Boating from Ft. Lauderdale to Cocoa Village on a Hatteras Yacht. E145

We leave Ft. Lauderdale and start our trip back North by way of North Palm, Fort Pierce and Cocoa Village. On the way a transformer melts down causing a bit of a scare as we search for the source of smoke below deck.
Find us on
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/ tryingnot_tosink
/ tryingnottosink
Our Story:
My name is Ed, I am an ex-musician, turned politician, turned tax account, who now imagines himself a sea-captain. Lyn, is an ex-model, turned photographer and the love of my life.
We have spent the last three years traveling on our 65' Hatteras Yacht and it has been terrifying. We have faced down storms, been stranded at sea, towed off shoals and run aground by careless boaters.
But it has been magical as well. We have explored places known only by those who travel by water, met incredible people along the way, and learned so much about boating - and even more about ourselves.
And to think - until three years ago, Lyn, and I, never even owned a boat.
We met when we were 21. I was a starving musician, on my way To Los Angeles to starve some more. Lyn was a model, waitressing tables and dreaming of adventure. We went on our first date to the Jersey Shore, and spent the night on a boat her father was restoring. That date has never ended.
We traveled the country together, and settled for a few years in Hollywood, where she discovered her love for photography, and I discovered that music was not going to be my career. We put down roots in Bucks County Pennsylvania. We built a house together, raised three children and became your typical American family. She opened a photography business and I opened an accounting firm.
On a vacation to Key West, we met a woman who lived on her boat. She had been an emergency room nurse for many years but decided she had had enough. She sold everything, bought a boat and sailed to Florida. We were fascinated. It seemed so romantic, so us. The seed was planted.
Flash forward a few years and the children are grown. Lyn retired from photography and sold her business. And me, well, I was only working three months out of the year and looking for a new adventure.
So, we bought our first boat. A Carver 355. No experience, and completely clueless. We hired a captain to bring us to our local marina and we were determined to learn how to operate her. We practiced in an empty marina for a couple of days and then, we just went for it! We figured, if we liked boating as much as we imagined, we would trade up to our dream boat. Two years later we did just that.
This video vlog is our story. Boating has become our passion. We invite you to share this journey with us, as we explore the waterways of the Atlantic and Caribbean, having the time of our lives, while "Trying Not To Sink."
Cheers!
Ed and Lyn.
#hatteras
#yacht
#boat
#trawler
#keywest
#hatteras
#fortpierce
#northpalm
#Cocoavillage

[@yachtnut5201]

You guys are killing me with that docking reenactment. Too funny

[@12000Jetlag]

I agree I was laughing so hard!

[@Benglator1]

Poor Gumby but that boat used in the re-enactment looked just like the Hatteras. Fine attention to detail I tall tale you. ;)

[@1mrflo]

The reenactment was classic!!!

[@carlrhodes9040]

"Mr. Bill, Mr. Bill!"... Times when Comedy was actually funny.. excellent!!

[@Godofthemoon1]

😂🙈 love the reenactment of the docking!

[@eschaufler1]

Ya got me with the Gumby reenactment. Damn near snorted my drink out of my nose. 🤣

[@combatmedic1980]

LOVE the renactmet of the docking !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! POOR GUMBY

[@tryingnottosink9107]

That was Mr. Bill in disguise!

[@gregpallett1839]

Loved the diagram and reenactment! Also saw Gumby up on the bridge with you!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

That was Mr. Bill in disguise!

[@festerofest4374]

Docking reenactment with crayon diagram and Gumby and line demonstration and WITH a Roger Out @ 7:30!!! Awesome! I had to watch it three times! And crazy good luck that smoking transformer was found in time - yikes. Gumby was watching over you.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks. I was hasn't to post the skit. We had a bit to drink! We got lucky with the transformer. It was replaced by an LED light that does not require one.

[@timharrison9060]

loved the new mascot hanging from the plug on the flybridge.... until ...... LoL stay safe, Tim and Cat

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks!

[@bidask123]

Gumby. Classic. Mahalo!

[@pbroad87]

Lmao, that's hilarious Ed and Lyn. Days gone bye when Saturday Night live was the Best. I use this skit with my boss all the time, his first name is of corse Bill lol.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks! That's what happens when we have a cocktail before we finish shooting!

