Andy, no worries, fire away

I honestly really like the boat. It’s big enough for what I need and has some features I really like. It’s not the Out Island version that has a real bad rap – from what I can tell it’s one of Morgan’s better boats, but I could be wrong. It’s a full keel shoal draft with a centerboard. Drafts 3.5′ to 7+’. Correct me if I’m wrong but that’s kind of best of both world? Great stability in chop but shallow enough to get into some shallow areas.

Really, I just need it to work for me for about 3 years while I learn how to sail properly and get a feel for the lifestyle. Oh and pay off some pretty hefty debts. Once that’s done I will have quite a bit of freedom to buy what I want or upgrade this boat to perfection.

As far as working on stuff myself, I’ve always done it that way. The two boats that I bought, that didn’t work out, I learned how to do fiberglass work on as well as fairing and painting. I also have quite a bit of experience in fine carpentry and know my way around an engine. Never been good at making money but I’m great at fixing and building stuff.

Also, I will look into other Home Depots as everyone suggested. Thanks for the info.

Alex, I will probably take you up on your offer and send you an e-mail with questions. I feel bad monopolizing your time but it will really help me out to be able to pick your brain. It’ll save me from making another series of embarrassing mistakes.

So yeah. Thanks everyone. Really.

Morgans seem totally fine!! And the price was great!

Always remember it’s not about the boat, it’s all about your journey. Take your time, you sound like a capable guy. Learn how to fix things and do it yourself, even if you have money, you will be confident that you will be able to live with little and to go anywhere without being afraid. Also that can become your source of income when you start sailing the world, you can work on other people’s boats with whatever you learn that you do best. Or you can take charters, once you’re confident sailing and providing service. That is good money and usually fun!

I agree with what the other guys are saying. Check if you can be transferred somewhere cool and keep the job until the boat is ready to cruise safely. Also it will give you time to get sailing practice with no stress. Then you will be able to throw your alarm clock away and wake up when you wake up!

All the best!! Take your time and everything will come to you. Don’t hesitate to ask, anything, we’re here to help!

; )

I’m not saying it’s a bad deal, just focus on making her sound. Gasoline is dangerous on a boat because of the confined space, a leek makes a bomb in the boat that can be ignited by an automatic bilge pump, no fun, my grandfather blew himself out of a boat, and lived to tell about it.

Find yourself a universal diesel drop in replacement. I was just working on my brother in laws in Florida, nice little engine, or pop for a new beta marine if you can swing it?

Don’t be down on it, just expect some work to make her right, then your golden :) go sailing !!!!

If you have any questions please feel free to ask, that’s why I’m here :)

Good luck amigo. Can you transfer to the boot key Home Depot, not a bad place to be on a boat and I have friends there.

I’ve always been terrible at making business and financial decisions. But, like you with Eleanor, I just have to chug along and make it work. This is my last shot at this and I’m not going to give up. No way man.

Right now I’m in the process of asking for a transfer to the Key West Home Depot. If that goes through I will continue having a very nice income with practically no bills. In which case I will be able to afford a diesel replacement for the Atomic, as well as a bunch of luxuries like a new stove, solar and nav equipment.

Anyway, thanks for the advice. If things fall through I’ll let you know and I’ll listen to whatever recommendation you have. God knows I could use some solid advice.

Laters…

Andy,

A gas inboard is a bad idea, stick to diesel or if you really love the boat find yourself a universal drop in replacment Diesel engine. I’ve never been a big Morgan fan but they did make a few good boats along the way. About a year ago my brother in law found a Pearson 35 for 5k with a universal diesel, you might want to keep looking?

Also you can work and live on the boat at the same time, the new boat will require money till you get her right.

What part of the states are you in? I’ll take a peek to see what is available.

Reply

So, posting here about my personal life shook something loose in my subconscious, I think. After a couple of especially rotten days at work I flagged down my store manager (I work at The Home Depot,) and asked him if we could talk in his office. I honestly didn’t know what was going to come out of my mouth until I sat down across from him. I swallowed hard, felt my pulse quicken and my mouth go dry. I opened my mouth and I thanked him for the opportunities he’d given me, (and the several promotions and raises I’d received,) and told him I’d be leaving the company as soon as I secured a liveaboard boat. He was a bit surprised but he thought that the idea of living on a sailboat was cool.

I then spent a few days looking at boats and raising funds. Found a Morgan 30 Centerboard that seemed to match what I’d need. Full keel with centerboard, working Atomic inboard, standing rigging in great shape, 10,500# displacement and an interior that isn’t absolutely trashed – just old and a bit tired. Even has GPS, VHF and some solar. All for $4,500. I think it’s a good deal.

Tomorrow I’m putting a deposit on the boat. By Jan. 20th I’ll have it paid and be living on it full time. Now this doesn’t necessarily mean that I’ll be successful at this – I’ve had several false starts along the way after all – but I’m very hopeful. And very grateful to Alex and Carla for putting me on the right path.

Thanks guys. I owe you one…

Alex, count me in as one of the people who you have helped “see the light” I hope to one day untie the bow lines, and just sail away. Might happen, might not. However I will never ever live the way I was three years ago. Busting my behind, only to give 80% if it to some bill for something useless the following day. I was running myself into the ground, and shedding years off my life for certain. Life isn’t all about money. My new job pays decent. Not what I made running long haul, but respectable. The best part…the part that makes all the pain I’m in worthwhile….I sleep in my own bed every night, and I have weekends off!

So keep doing what you’re doing. There are more of us here that love it, and look forward to the videos and stories, than don’t.

Contrarian,

Long time, I always love hearing from you!

I do keep an open door, and believe me I dream of closing it sometimes. I could live with so much less tech in my life if I could pull that last plug. but some people benefit form my words and I continue to keep writing. Getting comments like Andy’s keep me going. When people open up to me the way Andy did, they usually do it through a private email. Carla is right, honesty makes you a light when you are not afraid to share your deepest feelings, that’s how we grow into something better :)

I shouldn’t have let the comments get to me but I’ve been quite stressed lately. I was away from home FAR too long. I’m having some breathing/asthma problems and have to venture back to the city to see a doctor tomorrow. So much change lately, and I have to return to the states again in a few months to retrieve Eleanor with lots to do between ow and then. I really wished I had managed to get her to sea and down here, but my path always unfolds as it chooses, I’m just a passenger along for the ride!

I am looking to spending more time with my father :)

Peace brother.