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DebbieNTX · 19-06-2017, 11:31

We have finally decided to give this a shot! We will buy about a 44' cat and live in Caribbean. We are hoping for 6 months and up to a year. Then retire to Florida gulf Coast. My husband is a great sailor... I am just crew. We are both great navigators (we have pilot's licenses). We have bareboated in the BVI about 10 times. Husband has crossed the Gulf Stream in a concrete sailboat many years ago as crew. Husband is 71, wife is 60.

A few things we are wondering about...
1. How do you get decent internet service? Too expensive and not great? Or just give that up? Phone services only?
2. How do you get medications when you are away for extended periods?
3. We haven't yet bought the boat, but are close... They seem to come with water makers, ice makers and solar panels. These seem like great conveniences... But is the water maker water only for washing and not drinking? Do people generally use onboard (hosed) water to drink or buy gallons? Do standard solar panels give enough energy to really be useful?
4. I am worried slightly about boredom... But I love to read thankfully.

DavidLGCrawford · 20-06-2017, 00:36

1. How do you get decent internet service?

We get internet three ways. First, when we are near towns where there is free wifi then our wifi booster picks it up. Second, there are many places that offer pay as you go internet. You just sign up and pay for the few hours, days, weeks, that you want. Third, we have a Google Fi phone & service so we can use it as a hotspot prtty much anywhere in the Caribbean.

I think there are a few US cell companies that either include Caribbean internet, or offer it as an add-on at reasonable prices.

2. How do you get medications when you are away for extended periods?

Most drug stores in the Caribbean you can bring in a prescription from your home doctor. If they require a local one, well a doctor's visit is usually $10-15.

3. We haven't yet bought the boat, but are close... They seem to come with water makers, ice makers and solar panels. These seem like great conveniences... But is the water maker water only for washing and not drinking? Do people generally use onboard (hosed) water to drink or buy gallons? Do standard solar panels give enough energy to really be useful?

We have a watermaker and it converts sea water into drinkable tap water.

We have 1310 watts of solar as well as a wind generator and they provide all our power (side-by-side fridge/freezer, separate freezer, TV, 3 computers, numerous tablets, phones, all the lights, fans, etc).

4. I am worried slightly about boredom... But I love to read thankfully.

Reading is a big thing. Plus there are lots of places to go visit.

Sandero · 20-06-2017, 02:28

Good for you... read up.... you can find all the answers... internet technology and access are evolving. If you are in cel range you can use your phone as a mobile hotspot to connect to the net... at least in the States...

Watermaker water is potable... that's the point!

answers to almost all is on the www... google is your friend