There are alot of details that run through your head (sometimes over and over again), when you start thinking about living on a boat. Today I thought I’d share a random smattering of these types of thoughts. If you have any insight, feel free to share.
- how far south do you have to go before you can jump in the water and go for a swim- keeping in mind that I don’t want to be cold (brrrr)? Where does the water turn that bright blue color? Are there any special considerations when swimming off a boat when you’re not near shore (other than the obvious don’t swim out too far)? Will sea lions carry me off?
- where will I park my little boat when I go into shore for work? Can I just leave it where-ever I want at any public dock – afterall, it’s pretty small.
- where will I store my car? Could we get a car small enough to keep on the boat? What about scooters? How manageable are they to get on and off the boat?
- What will it be like to be on the boat in a storm?
- And what is the deal with the Panama Canal? Do you just show up there and they let you through?
- How is the satellite internet out there when you’re travelling? Could I work from the boat while travelling?
- How much food can we fit in the freezer?
- How fast do you have to work to tie the boat up when you bring the boat into the dock? Will I be able to do it?
Well, you get the idea. Lots to think about, and I didn’t even mention the thoughts that would make me really look bad. Ok, just one, because I like you … If I swim in circles around the boat, will I get dizzy?
1. How far S? Your brr tolerence is a personal one! NEVER leave boat unattended swimming without 1 of you being attached to the boat by a line. Sea lions are more frightened of you than you are of them.
2. NO to ‘just leaving…’ you would rent a slip in a marina. Either monthly or transient. Cost is generally based on length of boat & varies. It normally includes shore power & water (maybe even wifi)
3. Public transportation or bicycles
4.You have to have papers, an appointed time, minimum # of crew, line handlers, transit person. All costs $. No just showing up & saying ‘can I go thru now?’.
5. Depends on how bad the storm is! Challenging!
6. Only if you’re within range of Wifi. Or have very costly satellite gear.
7. How big is the freezer? Don’t worry about having a 6 month supply of food…wherever you go where there are people, there will be food available. Maybe not what you’re used to or at a cost you prefer, but there’s always food!!
8. SLOW is the key. I’m 56 and not real athletic. I can clamber off the boat & secure the boat. Hubby just has to bring it in REAL SLOW. Or maybe YOU can bring the boat in & hubby can get off the boat & secure it. Here’s a great book you should get (I have no connection w/ the author):
http://www.amazon.com/Its-Your-Boat-Too-Enjoyment/dp/0939837692/ref=sr_1_1?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285425960&sr=8-1
Good luck on your transition from dirt dweller to sailor!
Penny
http://ephemera11.wordpress.com/
Thanks for all the info Penny – I will check into that book.
Boatlady
I was just going to address the last one– When I was sailing back in the day with J, she made me do all the dirty work and the captaining of the boat, so she could luxuriate and relax. She did always put the boat into the slip though– usually in reverse. Boats are easier to “catch” in reverse. This said, your vessel would be quite a bit larger, and so I’m certain that reversing in or out wouldn’t really enter the picture, more like, “drive up into or alongside.” I agree with Penny that you should do this slowly. Not only does this mean you’ll reduce the chance of injury from the scramble (all it takes is one slip) but it reduces the chances of biffing your boat. Not all docks have nice foamy things. Going in slow also gives you more maneuverability (this can backfire on a real choppy day…but it’s still better than going fast), and it gives folks more of a chance to notice your hot boat, and the fact that you might want a hand.
Also re: the “brrr” factor: Get a wet suit? If you get a wet suit though, pick bright colors that are not seal colored. As well, clarity = cold. Murky = warm and/or current. Murky also = sharks. That said, you’ve got more chances of hitting a deer on the highway than getting attacked by sharks (in Florida, is where I heard this by the way, not Canada, so that does mean that chances are rare…in Florida?).
Well, I’ve already hit a deer on the highway – now that that is out of the way, I wonder if statistically that increases my chances of meeting a shark 🙂
boatlady