|
|
|
|
|||||
|
||||||
From: (no name) (no email)
Date: Mon Nov 03 2003 - 12:33:48 EST
When I first conceived the idea that I could actually sail around the world on my
own boat, I thought I needed a 70 footer something like the schooner named Tiki
in Michener's TV show, Adventures in Paradise. I would build it myself with my
power saw and screwdriver. I just needed a vacant lot.
I made the commitment to work and save for the boat. If I didn't go through with
it, then I would at least take a year to travel. As I read and learned more, the
boat shrank to 50 then 44 feet and I was ordering Study Prints from naval
architects. I actually bought plans for a 36 footer.
Realizing that I really didn't know where to start, I began to think of having a
hull and deck built for me to finish. After reading the Pardey's recommendation
to go small and go now, I settled on a 28 foot design offered by a small local
builder.
With his help and guidance, I created a beautiful boat which was even featured in
a regional magazine with glowing praise. Rosebud faithfully carried me to the
Keys and Bahamas for three years before I ran out of funds.
Going back to work for awhile, I decided that 28 feet was a little small for my
plans to live and cruise permanently aboard. Rosebud sold for about half what I
had in her, not counting my labor. Life got in the way, and I didn't get another
boat for over ten years.
I would love to have the time, funds, and energy to complete another bare hull.
If I did, she wouldn't have as much teak and precision joinery work as Rosebud.
Now my dreams are tempered by practicality. And I can't beat the value that can
be found in a good old boat.
I recently purchased a 36 foot Allied Princess built in 1976 for much less than
$50,000. About the same as I had invested in Rosebud almost 20 years ago. She is
in good shape for her age (like me I guess). She will be paid for and completely
mine by next summer. She is not the epitome of a bluewater boat but she is stout.
With a little investment, she will take me wherever I want to go. Besides, I'm
thinking the Caribbean is big enough to live out my dreams now.
I'm grateful now that I didn't have the money early on to make any big financial
mistakes with my first boat. There are many influences to buy a well-equipped
bluewater yacht because that will fuel the boatbuilding industry. Very few make
money from a used boat so there are few influences pushing us that way.
Funny how I've learn and things have changed. But my dream and desire to live on
the water and visit foreign shores remains as strong as ever. I love the beauty,
solitude, and self-reliance of the sailing life. I don't need an expensive yacht
for that. Rosita will do fine.
------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~-->
Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark
Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada.
http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511
http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/A1TolB/TM
---------------------------------------------------------------------~->
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
|