BOATLIFE: Q&A + 2021 CRUISING plans aboard our Nordhavn 43 trawler! [MV FREEDOM SEATTLE]

[@Mamame4]

I definitely would love to see you doing meals - planning, prepping and cooking!

[@68spc]

This has become my Sunday morning ritual.... Thanks for the video.

[@dominiongold7047]

Congratulations on breaking through 30K, that is quite an achievement.

[@retiredfederalie178]

Interesting to hear about your experiences on Lake Michigan. We boated on Lake Superior for 8 seasons and would definitely agree about weather condition comparisons regards Puget Sound especially. Sometimes crossing the Straits or Rosario straits can be interesting but Superior would rock and roll with much shorter steeper wave action. Oh and the FOG! One two week vacation was spent with my nose a foot from the radar screen most of the time. Less than 1/4 mile viz at least there wasn’t any bad seas!

[@tommohoric2722]

Quit stinking up your boat cooking crab in a pot. Remove the shell, break them in half, pull off the gills, and clean them. Put them in a foil pan with onion, chives, garlic, or any other seasoning. Add 1/2 inch of water, cover with foil, poke a hole to vent, and set on your grill. 12-15 mins after it starts to boil. No mess, no huge pot and burner stand. So good!

[@robertcolvin3182]

"Kids at heart". The perfect solution to almost everything.

[@micjbaron]

I lived on a boat at McKinley marina when I was single and I love watching your channel. I’m hell bent to retire on a boat once the kiddos are gone.

[@Spartan16231]

Always a pleasure to watch, and yes to more cooking clips.

[@RC-wb7od]

Great job describing a full displacement hull while avoiding the term plowing

[@alexkacher4532]

Watching you guys for the first time today is something else. I have been watching SV Delos for a while now before I discovered your channel which like I said was today. All people die but few people live!

[@kimo5918]

Watching your videos has become a Sunday evening routine my husband and I look forward too.

[@MSnow-1967]

I recently found and am enjoying your channel very much. My wife and I lived in the Seattle area for most of the 80’s so seeing it now brings back fond memories. After retirement we went the large Motorhome route (wife is not a boat fan😢). I have found that a portable induction burner is a good option for not using up propane while connected to shore power and an added bonus is that it can be used outside anywhere there is 110v and the cooking odors don’t smell up the cabin. Safe travels!

[@tonkacaptain]

On the current yacht I captain my crew and I are provided GEO BLUE health insurance. So as we travel with the yacht domestic or otherwise we are covered. I worked on other yachts where we were provided health insurance such as FLORIDA BLUE. The problem with that was when we were in NY or ME (with the yacht), there were very few providers or doctors in the FLORIDA BLUE network in those regions.

[@mvfreedom]

Good to know, thanks for sharing!

[@paulbenoit9431]

You must go up the Inside Passage to at least Sitka before you leave the area. The Freedom is a perfect boat for the trip and the trip is absolutely amazing! Good Luck in 2021!

[@jonrau5988]

Wherever you end up going in 2021, I look forward to riding along.

[@kevinbrooks1104]

With that boat cause of the trolling speed you can catch black mouth salmon near the san wan Island its really easy and limited tackle

[@dwdtube1111]

You could go to South Alaska. Canada allows you to transition through if arranged in advance. Ask Jim from Sea Venture, they did it. Stay safe.

[@musicsavesxlives]

Happy found you guy’s a trawler is what I want when we retire here in Massachusetts! Lots of great knowledge! Cooking would be nice to see! Meal planning ect

[@onecreative1]

Interesting Q&A, I especially like hearing your answer to why you chose the Nordhavn over the other options.

[@paulcleary3284]

Great episode! Good range of answers on things I’ve wondered for awhile

[@wallacegrommet9343]

Washington State marine parks using the white barrel buoys are quite safe. When you choose a calm anchorage the forces exerted on the mooring chain are well below the working load limit. I do agree the buoy banging on your hull bow all night is annoying as heck. Some people keep an old life jacket to put over the buoy for sound damping

[@gauzed7556]

For Dan from Wisconsin re: Great Lake anchorages...If you can make your way to Georgian Bay off of Lake Huron, there are more awesome anchorages than you can possible think of.

