How To Go Cruising This Year! FOR DUMMIES! - Ep 235 - Lady K Sailing

This week we look at how to fulfill your sailboat Caribbean crusiing dreams in 2023 with THE BASICS and BARE MINUMUM that you actually need to live on a sailboat safely and sail from Florida to the Bahamas. We talk about sailboat anchors, sailboat solar panels and batteries, and sailboat fresh water storage.
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[@brianaustin1328]

Episode idea: cost to own a sailboat. Not the purchase cost, but everything else. Docking in season, hard storage out of season, hauling in and out, bottom treatments, sail lifespan, engine maintenance, etc.

[@trippsnuggs3200]

Great request. There’s a few other sailing channels that have tackled this issue as well. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGS5ZWt5mraMrZo this one is Ruby Rose

[@johnmiller8430]

He is well qualified on this subject

[@AnthonyMartinDMD]

Vb my. V is the

[@robgrune3284]

others have posted videos to answer you. search.

[@brambaker]

This is a good idea ❤

[@24875495]

"All that matters is that you do it, before you can't anymore" Thank you for saying that - that came though to me. I will become a Sailor while I still can.

[@hansjensen7823]

That line gave me the chills also!

[@aaronnunn5240]

Thats it mate! I started 6 years ago at 42 yrs old. First sailboat cost me 3k, then next one 15k, and then 150k on beneteau oceanis, so ... l'll see you out there!

[@ralphholiman7401]

We did it twice. At 52 and at 57 on our boat (2010-2011 and 2015-2016). Thank God we did, because now, we're 65, and my wife has a degenerative leg condition, that makes a third long trip pretty unlikely. You don't know what the future has in store. If doing something is really important to you, then do it now.

[@CommentRedacted]

It's easier than you think. I started last year with a 1987 Hunter 23 as my first sail boat and I am loving it. Spent my first night at anchor last weekend (pottahawk island on lake erie). Helps to be handy for sure. I started at 41 with sailing lessons, I am 43 now. Already have my eyes out for a bigger boat, maybe a 35-37 footer; few more years for that though. Although, I am REALLY liking that I can just trailer my Hunter to a bunch of different places, is easy as pie to launch and land on the trailer and I developed a solo mast raising jig. I've been out every weekend since the beginning of June, solo every time.

[@diegotraveler4783]

That’s deep

[@IFSTherapist]

Wow! And in all those hours I have spent watching Delos, Vagabonde and the Wynns, NONE OF THEM, or any other sailing channel has EVER described this schedule and the route that cruisers usually go. You really created the visual of the lifestyle and "oh the places you will go" Very fun to hear all this.

[@Shepherdservices317]

Cuz they are click bait bloggers

[@ToddMoore1]

When are we going to see you back on the water Tim?

[@LadyKSailing]

Racing constantly now. Gotta hone my skipper skills for the next adventure.

[@meatballhead3290]

So are we gonna see some footage

[@bowdezaufa2609]

Hoping to see an extended cruise soon!

[@gavanwhatever8196]

I was completely down with that plan and ready to go. Then I remembered I'm in Melbourne. Australia...

[@guystapo]

and?

[@tomshedd3067]

Fifty years ago I rebuilt a 23ft wooden hard chine sloop in my parents driveway on Long Island NY. Sailed it to Florida with a friend in November . Went to the Bahamas in the spring with 2 friends The only electronics I had was a RDF! Spent 11 days in the hospital in Nassau for an appendectomy. We got to Hatchet Bay in Eluthera where it was time for my friends to get back to the states I recovered there until I but hurt my shoulder transferring my 3.9 Mercury outboard from my 8ft pram dingy back to the boat which was the motor for the sailboat. Managed to sail back to Miami by myself . I was in the Bahamas all summer and barely had any money. So you can sail with very little equipment and still have a great time!

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

Sounds wonderful!

[@mariuszkijowski2180]

Thank you for putting all this essential advance into one video! For everyone "Go small, go now!"

[@shainester]

May be hard to believe, but this was your best episode yet, truly. Well done and well said. 👍🏼

[@svthebayviewcafe7675]

I am a fan of many sailing you-tubes... a patron of just two. Thanks for this, my favorite episode. Leaving Panama City Fl in November for the BAHAMAS :) 37 foot Endeavor. I am 64 years old and NOT waiting!

[@Mike7O7O]

"Do it. Before you can't." Probably one of the best philosophies to live by. Along with, "Better to ask for forgiveness than permission." ;)

[@mikesakas]

I'm two years from retirement.. Planning now.. a Handy man, psuedo engineer type... Severe sufferer of wanderlust... Go small, and go.. Two years..

