Episode idea: cost to own a sailboat. Not the purchase cost, but everything else. Docking in season, hard storage out of season, hauling in and out, bottom treatments, sail lifespan, engine maintenance, etc.
Great request. There’s a few other sailing channels that have tackled this issue as well. ruclips.net/video/N3V48CeQYw8/видео.html this one is Ruby Rose
"All that matters is that you do it, before you can't anymore" Thank you for saying that - that came though to me. I will become a Sailor while I still can.
Thats it mate! I started 6 years ago at 42 yrs old. First sailboat cost me 3k, then next one 15k, and then 150k on beneteau oceanis, so ... l'll see you out there!
We did it twice. At 52 and at 57 on our boat (2010-2011 and 2015-2016). Thank God we did, because now, we're 65, and my wife has a degenerative leg condition, that makes a third long trip pretty unlikely. You don't know what the future has in store. If doing something is really important to you, then do it now.
It's easier than you think. I started last year with a 1987 Hunter 23 as my first sail boat and I am loving it. Spent my first night at anchor last weekend (pottahawk island on lake erie). Helps to be handy for sure. I started at 41 with sailing lessons, I am 43 now. Already have my eyes out for a bigger boat, maybe a 35-37 footer; few more years for that though. Although, I am REALLY liking that I can just trailer my Hunter to a bunch of different places, is easy as pie to launch and land on the trailer and I developed a solo mast raising jig. I've been out every weekend since the beginning of June, solo every time.
Wow! And in all those hours I have spent watching Delos, Vagabonde and the Wynns, NONE OF THEM, or any other sailing channel has EVER described this schedule and the route that cruisers usually go. You really created the visual of the lifestyle and "oh the places you will go" Very fun to hear all this.
Fifty years ago I rebuilt a 23ft wooden hard chine sloop in my parents driveway on Long Island NY. Sailed it to Florida with a friend in November . Went to the Bahamas in the spring with 2 friends The only electronics I had was a RDF! Spent 11 days in the hospital in Nassau for an appendectomy. We got to Hatchet Bay in Eluthera where it was time for my friends to get back to the states I recovered there until I but hurt my shoulder transferring my 3.9 Mercury outboard from my 8ft pram dingy back to the boat which was the motor for the sailboat. Managed to sail back to Miami by myself . I was in the Bahamas all summer and barely had any money. So you can sail with very little equipment and still have a great time!
I love your channel, it is honest and straightforward. There are lot of RUclips never sailed before that think youtube stars before else. I just red one of typical youtube sailors clishe "BOAT DAMAGE DISASTER" , it is not about sailing, 80% of those channels if not more, is drama, bikinis, and then try to sell you some supplements or things you do not need in your life. I used to have so many car engine failures, I never knew that that can be a income means, not my school of life. What surprises me most, Patreons financing same vicious circle instead of financing a good school, course, tutoring.. so it does not happen to them any more. But somehow.. we all know.. once no drama.. no show. No views, no income.
Suggestion for "next" or future vid: best way to learn to sail. I started my sailing in 2011 by going to Greece and doing an awesome 2-week course with the RYA, but.....not having ongoing access to a boat, that knowledge quickly dissipated. I did what I could to spend lots of money every now and again to keep a foot in it. The result is that even after some years I found myself trepidatious about actually buying and operating my own boat. Fast forward to 2021, I joined an educational sailing club based out of the Great Lakes (Michigan). They "made me" start over again in dinghies for a year, then day-sailing keelboats for a year, then passage-making the next year, etc. Because I completed the mandatory course levels of the club, I have very cheap access to the club's fleet of Catalina 30s, and no shortage of mentors to go out with me. I can volunteer for maintenance crew and assist someone experienced, instead of stressing and spending on my own boat from scratch. Lake St. Clair is nowhere near as interesting as the Ionian Sea, but now I actually sail more often and what I learn stays with me. Finding a more humble-yet-consistent way into the knowledge and skill without having a huge and stressful investment has made it far more likely for me to actually buy my own boat in the long run.
The whole reason I bought a sailboat three years ago was to learn to sail and get the plan to get to the Bahamas for retirement. Kelt 7.6 Sloop here and I love her at 25' shes a good start for my next boat of 42-45'. Tim knows as hes been there and done it, make a plan, put it in order and go do it. All that matters is that you do it, before you can't anymore, tomorrow isnt guaranteed.
He's making money of it so no need to thank him, he's even begging for your money all from his little office with his sailor cap and other crap that should suggest he's a sailor.
