New here: lots and lots and lots of questions :)

[Time2Go]

Originally Posted by AlanT

I also had that thought, but in practice (assuming that most folk go back to their lives after covid) it can prove quite difficult to find crew for long voyages.

A combination of factors applied to our situation; The vast majority of friends/family had no experience and would have been a liability, with unknown weaknesses; another group would have loved to come and would have had sufficient knowledge/experience to add value to their presence, but could not work with our timing, or had competing priorities for their valuable time, jobs, families, commitments. For a wage earner taking a couple of weeks or more off means using up most of the typical American's annual vacation allowance. Finally, personality clashes can become quite serious on a boat.

We added (2) crew for 6 ocean voyages of between 10 days and 44 days. I would say that 3 of those were amazing experiences, 2 were OK and 1 was bad.

2 amazing ones involved two lifelong friends, that made a significant effort (over 6 weeks!) to stay on really good terms with my wife, that they did not really know. (They did two voyages, wanted to do more but jobs got in the way). 1 amazing one involved two recent friends, also boat owners, that wanted to learn cruising skills, very communicative and willing and socially aware. The poor ones involved people I did not know well, that did not have awesome social awareness, and were middling or poor in ability.

What are you talking about???
I have crewed on many many different boats
Short and Long passages
And for sure most of the “Crews” have been good and competent sailors.
Can’t say the same about owners.
It’s all a question of VETTING
I have learned to VET owners and captains more than they Vet me.
Now there are the folks out there that advertise for crew and
will take anybody as long as they can make a “contribution”
I won’t even get into those.
Look and you will find
Many Many Many more Sailors out there whom are boat-less
looking to crew than there are boat owners.
I’m a former boat owner, sold it because I was tired of the same 500 mile
radius sailing grounds by me. I crew because I never want to do the
same trip twice, tired of boat yoga, like to meet new people
and so on. (Not ruling out another boat though)
Look and you will find lots of good crew with all sorts
of experience
That said
Pray Tell
Why did it take a significant effort for lifelong friends to stay on
good terms with your wife??
It’s a two way street, Vetting is

To the OP
You should really charter a few times and or
take some certification courses first
Reality is different from YouTube
Cheers
Neil

[Belezar]

Welcome! I also think the best thing to do is go take a course, and charter a time or two. A good week long course will give you so much info. Also, a local sailing club may be helpful too. Good luck!

[Plan D]

Originally Posted by AlanT

I also had that thought, but in practice (assuming that most folk go back to their lives after covid) it can prove quite difficult to find crew for long voyages.

A combination of factors applied to our situation; The vast majority of friends/family had no experience and would have been a liability, with unknown weaknesses; another group would have loved to come and would have had sufficient knowledge/experience to add value to their presence, but could not work with our timing, or had competing priorities for their valuable time, jobs, families, commitments. For a wage earner taking a couple of weeks or more off means using up most of the typical American's annual vacation allowance. Finally, personality clashes can become quite serious on a boat.

We added (2) crew for 6 ocean voyages of between 10 days and 44 days. I would say that 3 of those were amazing experiences, 2 were OK and 1 was bad.

2 amazing ones involved two lifelong friends, that made a significant effort (over 6 weeks!) to stay on really good terms with my wife, that they did not really know. (They did two voyages, wanted to do more but jobs got in the way). 1 amazing one involved two recent friends, also boat owners, that wanted to learn cruising skills, very communicative and willing and socially aware. The poor ones involved people I did not know well, that did not have awesome social awareness, and were middling or poor in ability.

Maybe a poor assumption. But I was watching some Vlogs and I kind of got the idea that if you needed crew, if you were island hopping, etc. you could find people on internet sites that will crew for the barter of getting a vacation, experience, etc.
Maybe I've been watching too much Delos vlogs, etc. it seems like there are always people who want to jump at the chance to sail, dive, etc. and who will barter for experience and handiness.
While it seems like everyone else does it also, the idea of a Vlog and such could also open up the phone and exposure. I know, it's hard work. In one of my past lives, I also have a Masters in film directing and a degree in Broadcast Journalism. So it seems like it could be a good fit.