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

Don't forget your tools! And a copy of Robinson Crusoe, LOL.

[@39Thorns]

Suggestion for "next" or future vid: best way to learn to sail. I started my sailing in 2011 by going to Greece and doing an awesome 2-week course with the RYA, but.....not having ongoing access to a boat, that knowledge quickly dissipated. I did what I could to spend lots of money every now and again to keep a foot in it. The result is that even after some years I found myself trepidatious about actually buying and operating my own boat. Fast forward to 2021, I joined an educational sailing club based out of the Great Lakes (Michigan). They "made me" start over again in dinghies for a year, then day-sailing keelboats for a year, then passage-making the next year, etc. Because I completed the mandatory course levels of the club, I have very cheap access to the club's fleet of Catalina 30s, and no shortage of mentors to go out with me. I can volunteer for maintenance crew and assist someone experienced, instead of stressing and spending on my own boat from scratch. Lake St. Clair is nowhere near as interesting as the Ionian Sea, but now I actually sail more often and what I learn stays with me. Finding a more humble-yet-consistent way into the knowledge and skill without having a huge and stressful investment has made it far more likely for me to actually buy my own boat in the long run.

[@danlindy9670]

Great episode for all us noobs!

[@jeromehebert3184]

seems like before you do all that you need to get some water time and learn how to sail and handle the boat along with anchoring and using the water maker and solar stuff.

[@Lady.from.Nuku-Hiva]

Hey Captain Tim, your channel has become one of my favorite sailing channels over the past 2 years. Thank you for taking the time to do so.

[@SuperDirk1965]

He's making money of it so no need to thank him, he's even begging for your money all from his little office with his sailor cap and other crap that should suggest he's a sailor.

[@kattnhatt]

Loved this video- thanks

[@johnmartlew]

These “this or that for dummies” are great. Especially sailing. I cruised the coast for two years before I realized I needed a boat.

[@andreahuntjens3763]

Currently cruising Marthas Vineyard & New England from the Virginia part of the Chesapeake.

[@davethemmp]

What about a segment on disposal of waste from a cruising boat, cardboard, can labels, coffee grounds, general garbage Food scraps, washing dishes in the sea, laundry water etc??

[@DogBrotherhood]

I was 14 and my brother is an idiot. We crossed from Ft. Lauderdale to the Bahamas in a 22 foot sailboat. We had a compass and a map that looked like a McDonald’s child’s placemat, not joking. It’s not complicated but don’t be an idiot. Can’t wait to do it again.

[@tomelerding1399]

Minimum of words, maximum of content. Straight to the point. All that matters is that you do it…. PERFECT. Too late for me, but all you younger kids, Tim is right on as usual. Don’t wait until you are too old or life-encumbered to go.

[@expeditioncalypsowind]

In my Opinion Your BEST video yet ! just bought a Downeaster 38 and hoping to cast off for parts unknown from Chesapeake Bay this coming November !

[@hansjensen7823]

One of your best ‘how to’ videos Tim! Appreciate it!

[@givenfool6169]

I've been really wanting to do this, I just don't think it would be a good idea to quit my job. I have a great one that I probably couldn't get the same benefits again. Even just doing short sails around the Caribbean/Bahamas would be difficult as it can take a long time to get anywhere and I only get

[@kermitthefrog6363]

There are many ways to get into sailing and your own boat. My friend always helped at boat launches and haul out. Last haul out a elderly gentlemen asked my friend if he would take over the boat and the winter storage fees. When my friend asked "how much" the gentlemen replied nothing for the boat, just pay the marina for the winter storage. Many of my friends are trying to find people to take over their boats as they are aging and want to get out. The market up here in the north is very weak for under 30 feet and lots of very capable boats are for sale for under $10,000 and a lot of them are ready to go down south. Many marinas have boats with unpaid storage fees and a lot of these are projects, however any person with some level of skills can pick these up for the price of the owed fees. Many people do not have the skill set to fix boats and have unrealistic timelines and boats that were projects are soon abandoned. Many people also do not have time or the inclination to fix anything and want turn key boats only. These people buy a newer boat and then when it breaks, the marina yard hands them a crippling bill. To be a cruiser you need to have basic mechanical skills or you will find out your money does not go very far. There are plenty of good books on boat maintenance or youtube but you should spend some time learning maintenance skills. Helping a friend change oil or servicing rigging or equipment will go a long way to make sure you are as independent as possible. Thanks for the great video and it is great advice to go basic as most stuff breaks. As you can see on KZbin there are a great many people sailing small boats and some are going around the world. The trick is just to leave....

