take a course in Boating Skills & Seamanship (BS&S) or Sailing Skills & Seamanship (SS&S) if that course is given. I would also find out if they have a course in Coastal Navigation (ACN). I highly recommend that you do this. I am an member and instructor with the USCGAUX and can assure you of the value of these courses.

I would also recommend a boat no larger than 30 ft. for single handling.

Good Luck and God Speed

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