[@pbroad87]

@@tryingnottosink9107 to bad you two aren't going to be in the keys the last week of March. Julie and I are going to be there during that time vacationing on a yacht for three days using the VRBO and also three days at the Perry Hotel in Key West. Would have been nice to have a cocktail or three or ten with yah.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Have fun. We love Key West!

[@tomkiefer2386]

Great episode! btw I think there are groups for "Mr. Bill" issues lol

[@tryingnottosink9107]

He didn't fool me by disguising himself as Gumby!

[@RoyDu812]

Docking demonstration was great i😊

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks! 😃 We try to be informative!

[@robertcasden3494]

Hi Ed and Lynn, We are appreciative that you show real-life cruising--the bad and ugly along with the good!! Your knowledge of how to fix just about anything that can arise is certainly impressive! If able to safely accommodate our deeper 6' draft/28'beam 58' catamaran, we'd love to know some anchorages along the way to Key West {S. of Miami} and some marina and anchoring suggestions when we are in Key West 1st week in March. Have you seen the "J" dock at Stock Island? We see that the Hawk channel shallow areas{ on Navionics} and heavy weeds can create big problems--jand maybe just stay outside the reefs all the way down?

[@tryingnottosink9107]

The only places we have anchored are No Name Harbor, in Biscayne Bay, leeward of Rodriguez Key and leeward of Boot Key. All are deep enough for 6 foot drafts, and calm when when leeward. We have anchored at Marathon Marina Resort a couple of times and it is a good place and has fuel. The restaurant is not the greatest but we have biked to a cool waterside bar a couple miles away, several times. Try to get a slip at Key West Bight marina if possible. It is just as well located as the other marinas and about half the price since it is owned by the city. Only downside is there are no deckhands. This has never been a problem as other boaters always come out to help and the water is usually calm. We did have some issues with weeds getting temporarily wrapped on our props, but Hawk channel is plenty deep. We always take that channel. If we get weeds, we just throw it in reverse for a minute and they come right off. We have never been to Stock Island.

[@jimg7823]

Not sure of your demographics but I don't think anyone under 50 will get the Mr Bill reference but liked it

[@allenharttrading5573]

you passed us... WPB FL !!... have a great time guys !

[@CaptainJack-Marshall]

LOVED THE MR.BILL docking!!! A true pirate savey🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️ Really enjoyed this part of the trip. Looking forward to your continuing trip north with your stop at safe harbor south harbor village in Southport nc. Cheers🍺

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

It is Ironic seeing this today as it is snowing in your backyard this morning, My son is in Berwen installing a CNC machine at Conestoga High School. He is trying to get out PHL before it gets bad. Nice reenactment Lyn. I love the toss me a line bit! Nice catch on the transformer burning the varnish off the coils. LEDS are the way to go. 🤣🛫

[@tryingnottosink9107]

It is amazing how big a transformer was needed back in the 70s. I replaced it with a directly connected 110v LED light fixture. No heat and uses a fraction of the electricity.

[@dirtyoldfarmhand3]

Wonderful.

[@jefferyholland]

I'm afraid some of your younger viewers may not get the Gumby and mister Bill skit but I sure enjoyed it.

[@billdomb]

Docking sequence: classic. Would like to pull a Mr. Bill on some dockies.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Us as well!

[@12000Jetlag]

Another great video. Love seeing the Palm Beach area since I am familiar with that area. My boss has a boat by Singer Island and we go there quite a bit. Safe travels.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks!

[@lisarobison3395]

That reenactment!!🤣🤣

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks! That's what happens when we have a cocktail before we finish shooting!

[@unclebob6728]

thank you!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

You're welcome!

[@donnakruse61]

Omg she and I could so hang! Ft Pierce is one of the easiest inlets to come & go from. Heading to the Caribbean in March our yacht is in Daytona Beach right now. Ya’ll made us laugh with this one

[@tryingnottosink9107]

We are planning to head to the Caribbean in May. Perhaps we'll meet somewhere along the way. We are thinking of leaving the boat In Puerto Rico this year.

[@concernedpatriot9314]

Oh they have a Nice 👍 restaurant at the BAR ! 🤣

[@gerhardvanwaltsleben8944]

Lekker man lekker 🇿🇦

[@AlbuquerqueImaging]

I thought about it there probably cant be any markers on miles long straightaways. the markers are usually on the beach so no help there!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

The only markers in the ocean is for the inlets. Inland there are markers everywhere.

