We lived aboard our sailboat in the Caribbean for 8 years. I was 49 to 57, my bride 42 to 50.
Could we do it again right now, ages 64 and 57...sure, but with the following caveats. These will not be a surprise:
1) You are less physically able to do things as you age. Not an earthshaking statement but if you are say 45 now and want to go cruising. Do it now. If you are waiting to accumulate more money to buy a special boat... you are most certainly making a mistake. The docks in the US are full of folks saying... one day I am heading to the Caribbean and go cruising. They never leave the dock.
2) The reason the above is a mistake if you really want to go cruising, is that there will always be something holding you back... you have to make the decision and go with what you have at the present.
3) If you hesitate, you will end up swapping time for dollars. The longer you wait the older you get and your ability to enjoy cruising will decline. For instance, the masthead light has a burnt out bulb... grab the bosuns chair and up you go to change it... no problem right? 53 feet above the deck is a little different at 45 vs. 55. At 55, you will strongly consider finding a young kid and you winch him up to change the bulb. Now cruisers do help each other, and a real good younger friend might go up the mast for you, but you cannot always count on it.
Living aboard a sailboat is a great way of life. In the Caribbean, it is a cheap way of life as well. Do not make the mistake of swapping years for more money, go now with what you have and enjoy. We did and so can you.
Could we do it again right now, ages 64 and 57...sure, but with the following caveats. These will not be a surprise:
1) You are less physically able to do things as you age. Not an earthshaking statement but if you are say 45 now and want to go cruising. Do it now. If you are waiting to accumulate more money to buy a special boat... you are most certainly making a mistake. The docks in the US are full of folks saying... one day I am heading to the Caribbean and go cruising. They never leave the dock.
2) The reason the above is a mistake if you really want to go cruising, is that there will always be something holding you back... you have to make the decision and go with what you have at the present.
3) If you hesitate, you will end up swapping time for dollars. The longer you wait the older you get and your ability to enjoy cruising will decline. For instance, the masthead light has a burnt out bulb... grab the bosuns chair and up you go to change it... no problem right? 53 feet above the deck is a little different at 45 vs. 55. At 55, you will strongly consider finding a young kid and you winch him up to change the bulb. Now cruisers do help each other, and a real good younger friend might go up the mast for you, but you cannot always count on it.
Living aboard a sailboat is a great way of life. In the Caribbean, it is a cheap way of life as well. Do not make the mistake of swapping years for more money, go now with what you have and enjoy. We did and so can you.
| Living aboard sailboat Gary Pierce is the webmaster of http://www.frugal-retirement-living.com he retired early at 49, still retired at 64. He has experience in lifestyles that are both fulfilling and frugal. It is 2009 and many are wondering if they can ever retire. Don't give up until you check out this website. Enjoy. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_P_Pierce | |
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