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Where and how to start learning about boating?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Kmack, Aug 26, 2011.

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  1. Kmack, Aug 26, 2011
    #1
    Kmack

    Kmack New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2011
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    SF Bayarea
    Hello,

    I am new to the forum and new to boating. I am, and have been, interested for many years in living full-time on a boat. My girlfriend, who was a commercial fisher-woman, owner operator many years ago, has the same desire to get back on the water.

    We are wanting to go full-time, as we can work from anywhere we can get an internet connection. We will not be able to make the move for 2 to 3 years, maybe a bit more due to present commitments, but want to start learning what we can between now and then.

    Could somebody point us in the right direction? Right now, I don't know what I don't know.

    We are on the West coast, not far from the SF Bay Area. our interest is to be in the Bahamas, east coast of the states, and possibly cruise The Great Loop which we are currently researching.

    I don't know what size or type of boat would fit our needs. I would like to be away for as long as possible on trips, but what does that mean when researching a boat.

    I don't know anything about the buying process.

    I will need to start somewhere in my education to learn how to properly operate and maintain whatever it is we go with.

    Right now we would want something under 300k if possible. In 3 years that may go up, but we are planning on under 300k.

    Where to start?

    Thank you,
  2. NYCAP123, Aug 26, 2011
    #2
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2008
    Messages:
    11,208
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Welcome to YF KMACK. The search feature is your friend and will keep you busy for a long time. Most of your questions have probably been answered previously. I guess the most important thing to know at this point is if you'll be able to continue to make a living. Internet service is a bit more involved on the water sometimes. So start with these threads: http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/g...ty-onboard.html?highlight=Internet+connection
    http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/t...on-mac-osx.html?highlight=Internet+connection
    http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/t...te-systems.html?highlight=Internet+connection
    http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/t...oard-yacht.html?highlight=Internet+connection
    http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/t...ard-ashore.html?highlight=Internet+connection

    Enjoy persuing your dream. Use the search feature, but if you don't find your answer, ask away. You've got a fairly knowledgable group here as well as many at just your point.
  3. Kevin, Aug 26, 2011
    #3
    Kevin

    Kevin YF Moderator

    Joined:
    Nov 25, 2004
    Messages:
    3,082
    Location:
    Montreal, Qc, Canada
    Welcome Kmack

    For starters, you could spend some time browsing our FAQ forum where you'll find loads of thread answering everything from hull type, to manageable size, to cost of operation, etc. That will give you plenty to think about and possibly some direction as well.

    Cheers!
  4. Capt Bill11, Aug 26, 2011
    #4
    Capt Bill11

    Capt Bill11 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2006
    Messages:
    1,459
    Location:
    Sarasota/Ft. Lauderdale FL
    Check out your local U.S. Power Squadron. They have classes. There are also online courses.

    Pick up a copy of these books:

    http://www.amazon.com/Boatowners-Mechanical-Electrical-Manual-Essential/dp/0071432388

    http://www.amazon.com/Chapman-Pilot...=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1314390153&sr=1-1

    As to the Great Loop, East Coast and the Bahamas, check out:

    http://www.greatloop.org/

    activecaptain (dot) com

    http://www.amazon.com/2011-Yachtsma...=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1314390468&sr=1-1

    And IMO the only charts to use in the Bahamas: http://www.explorercharts.com/


    Oh yeah, you might consider chartering some boats before you buy. That should give you a better idea of what kind of boat you really need.
  5. Kmack, Aug 27, 2011
    #5
    Kmack

    Kmack New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2011
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    SF Bayarea
    Thank you all for the links. I will check out the internet first as this could be a deal killer.
  6. NYCAP123, Aug 27, 2011
    #6
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
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    11,208
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    There are no deal killers on boats. There's just bigger challenges to overcome.
  7. K1W1, Aug 27, 2011
    #7
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2005
    Messages:
    7,427
    Location:
    My Office
    Ed, Your environment must normally be a lot more sheltered than it looks likely to be this weekend.
  8. NYCAP123, Aug 27, 2011
    #8
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Messages:
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    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Let's see, spent yesterday finding places for boats, rode 150 mile on the Harley, got bit by a dog last night, have evacuees coming today for an indefinite period, and a hurricane coming tomorrow. No, about normal for my life.:)