Disillusionment with Cruising?

[smurphny]

Having been around boats, both pleasure and commercial, all my life, and having spent months at a time on my boat, I think it is familiarity with the marine environment that is the first essential element. Also, it's exactly those challenges of dealing with the constant planning, weather prediction, mechanical problems, etc. that I, for one, thrive on. It's all PART of the ride. Others may find these things daunting. It may be that sailors like dealing with danger and challenge as do those who climb or fly...a kind of addiction. To tell the truth, I have no friends or relatives who can put up with being on a boat, especially one that travels at an acute angle to gravity and has this boom thing that can swat your head off, etc. For those who have the "dream" of sailing off somewhere, I would strongly suggest getting accustomed to the marine environment in little steps. It will be obvious pretty quick whether or not it's your cup of tea. Tip my hat to those of you who can travel with spouse and stay married.

[SaltyMonkey]

Originally Posted by atoll

they copied us so well......is there any where left that hasent been soiled by consumerism?

nope. because consumerism is in every culture. its human nature.

only with us, its become more of the culture.

DISCLAIMER - I have not and will not step into a McDonalds. ever!

[Joseph]

[QUOTE][those who love it accept these things easily/QUOTE]

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by SaltyMonkey

You know, I really hate it when people say things like this - its both elitist, and marginalizes and devalue comments from people who may have a great deal of experience, maybe even more experience that you...but are currently not on the water for various reasons.

Good luck

I think this is a pretty harsh criticism and makes some assumptions about the meaning or intent of the statement that may not have been there or intended.

That being said, I'm sure there are lots of members that for whatever reason are not currently cruising but do have that in their past and can offer opinions based on personal experience.

[Kettlewell]

One other really big deal I didn't mention but others have hinted at is the dealing with uncertainty a lot of the time. I think people who have a tough time with uncertainty have a tough time on the water. Going into a harbor not knowing for sure if the depths are as charted, or maybe not even having a chart. Not knowing the language and having to deal with officialdumb. Not knowing for sure when you'll be there. Not sure if the engine is going to start or overheat. Not sure what the weather is going to do. Not being able to get your 8 hours of sleep all in one shot. Not being able to get your favorite morning coffee or newspaper. Not being able to reach mom on the phone, or your bank, or finding the local bank is out of money and won't be opening for awhile. To me that is one of the greatest things about cruising--I hate routine!

[SaltyMonkey]

Originally Posted by skipmac

... I'm sure there are lots of members that for whatever reason are not currently cruising but do have that in their past and can offer opinions based on personal experience.

and still want desperately and passionately to go for more cold wet punishment! SHOW ME A BOAT BABY! YYEEES!!!

[S/V Antares]

Try crusing 6 months on, 6 off. Live at a dock and get a job for half a year then split again. Do fun jobs you always wanted to try. Live frugal and ride a bike. Work in seasonal places. Dont take it or yourself too seriously and try not to plan too much. Things will fall into place.

[SaltyMonkey]

i expand on S/V Antares very good and most excellent recommendations

get a boat. doesn't matter what

give yourself some time - say a year or two.

don't make any other elaborate plans or where or when to be, what you will do, or how long you will be sailing on or off, or whether its full time or not, or whether you will work or not not work.

go sailing.

see what shows up around the corner.

[atoll]

Originally Posted by SaltyMonkey

i expand on S/V Antares very good and most excellent recommendations

get a boat. doesn't matter what

give yourself some time - say a year or two.

don't make any other elaborate plans or where or when to be, what you will do, or how long you will be sailing on or off, or whether its full time or not, or whether you will work or not not work.

go sailing.

see what shows up around the corner.

SELL THE KIDS ON EBAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,GET A MISTRESS,AND GO SAILING!!!!

[John A]

I think this is the first time a newbie introduced himself by discussing disillusionment with cruising.
Having crused for ten years and answered this same question in four other treads here on this forum, I'll repreat.
Most of the time I begin a reply with the words "it depends" or "personnel choice"
People stop cruising because their life changes.

[Doodles]

Originally Posted by atoll

they copied us so well......is there any where left that hasent been soiled by consumerism?

Yes, but its all ice so not too good for sailing.

[markpierce]

For many, the type of long-distance cruising which provides a ready-made bed, five-course gourmet meals, live music and stage entertainment, stabilizers, etc. will be a better (and often less expensive) way to go. I met a lady on the QE2 who lived onboard all year-round and it only cost her $60,000 a year.



(Obviously, the above is not the QE2.)

[SaltyMonkey]

@ atoll =)

[atoll]

Originally Posted by markpierce

For many, the type of long-distance cruising which provides a ready-made bed, five-course gourmet meals, live music and stage entertainment, stabilizers, etc. will be a better (and often less expensive) way to go. I met a lady on the QE2 who lived onboard all year-round and it only cost her $60,000 a year.



(Obviously, the above is not the QE2.)

now there is some one who wants what they know and knows what they want
all ways found it best to have a plan in life,its easy to get disillusioned when the plan is to have no plan,hurdles become barriers..........

[SaltyMonkey]

@ atoll - perhaps she took a cruise and accidently found she didn't need to leave - no plan.

...and having an inflexible mindset in a plan also leads to disappointment.

Travel light into the field.