Truly Unique Newbie? I think! LoL

Ok YF members, first let me say, what an awesome site, I have been reading endlessly since I came across the forums during google searches, and it is truly a treasure trove of information! Congrats to all on that!
Now to truly begin- I have read and reread dozens of newbie post, on this and many other sites, all basically asking the same recurring question(s)- how much does it cost to live on a yacht? Well we all know that is truly not a question that has an answer isn't it? I am going to list several here that will have familiarity to those same queries, however, I will try and be specific to my own personal situation, which like every other newbie, I believe is unique.......
I also ramble at times, apologies in advance.....
So, here is what I am looking at, a synopsis of where I stand relating to the world of yachting--- I have lived onboard a vessel for more or less 50% of the last 10 years, I work onboard them, but that being said, I am by no means a seamen, or mariner, it just so happens however that all of the equipment I do in fact work with is typically located on a boat!
Currently I am onboard a 260' supply vessel on the west coast of Africa, you savvy members have probably already surmised what I do for a living, and my only request is that you recognize the fact I am here, on this forum, to learn about yachting, not to debate my career field, thanks again, in advance.
With ALL that being said; here is an overview of my current situation;

1. I work 5 weeks at a time then have 5 weeks off...

2. Although I arrive at a consistent location when traveling to and from my work, my departure/return location is not bound to any city, or country for that matter..

3. The nature of my job requires a high degree of mechanical aptitude, and even higher degree of elbow grease- I am not a diesel mechanic, electrician, computer programmer, welder, or fitter, but in a pinch I can troubleshoot, repair, patch, or work around problems. I feel confident in my ability to maintain and repair many aspects of a vessel.

4. My SO is self employed, building a business in an industry she has been involved in for 10+ years, one of which is hardly effected by economic decline, and we forsee her being able to perhaps step away from her everyday role to one more fitting of my own schedule in the next 5-10 years.

5. We have 3 children, all of which will be of the moving away from home age in the next 10 years, and combined, our annual take home is approx. 100k, not wealthy, or rich by any means!

Short Plan--

present- Dip our toes in via charter vessel, obviously crewed

+5 years- purchase a vessel, continue our training onboard (can you "rent" a captain?, or is this role only filled in a semi-permenant setting?), possibly charter the vessel when not in use?

+8-10 years- You all know this goal right? Live onboard and cruise into the sunset..... at least for 5 weeks at a time?



Here are my questions;

1. I am sold on the trawler type vessels, especially (at the moment) the Bering 55', now I know I have a looooong way to go before myself and my SO would be even close to handling a vessel of that size safely and efficiently, but of course we will be taking the advice given so many times on this forum and beginning our yachting experiences by chartering- where can i find a charter company specializing in this type of vessel? There are 100's of companies, any recommendations?

2. I am researching slip rates in my area, I assume much less than most major coasts and FL, but could be wrong... One thought is this however, lets say that we use a portion of my 5 weeks off to cruise to say Cancun(generic, I know), and now I have to leave for work, we are crewing the vessel ourselves, does this mean that we have to return allllll the way back to home port, or could we simply leave the vessel moored (secured and safely) and return there in a month to pick up where we left off? If so what are the cost associated with this type of thing? Will we return to find only the hull left?


3. How insane is it to actually even consider purchasing a project vessel? I know, I know, $$$$$$ trap right? Just saying, I flipped a house one time back several years ago and made about 5k profit, lol, of course my personal labor cost included, I would reckon nearer 15k loss? My only thought there was possibility of purchasing said "fixxer upper" earlier, and working on it for a few years as i go... (would have to be out of water, as I am 5 hours from the coast)

I think thats a good start, hope I haven't demolished my reputation as a long winded fella right out of the box! Thanks again for all that have input, and even more so to all of you YF'ers who have contributed to this site and made it such an amazing trove of information!

Thanks Alfred, great information!

I have been reading a good deal of JWY posts, also a wealth of information in those, even for the novice such as myself!
I really appreciate your insight, and hope to gain from other members as well!

I am curious, regarding the charter/captain, from my other readings, it seems that there is a possibility that the chartering of the vessel could, in theory, offset the cost of hiring a Captain? Obviously if your boat is headed out without you on it, skimping on the "driver" would be a poor decision. I'm sure I can dig around a bit and get an idea of that cost, etc.
I am assuming though, again, only from my readings, that for succesfull charter, a person should consider purchasing a newer model boat, versus a well worn, but perfectly seaworthy one, right?
Thanks again for your advice and info. Alfred