I am a fan of many sailing you-tubes... a patron of just two. Thanks for this, my favorite episode. Leaving Panama City Fl in November for the BAHAMAS :) 37 foot Endeavor. I am 64 years old and NOT waiting!
Minimum of words, maximum of content. Straight to the point. All that matters is that you do it…. PERFECT. Too late for me, but all you younger kids, Tim is right on as usual. Don’t wait until you are too old or life-encumbered to go.
There are many ways to get into sailing and your own boat. My friend always helped at boat launches and haul out. Last haul out a elderly gentlemen asked my friend if he would take over the boat and the winter storage fees. When my friend asked "how much" the gentlemen replied nothing for the boat, just pay the marina for the winter storage. Many of my friends are trying to find people to take over their boats as they are aging and want to get out. The market up here in the north is very weak for under 30 feet and lots of very capable boats are for sale for under $10,000 and a lot of them are ready to go down south. Many marinas have boats with unpaid storage fees and a lot of these are projects, however any person with some level of skills can pick these up for the price of the owed fees. Many people do not have the skill set to fix boats and have unrealistic timelines and boats that were projects are soon abandoned. Many people also do not have time or the inclination to fix anything and want turn key boats only. These people buy a newer boat and then when it breaks, the marina yard hands them a crippling bill. To be a cruiser you need to have basic mechanical skills or you will find out your money does not go very far. There are plenty of good books on boat maintenance or youtube but you should spend some time learning maintenance skills. Helping a friend change oil or servicing rigging or equipment will go a long way to make sure you are as independent as possible. Thanks for the great video and it is great advice to go basic as most stuff breaks. As you can see on RUclips there are a great many people sailing small boats and some are going around the world. The trick is just to leave....
seems like before you do all that you need to get some water time and learn how to sail and handle the boat along with anchoring and using the water maker and solar stuff.
I paid $400 to take three friends on a 6-hour sailing cruise with a professional captain a couple months ago, and next week I'm taking my GF out on the same boat. It may not be what you're describing, but it's an affordable way to get out on a sailboat without the hassle.
This is STEP ONE. Many of us have to VERIFY that we actually LIKE sailing, as compared to merely watching sailing videos. I say verify first. And you might as well verify, by sailing on the model of boat that you want to own (you could also have the captain teach you how to sail it). Worst case, it only costs you a few hundred bucks, to figure out that you 'love' sailing, in the same way that Khan loves Captain Kirk: "From Hell's heart, I stab at thee! For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee!"
Thanks for your easy to watch videos. What does your on-board tool-shed look like. What hand tools do you use the most, or not at all. What is a life saver and what tool do you find you never use ever.. unless you didnt pack it and suddenly need it. What considerations do you make for battery-tools. What is a bare-minimum. Thanks !
I have to say, I loved this video! I just watched it over lunch-break. I discovered your channel a number of months ago and have been watching your episodes quite a bit. In fact, once I found your channel, I went back and watched the whole series starting when you got ready to leave from Florida and sail over to Bimini, and then explore the Bahamas... a GREAT series. I've been really thinking about whether or not I can incorporate this in to my own live as I approach retirement; the question is how I will be able to fund it (on an on-going basis, not just the outright purchase of a vessel). I love your straightforward advice and observations. Cheers, Gordon
You produce great, practical videos that offer a counterpoint to all the glam sailing videos and you do a great job at that. I was a cruising sailor in my teens and twenties offshore northeast USA, Chesapeake, and Caribbean. It was so different without refrigeration or electric conveniences. Wet sanding the keel in New Rochelle, NY in winter in the snow. Sailing at night in fog with Loran because radar wasn't available. Paper charts. Twelve foot seas in an October northeaster with whole crew seasick. That was a blast. Now in mid sixties hoping to get back into it on Texas coast but in a much more simple and less glamorous way than youtube videos generally promote. Keep up the good work keeping it real.
Glad I found this channel. I have always wanted to retire on a sailboat and that time is here. Glad I found your channel. So many make this seem like you need millions to live this life full time.
Captain Tim ... We know boat insurance is a complex subject. You have previously referred to insuring 20+ year old boats as problematic, while also explaining the "value" and build-quality of boats from the '80's and 90's. How do you reconcile this?
Love your work, thank you! I'll meet you on on the water one day and thank you in person. I'm 67 and planning a vessel and retirement that takes me to sea for the bitter end. And that suits me just fine. God speed!
