Buying a cat was harder than we thought...

Conversion for cruising: • Converting a Bareboat ...
Boat tour: • Leopard 46 Catamaran B...
5 deals, 4 surveys, almost a year of shopping to find our current boat. We learned a lot!
iTunes Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Consulting: www.sailclarity.com/consulting
Squarespace - 14 day free trial: squarespace.syuh.net/AvmDj
Private Fb Group: / 475364229906600
Products we use: www.amazon.com/shop/nickokelly
Website: www.sailclarity.com
___
Nick's Books and Audiobooks:
Get Her on Board is about getting that significant other to buy into this cruising nonsense. People seem to like it. All proceeds go to our dog Sugar.
Audiobook: www.audible.com/pd/B00CIE9I1I...
Book:
www.amazon.com/dp/0578057298/...
Live on the Margin is about making money on the go trading stocks and options. I co-wrote it with Pat Schulte of Bumfuzzle. People seem to like that one too. All proceeds donated to our boat.
Audiobook: www.audible.com/pd/B00CMCGHPQ...
Book:
www.amazon.com/dp/0578116642/...
Audiobooks:
Bumfuzzle - Just out Looking for Pirates.
You know these guys, and now you know me, so have a listen.
www.audible.com/pd/B00CWJISRE...
Bound for Distant Seas, by James Baldwin
James is the real deal and this his story of adventure aboard a small, simple boat.
www.audible.com/pd/B015HQBDWU...
__

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Why aren’t there more videos like this ??? Amazing job. Well done and thank you.

[@gyzmopower7599]

This is a brutal but honest extremely well presented Vlog. Excellent work. Thank you 👍

[@veizour]

Excellent video. I had "feelings" about some of these but nothing sure. Your lessons have given me the solid reasoning I was looking for. Invaluable! Thank you!

[@2agbh72]

Why can't everyone be as honest about sail boating? This is really excellent. I do greatly appreciate honest people who give you through true story.

[@TheOKellys]

Aww thank you so much, totally agree with you.

[@rnunezc.4575]

Watching again , and his is so informative and true as it should be. So useful..muchas gracias Nico...saludos

[@jaysonbenner]

Thanks for making this video and putting in the amount of detail you did (the slamming of the waves on that one boat was crazy!).

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you! Sailed great, but yeh the bridgedeck slamming was a no-go! Nick O

[@myrccomedy3368]

I’m starting to love this channel b/c you’re so informative & the narration is on point (not boring at all).

[@TheOKellys]

Hey thanks for that. Trying to be useful on here. The world doesn't need yet another sailing channel. :) Appreciate your support! Nick

[@TheArtofCodeIsCool]

This is great stuff. Thanks for posting!

[@mynextketchfrontier6351]

Very nice clip with great tips how to minimized financial let down...w a hole in the water ...thank you sir..really appreciated it..

[@TheOKellys]

Appreciate that Henry. I figure if you can come even close to breaking even with boats, you've done really well. Just add sweat equity! Thanks for the feedback. Hope it helps someone out there! Nick

[@HopeOfJoe]

Nick. Just a fabulous, concise and informative education !! DITTO, Wiley

[@TheOKellys]

Hey thanks Richard. I just uploaded a followup on outfitting the boat. A few more lessons learned... Appreciate the feedback. Best, Nick

[@stevenweinberg3754]

Really helpful. Loved the what it took to fix it up video too. My wife and I are West Coast/Carib sailors in our 60s and about to retire maybe on a cat in the Carib. Your videos answered a lot of questions. Thanks!

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you Steve. Some hard-won wisdom here and there I hope. We love love love the west coast and especially Sea of Cortez/Banderas Bay (we were married there in Bucerias), but I gotta tell you, for the clear, warm water and mostly good sailing wind....well, it is pretty nice over here... Hope we see you out here. Let me know if I can answer any specific questions. BEst, Nick

[@dougford5691]

Outstanding video with valuable info. Your process was well rewarded. Beautiful boat.