[@sheymiller8297]

Thank you so much for answering our question about meals! We would love to see more cooking and prepping meals especially your chili recipe! Emily and David

[@bud1412]

You two really clean up nice, your make up people and hair people did a great job. Just kidding, you both looked great today and relaxed. Boat life does agree with you. I think the plan of going South is a great one,warm weather, and many great boating locations.

[@phillippehrson4908]

Even though there is no action this video proved to be very informative.Thanks for sharing.

[@KandiSueTheBlue]

Great video. Thank you both. ⚓😎🦘🐾

[@wanttoplae]

Thanks for taking the time to answer so many questions. Ever consider a bulbous bow to minimize pitch?

[@mvfreedom]

No we think our boat length is a little too small for them to be effective.

[@billdillard885]

Excellent Q&A You’s Guys!..... I’m pulling for Plan A as I would love to see all the nooks and crannies of the Big V and it that doesn’t work out I would vote for the West coast to San Deigo.... beautiful duck-ins all the way down! Could easily be a 1 year trip... Best Always! Bill

[@glenpeacock3330]

Good luck on 2021, 2022 plans.

[@thatchh1]

I am surprised at the level of distrust of propane. It's ubiquitous in campers and very common on boats. With the proper sensors and controls, I think it's very safe. It's very seldom you hear about a propane fire on a boat. I agree with you guys about the convenience and not having to divide amps or run a generator every time you want to cook. It's also the way to go for a grill. Elizabeth, my wife has not mastered the sum of the amps thing either. :-)

[@SVELFARO]

We are all waiting for you here in Vancouver. :-)

[@petesheppard1709]

That glazed look in Elizabeth's eyes while Shawn answers technical questions... :D

[@mvfreedom]

I suffer from BRF 😉

[@petesheppard1709]

@@mvfreedom BRF? Ah. I just googled 'BRF', and I can't apply the one about a 'resting face' to you. :) 'Best Roomie Forever', OTOH...I'm sure Shawn would agree!

[@seatiger3540]

Interesting discussion concerning boating on Lake Michigan, thank you.

[@timeflies-sicamous5578]

Love your videos guys. I hope your plan A comes about for you. Elizabeth mentioned the quarantine in the Cdn approved hotel. That is currently only in place if you fly into one of the four Cdn airports receiving international flights. A 14 day Quarantine plan still is required if your cross into Canada at a land crossing, like at Sweetgrass, Montana or the Peace Arch, Washington. Clearly, MV Freedom isn't crossing there. More research required, but currently the mandatory approved hotel quarantine is only for arrival by air.

[@ajmvret]

Really enjoy 'Cruising with Mr. Sully'...wouldn't miss a chapter!

[@blackal53]

Found recipes for Chicken Tortilla Soup, added half a reaper, some more haricot beans - Great! Not so sure about the Sausage pasta though.

[@numberoneduchess]

Great show and info. Thanks for sharing.

[@gregbluefinstudios4658]

Q: 'How do you two get along?' A: It helps to be able to EdIt the video that gets shown, too! In all seriousness, I definitely am looking forward to more meals, meal planning and recipe type additions to the videos! One thing I do for long term meal planning, I love to make a big batch of pasta sauce, and freeze it into smaller one gallon zips, to take out for dinner at some point. Sounds similar to what you plan for Chili! Cannot wait for Plan D! I wish you both Fair Winds and Following Seas!

[@johngioannetti2295]

Shaun, sorry to correct you but a Sailing Vessel can plane in right wave and wind conditions. I'd sail my dinghys in windward side of wake from bigger boats just to get them to plane. With bigger keel sail boats when you on a fast reach and waves astern they can plane. I believe multitude also plane in right conditions.

[@bradbusch9585]

Great job guys that was fun you have that great boat humor cheers

[@jwm4436]

Good vid. Informative. Thanks for sharing. Life is good~

[@anthonymiller8989]

Tony & Susan here, well that was fun. And you hit another milestone 30k woohoo

[@bvheide]

Our family currently cruises on Lake Michigan (Michigan side). :) As you know, full displacement hulls and diesel engines are not common among motor boats on the great lakes. I'm curious what models of boat you'd recommend in the absence of these options for the Great Lakes.

[@mvfreedom]

Our Searay would’ve been perfect for the Lakes!

[@TravelingKristin]

Loved the QA, especially for your reason for name and initial inspiration in trawler life. We aren't ready to buy a boat but we agree it is hard top a Nordhavn and we love watching your experience.