Tim, I love listening to your straight forward “do it now” advice. I am starting to learn to sail a flying junior and looking forward cruise before it too late. Keep up the great message. Love the Historsea episodes also. 👌🏼
I've been really wanting to do this, I just don't think it would be a good idea to quit my job. I have a great one that I probably couldn't get the same benefits again. Even just doing short sails around the Caribbean/Bahamas would be difficult as it can take a long time to get anywhere and I only get
I totally agree. Here in Britain, the crap that's talked about sailing is unreal The first thing you need is a £30K boat, minimum, then at least £3K of Musto sailing clothes.... People forget the UKs sailing history, men crossing Oceans on wooden boats, wearing cotton and wool, with ropes made of plant material, along with the thousands of small fishing boats that used to exist, long before the time of the Internal combustion engine. All the history has been forgotten by the modern sailor, replaced with marketing, and fear mongering about being mildly uncomfortable in less than perfect weather conditions.
To go cruising only takes one thing. Making it a priority in your life. We've been on two multi-year cruises on our boat. That is all it takes. So many people think they need a half a million dollar cat to cruise, because that's what they see on RUclips. There are lots of older fiberglass monohulls, for not much money, that can get you cruising now. The same water, the same places, but a lot less money.
This channel is so positive, so enticing so it seems that all you have to do is buy a boat outfit it and take off for the Bahamas. But sailing in bad weather an be dangerous too. We were on a short passage last Saturday from Saint Augustine to Ferdinandina Beach, FL, a distance of 55 miles. We left S.A. at about 11 a.m. to take advantage of the falling at in the inlet. We sailed on a west wind of 8-10 knots, which was beam reach for us. Gradually, the wind sh ifted to the northwest. At about 3 p.m. I noticed dark clouds closing from the west. My plan was to help my inexperienced crew bring down the sails. As the storm approached, one system after another begin to fail. Next the roller furling came off its drum. Finally the engine stopped operating. I was stuck at the wheel to prevent the yacht from broaching. When the storm hit us with 35 mile an hour winds the deck was a mess. The crew didn't understand my orders, but finally got the sails onto the deck. With no engine and no sails the only responsible decision was to call The Coast Guard. We were adrift for about a a half hour in a torrential rainstorm before the hooked us up. Of course as the captain I am legally responsible, but I would like to caution everyone against depending on crew who don't know what their doing.😢
Yeah, I had the cream, even owned a 35 foot Yorktown at one point. However, no longer a practical objective. Now I enjoy sailing vicariously through various RUclips videos. 😊
Assuming you can lift the recommended anchor, my rule of thumb is that if you lift an anchor, it is too small. My rule of thumb for batteries is pretty much the same!
One thing that became a huge issue in the North Pacific was moisture. My bunk went from a little condensation in the corners, that I took care just by stuffing a sheet in one corner and some of my clothes in the other, to everything was wet and my dirty laundry was starting to grow mold spots in less than a week after three months of sailing. O nce the humidity hits a certain level and there's not a lot of sun -- drying stuff no longer happens. In the Bahamas? Probably not, but other places-- absolutely. (While I was away for three months sailing on someone else's boat, my boat was running a dehumidifier on auto set to 45% (The previous owner had it at 55%, I lowered it to have more of an effect in the more distant aft cabin.) After a week off the boat Unpacking my bag a lot of things were still clammy. Gear on the boat is a huge topic, but what about all the little things. Hooks, hangers, clothes lines, bars or lines to tie the fenders to? Dry bags. I can tie the four diesel jerry cans together, but wouldn't it be better to them tie them to the bulkhead? The big blank wall in my berth needed a hanging organizer. For that moisture problem. The cockpit in fog is a place to make clothes even more wet. I already knew to put my oatmeal and snacks in a silicone dry bag. But it wasn't until the end that I realized I should've had my clean clothes in them. (Most were in a cubby that sealed off and just fine for most of the trip, but that last week they all got damp.)
This really caught my attention! I'm a British/Swiss national and experienced skipper-boat owner. Can you see any obstacle to me flying out to Florida and following your plan from A-Z for a year?
Of course you can. We cruised your Europe for 4 full years. Coming over here is far easier - no big tides, no atrocious North Sea or Med Meltemi storms, no bitter winters. Entering the Bahamas lies only 50 NM from Biscayne Bay, Florida. One year, we took a sailboat from Florida all the way down to Trinidad and then back up to Puerto Rico, slowly. At that point, the U.S. is only 1 week away, downwind. Tim seems to focus on boats and gear because many viewers have Q's about those. But for true 'comfort', it's mostly about skills, and you already have them. 30 feet/9 meters (+ or -) of well found sailboat and you'll have a lifelong, worthwhile memory.