[@robmock2296]

You’re a smart dude, thanks for the content

[@goofy4birds]

best episode, hands down!!!

[@andrewdavies4604]

I totally agree. Here in Britain, the crap that's talked about sailing is unreal The first thing you need is a £30K boat, minimum, then at least £3K of Musto sailing clothes.... People forget the UKs sailing history, men crossing Oceans on wooden boats, wearing cotton and wool, with ropes made of plant material, along with the thousands of small fishing boats that used to exist, long before the time of the Internal combustion engine. All the history has been forgotten by the modern sailor, replaced with marketing, and fear mongering about being mildly uncomfortable in less than perfect weather conditions.

[@popee1959]

In future videos can you talk about Pros and Cons of SIM cards and how to use them.

[@dr.joaorodriguesdesousa8243]

Fantastic episode!

[@ian_griffiths]

Solid advice ppl. A video without any BS just practical advice that will get you there! Do it!😊

[@nursenasdaq]

Love your videos!

[@bobjoned3398]

A personal EPIRB should be near the top of the list.

[@joelpostma8242]

Thanks for your easy to watch videos. What does your on-board tool-shed look like. What hand tools do you use the most, or not at all. What is a life saver and what tool do you find you never use ever.. unless you didnt pack it and suddenly need it. What considerations do you make for battery-tools. What is a bare-minimum. Thanks !

[@mynamesmitch9470]

What up from AZ . Working my way to day sailing the Sea Of Cortez (Gulf Of California ) on a 25 ft lancer with a 2.3ft draft . Put in at Puerto Penasco ( Rocky Point ) and sail south to about Zihuatanejo or farther .

[@jamesg5001]

great info thanks!

[@billhooperoutdoors]

Excellent video Tim.

[@lumpsoflead4812]

I have to say, I loved this video! I just watched it over lunch-break. I discovered your channel a number of months ago and have been watching your episodes quite a bit. In fact, once I found your channel, I went back and watched the whole series starting when you got ready to leave from Florida and sail over to Bimini, and then explore the Bahamas... a GREAT series. I've been really thinking about whether or not I can incorporate this in to my own live as I approach retirement; the question is how I will be able to fund it (on an on-going basis, not just the outright purchase of a vessel). I love your straightforward advice and observations. Cheers, Gordon

[@philiporourke7896]

Great vid and info, thanx.

[@therestlessspirit3880]

You produce great, practical videos that offer a counterpoint to all the glam sailing videos and you do a great job at that. I was a cruising sailor in my teens and twenties offshore northeast USA, Chesapeake, and Caribbean. It was so different without refrigeration or electric conveniences. Wet sanding the keel in New Rochelle, NY in winter in the snow. Sailing at night in fog with Loran because radar wasn't available. Paper charts. Twelve foot seas in an October northeaster with whole crew seasick. That was a blast. Now in mid sixties hoping to get back into it on Texas coast but in a much more simple and less glamorous way than youtube videos generally promote. Keep up the good work keeping it real.

[@rfen56]

Love your work, thank you! I'll meet you on on the water one day and thank you in person. I'm 67 and planning a vessel and retirement that takes me to sea for the bitter end. And that suits me just fine. God speed!

[@LadyKSailing]

thank you so much!

[@jimgagliardi9994]

This is an outstanding episode. This is for me! Thanks!

[@eq2lead963]

Outstanding, thank you!

[@philiporourke7896]

Great vid, thanx.

[@randyclason6606]

Thanks for a great, inspiring video!

[@dandupuis8812]

Tim, I love listening to your straight forward “do it now” advice. I am starting to learn to sail a flying junior and looking forward cruise before it too late. Keep up the great message. Love the Historsea episodes also. 👌🏼

[@seaonDeltaLady]

Very informative.. Thank you !

[@paulstephens5229]

That’s how you keep it real, good video Thankyou

[@jeffpargetter9038]

Great advice once again, cheers 🍻

[@jamesgordon2289]

great video, very practical and also exciting!

[@johanhofstedt7317]

Great video!!

[@carloscalzadilla4403]

Thank you for all the information and your videos

[@jasoncraig1268]

Great video/advise

[@gilriegler]

Wow, This was just the best segment, Thank you!

[@bjswope8797]

Wonderful video. Thanks for producing it.

[@user-zx3cs1ky2n]

Great content and amazing work. Thanks for putting this up together.

[@CraigMiller91]

Captain Tim ... We know boat insurance is a complex subject. You have previously referred to insuring 20+ year old boats as problematic, while also explaining the "value" and build-quality of boats from the '80's and 90's. How do you reconcile this?

