Pretty Much Lost . . . But that Can Be Interesting

[chadlaroche]

Geez louise is nicest way to put it ! They are still not done yet at the boat yard for a bottom job and new rudder bearing !Almost 3 weeks ! But its almost there .should be splashed next week. In the mean time I sanded all 35' hull and decks and repainted ?epoxied n got all new glass in the dodger. So wind gens,new battery banks ,charge controller ,provisioning ,holding tank and an extra water tank plumbed I should be ready 2 go ....
So anyone in the tampa area headed south mid november still ? of course at the yards pace maybe I can leave in January !

[itchybro]

Godspeed Chad.

I'll be watching this thread closely. Say hey to the Howard Frankenstein and Ybor City before you go!

[zopi]

Originally Posted by Capt Phil

Just remember, Chad... lines are for boats, ropes are for sex! Good on you for making the move... cheers, Capt Phil

I just found my new motto! Thanks!

Chad---GO! don't look back...We only regret the things we don't do..

[Capt Phil]

Zopi... I can't claim ownership of this little ditty... years ago, a female crew member of mine who was new to sailing went on a weekend cruise on another boat to 'learn the ropes'. On her return to my boat, I asked what she learned and that was her reply. She did a thousand mile coastal passage with me and she certainly didn't disappoint... Capt Phil

[jzk]

Originally Posted by chadlaroche

iiiii ; Boat is a 73 Coronado 35. Not the best reputation nor the fastest,and pretty damn ugly outside but sure is comfortable down below with a big center cockpit.

Never apologize for your boat. Being "out there" in a crappy boat is way better than being at the office dreaming about a nice boat.

[wingNwing]

Chad - Good for you, GO GO GO! Some advice, FWIW:

(1) learn your boat. (2) learn the difference between an inconvenience and a tragedy, its how you keep your perspective. (3) rum is easier to store than beer, for celebrating AFTER the hook is down in another beautiful anchorage.

DH was a Kansas farmboy - not a lot of opportunity to learn to sail along the seacoast. The first time ever he was on a sailboat - on a small lake - he was hooked! A year later we owned a boat of our own, a couple years after that we sold the house and moved aboard full time to go cruising ... so, you're not alone! Fair winds (and keep us posted!)

[capn_billl]

Just make sure that keel is "well" bolted a sailboat here recently capsized due to keel bolt failure. And good luck! I hope to be in your situation soon.

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by chadlaroche

Spent way too much on surveys to realize everthing thats for sale under 20k requires 20k to be seaworthy.

Money well spent then

At the risk of being a Jonah you seem to have a good handle on your unknowns. Bon voyage!

Hope you keep folks here posted on how things pan out

[jzk]

Originally Posted by chadlaroche

iiiii ; Boat is a 73 Coronado 35. Not the best reputation nor the fastest,and pretty damn ugly outside but sure is comfortable down below with a big center cockpit.

I looked up that boat, and WOW, that is a great boat for the money! Bill trip design, aft cabin. Nice!

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by chadlaroche

............................. I'm just gonna do it. Pull out on Nov 10th from Tampa fl ( my 34th bday) ease my way towards the keys and learn along the way . Or I'll sink who knows. My best hope is to find some people in the keys to learn the rest. Besides flaming my post any simple practical advice or must haves ?

thanks chad

'Just an added consideration. If economics are a big factor you might want to stabilize your life aboard, skills, sailing and maintenance before leaving for ports south. Sarasota, Naples, Marco Island and the Keys are generally more expensive than life aboard in the Tampa, St. Pete, Bradenton, Ft. Myers or Ft. Myers Beach areas.

[High Heels]

I wish you the best Chad! Take a little bite at a time, get to know your boat, learn to read the weather, keep challenging yourself a little more each time you go out. I saw someone was willing to buddy boat w/ you I am assuming down to the Bahamas...that seems like a great offer!

Good for you for turning some crummy circumstances into a golden opportunity! I say 'Hold on and Go for it!!!'

[chadlaroche]

Thanks everyone, havent left just yet. Since the yard took a month to do the bottom job Im behind schedule for departure but prolly looking at end of month realistically.
Left to do:
Keel bolt project( Im simply adding 6 additional drill n tap)
Blackwater tank install and replace seacock that broke the other day
Fab wind gen mounts /rear dinghy davits mounts
additional 65 gal diesel tank on deck
50 gal xtra fresh H20 in soft bags
new lifelines
radar/sirius units installed
change all bulbs to LED,mast anchor interior etc
oil air filters etc change and restock
actually move stuff on boat etc etc etc
geez thats alot
But I just finished my 10 group 27 battery bank courtesy of a golf cart rebuilder.30$ apiece but damn it was a job to fit em in everywhere

[chadlaroche]

just one week ago, she used to be blue
New bottom job , new paint, ,faired keel ,did some epoxy n glass work to rudder shaft/column

[adriadream]

Originally Posted by chadlaroche

Well I expected a harsher response for not being a versed sailor. Glad to hear the positive reassurance. Thanks everyone ! Now to figure out what to do with all this extra rope everywhere lol :-)

Best way to learn is hands on!!! GO! GO! Don't look back! You are so lucky! Only 34 (although I am only 40) and already figured out what the life is about! Yeay for us!!!!

[Khagan1227]

She's looking great Chad. Keep us updated on your progress.