What up from AZ . Working my way to day sailing the Sea Of Cortez (Gulf Of California ) on a 25 ft lancer with a 2.3ft draft . Put in at Puerto Penasco ( Rocky Point ) and sail south to about Zihuatanejo or farther .
Chinese 12 volt chest freezers are the best. Turn off the hungry boat fridge unless you're starting a mammoth crossing. Keep the freezer in ECO mode. Run it off rigid solar panels because flex panels break fast. I like a CB radio plus a VHF. Solve the dripless prop shaft thing. I like smaller air cooled four cycle outboards. I'd be as happy carrying a 9.9 HP liquid cooled as a brick fireplace. 2 cycle? Forget it. If the boat can't ride a trailer, I'm not interested.
Have you ever consider doing an episode for fire extinguishers and if an engine extinguisher is recommended. I haven't heard you mention this topic in any of the videos so far.
That cruising route is good. As a first timer, it gives you the best of all worlds. My boat is in Panama, so my route looks a bit different. But I hear there are popular hurrican holes with lots of cruisers. So it can be done there too. What is your take on electric outboards? Less maintenance, no fuel smell or noise. Just need enough solar for recharging.
Episode idea: Electricity on a sailboat. Wind, solar, batteries, generators. Proper set up and needed power as it relates to boat size and equipment. Thanks!
What about a segment on disposal of waste from a cruising boat, cardboard, can labels, coffee grounds, general garbage Food scraps, washing dishes in the sea, laundry water etc??
What kind of chart plotter is most adequate and inexpensive to have on cruise sailboats? Congrats for your outsanding service to us with the valuable information you provide.
Great boil-down Tim! I will second the autopilot suggestion, the simplest, analog driven model you can find. Not cheap but it truly is another crew member.
Episode idea: cost to own a sailboat. Not the purchase cost, but everything else. Docking in season, hard storage out of season, hauling in and out, bottom treatments, sail lifespan, engine maintenance, etc.
Great request. There’s a few other sailing channels that have tackled this issue as well. ruclips.net/video/N3V48CeQYw8/видео.html this one is Ruby Rose
He is well qualified on this subject
Vb my. V is the
others have posted videos to answer you. search.
This is a good idea ❤
"All that matters is that you do it, before you can't anymore"
Thank you for saying that - that came though to me.
I will become a Sailor while I still can.
That line gave me the chills also!
Thats it mate!
I started 6 years ago at 42 yrs old. First sailboat cost me 3k, then next one 15k, and then 150k on beneteau oceanis, so ... l'll see you out there!
We did it twice. At 52 and at 57 on our boat (2010-2011 and 2015-2016). Thank God we did, because now, we're 65, and my wife has a degenerative leg condition, that makes a third long trip pretty unlikely. You don't know what the future has in store. If doing something is really important to you, then do it now.
It's easier than you think. I started last year with a 1987 Hunter 23 as my first sail boat and I am loving it. Spent my first night at anchor last weekend (pottahawk island on lake erie). Helps to be handy for sure. I started at 41 with sailing lessons, I am 43 now. Already have my eyes out for a bigger boat, maybe a 35-37 footer; few more years for that though. Although, I am REALLY liking that I can just trailer my Hunter to a bunch of different places, is easy as pie to launch and land on the trailer and I developed a solo mast raising jig. I've been out every weekend since the beginning of June, solo every time.
That’s deep
Wow! And in all those hours I have spent watching Delos, Vagabonde and the Wynns, NONE OF THEM, or any other sailing channel has EVER described this schedule and the route that cruisers usually go. You really created the visual of the lifestyle and "oh the places you will go" Very fun to hear all this.
Cuz they are click bait bloggers
Fifty years ago I rebuilt a 23ft wooden hard chine sloop in my parents driveway on Long Island NY. Sailed it to Florida with a friend in November . Went to the Bahamas in the spring with 2 friends
The only electronics I had was a RDF! Spent 11 days in the hospital in Nassau for an appendectomy. We got to Hatchet Bay in Eluthera where it was time for my friends to get back to the states
I recovered there until I but hurt my shoulder transferring my 3.9 Mercury outboard from my 8ft pram dingy back to the boat which was the motor for the sailboat. Managed to sail back to Miami by myself . I was in the Bahamas all summer and barely had any money. So you can sail with very little equipment and still have a great time!
