My lovely wife and I went and done it. We bought a boat. It's an old Ranger 23. Of course it's going to need a little work to get it the way we want it, but it's basically sound. Here's our new winter home:
We decided to get the boat we actually had cash for rather than stretch the budget. As it is there are always unknown expenses when buying a boat, even a brand new one. We are paying for one month's marina fees to give us time to sort out our personal business. Then we are going to move the boat to someplace a bit less pricey -like out on anchor. At the end of the season we'll put it up in a boatyard where the prices aren't too bad. We've got a few in mind, but it really depends on where we end up at the end of the season.
For most people this would be a tiny boat. Fortunately, we started out with a 19 foot boat. Having comfortable sitting head room and a table I can use is a huge thing.
We hadn't planned on moving quite so quickly, but the owner was available to show it, plus there was interest from a few people. However, I'm the one who showed up with cash.
Should be interesting. Before too long there should be more post about life on the water.
-Sixbears
Congratulations' .
ReplyDeleteThanks Gary!
DeleteCongratulations, where's it gonna be moored ?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, where's it gonna be moored ?
ReplyDeleteNot sure. Just paid for a one month's marina dockage. Not cheap, but it gives me time to take care of the some business in NH. Also want to have access to power for tools for a few projects. Guy pretty much day sailed it so we are modifying it a bit for living aboard.
DeleteOnce we leave there we'll be traveling for a while. Ft. Myers isn't that far from Cayo Costa and I want to anchor there for a bit.
There are some reasonably priced places for dry storage off of the Okeechobee Canal. Might be cheaper in the long run than towing with the van. We shall see.
Anyway, living on a boat sure beats hauling frozen firewood out of the snow to keep the house warm.
Probably a good thing you went ahead and got it. Good time of the year to boat shop, I think.
ReplyDeleteIt looked the right boat for me at the right price. Time will tell, of course, but no matter what, it should be interesting.
DeleteFinally a new toy, good for you two! Now don't forget about us and stop being so stingy with the camera!! :-)
ReplyDeleteOkay, okay. :)
DeleteCongratulations; your newest hobby begins. lol
ReplyDeleteThanks Gorges!
DeleteCongratulations, it's a good thing you don't have a job, well a 40 hr paying gig, looks like you do have something to keep you busy though.
ReplyDeleteIt's a nice looking rig.
I second the motion about being stingy with the pictures, let's have a looksy!
Thanks. We hope to sail the living daylights of it.
DeleteRight now the boat is 170 miles away, so pictures are going to wait until I get down there in a few weeks.
Congratulations Sixbears! 23 ft may be only 4 ft longer but the volume has got to be much, much more than your 19 footer. Looking forward to your adventures. And I second on the lack of pics!
ReplyDeleteRats! Darn blogger. Joel
DeleteYou are right about the volume. With the heavy keep its motion should be better too.
DeleteGood for you, Sixbears, and the missus. Let the fun begin ...
ReplyDeleteI've some personal stuff to deal with first, but then it's out on the water we go.
DeleteI came in late... congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI do hope you have a lot of fun in her... what is her name?
Glad I check the older blogs. Good of you to come and visit. It's name is Morning Glory. I think I'll keep it.
DeleteIt's an old boat but tough. New rigging. Repairs done using good materials and practices.
I did spring for the BoatUS unlimited towing package -my first time with a fixed keel boat. Hope to never call them.