Greetings from a new member in middle Tennessee. I’m hoping some of you can give me some advice, comments and opinions! I have limited boating experience (really limited), but am fascinated with the Great Loop and being able to get to the Bahamas easily from south Florida. Given my lack of experience, I’m working on a plan that gets from from zero to being able to operate a 40’ or so trawler by the time I’m within a few years of retirement (I’m 46 now). My thinking is that I start out with a 20’ deck or pontoon for the next 4-5 years, then move up to a 30-32’ vessel like a cabin cuddy for a few years after that, then look at the 40’ trawler by the time I'm approaching 60. I’d start with one of the US Powerboating courses next year (smaller vessel) and within a couple years of buying a trawler, take one of the trawler school classes that seem to be pretty plentiful in Florida. I’ve been looking at lots of websites and videos on everything from safety to basic navigation to the equipment to docking, etc., and will continue to do so. Waiting on Chapman's book from Amazon now. Every time I see new terminology, I go look it up (had no idea what a macerator was). I don’t see ever living aboard as our residence, but since my wife and I want to be on a beach when we retire, it’s likely we’d wind up in a condo on the gulf coast and I’d love to have a trawler or motor yacht for regular use and some overnights, up to and including traversing the Great Loop.
I don’t really have any questions per se, but given my current line of thought, any advice you guys can offer is of course appreciated. Any constructive criticism, too. No thin skin here. Thanks!
I don’t really have any questions per se, but given my current line of thought, any advice you guys can offer is of course appreciated. Any constructive criticism, too. No thin skin here. Thanks!