[@susanperry5428]

Technically not Mr bill....its gumby ...safe travels love your videos ...ps you guys are living my life...;)

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Mr. Bill was disguised as Gumby. He didn't fool me!

[@susanperry5428]

@@tryingnottosink9107 hahahahahah...love u guys safe floating travels

[@abassplayer4life]

Mr. Bill. 🤣 Back when SNL was actually funny.

[@lyssamaxwell7610]

My last comment about your videos was when I said that I’m living vicariously through you….well, I’m not ready for this trip to end and going back to Philly sounds too much like “time to go home and get to work” to me! Honestly in my perfect world of live aboarding the only time I would set foot on dry land would be for provisioning and, well, a beach. You know it’s snowing in Philly, right? Please just turn the boat around and head back south……

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Don't worry, we have been back in Philly since August. I am slow at editing and we have enough footage that the videos will continue until May, when we head south again. And yes, we are covered in snow. I'll be posting pictures on our Patreon Face Book Page.

[@jimdavis1380]

Cute simulation!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks! Thta's what happens when we have a cocktail before we finish shooting!

[@deanbone29]

Better to take your frustrations out on Gumby rather than the boat lol. I forgot about the Mr. Bill Show. I remember watching it with my uncle many years ago. Thanks for the memory. I guess I know what my next video on KZbin is going to be.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Right on

[@johnbarrett1305]

Oohh Nooooo! Sluggoooo

[@DriveSafeDon]

You called Gumby Mr. Bill had to be great alcohol on board 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Wish I had clay on board!

[@jwyzdm]

While your trip comes to an end I want to thank you for sharing it with us and I hope the new one your getting ready for soon is as enjoyable and safe. Are mosquitos ever a problem on the boat while in the Bahamas or Florida when trying to sleep because I never hear about it on any channels such as yours?

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Thanks for watching. We have never had a problem with mosquitos, anywhere, while anchored. Once we had a big mosquito issue while dining at Highbourne Cay Marina, other than that, never a problem. Flys can be a pain in the Carolinas.

[@Big.Ron1]

Mr Bill! A blast from the past. Wow. I have a question, how would someone like me do on the dock? By that I mean I don't drink. Would I be shunned or accepted? I am just talking about the not drinking. I understand a lot of the cruisers/sailers/boaters drink, some a bunch. I am not a party person and haven't been since hep c started taking out my liver. Its (the hep) gone but the damage is done. Now 12+ years sober. If they legalized weed I would be all over it like the 70s but no, I have to be a good boy. I was just wondering and thought I would ask. No harm, no foul. Thank you and be safe.

[@garypoltonowicz7950]

In my experience, all boaters and patrons around docks are very accepting. I've had sober friends sip on some non alcoholic slushy drinks or just eat and drink soda or water. It's more about interesting conversations and friendship, than getting messed up. But I do have to say, alcohol does bring out the more interesting stories. But have no worries, sober or not everyone will be accepting and you will have plenty to do.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

There are plenty of cruisers and sailors who do not drink. I would say most do though. Soon recreational weed will be available everywhere.

[@gregakablackie]

Cocktail induced reenactment? 🤣

[@tryingnottosink9107]

It definitely was!

[@gregakablackie]

@@tryingnottosink9107 🤣🤣🤣

[@MrMunna26]

I had to have just missed yall in Key West. I was in Galleon Marina Jan 6-9.....

[@tryingnottosink9107]

This was filmed back in July, I am slow at editing.

[@billdillard885]

I hate the Mr Bill got mugged… cuz us Bill’s stick together…😡 Wish our paths had crossed. We have a Condo in Ft Pierce, first building north of the inlet and keep our boat at Pelican Yacht Club. (42 Center Console). Run down to the Keys every year for a month (July). Let us know next time your coming our way and we will hook up for a drink or two and a few boat lies… 😂

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Sounds good. We will probably be in the area in May, depending on where we choose to cross. Cheers!

[@karlbass7895]

I could be wrong but I think that's Gumby, not Mr Bill, but you call him whatever you like as you squish him. :)

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Mr. Bill was disguised as Gumby!

[@AlbuquerqueImaging]

are there channel markers? As helmsman I followed these and turn times were indicated as well. Sorry the sailor person didn't know the masthead knot she could have rigged a sail with any old stick its a good trick. Hers is the first example I ever heard of for using such a knot

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Channel markers where?