[@kevinbrooks1104]

You guy really have to check out fort Steven's if you got bike thier is like 20 miles of riding trails ,thier is a fresh water lake near by its really cool

[@mikeseitz2792]

You will love San Diego, come on down!!

[@suunto61]

Still want a follow up in the dehumidifier. Sorry if I missed it

[@mvfreedom]

We’ve talked a little about it but no formal follow up...basically it’s been amazing and we are very glad we have it!

[@lPaulSaltzman]

MY Guess, plan E is a bigger Nordhaven. Boating rules is that there is always room for a Bigger boat. Thanks for sharing.

[@davidmiller6020]

I thought was plan D?

[@backthebadge4009]

My least favorite is definitely provisioning. You have to load groceries into your car, then unload them into a dock cart. Then transport that to the boat. Then get it from the dock cart up onto the boat, then put it away and then take the dock cart back....

[@markgreen4641]

Thanks for answering my question (Mark from Devon, England). Great video as always! You guys are a real inspiration for those who want a life lived. Looking forward to your next instalment! Happy sailing xx 🛥⚓

[@richardbeachey1444]

Shawn and Elizabeth. Thank you for this. I am looking forward to your continued journey in 2021. I truly hope Plan A can work. Your previous trip in 2019 to Victoria on Canada Day is a favorite - and my favorite scene was you both kayaking in Victoria harbor. International health insurance. Not sure if you can actually access this as US citizens. Manulife or Green Shield Canada.

[@stoneygreek]

great vid guys very informative. Michigan Rocks!!!

[@neelyrichard72]

I look forward to you see you guys every Sunday:)

[@missycline7094]

Great Q & A! Missed seeing Mr. Sully! Would love to see more cooking videos! Good Luck with all your plans! Stay Safe & Cheers! Chuck & Missy ~ M/V North Star, Sitka, AK

[@jedi201]

Awesome video, different but in a very informative way. Really enjoyed it.

[@philsaunter]

I love the Cindy Crawford thing. Awesome. :)

[@jamesmulhern6733]

Great Q&A , you both amswer everything clearly and very understandable. Living on a boat is different but you guys make it look easy. I do hope you are able to travel down the west coast this year 2021. Still places to see in the NW. Thank You for sharing and cruise safely always.

[@wesleymonske8103]

Did you tow your boat to Seattle or drive through the Panama canal ?

[@jonbennett8785]

Do you have to replace the hot water heater sacrificial anodes more often, using the Water-Mark softener, and, how often do you flush it to recharge the zeolites?

[@cameronm2203]

you guys play any board games?, cards? to pass time in the evening

[@mvfreedom]

We play Yahtzee on rainy Friday nights!

[@cpwatching5647]

Hello good Q and A. Funny you should mention jewelry issues. We have had that exact same discussion for the same reason. I was shut down and she say's she's going to wear the ring. Who am I to argue. Take care.

[@guymanges3628]

Great job you guys , from here in west Texas desert, Where is the ocean.

[@patrickleahy770]

Heading to Sturgeon Bay this summer, any suggestions for boating. We'll be on a 30 center console.

[@mvfreedom]

Go north to Chambers Island, Fish Creek and Sister Bay 👍

[@patrickleahy770]

@@mvfreedom will do, thanks!! We’ll report back after the trip!

[@seatravel8536]

Great video. Y'alls answer on relationship question, everyone hear what they said. Shawn, like yours the best, lol. If you ever bring nieces on board, during the voyage part have them try to spot wildlife, Whales, dolphins, etc .. that can be hours of fun for them and educational.

[@hassunhus]

Both of u r amazing.....godspeed !

[@Greggspies]

Sausage recipe would like to see it looks yummy

[@lancemichael7566]

Plan E, all of the above!

[@genekunkel8001]

what do you consider big waves? and how big have you handled. and how big can you handle with comfort, or survive

[@patrickleone535]

I remember the Dino episode ... Yabadanadoo!

[@WMCC240654]

Hope your plans work for you the rest of 2021 from William in Hamilton Scotland.

[@charlienevergold3654]

What about the Sea of Cortés? That would be the first place I go. Mexico is open and inexpensive.

[@mvfreedom]

Yes we plan to cruise MX but not for a couple of years.

[@hughmyers2072]

Have you considered cruising Alaska this summer? It would be 3.5 - 4 days underway to Ketchikan and then a cruise ship free summer in Alaska.