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you!

[@hanyemara2355]

Thank you for the honest and professional way.

[@docgramos6012]

Great video, Humble, Honest, Really looking forward to keeping a close eye on your channel

[@XethWaxman]

Definitely would love reviews of the boats individually. Your channel is super helpful - thank you!

[@KyleJackson-qj4pu]

Excellent video, thanks. Concise, informative and clearly narrated. Solid info. for anyone in the cat market.

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Kyle. More difficult to be concise than long winded, which is my default.

[@deibertmichael]

I agree on your choice! Comfort is everything, Passages can be tough without more Sea torture!

[@TheOKellys]

Yeh this boat is plenty fast enough for us. The FAST boats? We would need crew to do more than one hour watches. Thanks for the comment Michael.

[@michynature]

The O'Kelly's oh that’s interesting to know! Thanks!

[@bssdragon]

Nicely done. Honesty. Refreshing.

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@Proost1]

Thanks for this one as well Nick. Super informative and easy to follow.

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Phil. Always trying to ask myself: what would I have wanted to know before doing this?

[@Frostbbitten]

Thanks for your perspective, it really helps crystallize my views on what to be looking for and what to be looking out for.

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks. That's what I was hoping I could help with. Good luck on the search! Nick O

[@korhancakmak6907]

Greatly appreciated for your time and effort for this informative video and sharing your priceless experiences Thank you, Thank you,

[@DangerDan]

Thank you so much! Great, open and transparent - THIS stuff helps. Cheers from Vienna 😊

[@sridhargodthi8148]

Have watched many videos and w websites, no one is this clear. You guys are amazing and very detailed. Thank you for sharing this information

[@CablebobTube]

I'm just starting my journey of planning and learning. I have about 3-4yrs to find, buy and outfit my, hopefully, dream boat. I'm looking for a Cat and have dreams of sailing around the world (or nearly around it)… your video has opened my eyes to things I need to add to my list of what to look for and budget for. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@TheOKellys]

Glad to be of some assistance! Hope we see you out there. Soon!

[@juergenschmider2484]

This is well presented and very helpful! Thank you

[@fethalrahman]

Very useful, short and detailed information. Thanks for all your efforts.

[@Keithpersons6]

Great Job Nick, I feel that I learned a life time of "Experience" I almost bought Joseph Wambach's racing sloup in 76, but the wife got sea sick and did not want to live on board, so we didn't , and yes, she was that pretty! the boat wasn't bad either. Thank you for the information, I will follow you. I have another favorite couple, La Vagabond, but you are like the 80 year old Sea Captain compaired to them, but I love them, I live through them. Happy I have found you, you have a new family member now, thanks again, you did a great job.

[@TheOKellys]

Keith, you won't guess who is moored a couple boats over from us right now down here in the Abacos, but your other favorite couple (plus child)! Quite a coincidence and their boat is a stunner for sure! The 80 year old sea captain....hahahahaha... That's funny! I am feeling a bit long in the tooth these days! Race boats are a tough sell, my friend. Anymore, I think we spend a lot more time trying to slow down than to go fast! Thanks for your note and I hope you enjoy what's coming up. We are not the polished show quite yet, so bear with some experimentation. Best, Nick

[@alexhage8092]

Thanks a million for the info buddy

[@TheOKellys]

Alex Hage you’re welcome. Hope it saves you time or hassle.

[@hunsadersrockinranch]

Well done! I learned a lot! Thanks! big thumbs up!

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks for the note Peter. Appreciate it. Nick

[@horseshoe182]

one of the best cat review vids ive seen, to the point, and detailed. excellent narration. subscribed.

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you. Glad to have you with us!

[@brettroper4843]

Great honest and down to earth video! Thanks Nick!

[@TheOKellys]

If I came off as down to earth, I got you fooled. I'm a dreamer for sure. Thanks for the kudos. Appreciate it!

