T&T: Fw: Getting ready to retire & buy trawler within a year

[Larry N. Brown]

> Hi Folks,
>
> I'm new to this list, and somewhat to trawlers.  I've been to several
> trawlerfests back in 1999 & 2000 & crewed on a Nordhaven(46') from La Paz
> across sea of Cortez to Puerta Vallerta, then later from the San Blas 
> Islands
> to Belieze.  Just haven't been able to pull the plug & retire, but come 
> this
> Jan it's over, & I still haven't gotten over my dream of cruising.  I'm in
> good health, 64 now, & wondering how many of you people out there started
> doing something like this so late in life with very little experience? 
> Last
> time I owned a boat was in my early 20s & it was only a 17' runabout.  Now 
> I'm
> thinking of a 40-46 footer.  I know nothing about electronics or engines 
> for
> that matter.  Just curious how many out there might be like me?  BTW, my 
> wife
> will be going with me, & we will take a few lessons & charter first.  Any
> recomendations?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jim Weideman

Don't know if this $.02 is worth it even with inflated currency but here 
goes. I just turned 64 and the way I feel, that represents absolutely no 
obstacle at all. I plan to be taken off this boat in a pine box if a shark 
doesn't get me down in the islands first. There is nobody on this list that, 
at one time, didn't know anything about engines or electricity. They just 
learned a other times in their lives. Idea is to learn about them. This is a 
conscious choice. There are excellent classes and books on the subject. USPS 
courses could be invaluable. It is not "just take a few lessons and charter 
first". Take baby steps. Don't look for adventure; adventure will find YOU.

As for the boat. I bought a 50' boat 5 years ago. It spent the first 3 years 
in a shipyard and then the last 2 1/2 in Larry's shipyard. I planned to be 
cruising 4 years ago. The boat's now a beauty and everything's now new on 
her but. . . hark ye to Rick the Mouseherder's words. "A small boat and a 
suitcase full of money beats a 40 footer tied to the dock every time." I 
have no regrets, the project has been endlessly interesting and educational 
but if I had known exactly what I was getting into, I would have most likely 
have opted for a smaller, newer, less expensive boat.

Regards,

Larry and Teri
M/V Cigano, 47' Prairie Sundeck Cruiser
Lying: Slidell, LA but preparing to depart.
N 30 13.28
W 89 48.63