GL: Cruising economically

[bill fiero]

Lots of good discussion about the trailer boat alternative.  This is certainly
an alternative style of boating that is not for everyone.  It has its
advantages and disadvantages.  Just for fun, let's carry that alternative to
an even more 'ridiculous' extreme, that would appeal to even fewer folks but
is a viable alternative for some.
Retire, sell your house (invest that money for a future repurchase), give away
most everything, get a pickup truck capable of towing a trailerable boat,
slide in a pop-up camper (Alaska camper is one of the best -- all wood
interior, reliable), buy a small 'pocket' trawler (like a C-Dory 22) or a
'pocket' cruising sailboat (we had a Pacific Seacraft Flicka) and take off.
Liveaboard the boat while cruising, in the camper when ashore visiting friends
or family, cruise all three coasts and as many of the rivers and lakes in
North America that appeal, move north and south with the seasons (either on
the water or on the trailer) and away from the east coast during hurricane
season, and live simply.  We did this for three years on the sailboat and
seven years on the C-Dory, and now continue the trailer/cruising through the
better part of three seasons and live in a small rental condo in winter near
the grandkids.  Our pickup camper was a great home during our ashore times for
13 years and we have just replaced it with another truck.

Did we do this for financial reasons?  No.  We did it for the freedom of the
lifestyle, to explore virtually all the water 'trails' of America, and to live
close to the natural world we love.  Is it economical in this time of inflated
prices?  Of course.  Has it been a wonderful shared experience for two?  You
bet.  Would we do the same thing again if we could roll back the clock?
Definitely.  Is it for everyone?  Of course not -- you have to be lucky with
good health, comfortable with insecurity, able to live in a shared small
space, and at home in the natural world.  But it is an alternative lifestyle
that has worked for us and might for others.

www.geocities.com/bill_fiero