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Living full-time on board and going South (part 1)

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zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1318 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/20/2006 : 14:31:23

So... we finally did it and here we are... the two of us... living already for more than a week on our '95 Catalina 250 WB hull 151 sailboat and calling it our home

It all started one evening a while ago with the idea to change our life's routine, rent the family home, store our personal belongings, settle our local affairs and travel for a year or so. Both my wife and I were a little restless after our 4 kids married, left the house and started their own families producing so far 9 grandchildren with two more due very soon. Way to go kids!!

To avoid Canadian winter colds the plan calls for wandering through the US all the way South, East, and then North again to arrive in Ontario, where my wife family lives. One of the trips high light will be to sail/motor the Trent canal system from Lake Ontario, some 300 odd miles from Trenton to Georgian Bay sometime in May 2007 and wander home in August '07 to Vancouver, British Columbia.

Little did we know that to cut strings with our existing rather pleasant but busy life we would spent literally months of preparation. My wife, a registered nurse and myself as a just retired marketing manager and still under contract would have to quit our jobs.. and yes... we did!!

Once we had placed an ad with a local university we received immediate response from a mission couple returning from the field and in need of housing. Dates and details were settled by e-mail and we were free to go as of October first 2006. We did not realize the amount of “stuff “ that needed to be taken care of. We made lists and sub lists and patiently struggled our way through it all. In anticipation we consulted with this wonderful forum and received many suggestions, ideas and hints. Thank you guys!!

We bought a 2005 demonstrator one ton Ram diesel truck with quad cabin, sufficient to pull the trail rite trailer and boat, bicycles, gear and equipment as suggested by this forum.

Having made some modifications to the boat during past winter seasons such as a teak modified extended cabin table, teak shelves in the galley and above the aft berth and above the V berth, Plexiglas hatch cover, step-seat extension, galley stove from butane to propane modification, carpet on the cabin floor, seat above the fuel tank seat, bbq, and numerous other mods.

We soon realized that in order to live on board during an extended travel period we needed to address a series of other additions and changes. These include in random order. 1) Raising the bow and stern mast holders to allow the hatch cover in full raised position and the pop-top to be installed. 2) Somehow telescoping the hatch cover supporting legs to drop the hatch again allowing the boat to be in a closed and in lockable position while in a campsite or marina and yet leave the pop-top raised. 3) This also requires a stainless steel support to hold the pop-top similar to ss support provided with the pop-top to be installed where the hatch normally holds the back-end of the pop-top up.

4) Since we want to take bicycles, an extension with a mounted ball hitch needs to be installed on the back of the boat trailer allowing the bikes to transported behind the stern and motor while on the trailer or truck when land traveling or sight seeing by truck alone. 5) Some time ago we acquired a 7.5 ft Backwater dingy and are planning to transport this on the bow, fitting snugly between bow and mast, with the sides of the dingy resting on the life lines and the bow of the dingy on the deck just before the mast step. 6) The bow end of the life line will be fitted with a pelican hook to allow easy loading and unloading of the dingy. 7) Many of you have already fabricated and installed the spare tire as an up-down hitch support which, in my opinion, is essential with the use of the 9ft hitch extension fabricated last year. This work is planned for next week at a local ss shop in Langley BC while living in the shop's yard or local campsite until our departure going South the following week.

We'll keep you posted and yes... in the meantime we're very much open to any and all mod ideas, should have items, destination suggestions and things to do and places to explore.

Henk & Johanna
"Floating", a few off your "barnacles".
"Someday Lady" '95 C250WB #151 ('03 - 2016)
"Sea ya" 30ft Bayliner (04-2018 - 09-2018)
"Mariah" '96 C250WB #191 (05-2019 - 15-05-2023)
"Lady J" '00 C250WK #499 (05-2021 - 09-2022)

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 10/20/2006 : 15:52:05

Check out my web page, we took 1 year off and cruised from San Diego to Milwaukee by truck, then Great Lakes, Georgian Bay, Trent Severn Canal, Erie Canal, Hudson, ICW to Chesapeak, Potomac to Washington DC, ICW to Florida, and Bahamas for 3 months. Home schooling 4th and 6th grade.

NOT on a C25. A 40 foot trawler.

http://www.indiscipline.org

Click on Cruise 2000 and Cruise 2001. Also, you can download and read my book, "Bahamas or Bust", written about the voyage.

Since then, I have made some extensive voyages in my C25, you can see those 2 if you click on Indiscipline III.

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 10/20/2006 : 16:08:30

Way to go, Henk!

I hope y'all have a wonderful, safe adventure ... be sure to keep us posted on your travels ... and that includes photos!

Edited by - on

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 10/20/2006 : 16:33:04

Have a great trip Henk.
And the offer still stands, if drive through Calgary, stop in and we'll feed you.

We look forward to hearing details of your trip. Keep us posted.

Edited by - on

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 10/20/2006 : 17:20:30

Wow! I envy you. I know it must have been nerve racking to cut ties and cast off. Good luck and keep us posted.

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glivs
Admiral

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USA
836 Posts

Response Posted - 10/22/2006 : 04:22:13

Zeil,
Wow!...what an adventure lies ahead. So envious. Best to you and your wife. Keep us posted. If your travels bring you near Burlington, VT on Lake Champlain give Leslie and I a call, the door is open and dinner is on us.

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zeil
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1318 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2006 : 13:47:16

Thanks for your responses and encouragements...

It is very exciting and a little scary. Our kids are not sure what to think of mom & dad traveling in such a confined space and we're not either. However, so far so good and loving it.

p.s. Mike, Gerry and Leslie when we are in your respective areas be assured that we'll take you up on your offer for dinner the Dutch way... (we invite... you pay!) (just kidding)

Henk "Someday Lady"
'95 C250 WB #151

Edited by - on

tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2006 : 14:40:00

Henk and crew,

Great adventure guys. The kind of drive I only dream of. Put me on your list of welcoming c-25/250 comrades. Free food and lodgings with the crew of Calista in Patchogue. Long Island, N.Y. and an opportunity to sail the Great South Bay with guide. Sailing from April to November.

Val on Calista # 3936, Patchogue, N.Y.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2006 : 15:11:25

Whew--that's a tiny house with a huge yard and an ever-changing, magnificent view! Better get moving south fast--there's already snow in lots of places from the Rockies to western NY! We'll be watching for updates...

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 11/05/2006 : 20:18:20

Henk, where's the update on your adventure? Hope all is well.

Paul.

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