[Plan D]

Originally Posted by Time2Go

What are you talking about???
I have crewed on many many different boats
Short and Long passages
And for sure most of the “Crews” have been good and competent sailors.
Can’t say the same about owners.
It’s all a question of VETTING
I have learned to VET owners and captains more than they Vet me.
Now there are the folks out there that advertise for crew and
will take anybody as long as they can make a “contribution”
I won’t even get into those.
Look and you will find
Many Many Many more Sailors out there whom are boat-less
looking to crew than there are boat owners.
I’m a former boat owner, sold it because I was tired of the same 500 mile
radius sailing grounds by me. I crew because I never want to do the
same trip twice, tired of boat yoga, like to meet new people
and so on. (Not ruling out another boat though)
Look and you will find lots of good crew with all sorts
of experience
That said
Pray Tell
Why did it take a significant effort for lifelong friends to stay on
good terms with your wife??
It’s a two way street, Vetting is

To the OP
You should really charter a few times and or
take some certification courses first
Reality is different from YouTube
Cheers
Neil

This is kind of what I was thinking! Of course I would charter and take some certifications. That's the type of person I am. If you are gonna ride a motorcycle, go to a motorcycle safety school. etc. I like to learn technique. Fun and safety is a byproduct of good technique.
I'd likely also hire a captain to sail with me for a period of time.
I was also thinking I would volunteer my time with a dive school of some sort. Learn how to take apart all the equipment and put it back together.

I like to be well educated on the things I do. That's why I'm here
I'm also a yoga and group fitness teacher.

[Plan D]

Just wondering how many of you have considered getting a Captains license?

Why or why not?

[joelhemington]

Originally Posted by Plan D

Hi all,

Thanks for this great forum. I'm sure I'll be back here a lot. I think I have decided, if I can't reopen my business after the quarantine, my plan is to buy a multihull sailboat and spend the rest of my life cruising and having fun. I plan to come back to land for a few months each winter to snowboard Mammoth.
I have been reading tons and watching lots of videos about sailing life. When I have a general question, I look it up on google. "Can I live with my dog on a boat?"etc.

First, some details. I'm 46yo, single, no kids. I have a puppy doodle that has been learning to swim and water retrieve during quarantine.

I currently live in LA. I want to buy a boat on the east coast and spend the first LONG leg in the tropics where I plan to get PADI certified and learn to sail. I've co-owned smaller boats before. Had a center console for deeps fishing and a wake boarding lake boat.
- I don't get sea sick. I sort of enjoy inclement weather.

Boats i'm considering: 2-3 year old Owner versions, 45' - 50' but probably 45'. 50' seem to start in 4 bed configs and that's more space than I think I need. Gonna buy used:
Leopard 45 - 50
Lagoon 45 - 50 or
Fountaine Pajot 45 - 50
Right now the front runner is the Leopard 45.
I get that I will have to make sacrifices somewhere, speed/comfort/cost.
I think comfort and cost are my two most important.

Things I like: protected raised helm. sky lounges, forward cockpits, big galley (I love to cook.)
I know it's the least important part, but I'd also like to get a center console tender that I can wakeboard behind if it's not insanely impractical.

Things I think I will need to not go crazy:
Internet, satellite and AC for when it's just too damned hot. Lots of refrigeration. While I love to fish, I can only eat shellfish (reverse allergy of everyone else.)

I am marginally handy but not VERY handy. I'm assuming I will become more handy as I learn the ins and outs. But I'm also okay calling a specialist when I need one.

One of the things I'm nervous about, I have a huge social life. I date a lot. I have plans with friends a lot. I'm worried about the lifestyle change but I also make friends everywhere I go. I'm not very good at slowing down, I don't even know how to read a book. But i'm hoping to change some of that. I'd like to learn to be happy in some solitude.

Also, I'm a hobbyist DJ and have been spinning for 20 years. My plan is to bring a controller on the boat with me so I can still enjoy dropping tunes when the mood fits.

I guess the first question is, am I crazy? lol.