[@westonbadke5434]

B1 & B2 Visa is something folks need if coming from particular countries.

[@mathbrown9099]

Attitude is everything!

[@normtrainer3429]

Great Video as usual, have my wife hooked on them too, lol. Would love to get your deep dish pizza recipe, looks delicious 😋

[@kevinchiverton6429]

As said great vlog. Many questions answered. Great video. Shawn, could plan E possibly stand for Europe? Or was that plan D? Who cares, whatever you decide it'll be good to watch, as it always is. Best of luck guys. See you on the next one 😊

[@danielfischer1811]

Goonies !! Cooking Videos 👍

[@bennieengelbrecht8051]

You spoke about the Wynns. They have insurance where they are covered all over the world, except in the USA. Maybe ask them.

[@peterwaugh9416]

They are actually having insurance problems at the moment. Not all plain sailing. Can't wait to see MV Freedom out in some exotic location on a Pacific Island.

[@dennismiller5725]

Your boat always looks immaculate, how do you do it?

[@mikeyadrick5154]

I also have switched to Britta filter--financial saving and convenience of not hauling cases of water. I agree the boat name and how it sounds over the VHF is very important--should be two syllables--one word-- and no foreign languages. All this is very important when talking to folks during and emergency. Well thought out names are in my opinion, very inportant. If you tour your skiff through a marina you can see some very odd and not so wll thought out names. The names quite often have little to do with the value of the boats!? Some peoples kids??-----Mikey, Belfair, Wa

[@Greggspies]

Great QA ta

[@salsasian]

Good Luck!!!

[@richardr1627]

Great program ... thanks

[@markfreeman7264]

Great Y’all thanks for all the answers!!

[@gordonspencer3497]

Question - What do you think of the new Nordhavn N41 ? From Des Moines, WA

[@philliptaylor6149]

Have you guys ever thought of cruising with say, Jim and Rosie? Perhaps Jim could teach you how to fish.

[@mvfreedom]

That would be great but we’re not sure we could keep up with them while not being fully retired 😏

[@guycooley43]

I have a question for Shawn. I have a Hatteras 32 Sportfish and am looking to get my Captain license. How do you get the required documented experience?

[@stoneygreek]

im sure you probably covered this but, do you have a garbage compactor and where do you store it untill you get to shore/

[@mvfreedom]

We have one but haven’t shown it much. It works wonders, lets us go almost 2 weeks without needing to take out the trash.

[@stoneygreek]

@@mvfreedom Thank you. i marked it as a must have.

[@philliptaylor6149]

By the way love your videos and stories.

[@wilfredhchalmers3258]

Hey Freedom!!! My name is Wilfred,I am from southeast Alaska 15 miles south of Ketchikan on an island name Annette island I am just dropping in a message to say I enjoyed your video's,and am now thinking of buying a used one,and that I miss your video's...

[@stevenmarkman7885]

Did you ever consider SAIL.

[@dougsrepair1060]

Enjoyable episode. Thanks.

[@gasar719]

Hi guys always looking forward to watch your episodes every week. Regarding your future electrical systems plans, have you considered INTEGREL? It sounds good and promising. I saw a video of Nigel Calder explaining its features. Also Paul Shard has installed it on Distant Shores III and loves it. What's your take on it? Would it be worth installing on a Motor Vessel?

[@Brad1711]

How’s your dehumidifier working out?

[@mvfreedom]

Awesome, we love it. We’ve started to turn it down or off lately since it’s been pretty dry and we start to feel the dryness when sleeping or when we wake up.

[@captainsalty9022]

U.S sourced health insurance for cruisers is crazy expensive. If you want to keep your U.S insurance, purchase an insurance policy for air evac back to your home area. There are no really great option. For foreign travel, European based insurance companies are much more reasonable as long as you are not traveling in the U.S. when it again gets costly or is just not offered. The Dutch and French insurance is worth your time to investigate.

[@Johnnyb1695]

I live in Michigan (thank you)

[@D30N64]

How regular do you need to clean the hull of the Nordhavn. (Under the waterline) there must be a regular growth on the hull?

[@thinkidentity7047]

How many hours on the boat when you got her and how many have you added?

[@michaelsamuel4159]

I like you guys even more now, because you're Goonies.

[@edquier40]

Nice haircut Sean!