[@brettroper4843]

@@TheOKellys ...lol...Your not just a dreamer Nick, you are actually going for it despite the odds, and that is as real and down to earth as it gets! Good luck to you and your family and we will be watching your adventures until we can start our own!

[@ehavlice]

I never would have considered a charter boat, but this changed my mind. Thanks!

[@TheOKellys]

Boats are like people: all individuals with unique stories. With patience and a critical eye, a former charterboat can work out very well. Good luck!

[@sclarke32765]

Very useful video, thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience and insights!

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Scott. Appreciate it man.

[@atdougherty]

great videos..... I just bought a blue water cruiser. I'm currently on an assignment where I have to do a bunch of deskwork and so and I've started to watch as many you tube videos about sailing that I can stand. So glad I discovered your channel, you and Megan really work well together and your commentary is spot on so I've learned a bunch.would love to get more videos of you actually doing your project work as I know this is what I'll be soon up to my neck intoalso it is clear to me that there's some rogue wave out there like your almost losing the anchor near the Golden Gate bridge story .... I know that rogue wave is out there and I hope I can handle in the form that it takes as you did with a bit of humor

[@christophersanders7483]

Very intersting video. I now know what to look for. Thank you for sharing.

[@Heysupdan]

My second watch, really good. Surprised to learn much more second time around. Good work!

[@craigbowman9398]

Again, thanks for the informative video.

[@yachticus]

really well done - forthright - and no spin - thank you

[@patriot8087]

Awesome! one of the best reviews I have ever views. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with us.

[@TheOKellys]

Our pleasure

[@itsprivate4360]

Thank you for the video... Great advice. 👍

[@canonballsimp]

Fantastic video... As always!

[@arthurrynkowski2214]

Excellent video, great information I learned something new that will help me with buying my boat. Thank you

[@TheOKellys]

Wow, thanks Arthur. Good luck! See you out here!

[@sailNWest]

Thanks for all u post! This info was great.

[@zack_1131]

Thank you guys for being by far the most informative of the catamaran sailing youtubers.

[@TheOKellys]

That's really nice of you to say. We know there are a lot of good channels out there right now.

[@AdamPearce]

Interesting experience - thank you for being so detailed!

[@TheOKellys]

Appreciate that Adam.

[@TheDamselfly88]

I see my dreams thru your voyages. Thank you so much. Richard

[@TheOKellys]

We are privileged to have you along. Thank you

[@bret1tmcleod]

Great video! Lots of great info.

[@rnunezc.4575]

Great info Nick , as usual. Gracias

[@TheOKellys]

el gusto es mio

[@FranFirman]

Great Video. I boat my first boat in Feb. A Compass 790. 7.9m (26") monohull, full fibreglass. Something I can sail on my own, but is larger enough for a weekend away with the family. I've been out on it in 30knots, gusting to 40 and it was fine - main reefed in on the second reef. Also last weekend just finished a sailing course and we were on a 67" monohull, basically racing yacht. In 15 knots of wind, on a beam reach got to 11.5knots. When being close hauled at about 28 degrees off the wind we were doing about 9-10 knots, and then heeling over and dumping the lifelines in the water, and dropping to 6 knots.

[@TheOKellys]

That sounds like a blast to me. I still like monohulls for the very reasons you describe. But now, for living on, I will take a cat! Thanks for the comment Fran!

[@CEOsario]

I bout your book " Get Her on Board" great book...Thanks again for sharing...

[@TheOKellys]

Cool! Wrote that a long time ago, but I stand by those words. Hard-won wisdom.

[@dillonangus]

Really appreciate your insights. Keep it up!

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Dillon. Hard-won wisdom. Appreciate the feedback. Nick O

[@SuperBrilliantbrunet]

Great advice!! Thank you 🙏

[@philipfreeman72]

Love joy peace wealth & abundance for all from Thailand .