Sounds wonderful!
When are we going to see you back on the water Tim?
Racing constantly now. Gotta hone my skipper skills for the next adventure.
So are we gonna see some footage
Hoping to see an extended cruise soon!
"Do it. Before you can't." Probably one of the best philosophies to live by. Along with, "Better to ask for forgiveness than permission." ;)
I was completely down with that plan and ready to go. Then I remembered I'm in Melbourne.
Australia...
and?
I love your channel, it is honest and straightforward. There are lot of RUclips never sailed before that think youtube stars before else. I just red one of typical youtube sailors clishe "BOAT DAMAGE DISASTER" , it is not about sailing, 80% of those channels if not more, is drama, bikinis, and then try to sell you some supplements or things you do not need in your life. I used to have so many car engine failures, I never knew that that can be a income means, not my school of life. What surprises me most, Patreons financing same vicious circle instead of financing a good school, course, tutoring.. so it does not happen to them any more. But somehow.. we all know.. once no drama.. no show. No views, no income.
“ you watch countless hours of sailing videos when you should have been working.”
Me right now. Literally.😂
I'm two years from retirement.. Planning now.. a Handy man, psuedo engineer type... Severe sufferer of wanderlust... Go small, and go.. Two years..
Don't forget your tools! And a copy of Robinson Crusoe, LOL.
May be hard to believe, but this was your best episode yet, truly. Well done and well said. 👍🏼
The BEST video on RUclips. Thank you for giving me hope.
Best wishes
Suggestion for "next" or future vid: best way to learn to sail. I started my sailing in 2011 by going to Greece and doing an awesome 2-week course with the RYA, but.....not having ongoing access to a boat, that knowledge quickly dissipated. I did what I could to spend lots of money every now and again to keep a foot in it. The result is that even after some years I found myself trepidatious about actually buying and operating my own boat. Fast forward to 2021, I joined an educational sailing club based out of the Great Lakes (Michigan). They "made me" start over again in dinghies for a year, then day-sailing keelboats for a year, then passage-making the next year, etc. Because I completed the mandatory course levels of the club, I have very cheap access to the club's fleet of Catalina 30s, and no shortage of mentors to go out with me. I can volunteer for maintenance crew and assist someone experienced, instead of stressing and spending on my own boat from scratch. Lake St. Clair is nowhere near as interesting as the Ionian Sea, but now I actually sail more often and what I learn stays with me. Finding a more humble-yet-consistent way into the knowledge and skill without having a huge and stressful investment has made it far more likely for me to actually buy my own boat in the long run.
The whole reason I bought a sailboat three years ago was to learn to sail and get the plan to get to the Bahamas for retirement. Kelt 7.6 Sloop here and I love her at 25' shes a good start for my next boat of 42-45'. Tim knows as hes been there and done it, make a plan, put it in order and go do it. All that matters is that you do it, before you can't anymore, tomorrow isnt guaranteed.
Thank you for putting all this essential advance into one video!
For everyone "Go small, go now!"
Hey Captain Tim, your channel has become one of my favorite sailing channels over the past 2 years. Thank you for taking the time to do so.
He's making money of it so no need to thank him, he's even begging for your money all from his little office with his sailor cap and other crap that should suggest he's a sailor.
I am a fan of many sailing you-tubes... a patron of just two. Thanks for this, my favorite episode. Leaving Panama City Fl in November for the BAHAMAS :) 37 foot Endeavor. I am 64 years old and NOT waiting!
You've said it. We're not getting any younger. Great video!
Currently cruising Marthas Vineyard & New England from the Virginia part of the Chesapeake.
Great episode for all us noobs!
Minimum of words, maximum of content. Straight to the point. All that matters is that you do it…. PERFECT. Too late for me, but all you younger kids, Tim is right on as usual. Don’t wait until you are too old or life-encumbered to go.
One of your best ‘how to’ videos Tim! Appreciate it!
In my Opinion Your BEST video yet ! just bought a Downeaster 38 and hoping to cast off for parts unknown from Chesapeake Bay this coming November !
