Introduction and Live Aboard Advice

Bonjour from Baton Rouge.

Like all new post, I need some advice on boats and and mooring among other things.

1) I grew up in Grand Isle, La during the summer working for my Papa unloading shrimp boats thirty something years ago. Grew up and water and have had a boat off and on since then. The biggest being 20ish although I have piloted bigger boats (shrimp, oyster luggers, tug) it was just a hold the wheel in the gulf or bayou Lafourche.

2) My Parrin is a newly retired captain of a 312' supply boat and he is willing to teach me how to pilot a bigger boat.

3) For two years I worked on an inland cement barge were I've had to help the captain do maintenance on everything. Engines, electrical, etc. Also have access to a carpenter to help me make interior improvements.

4) Single and my daughter is in college.

Now for the help part:

What I want is a boat I can live on, take it to Grand Isle, Mississippi, Alabama, and hopefully the Keys. Go up river to Natchez etc. As much as I would like to go to Cuba etc, I own my on business so weekend trips and one three week trip.

1) The hardest part is finding a place to moor the boat. You think Baton Rouge having a river running through it there would be a place to park a boat. Anyone have any creative suggestions? I've got a couple of calls out to some tug companies to see if I can rent a slip but generally you can't have booze and need a TWIC card to get on the docks. I can dock it in Madisonville and commute 1hr each.

2) Budget is 300k tops and ~60 max. Boats that I have looked at on the internet are Chris Craft Roamer/Constellation (really love the Constellations) Burger Cockpit Motor Yacht, Bertram 57 Motor Yacht, and of course the Hattaras. Open to suggestions on boats. Prefer not to have a gas boat or at least be able to switch them to diesel.

3) Besides here, is there a place to do research on boats?

4) Needs to have or be able to have A/C.


Edit: I did fall in love with the 1931 Boeing Fantall but I think that would be a money pit.

Pretty much it. Thanks everyone for the help.

"Welcome to YF! This is my number 1 go-to place for information. However, you might want to check out Trawlers & Trawlering. The information isn't always as reliable or as broad as YF, but there are some knowledgeable boaters in the group and there's a fair number of bayou boys that participate.

Judy"

That was a great tip. I've already registered and see there are a ton of guys in my area. Looking forward to learning from all of y'all.

"I'd recommend to check out Catalina 310 model it's a 31ft sailing yacht with pretty much anything you would need to cruse and live on. It's priced just around $50-$60k. There's plenty of information about this boat online. Here are some basic details: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalina_310"

"Sorry, I beg to differ. In spite of Tete's vast experience, it doesn't seem to include sailing. Lots to learn as a first-time boat owner, but to learn sailing too? Also brings in a lot more potential expenses in case of failed learning curve."


Yeah, I love the theory of sailboats but I really don't have anyone here who could teach me. Also, I don't feel like I have vast experience as much as I was lucky to be around boats and people foolish enough to let me drive.

Thanks for the help everyone.

Good to know. I have so many questions that brokers won't answer because I am not ready to buy now. By the way Tete Dure is French for hard head.

Thanks Pascal, I will keep my ears and eyes open to absorb all this knowledge.

I don't know of any marinas on the Mississippi. I'm going to keep my eyes for something on a bayou.

I googled it and it looked really nice. Think the commute would kill me.

Thanks