[@dlsbob]

Great video! Thank you!

[@robgrune3284]

great video!

[@alyk]

That’s a really great video and put a lot of things in perspective! Thank you!

[@livingonislandtime9524]

Nailed it 💯

[@MrPcairns]

Thank you.

[@user-ws7fn3gp3y]

Have you ever consider doing an episode for fire extinguishers and if an engine extinguisher is recommended. I haven't heard you mention this topic in any of the videos so far.

[@shawnemery6476]

Awesome video, appreciate you breaking it down to just the essentials

[@UUBrahman]

Excellent practical presentation. Thank you.

[@stephenshort839]

I look forward to hearing your advice and enjoy your videos.

[@Kevin-hb7yq]

Excellent video, thank you!

[@toddhurdon2016]

Nice delivery!

[@35donnah]

Yup do it before you can’t.

[@jro8930]

Great video! Hope to see you down there. Will keep my eyes open for Lady K.

[@Lifes-Adventures]

Great informative video

[@skatersmith81]

Always a pleasure watching your videos!! Thanks for making them and keep em' comin!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 see ya out there!

[@intotheunknown804]

Good video like always

[@Metal_Auditor]

I paid $400 to take three friends on a 6-hour sailing cruise with a professional captain a couple months ago, and next week I'm taking my GF out on the same boat. It may not be what you're describing, but it's an affordable way to get out on a sailboat without the hassle.

[@rustysteel8714]

Brilliant! 👍

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

This is STEP ONE. Many of us have to VERIFY that we actually LIKE sailing, as compared to merely watching sailing videos. I say verify first. And you might as well verify, by sailing on the model of boat that you want to own (you could also have the captain teach you how to sail it). Worst case, it only costs you a few hundred bucks, to figure out that you 'love' sailing, in the same way that Khan loves Captain Kirk: "From Hell's heart, I stab at thee! For hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee!"

[@AlaskaRog]

Thanks. That was an interesting, informative, and nicely produced video.

[@green303yup3]

i loik it

[@CarreraGTSCS]

This video answered almost all of my questions on cruising from here on the Great Bay to the Bahamas maybe next year. Also great to know that I can safely do the journey in a 31 foot boat. I was thinking that it was too small.

[@andreahuntjens3763]

Tim, can you do a session on currents & tides? Thanks

[@johnnyadler1013]

you are great

[@kimfoots1288]

Great video thank you waving hand from Maryland🖐⛵️

[@GoWithTheFloat]

Great video removes the anxiety and confusion for people who want to cruise. I plan to hit the Bahamas in the fall and you demystify it. Thank you!

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks for watching!

[@notagoodusernameleft]

Tim - Your spot on. The TV just makes the boat feel like a home! The other thing I have come to appreciate being a live aboard is a quality mattress.

[@Jason442200]

I've never wanted to be more cliché. The Bahamas you described sounds fine to me

[@mariotremblay8335]

good

[@fruiglefather3875]

Just bought a Pearson 33 so glad I found your videos. Just off of Palm Beach

[@chrisgorman2717]

The BEST video on KZbin. Thank you for giving me hope. Best wishes

[@markamsterdam539]

Nice video

[@jonathanpeel381]

Thank you for the insight about sailboat purchasing and minimal must haves. Take care keep doing what your doing. Take care fellow Canadian!

[@k5kensails]

Good video. The advice at the end was the best. I pushed out the ending to my Facebook page with full reference to your channel. Thank you!

[@TimothyWilliams-dh1to]

Great information thank you sir..I feel better as listening to your knowledge for a beginner

[@johnmiller8430]

he is really qualified for this subject

[@SonnyHale-gw4ok]

Glad I found this channel. I have always wanted to retire on a sailboat and that time is here. Glad I found your channel. So many make this seem like you need millions to live this life full time.

[@InYourDreams-Andia]

It's that easy? I never knew!

[@TheBoxingBee1]

That’s the dream.

[@user-co7tp3oi4i]

wow sailor, 👍

[@moriver3857]

You've said it. We're not getting any younger. Great video!

[@cameronyeager8129]

This is such an awesome resource, thanks!

[@LadyKSailing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@julianbatcheler9970]

Fantastic advice… My issue isn’t choices. It’s getting away from responsibilities…

[@jhill4874]

Yeah, I had the cream, even owned a 35 foot Yorktown at one point. However, no longer a practical objective. Now I enjoy sailing vicariously through various KZbin videos. 😊

[@lyfandeth]

Assuming you can lift the recommended anchor, my rule of thumb is that if you lift an anchor, it is too small. My rule of thumb for batteries is pretty much the same!