[@aaronhague2172]

Great insight about the bridge deck clearance. I have never heard anyone mention the cons of a lower one, and would have not thought about it.

[@daniellebrown1916]

FYI to anyone looking to buy a cat, they pound and it can be very...uncomfortable

[@michynature]

Danielle Brown do power cats pound ? Any that don’t?

[@tentimes4]

this was actually very informative.. thank.. I was wondering about the schonning and build quality.

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Jason. The build quality of Sea Level (the Schionning) appeared to be very good. The interior finishes were decent, but not yacht quality. The systems components were high quality, but the design was definitely amateur, with a mixture of 12V and 24V for house needs. The boat is EXTREMELY light, and it is a very very fast boat. Too fast for us. Almost all Schionnings are owner-built, so the build quality is going to vary from boat to boat. Also, their kits come in either balsa core or foam core, and that will make a big difference to longevity and resale.

[@patience8884]

This was valuble information. Thanks man!

[@denniswhealton8650]

Nick your information on cats was a wake up call to captains who should take your very valuable advice Tight lines

[@merlejones9670]

I agree! I've been looking at Cats for a few years now and I'm still getting a FEEL for reality. Good stuff Nick!!

[@cryptosail0r]

Thanks for your video, very informative

[@TM-tw1py]

Excellent analysis! Thank you.

[@Javad01]

Absolutely spot on! very resourceful indeed.

[@wyattfamily8997]

From Australia, well presented with interesting observations on each consideration. Congratulations on not being secretive on outlays, value, etc. as many are.

[@TheOKellys]

Wyatt Family thank you. Yeh I don’t quite understand why money is kept so quiet on KZbin, etc, as most cruisers we meet out here are quite open about boat expenses. Income....well not so much, which is fine. Hope we get down your way in two or three years. Cheers mate, Nick

[@mitchstein3486]

I'm getting some Harvey Spectre vibes on this one. Appreciate you both. Cheers guys.

[@mattlewandowski73]

I have always loved the leopards... you reinforced that belief.

[@TheOKellys]

Yeh this L46 is pretty sweet

[@mattlewandowski73]

@@TheOKellys I first fell inlove with moorings leopard 47s over a decade ago... Sadly about the largest boat I can consistently get enough wind to sail in my neck of the woods is a 14' canoe :) I have loved and dreamed of the sea since gradeschool, but family and other life related issues have kept me land locked most of that time. Short of a large horstman tristar, I can think of no boat I would rather have than a leopard 46... They took a bit of getting used to the design changes in my mind, but they really grew on me. Just discovered your channel... Ye may not be as showy as some other sailing channels are, but I love how you present informative episodes. I have been greatly enjoying binge watching you... the two-parter you did on "Top Secret" was great... what he has done with the way he electrified his boat, is almost exactly what I have dreamed of for my hopeful retirement project :)

[@jayskow9513]

Very informative and well worth watching.

[@claasriese1036]

Thanks for sharing your lessons.

[@TheOKellys]

Hard-won wisdom! Happy to share.

[@CBa-ln6yx]

Thankyou Nick for this very simple straightforward video. Greetings from Marseille France

[@TheOKellys]

Merci. Les français construisent de beaux catamarans. Nous aimons la France et allons faire une tournée quand notre chien ne fait pas partie de l'équipage, probablement à vélo. Peut-être suite à La Tour.

[@CBa-ln6yx]

@@TheOKellys I'm delivering a Bali 4.1 next week to the catamaran boat show in the south of France :) then another Catamaran down to Greece :)

[@TheOKellys]

Ah the life. How you like that Bali? Respond offline if you like. Have a safe trip!

[@CBa-ln6yx]

The Bali4.1 has some great features especially the door opening up the galley and cockpit! But is a little bit slow. Full main and gennaker with 12knt of wind = 3.8-4.0 knts. An outremer 5x passed us at 7 knt!

