I suppose it was only a matter of time

Some of things that we fear in life are not because we do not know of what it is we fear but because of what we know about of that that we fear.

Let’s see if chat gp can top that! LOl

Yes, so that that I fear was falling into this forum by chance whilst perusing the internet for salient information gleaned from real world experiences regarding what traits in the construction, design, functionality, power and maybe more importantly flexibility in regards to modifying for specific purposes boat characteristics.

The use intended would be similar to what a LRC would experience when used as a live aboard, expedition style cruising with a purpose yet recreational. The North American Continental waters would be fair game as well as some chartering for no more than 4+2 crew.

The criteria developed would then be applied to facilitate the purchase of a most suitable craft. The budget would be 200-250 for the acquisition and a retrofit budget of $100K. The boat would be pulled and gone over with updates to critical components as needed. The drivetrain should be intact and in good condition.

I would anticipate that the boat would spend a fair amount of time in the Carribean/Bahamas with the possibility of a west coast journey of an extended nature. I am unsure of the best hull profile for that dynamic difference in water conditions.

If the question was asked what I fear it would be how my wife will respond when I tell her I know what type of boat to look for.

The advice is sage, having endured 3 divorces in 45 years has made me very mindful of how I purport myself regarding the visions of our future. She is a career woman a bit younger than I. Being my 4th marriage I am a bit more sensitive to the various indicators that would mark potential differences in how we view the future.

The idea that she is would shut down something that is basically a hobby for me while I bide my time waiting for her to retire isn’t likely. After 3 divorces I have learned how to comport myself regarding how people react to my agenda in a well thought out manner.

I truly am looking for information that would help me save time. I have spent many years on inland lakes and coastal waters in all sorts of smaller watercraft, the big boats have always been a draw for me but the time available wasn’t there. If I can’t make it a live aboard boat with good blue water capabilities I wouldn’t bother.

I always seek the advice and recommendations of those that have been where I wish to go, if I have learned anything in this world experience is the only true teacher.

I suppose given the responses so far concerning my comment about fear and my wife was meant to elicit some levity. It may have taken me a while to find the right woman, Lord only knows how I have paid and learned how to judge marital compatibility over 44 years and 3 marriages.

Based on the comments so far I have learned there is one thing that an owner of a larger watercraft is conscious of it is to maintain harmony in a relationship if one is to venture into deeper water so to speak.

Reading my post it is clear that I made my wifes needs and dreams a priority. Spending over 5 years personally crafting a 150 year old stone farmhouse to be exactly what she had dreamed of her entire adult life was how I engendered her good will and support for my project.

She has exactly what she has wanted, it came at a significant expense not just $ but personally. I essentially retired early because I could and dedicated myself to a goal that few people would even attempt, take an abandoned shell of a stone farmhouse in the middle of Lancaster County Amish country, gut it, move all the stairwells and reconfigure the entire floor plan along with a few additions and a barn if she wants animals.

Trust me when I say I earned the opportunity to tackle the boat idea. I believe that this site has knowledgable members who are willing to share information that will help me shorten my learning curve regarding the construction relative to purpose of a larger boat.

I am not asking for advice regarding the operating protocol of a large boat, I have some experience which I freely admit is not enough to immediately take command of said craft. I intend to immerse myself in that phase as I become familiar with boat designs and technology. I study as much of the printed material I can find and am frequently down in the upper Chesapeake bay doing diligence.

Time is marginally on my side, I know the rigors of boat ownership are unkind to us as we age therefore I am focused. I have spent my life climbing whatever mountain is in front of me, I have achieved whatever I set out to do, private plane, helicopter pilot, big mountain sports how many diesel rigs I have owned and driven around the country.

I am just respectfully seeking advice.

I am preparing to start an endeavor that has been patiently waiting for me to have the time and finances to engage in. I am asking for experienced boaters to share knowledge regarding what design characteristics and boat profiles along with the power to accomplish my intended goal. I am not asking what boat to buy but what characteristics of a boat should I have on my short list. The time is approaching if I am going forward, I have 5 years until my wife retires, I have earned the right to torture myself with another venture, I have been what you would say a recreational boater all my life. I have never owned anything close to what I am considering now. I have experience as a friend and first mate to some larger boat owners and have spent vacations out in the canyons fishing for 2-3 days at a time.

The premise is to understand the methods of construction, design, functionality, power and maybe more importantly flexibility in regards to adaptability to modifications that would support activity such as staying out for extended time up to 2-3 weeks. The use intended would be similar to what a LRC would experience when used as a live aboard, expedition style cruising with a purpose yet recreational. The North American Continental waters along with the Caribbean would be fair game.

Unless told otherwise my initial thoughts were something 40-55’, with the proper hull design and power to fulfill my goals. The budget would be 200-250 for the acquisition, a retrofit budget of $100K. The boat would be pulled and gone over with updates to critical components as needed. The drivetrain should be intact and in good condition. I am unsure of the best hull profiles for the dynamic difference in water conditions over a broad spectrum of exposure. Deep water when crossing any expanse and shallower when engaged in recreational and artifact recovery activities. Essentially I am trying to find out how experienced boat owners real world knowledge can help me make better decisions.

I would most likely put the boat somewhere in the upper Chesapeake around St. Michaels on dry land and start with the upgrades. Ultimately it will be put through it's sea trials from a dockage in the Tampa area and then back up the Chesapeake for a weekend live aboard giving my wife plenty of time to become comfortable. After she retires I would like to take an extended period of time to see how well we adapt and then pull the cord and sell the farmhouse and try living in various ports in this hemisphere.

I personally find the Hatteras line of boats intriguing and many of the various trawler styles seem adaptable. For fear of sounding crazy the one thing that I would think handy would be a boat design that would permit me to reconfigure a portion of the stern to be used as a garage if you will. The idea would be to have hydraulic hatches that swing open exposing a strategically reinforced area that could accommodate objects that normally wouldn't be on a boat. The idea would require a compact heavier lift crane. Ideally the garage could accommodate two Harleys or a smart car if needed, otherwise it would be for water craft and recovery equipment. I fully understand that I would have a marine architect handle the design, the construction would all be in house.

I apologize for the wordyness of my post, I don't know how else to appeal for help, I don't presume to be something I'm not. I made it this far taking many risks in my life, I want to be safe and conforming to the demands of what I am undertaking.

Thanks for reading