The Leopard would be the first on my list. You should check out the other South African makes as they all have the reputation for being well built ( Indian Ocean is apparently no wading pond) Don't be afraid to go a little older if you can't find anything in your current range. The first thing to replace on a cat is usually the standing rigging (7 to 8 years) As for the console dingy, you'll probably need to tow that which shouldn't present a problem for coastal cruising or doing the Caribbean. Note: you can't get your dog into Jamaica or the Dominican Republic - most other stops don't seem to care so much. Just remember that, even though you have more space than you need, cats are very weight sensitive so be careful about how much extra stuff you bring.

[xbillaroo]

We have 3.4m highfield rib with a 25hp two stroke Yamaha that we find adequate for wakeboarding, and single skiing. Don’t get the center console it adds weight and takes up valuable space for dive gear etc. Planing is possible with six moderate adults and snorkeling gear with guns. Our boat is a lightwave 45 catamaran. Just my two bobs worth.

[alansmith]

Plan D, YouTube has influenced so many people. You say you don't get seasick. I guarantee you ...you will.

Towing a center counsel dingy in calm waters is one thing. A squall blows up and you could lose that puppy.

There have been some good advices given about chartering and taking lessons. It absolutely is the way you need to go. Boats that big are freaking expensive. I am a multihull sailor also. But I am into trimarans that you can trailer. Drive to the venue, drop her in, drive to next venue...repeat.

Also the advice that you can expect a lot of friends to visit....in the LA boat basin...yes. On the east coast, Sea of Cortez, Virgins....if they are independently wealthy, without kids, and love yachting...yes they will come sometimes. But everyone on here can tell you that if they are not sailor types...it is not as alluring to them as you would hope.

Squall blows through the anchorage at 2 am in the morning and all hands are on deck trying to do damage control and it is raining like hell...boat bouncing around like an enraged bull...people without even underwear on...trying not to fall into the soup...screaming...that is yachting life occasionally. People who aren't sailors don't know what terror is ...other than movies.

I am happy for you that you can afford to even entertain such a romantic vision of life as 'spinning' on your boat with a bunch of friends. Don't expect other yachties to tolerate that in an anchorage. I've seen people get nasty with one another even over the wind turbine's blades making too much noise in an anchorage. Or a slapping halyard on the mast sounding like someone cracking a whip. It is a different mindset on boats than party crowds. Don't misunderstand me as someone who doesn't enjoy music or even parties. But if someone was playing Prince's Get Off or some club mix at 10 pm in the anchorage...there would be shots over the bow....and they wouldn't be tequila shooter shots...smile.

Take classes, charter big boats, get friends to charter with you, and read and read and ask tons of questions. You can't imagine yet how much money it costs for boating life. I can tell you like to have fun. Who doesn't? For you to like it one big question you will need to prove to yourself first. Then trying to find a lady companion who is into it is even a bigger dilemma. They are much harder to find. But if you have a big boat, an agreeable personality, plenty of jing, and some luck....you might get lucky.

I wish you luck and keep us up to speed on your learning curve and what direction you take. Don't spend any real money until you are absolutely sure you got it right.

[Mook1e]

A Highfield classic 340 like this will easily fit on the davits of any 45' cat. IDK why anyone would tow it.

https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/202...c-340-3640996/
Plenty of power for wakeboarding.

[Mook1e]

Here's a really cool comparison of the 2013 Lagoon 450 and 2018 model which also references the Highfield center console dingy. They also recommend having a higher HP motor (which they don't have.) Lesson learned through others.
https://www.neverboringsailing.com/p...us-improvement

[Tellie]

"Also, I'm a hobbyist DJ and have been spinning for 20 years. My plan is to bring a controller on the boat with me so I can still enjoy dropping tunes when the mood fits."


Could you do me a solid and anchor next to GordMay. grin.

[Plan D]

Originally Posted by alansmith

Plan D, YouTube has influenced so many people. You say you don't get seasick. I guarantee you ...you will.