[@barefootdad]

Brilliant --- Thanks Guys... This is just what I needed to watch. Love your work.

[@barefootdad]

And you definitely need to be held accountable for the promised extra videos that you "may" make.. To quote the words of a great captain: "Make is so!"

[@jahreeljohn2078]

This video was very helpful.👍👍👍

[@AnthonyDeBattista]

Was excellent and a very much appreciated vlog. Thanks very much.

[@mybighonda]

Great video. I'm not in the market for a boat but I found this very interesting. Thanks for the time and effort to share this knowledge and experience.

[@TheOKellys]

Appreciate that, thank you.

[@AlFurtado]

By the way I watch mostly on my TV and does not have the option to comment but know that we are watching and even having a good laugh once in a while but always well informed and enjoyment.

[@ednabella5162]

Excellent! Learned so much. Thanks.

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you Edna. Appreciate that. Nick O

[@deniscloutier383]

Thank you for these great tips. We're looking to buy a cat in few years and are building our check list of does and dont; this video contains number one items to put on our list.!

[@TheOKellys]

Awesome. Let me know how it goes.

[@marley1306]

Thank you for sharing this. The information is so helpful 😊👍👏

[@shadowthepigeon]

THANK YOU FOR THE LESSON WAS VERRY HELPFULL

[@petenaylor1353]

Great Video Nick. I think you negotiated a sweet deal. Your $$ video to repair, upgrade and convert to a cruising cat was very informative also. Seems like similar yachts in today's world are $100k more than yours!

[@TheOKellys]

Yeh the L46 seems to have developed a bit of a cult following. It's the only Gino Morelli (Gunboat, HH, etc.) design that's within reach of us financial mortals. I made another video with tips for saving money when buying a boat. I thought the brokers would be mad, but instead have received positive feedback. Thanks for the note Pete!

[@mikemiller2933]

Very well put together video... Thank you.....

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Mike!

[@Sixbears]

Even hunting for smaller boats can be a trial. Checked out one on the hard that 3 inches of water in the cabin. Another boat was absolutely beautiful for a great price, but the keel boats were little piles of rust. Travel to check these things out in person can be expensive, but cheaper in the long run. In the end decided to do one more season with our current boat.

[@TheOKellys]

Yeh it's tough at any price point. I guess it was harder for us this time since we didn't have any real catamaran experience.

[@SailingCatamaranElement]

Really enjoyed your video. We are the owners of a Catana 471 "Element" and we have cruising friends on our Pacific passage that have a Leopard 46, and I have really been impressed by the performance of the boat WHEN a roller furling screecher was added for light airs. With the screecher, our Catana has difficulty keeping up (we do not have a screecher, but a relatively heavy oversize genoa) and have to hoist our spinnaker to catch up to our friend's 46. I think your choice was a good one, but I also believe that a good quality cruising cat in the size you want was a lot to ask at $300K all in. Hope to see you out there!. - Shaun - Sailing Catamaran Element (currently sailing Indonesia)

[@evankrhodes]

Super helpful. Thank you.

[@dubdzine]

Very informative, thank you for sharing!!!

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Marc!

[@bill4nier]

Excellent video and thanks for sharing! Valuable info and you help confirmed for me (under the right conditions) a charter boat can be a good deal and clearly you gotta have your eyes open. Fair winds! 👍👍👍👍👍😊⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵

[@TheOKellys]

"Can be" a good deal is right! All these charterboats boats are individual cases. Thanks for the kudos. Appreciate it. See you out there.

[@jayp.1455]

Thanks for this illuminating, easy to understand video. Big Thumb up!

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you. Hope you can learn from my mistakes! Nick

[@UUBrahman]

Extremely informative videos on: 1. finding the catamaran, and, 2. the refit: clear and compelling economic reasoning - nice balance between the technical aspects and practical aspects. Nice "this is what we learned" approach. Keep your shades as you like as the focus remains on the content and not the speaker. Hope you will do more videos. Thanks very much.