[@judithburt310]

Gumby was Mr. Bills secret lover. Don't ask, don't tell. Stay safe. Stay happy. Peace.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Why do you think he called his horse Pokey!

[@OldDudesOnQuest]

I've started my search for a live aboard, and really like the Hattaras 54 MY. My concern is that a broker told me to steer clear of the Detriot Diesels. The only problem is that Hattaras only has DD's. I'm getting a lot of differing opinions on the engines (most are good), so was curious what your experience has been with them? I understand they tend to be thirsty, and love oil.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

I have never heard anyone say to avoid Detroits. Yes, the eat oil, and leak some too. They are not the most efficient either. But, you can't kill them. They'll run forever. They used them in tanks in WW2. If needed, they can be rebuilt while still on the boat. I have 3500 hours on mine and they run great and do not smoke at all. The only complaint I have about mine are they are too big. I treat my boat like a trawler, and rarely go over 10 knots. The 8v92s are overkill for my purposes and I would rather have 8v71s.

[@AlbuquerqueImaging]

Help me Mr. Bill..........!

[@craigfourie3485]

So if no one had actually noticed the smoking transformer, what actually could have happened if it was just left powered on? Is there enough metal encasement to prevent a fire? Lastly, would there be enough smoke to trigger a smoke detector?

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Not sure. The metal casing is substantial but who knows. The whole thing is unesessary with todays technology. I just eliminated it and replace the fixture with a 110v LED light that uses 1/8h the energy and does not require a transformer.

[@DriveSafeDon]

So another words you guys enjoyed that free bottle of wine. Lmao 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Yes we did!

[@allenharttrading5573]

I'm 50 now and my Fiancé and I are planning to retire an do the yacht life in 9 years ... so I really enjoy your videos!! I'm learning a bunch... question is : Given yachting is pretty physical. How long or to what age do you think it's feasible to be able to maintain and operate a yacht?... do you both have plans for when you reach that point?

[@tryingnottosink9107]

I am 59 and I feel like I could do this for another 10-15 years, barring any big health problems. I often see couples in their early 70s on the water. I hope to do this until at least 75 and then jump on cruise ships. I can't see hiring a crew as I consider being the crew half the fun.

[@allenharttrading5573]

@@tryingnottosink9107 - awesome ... thanks for the feedback!

[@edf2953]

Nice video as always. I’d feel more comfortable if you were wearing life jackets when you took the small boat to shore. I hope you don’t mind me throwing my two cents in. What’s the old saying. “Accidents never happen, but…” Anyway, enough of my preaching. Stay safe you guys. Ed

[@tryingnottosink9107]

We always have life jackets in the dinghy. They are right at our feet. We also carry flares, whistles, and a small medical kit. We only put the life jackets on if the water is rough.

[@projecttrawler]

Poor Gumby. Lol

[@tryingnottosink9107]

That was Mr. Bill in disguise!

[@larrydicenzo3826]

How come you don't take the dingy to the public dock?

[@tryingnottosink9107]

It wasn't there the last several times we went through and we did not know they rebuilt it. Next time.

[@br5498]

That was Gummbie dammit !

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Mr. Bill was disguised as Mr. Gumby. He didn't fool me!

[@edwardhartman8575]

Think you better link some Mr.Bill for the youngsters so they don't think your maniacal... on the hard Ed

[@tryingnottosink9107]

I bounced the skit off my kids and none of them got it. Oh well.

[@garypoltonowicz7950]

Niceeeee

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Cheater! That wasn't enough time to watch the video! 😁

[@timmyscroggins1962]

I can't quite understand why you beat up Gumby.......He helped you dock your boat and even held your drink.......may have to reconsider my subscription of this channel ! ☹

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Just showing my age. Look up "Mr Bill" on You Tube.

[@steveale0711]

Red or white wine? DAMMIT GUMBY!!!

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Always red!

[@mikemayfield487]

LMFAO!!!

[@michaelstoflet357]

That wasn't Mr Bill that was Gumby.

[@tryingnottosink9107]

He was wearing a disguise!

[@johnlitwin4274]

I'm Gumbe Damnit

[@captainjackkay3132]

Typical of ignorance of owner operators.

[@clarkkent772]

Your not getting younger as the rest of us. So. Get a lithium battery for your dinghy. Twice the useable power and HALF the weight. Happy cruising. 😎

[@tryingnottosink9107]

Good idea!