There are many ways to get into sailing and your own boat. My friend always helped at boat launches and haul out. Last haul out a elderly gentlemen asked my friend if he would take over the boat and the winter storage fees. When my friend asked "how much" the gentlemen replied nothing for the boat, just pay the marina for the winter storage. Many of my friends are trying to find people to take over their boats as they are aging and want to get out. The market up here in the north is very weak for under 30 feet and lots of very capable boats are for sale for under $10,000 and a lot of them are ready to go down south. Many marinas have boats with unpaid storage fees and a lot of these are projects, however any person with some level of skills can pick these up for the price of the owed fees. Many people do not have the skill set to fix boats and have unrealistic timelines and boats that were projects are soon abandoned. Many people also do not have time or the inclination to fix anything and want turn key boats only. These people buy a newer boat and then when it breaks, the marina yard hands them a crippling bill. To be a cruiser you need to have basic mechanical skills or you will find out your money does not go very far. There are plenty of good books on boat maintenance or youtube but you should spend some time learning maintenance skills. Helping a friend change oil or servicing rigging or equipment will go a long way to make sure you are as independent as possible.
Thanks for the great video and it is great advice to go basic as most stuff breaks.
As you can see on RUclips there are a great many people sailing small boats and some are going around the world. The trick is just to leave....
Solid advice ppl. A video without any BS just practical advice that will get you there! Do it!😊
My heroes aren't Rich couples on 400k boats.. they are Sam Holmes, Sailing wind hippie, Captain James. And the Lary and Lin Pardey.
Check out Igor Stropnik as well. Crossing countries on a Hobie, northern winners in a boat and tent, all the way to top spec trimerans.
seems like before you do all that you need to get some water time and learn how to sail and handle the boat along with anchoring and using the water maker and solar stuff.
Loved this video- thanks
I paid $400 to take three friends on a 6-hour sailing cruise with a professional captain a couple months ago, and next week I'm taking my GF out on the same boat. It may not be what you're describing, but it's an affordable way to get out on a sailboat without the hassle.
Brilliant! 👍
This is STEP ONE. Many of us have to VERIFY that we actually LIKE sailing, as compared to merely watching sailing videos.
I say verify first. And you might as well verify, by sailing on the model of boat that you want to own (you could also have the captain teach you how to sail it).
Worst case, it only costs you a few hundred bucks, to figure out that you 'love' sailing, in the same way that Khan loves Captain Kirk: "From Hell's heart, I stab at thee! For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee!"
Thanks for your easy to watch videos. What does your on-board tool-shed look like. What hand tools do you use the most, or not at all. What is a life saver and what tool do you find you never use ever.. unless you didnt pack it and suddenly need it. What considerations do you make for battery-tools. What is a bare-minimum. Thanks !
I have to say, I loved this video! I just watched it over lunch-break.
I discovered your channel a number of months ago and have been watching your episodes quite a bit. In fact, once I found your channel, I went back and watched the whole series starting when you got ready to leave from Florida and sail over to Bimini, and then explore the Bahamas... a GREAT series.
I've been really thinking about whether or not I can incorporate this in to my own live as I approach retirement; the question is how I will be able to fund it (on an on-going basis, not just the outright purchase of a vessel).
I love your straightforward advice and observations.
Cheers,
Gordon
You produce great, practical videos that offer a counterpoint to all the glam sailing videos and you do a great job at that. I was a cruising sailor in my teens and twenties offshore northeast USA, Chesapeake, and Caribbean. It was so different without refrigeration or electric conveniences. Wet sanding the keel in New Rochelle, NY in winter in the snow. Sailing at night in fog with Loran because radar wasn't available. Paper charts. Twelve foot seas in an October northeaster with whole crew seasick. That was a blast. Now in mid sixties hoping to get back into it on Texas coast but in a much more simple and less glamorous way than youtube videos generally promote. Keep up the good work keeping it real.
Glad I found this channel. I have always wanted to retire on a sailboat and that time is here. Glad I found your channel. So many make this seem like you need millions to live this life full time.
Captain Tim ... We know boat insurance is a complex subject. You have previously referred to insuring 20+ year old boats as problematic, while also explaining the "value" and build-quality of boats from the '80's and 90's. How do you reconcile this?
Great vid and info, thanx.
Great video removes the anxiety and confusion for people who want to cruise. I plan to hit the Bahamas in the fall and you demystify it. Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
Love your work, thank you! I'll meet you on on the water one day and thank you in person. I'm 67 and planning a vessel and retirement that takes me to sea for the bitter end. And that suits me just fine. God speed!
thank you so much!
Tim, I love listening to your straight forward “do it now” advice. I am starting to learn to sail a flying junior and looking forward cruise before it too late. Keep up the great message. Love the Historsea episodes also. 👌🏼
Sounds awesome,I live in France..we have Corsica, Sardinia close by.
