Hi everyone.
I am thinking hard about retiring aboard a trawler, selling my Florida home.
Issues I have include bad back and 6'2" height. Also, whether a Marina with a large live aboard community might be a good opportunity to change my boring life.
Another somewhat important issue! is that I've never operated a boat bigger than a row boat with an outboard. So training and insurance become issues and how they interact with the timing to purchase a boat become a major problem. Of course, marinas require "insurance" but never specifying (yet) as to whether its property and liability. Maybe a carrier would issue me a policy for property insurance IF me operating it is disclaimed. If so, I could buy first and have it moved into the Marina by a qualified captain. Of course then I take the risk of never doing enough to qualify for liability insurance. There is no boating certification in Florida for adults.
I have been looking at 49' Gulfstreams. Beautiful in photos. Great interiors including use of household furniture which is more comfortable for my back. Great master stateroom, queen for guests and third for kids or use as den. Great woodwork. Large engine rooms. Reasonable price for one in mid-80s. All have high hours because they have been used for loop, South America, Bahamas, etc. I doubt I could ever make long trips in blue water due to back issues.
Then a knowledgable captain/author questioned their quality. At the same time I noticed that all on market had hard tops over aft. Where's the sun? Bow is not particularly suitable for sun bathing either. Visitors in particular are going to be disappointed. Also, poor swim platform. Wonder whether hydraulic replacement or extension (for tender too) would help.
So, I started looking towards Grand Banks. Built in furniture. IMO not the same woodwork. A lot of teak. Engine room access appears difficult. Not sure about removal of built in furniture although I did see one somewhat modified.
Well, that's enough for now. Any comments, help, criticisms, etc. appreciated.
Thanks.
Chuck
I am thinking hard about retiring aboard a trawler, selling my Florida home.
Issues I have include bad back and 6'2" height. Also, whether a Marina with a large live aboard community might be a good opportunity to change my boring life.
Another somewhat important issue! is that I've never operated a boat bigger than a row boat with an outboard. So training and insurance become issues and how they interact with the timing to purchase a boat become a major problem. Of course, marinas require "insurance" but never specifying (yet) as to whether its property and liability. Maybe a carrier would issue me a policy for property insurance IF me operating it is disclaimed. If so, I could buy first and have it moved into the Marina by a qualified captain. Of course then I take the risk of never doing enough to qualify for liability insurance. There is no boating certification in Florida for adults.
I have been looking at 49' Gulfstreams. Beautiful in photos. Great interiors including use of household furniture which is more comfortable for my back. Great master stateroom, queen for guests and third for kids or use as den. Great woodwork. Large engine rooms. Reasonable price for one in mid-80s. All have high hours because they have been used for loop, South America, Bahamas, etc. I doubt I could ever make long trips in blue water due to back issues.
Then a knowledgable captain/author questioned their quality. At the same time I noticed that all on market had hard tops over aft. Where's the sun? Bow is not particularly suitable for sun bathing either. Visitors in particular are going to be disappointed. Also, poor swim platform. Wonder whether hydraulic replacement or extension (for tender too) would help.
So, I started looking towards Grand Banks. Built in furniture. IMO not the same woodwork. A lot of teak. Engine room access appears difficult. Not sure about removal of built in furniture although I did see one somewhat modified.
Well, that's enough for now. Any comments, help, criticisms, etc. appreciated.
Thanks.
Chuck