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you for the nice words. Never know just how detailed to go with these things. So many comments saying lose the glasses. I don't get it. It is bright out! Yeh we are going to do more videos. A boat tour next I think so I can show everyone how it turned out!

[@HeliTom84]

Good info! Cheers Nick!

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Tom!

[@HandyMan657]

I'm shocked that I haven't seen this episode before. Well, I'm here now, and thanks for the info.

[@nickthequick]

Excellent and to the point video

[@johnfradkin3003]

Good video. I'm like you in that I'm a pretty experienced monohull guy who will probably buy a catamaran someday. Current boat is a Deerfoot. I'm surprised that you did not look at any Catana cats. I spent 2 weeks on a Catana 52 back in 2007 and the experience sold me. I check prices on Catana 50's and 52's every once in a while. Yeah they're still kind of expensive but moving in my direction. Best of luck with your new boat.

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you John. I've liked Deerfoot since George Backus went around on his 62, Moonshadow - cool boat! We looked at Catana 43's, but no video of those. Aside from the headroom, I liked them. However my wife didn't care for the outboard helms, so that was that. While we didn't finance, given the strength of the market, relatively more predictable depreciation curves for catamarans, and a more firm exit strategy than we now have, a larger cat like a 50 or 52 is about the only boat I'd ever consider taking a mortgage on...and I'd have to! Those are pricey!

[@davidcoggin8861]

I learned a lot from this video. Your summation was exactly on point for deciding what you need to know when choosing a boat. I've seen so many videos where people buy a boat and not consider the points you bring up in this video. I am more prepared to narrow down what I'm looking for not only for aesthetics but also functionality and comfort as well. Also, what range of price negotiation to expect. Thank you.

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks David. Glad to be of some help! Nick

[@Unwrittentimeline]

Great roll up of the process. We had the same experience with misrepresenting boats. We narrowed it down to about 7 online, travelled to look at 5 in person. All were "meticulously maintained". Only one of those was in good enough shape to put money down. Ours isnt perfect either but it was easily the best at the time.

[@TheOKellys]

Yeh I don't quite get it. I've never sold a boat by setting up unrealistic expectations. Also try to keep my boats up... And what is the deal with sellers/brokers posting terrible photos... makes no sense to me.

[@pearadisevlogs7467]

Well done! Great price for a Leopard 46!

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks. I think we did alright!

[@brucehilliard3408]

Excellent information. Really helpful.

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Bruce!

[@JeffBrock]

At the end of this video you asked about topics. 1) I'm really intrigued about income opportunities while living aboard. More info about the sewing business, voice over work, other opportunities to generate income while living aboard. 2) I'm really intrigued about your meteorologic perspective on reading weather as well as route planning. Your weather background is a big differentiator. I would orient some of these topics to open source, free sources of software and weather to aid the budget minded captains. 3) More captains log, day in the life under sail. - Great work

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks for the great questions/ideas, will give it some thought for either a podcast or video!

[@1001awab]

you doing a great job. compliment.

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Peter! Trying to be helpful.

[@Luftbubblan]

Very nice boat that you ended up with :D

[@TheOKellys]

We are very lucky. Thanks for the comment.

[@flyingfalafel7748]

Awesome buddy. Thanks

[@craiggroves9770]

Great Work! I have also been looking just for interest and Ive noticed heaps of things and most you covered Cheers

[@TheOKellys]

Thank you Craig, appreciate your note!

[@rnbspowa7of69]

Thank you thank you thank you excellent video!

[@TheOKellys]

Thanks Roger.

[@bookswiper]

Very interesting information. Yes catamarans are in demand good you could get one that fits your needs

[@sjenkins1983]

Thank you for your honest catamaran buying experience. I hope to buy one closer to retirement age to see the world. I will save this video. Thank you!!

[@TheOKellys]

Thats awesome Seth! Thanks for the nice words. NIck