Excellent advice, thank you for sharing your knowledge, this really focuses on what’s truly needed to start cruising. Appreciated! 👍🏼⛵️👏🏼
Thank you for watching!
The intro describes me exact 😅
Excellent video Tim.
Tim - Your spot on. The TV just makes the boat feel like a home! The other thing I have come to appreciate being a live aboard is a quality mattress.
I've been really wanting to do this, I just don't think it would be a good idea to quit my job. I have a great one that I probably couldn't get the same benefits again. Even just doing short sails around the Caribbean/Bahamas would be difficult as it can take a long time to get anywhere and I only get
Nailed it 💯
I totally agree. Here in Britain, the crap that's talked about sailing is unreal
The first thing you need is a £30K boat, minimum, then at least £3K of Musto sailing clothes....
People forget the UKs sailing history, men crossing Oceans on wooden boats, wearing cotton and wool, with ropes made of plant material, along with the thousands of small fishing boats that used to exist, long before the time of the Internal combustion engine.
All the history has been forgotten by the modern sailor, replaced with marketing, and fear mongering about being mildly uncomfortable in less than perfect weather conditions.
To go cruising only takes one thing. Making it a priority in your life. We've been on two multi-year cruises on our boat. That is all it takes. So many people think they need a half a million dollar cat to cruise, because that's what they see on RUclips. There are lots of older fiberglass monohulls, for not much money, that can get you cruising now. The same water, the same places, but a lot less money.
This channel is so positive, so enticing so it seems that all you have to do is buy a boat outfit it and take off for the Bahamas. But sailing in bad weather an be dangerous too. We were on a short passage last Saturday from Saint Augustine to Ferdinandina Beach, FL, a distance of 55 miles. We left S.A. at about 11 a.m. to take advantage of the falling at in the inlet. We sailed on a west wind of 8-10 knots, which was beam reach for us. Gradually, the wind sh ifted to the northwest. At about 3 p.m. I noticed dark clouds closing from the west. My plan was to help my inexperienced crew bring down the sails. As the storm approached, one system after another begin to fail. Next the roller furling came off its drum. Finally the engine stopped operating. I was stuck at the wheel to prevent the yacht from broaching. When the storm hit us with 35 mile an hour winds the deck was a mess. The crew didn't understand my orders, but finally got the sails onto the deck. With no engine and no sails the only responsible decision was to call
The Coast Guard. We were adrift for about a a half hour in a torrential rainstorm before the hooked us up.
Of course as the captain I am legally responsible, but I would like to caution everyone against depending on crew who don't know what their doing.😢
Hey Tim i love ❤️ your videos. I bought. 50’ steel boat , took the classes and I’ll be in Bahamas, soon ! Thank you 🙏
Wow way to go! So happy for you 😃
Wow, This was just the best segment, Thank you!
Yeah, I had the cream, even owned a 35 foot Yorktown at one point. However, no longer a practical objective. Now I enjoy sailing vicariously through various RUclips videos. 😊
Assuming you can lift the recommended anchor, my rule of thumb is that if you lift an anchor, it is too small.
My rule of thumb for batteries is pretty much the same!
This is an outstanding episode. This is for me! Thanks!
Just bought a Pearson 33 so glad I found your videos. Just off of Palm Beach
One thing that became a huge issue in the North Pacific was moisture. My bunk went from a little condensation in the corners, that I took care just by stuffing a sheet in one corner and some of my clothes in the other, to everything was wet and my dirty laundry was starting to grow mold spots in less than a week after three months of sailing. O nce the humidity hits a certain level and there's not a lot of sun -- drying stuff no longer happens. In the Bahamas? Probably not, but other places-- absolutely. (While I was away for three months sailing on someone else's boat, my boat was running a dehumidifier on auto set to 45% (The previous owner had it at 55%, I lowered it to have more of an effect in the more distant aft cabin.) After a week off the boat Unpacking my bag a lot of things were still clammy.
Gear on the boat is a huge topic, but what about all the little things. Hooks, hangers, clothes lines, bars or lines to tie the fenders to? Dry bags. I can tie the four diesel jerry cans together, but wouldn't it be better to them tie them to the bulkhead? The big blank wall in my berth needed a hanging organizer. For that moisture problem. The cockpit in fog is a place to make clothes even more wet. I already knew to put my oatmeal and snacks in a silicone dry bag. But it wasn't until the end that I realized I should've had my clean clothes in them. (Most were in a cubby that sealed off and just fine for most of the trip, but that last week they all got damp.)