So much great info. Thank you. Even if I do get seasick, I'm not afraid to get seasick. I've been out in NASTY storms and huge waves. Closest I ever came to death was deep sea fishing out of Haulover when a squall line hit. Hail, no visibility, lightning, waves, thunder that deafened us and lit up the sea feet away from outboards. I kind of enjoy that stuff!

Towing a center counsel dingy in calm waters is one thing. A squall blows up and you could lose that puppy.
Noted. And for cargo and size as mentioned above. I just hate the idea of the arm behind the back motors.

There have been some good advices given about chartering and taking lessons. It absolutely is the way you need to go. Boats that big are freaking expensive. I am a multihull sailor also. But I am into trimarans that you can trailer. Drive to the venue, drop her in, drive to next venue...repeat.

Also the advice that you can expect a lot of friends to visit....in the LA boat basin...yes. On the east coast, Sea of Cortez, Virgins....if they are independently wealthy, without kids, and love yachting...yes they will come sometimes. But everyone on here can tell you that if they are not sailor types...it is not as alluring to them as you would hope.
noted. thanks. Need new friends who enjoy swabbing the deck.

Squall blows through the anchorage at 2 am in the morning and all hands are on deck trying to do damage control and it is raining like hell...boat bouncing around like an enraged bull...people without even underwear on...trying not to fall into the soup...screaming...that is yachting life occasionally. People who aren't sailors don't know what terror is ...other than movies.
Been there. Hella scary and might I say fun.

I am happy for you that you can afford to even entertain such a romantic vision of life as 'spinning' on your boat with a bunch of friends. Don't expect other yachties to tolerate that in an anchorage.
I figured I'd have to quiet down or make a lot of enemies. I'd quiet down and save my music playing for when it's appropriate.

I've seen people get nasty with one another even over the wind turbine's blades making too much noise in an anchorage. Or a slapping halyard on the mast sounding like someone cracking a whip. It is a different mindset on boats than party crowds. Don't misunderstand me as someone who doesn't enjoy music or even parties. But if someone was playing Prince's Get Off or some club mix at 10 pm in the anchorage...there would be shots over the bow....and they wouldn't be tequila shooter shots...smile.
noted. thank you. lol.

Take classes, charter big boats, get friends to charter with you, and read and read and ask tons of questions. You can't imagine yet how much money it costs for boating life. I can tell you like to have fun. Who doesn't? For you to like it one big question you will need to prove to yourself first. Then trying to find a lady companion who is into it is even a bigger dilemma. They are much harder to find. But if you have a big boat, an agreeable personality, plenty of jing, and some luck....you might get lucky.
Already looking into classes. Schools are closed but I'll be enrolled soon! The only thing harder than getting a woman on a boat is getting a woman up to Mammoth for snowboarding

I wish you luck and keep us up to speed on your learning curve and what direction you take. Don't spend any real money until you are absolutely sure you got it right.

thank you so much. Will do. I might hate it. But having spent a lot of time on boats in my life, I THINK I might love it. I've never sailed a big boat, just Sunfish when I was a kid and I always loved that.

[Plan D]

Originally Posted by Mook1e

Here's a really cool comparison of the 2013 Lagoon 450 and 2018 model which also references the Highfield center console dingy. They also recommend having a higher HP motor (which they don't have.) Lesson learned through others.
https://www.neverboringsailing.com/p...us-improvement

Great read. Thank you.

[alctel]

A 45'-50' cat is a huge, huge boat, esp as a first boat. Generally, a good rule of thumb is to go as small as you are comfortable with rather than as big as you can afford.

Agree 100% with everyone else saying to charter first - that or go racing if there is a yacht club near you. The racing probably won't be on cats, but it'll get you out on the water, in some tough conditions. You'll definitely find out if you are prone to seasickness!

[mvweebles]

A cat of that size will require reasonably competent crew for close quarter maneuvering and for sailing given your experience. You will constantly be looking for crew, planning around flight schedules, and generally wasting time and and money instead is sailing and exploring. In short, reality will be much different than the dream. Get a smaller boat. Have some fun.

BTW - the YouTube videos rarely show the tough stuff. They are too busy managing a s*#@-show to film.

Good luck

Peter