ksanders
Moderator Emeritus
Yesterday afternoon I entered Marina Hotel Coral in Ensenada Mexico having completed a voyage of over 2800 nautical miles alone in my Bayliner 4788
I left my home port in Seward Alaska on the 2nd of May. Every night I pulled into a harbor or anchorage, and I stayed longer in places that drew my interest.
Having just completed this adventure, and having talked to many boaters along the way I learned a few things.
First, any boat can make this trip a reality. My Bayliner 4788 is a Coastal Cruiser just like the vast majority of boats owned by TF members. Yes I outfitted it for extended cruising bu adding really heavy duty ground tackle, a great generator, solar panels, and a watermaker to name the big things. but... in the end it is a Bayliner 4788 pilothouse, not a "brand name" exploration yacht.
Next, many people I met dream, but few actually do it. Many wait too late in life and lose the opportunity. My advise if you are a dreamer is do it. Do not wait till you can afford the half million dollar or more exploration yacht. Go at a young enough age to enjoy it.
Last, do not be inpatient. I chose 15 knots of wind as my maximum, and I stuck with that. On one occasion I misjudged the weather and got the snot beat out of me, but otherwise I had a drama free trip.
So... Enjoy the lifestyle, and if you make it to Mexico look me up. I'm in the White Bayliner 4788 docked at your favorite harbor.
I left my home port in Seward Alaska on the 2nd of May. Every night I pulled into a harbor or anchorage, and I stayed longer in places that drew my interest.
Having just completed this adventure, and having talked to many boaters along the way I learned a few things.
First, any boat can make this trip a reality. My Bayliner 4788 is a Coastal Cruiser just like the vast majority of boats owned by TF members. Yes I outfitted it for extended cruising bu adding really heavy duty ground tackle, a great generator, solar panels, and a watermaker to name the big things. but... in the end it is a Bayliner 4788 pilothouse, not a "brand name" exploration yacht.
Next, many people I met dream, but few actually do it. Many wait too late in life and lose the opportunity. My advise if you are a dreamer is do it. Do not wait till you can afford the half million dollar or more exploration yacht. Go at a young enough age to enjoy it.
Last, do not be inpatient. I chose 15 knots of wind as my maximum, and I stuck with that. On one occasion I misjudged the weather and got the snot beat out of me, but otherwise I had a drama free trip.
So... Enjoy the lifestyle, and if you make it to Mexico look me up. I'm in the White Bayliner 4788 docked at your favorite harbor.
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