Always a pleasure watching your videos!! Thanks for making them and keep em' comin!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 see ya out there!
Thank you for all the information and your videos
Very informative.. Thank you !
Nice delivery!
Good video. The advice at the end was the best. I pushed out the ending to my Facebook page with full reference to your channel. Thank you!
he is really qualified for this subject
Great information thank you sir..I feel better as listening to your knowledge for a beginner
Great video! Hope to see you down there. Will keep my eyes open for Lady K.
This really caught my attention! I'm a British/Swiss national and experienced skipper-boat owner. Can you see any obstacle to me flying out to Florida and following your plan from A-Z for a year?
Of course you can. We cruised your Europe for 4 full years. Coming over here is far easier - no big tides, no atrocious North Sea or Med Meltemi storms, no bitter winters. Entering the Bahamas lies only 50 NM from Biscayne Bay, Florida. One year, we took a sailboat from Florida all the way down to Trinidad and then back up to Puerto Rico, slowly. At that point, the U.S. is only 1 week away, downwind. Tim seems to focus on boats and gear because many viewers have Q's about those. But for true 'comfort', it's mostly about skills, and you already have them. 30 feet/9 meters (+ or -) of well found sailboat and you'll have a lifelong, worthwhile memory.
Like he said just do it while you can 👍
-spending winter in the warm carribean waters-
What up from AZ . Working my way to day sailing the Sea Of Cortez (Gulf Of California ) on a 25 ft lancer with a 2.3ft draft . Put in at Puerto Penasco ( Rocky Point ) and sail south to about Zihuatanejo or farther .
Chinese 12 volt chest freezers are the best. Turn off the hungry boat fridge unless you're starting a mammoth crossing. Keep the freezer in ECO mode. Run it off rigid solar panels because flex panels break fast. I like a CB radio plus a VHF. Solve the dripless prop shaft thing. I like smaller air cooled four cycle outboards. I'd be as happy carrying a 9.9 HP liquid cooled as a brick fireplace. 2 cycle? Forget it. If the boat can't ride a trailer, I'm not interested.
This is such an awesome resource, thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Have you ever consider doing an episode for fire extinguishers and if an engine extinguisher is recommended. I haven't heard you mention this topic in any of the videos so far.
Excellent practical presentation. Thank you.
Brilliant video as usual
Thanks for watching!
I am in the process of seeking a live aboard and your videos show me some excellent choices other than the usual brand of boat.
Outstanding, thank you!
That cruising route is good. As a first timer, it gives you the best of all worlds.
My boat is in Panama, so my route looks a bit different. But I hear there are popular hurrican holes with lots of cruisers. So it can be done there too.
What is your take on electric outboards? Less maintenance, no fuel smell or noise. Just need enough solar for recharging.
You’re a smart dude, thanks for the content
Thank you.
best episode, hands down!!!
Episode idea: Electricity on a sailboat. Wind, solar, batteries, generators. Proper set up and needed power as it relates to boat size and equipment. Thanks!
In future videos can you talk about Pros and Cons of SIM cards and how to use them.
Wonderful video. Thanks for producing it.
I look forward to hearing your advice and enjoy your videos.
What about a segment on disposal of waste from a cruising boat, cardboard, can labels, coffee grounds, general garbage
Food scraps, washing dishes in the sea, laundry water etc??
This is particularly timely for me. Just now. My C&C36 is just waiting for me to come aboard and get started??
Fantastic episode!
A personal EPIRB should be near the top of the list.
Thanks. That was an interesting, informative, and nicely produced video.
Awesome video, appreciate you breaking it down to just the essentials
Tim, can you do a session on currents & tides? Thanks
That’s how you keep it real, good video Thankyou
What kind of chart plotter is most adequate and inexpensive to have on cruise sailboats? Congrats for your outsanding service to us with the valuable information you provide.
Great informative video
Very informative, thanks .Greetings from beautiful tropical paradise island Kauai, Hawaii. ⛵️
Thank you for the insight about sailboat purchasing and minimal must haves. Take care keep doing what your doing. Take care fellow Canadian!
That’s a really great video and put a lot of things in perspective! Thank you!
Thanks for a great, inspiring video!
Great video!!
you are great
Good video like always
great video, very practical and also exciting!
Great video/advise
Great boil-down Tim! I will second the autopilot suggestion, the simplest, analog driven model you can find. Not cheap but it truly is another crew member.
Great video thank you waving hand from Maryland🖐⛵️