What an amazing community! I am just gonna say thanks ahead of time, for all that I have learned so far.
Solo. Female. Newbie (have more sailing experience than motor, but not solo sailing. but because I am solo, ditching the sails, don't wanna work that hard). Have rented plenty of power boats (FL and Chaz SC areas). Docking is my nemesis- hoping once I familiarize with one boat only, I will become smooth as butter.
Want to live aboard part time (currently live in a tiny home and 25 years ago in a van so minimalism and small is fine- I'm not your typical chick), and start experimenting with the FL loop to see if f/t boating is for me (then prob go bigger). BUT to start, for this winter, was thinking FL loop was a "safe" starting place with an awesome boating community and relatively chill weather/water conditions (assuming ICW and rivers and lakes). Also I was thinking 26ft until I just spent 3 hrs reading and best to go bigger so now 29ft. Budget is tight. Well, since first boat, thinking 30K or under. Wanting a smaller investment at first, while I try this lifestyle out. Plus I will most likely stay at marinas until I feel super confident anchoring solo. I have budgeted for marina costs.
So many Qs, and didn't find a lot of info about single handing OR female solo. So anything there would be awesome@!@!
specifically:
-any females out there single handling?
-any single handling advice appreciated...
-I live near Charlotte NC and work every other month, so I would literally fly or drive to FLA on my month "off" wherever I left the boat and keep going... then find another marina to leave boat for the next month, etc. I suppose haul out might be a better option? I do have a unique time schedule this way.. because I am starting this winter is why I am choosing FL. plus sooo much exploring vs. coast of NC or even SC- and I'm not ready for big oceans.. yet?
-will I have to get an old boat to find a 29 that is 30K or under (and dont want a project boat- wanna just go.
needs: one engine, a/c, gen, decent condition, biminis,(dont care about style or color). However, I don't know mechanics beyond feeling confident I will be able to super basic maintenance...
-will definitely have occassional guests (maybe one of my sons joins for a bit)
no pets
I am 51 and super fit and healthy and totally scared to take this leap but its time.
Again, thanks to all my future big brothers and sisters out there!
Solo. Female. Newbie (have more sailing experience than motor, but not solo sailing. but because I am solo, ditching the sails, don't wanna work that hard). Have rented plenty of power boats (FL and Chaz SC areas). Docking is my nemesis- hoping once I familiarize with one boat only, I will become smooth as butter.
Want to live aboard part time (currently live in a tiny home and 25 years ago in a van so minimalism and small is fine- I'm not your typical chick), and start experimenting with the FL loop to see if f/t boating is for me (then prob go bigger). BUT to start, for this winter, was thinking FL loop was a "safe" starting place with an awesome boating community and relatively chill weather/water conditions (assuming ICW and rivers and lakes). Also I was thinking 26ft until I just spent 3 hrs reading and best to go bigger so now 29ft. Budget is tight. Well, since first boat, thinking 30K or under. Wanting a smaller investment at first, while I try this lifestyle out. Plus I will most likely stay at marinas until I feel super confident anchoring solo. I have budgeted for marina costs.
So many Qs, and didn't find a lot of info about single handing OR female solo. So anything there would be awesome@!@!
specifically:
-any females out there single handling?
-any single handling advice appreciated...
-I live near Charlotte NC and work every other month, so I would literally fly or drive to FLA on my month "off" wherever I left the boat and keep going... then find another marina to leave boat for the next month, etc. I suppose haul out might be a better option? I do have a unique time schedule this way.. because I am starting this winter is why I am choosing FL. plus sooo much exploring vs. coast of NC or even SC- and I'm not ready for big oceans.. yet?
-will I have to get an old boat to find a 29 that is 30K or under (and dont want a project boat- wanna just go.
needs: one engine, a/c, gen, decent condition, biminis,(dont care about style or color). However, I don't know mechanics beyond feeling confident I will be able to super basic maintenance...
-will definitely have occassional guests (maybe one of my sons joins for a bit)
no pets
I am 51 and super fit and healthy and totally scared to take this leap but its time.
Again, thanks to all my future big brothers and sisters out there!