A good Liveaboard Boat for 1 year in Caribbean

[schultep]

My wife and I are thinking about dropping everything for a year or two and living in the<br />Caribbean. I have been researching boats and like the Luhrs or Mainship 34 to 36 footers,<br />around 1990 to 1992, seem to be in our range. However, I don't know what makes a boat a <br />worthy liveaboard for heading out to sea.<br />Our budget will probably be around 40 to 60k for the boat. We are 28 yrs old and just want to<br />have a fun time on a reliable boat. Not looking for speed, just reliability. I am pretty handy, <br />but don't know much about engines, so having to fix on the fly might be a problem. Also, we<br />are pretty inexperienced, though I do plan on taking some courses with the U.S. Power Squadron.<br />Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[stunod]

Re: A good Liveaboard Boat for 1 year in Caribbean

"Also, we<br />are pretty inexperienced"<br /><br />Going out to sea is always a very serious and responsible task. Many experienced boaters have lost their lives because of ACTS OF GOD, Misinformed weather reports, etc. Just last week in Long Island, 4 people died just 10 miles off the shore and the operator of the boat was "Experienced"<br /><br />I would take many courses if I were you and I would get a few seasons of close travel before I just hop in a boat and sail away for a year. <br /><br />Remember, you can't get to the top of a ladder until you take one step at a time. <br /><br />just my 2 cents,<br />Lou

 

[rickl]

Re: A good Liveaboard Boat for 1 year in Caribbean

Hi schultep,<br />I’ve been involve in boating now for about 15+ years and I agree with stunod that it might be to early for you to try this without putting a few more seasons under your belt. I know it seems like a great idea and it is but there’s also the reality of being a jack of all trades in order to survive and have an enjoyable experience. I actually attempted to do the same thing about twelve years ago and found I was not seasoned enough, bellow I’ve indicated some of my short comings I hope it helps. <br /><br />I was the main person handling the boat my wife was less experience than me, and you can’t do everything yourself.<br />I had been using that particular boat for less than one season (you need two know your boat inside and out).<br />I wasn’t experience enough with boats to be able to pick the right one for us (how they handle, type of hull, would a motor sailor or a cabin cruiser be better etc. reading books is not enough, you need practical experience the boat should be matched to your skills and abilities or lack of).<br /><br />I could go on but this response is getting a little to long. My advise is to take a couple of vacations in Florida or the Caribbean and rent (charter) a boat for a couple of weeks at a time, first with a captain with the understanding that you want to handle most of the navigation and operation of the boat and then later vacations on your own. Try different types of boats around the range you might like to buy and once you buy your boat use her for a while until your comfortable with her. Also make sure your wife is as involve as you are with the boat, two competent sailors are better than one.<br />I’m sorry for the long response but you are embarking in an experience of your life and you should be around to tell your friends and family about it.<br /><br />Go for it!! Good luck!! Be safe and smart about your adventure.<br /><br />P.S. Check this board out http://www.boatered.com/ there you will find a section call crussing and logs of people currently cruising and additional advice. you may want to post your question there too.

 

[schultep]

Re: A good Liveaboard Boat for 1 year in Caribbean

Thanks guys, actual advice from those who have been there is very helpful. I will plan on chartering a couple of times first. Also, I had been thinking about buying a boat here in Chicago first and spending a few months on it closer to shore. Taking it a bit slower. Thanks again.