solo girl

sksologrl

New Member
Sep 15, 2019
1
Boat Info
boatless
Engines
boatless
What an amazing community! I am just gonna say thanks ahead of time, for all that I have learned so far.
Solo. Female. Newbie (have more sailing experience than motor, but not solo sailing. but because I am solo, ditching the sails, don't wanna work that hard). Have rented plenty of power boats (FL and Chaz SC areas). Docking is my nemesis- hoping once I familiarize with one boat only, I will become smooth as butter.
Want to live aboard part time (currently live in a tiny home and 25 years ago in a van so minimalism and small is fine- I'm not your typical chick), and start experimenting with the FL loop to see if f/t boating is for me (then prob go bigger). BUT to start, for this winter, was thinking FL loop was a "safe" starting place with an awesome boating community and relatively chill weather/water conditions (assuming ICW and rivers and lakes). Also I was thinking 26ft until I just spent 3 hrs reading and best to go bigger so now 29ft. Budget is tight. Well, since first boat, thinking 30K or under. Wanting a smaller investment at first, while I try this lifestyle out. Plus I will most likely stay at marinas until I feel super confident anchoring solo. I have budgeted for marina costs.
So many Qs, and didn't find a lot of info about single handing OR female solo. So anything there would be awesome@!@!
specifically:
-any females out there single handling?
-any single handling advice appreciated...
-I live near Charlotte NC and work every other month, so I would literally fly or drive to FLA on my month "off" wherever I left the boat and keep going... then find another marina to leave boat for the next month, etc. I suppose haul out might be a better option? I do have a unique time schedule this way.. because I am starting this winter is why I am choosing FL. plus sooo much exploring vs. coast of NC or even SC- and I'm not ready for big oceans.. yet?
-will I have to get an old boat to find a 29 that is 30K or under (and dont want a project boat- wanna just go.
needs: one engine, a/c, gen, decent condition, biminis,(dont care about style or color). However, I don't know mechanics beyond feeling confident I will be able to super basic maintenance...
-will definitely have occassional guests (maybe one of my sons joins for a bit)
no pets
I am 51 and super fit and healthy and totally scared to take this leap but its time.
Again, thanks to all my future big brothers and sisters out there!
 
Single handed females are rare....I ran across a few on my travels, but they were sailors, not power....That doesn't mean it matters...I would try and see if there's a FB group for women, I think there is...I also think it's primarily sail, but who cares?

I think there are a lot of boats in that range for around that price, but any boat is going to require some maintenance.

I've single-handed my 44' from Annapolis to FL and back again...Partly ICW and Offshore....I'm not sure I would suggest going "outside" single-handed, nor in that size...But, that's just my opinion...Feel free to ask any questions, but at this point, I would just start getting on and looking at a bunch of different boats and see if it fits how you plan to use it.
 
I think you will find good advice and training is available regardless of gender. Sounds like you have most of the basic requirements covered which in my experience is just pure interest and drive. All things boating are learned over time and it sounds like you have a lot of that on hand. You will find plenty of help along the way. Welcome to the community and above all take your time looking for the right boat. Most folks that have their boating dream turn into a nightmare rushed in and bought on emotion or found a "good deal" on a boat. There are no cheap boats, you either pay now or later. As long as you have your eyes wide open and not covered with rose glasses you will be fine.
Carpe Diem
 
Ok based on the information provide I'd start but looking at the late 1980s 30 foot weekenders. Simple basic boat which should have everything you need except generator. Can still find some really well maintened ones for less than $20k. You can start looking newer from there.
 
What an amazing community! I am just gonna say thanks ahead of time, for all that I have learned so far.
Solo. Female. Newbie (have more sailing experience than motor, but not solo sailing. but because I am solo, ditching the sails, don't wanna work that hard). Have rented plenty of power boats (FL and Chaz SC areas). Docking is my nemesis- hoping once I familiarize with one boat only, I will become smooth as butter.
Want to live aboard part time (currently live in a tiny home and 25 years ago in a van so minimalism and small is fine- I'm not your typical chick), and start experimenting with the FL loop to see if f/t boating is for me (then prob go bigger). BUT to start, for this winter, was thinking FL loop was a "safe" starting place with an awesome boating community and relatively chill weather/water conditions (assuming ICW and rivers and lakes). Also I was thinking 26ft until I just spent 3 hrs reading and best to go bigger so now 29ft. Budget is tight. Well, since first boat, thinking 30K or under. Wanting a smaller investment at first, while I try this lifestyle out. Plus I will most likely stay at marinas until I feel super confident anchoring solo. I have budgeted for marina costs.
So many Qs, and didn't find a lot of info about single handing OR female solo. So anything there would be awesome@!@!
specifically:
-any females out there single handling?
-any single handling advice appreciated...
-I live near Charlotte NC and work every other month, so I would literally fly or drive to FLA on my month "off" wherever I left the boat and keep going... then find another marina to leave boat for the next month, etc. I suppose haul out might be a better option? I do have a unique time schedule this way.. because I am starting this winter is why I am choosing FL. plus sooo much exploring vs. coast of NC or even SC- and I'm not ready for big oceans.. yet?
-will I have to get an old boat to find a 29 that is 30K or under (and dont want a project boat- wanna just go.
needs: one engine, a/c, gen, decent condition, biminis,(dont care about style or color). However, I don't know mechanics beyond feeling confident I will be able to super basic maintenance...
-will definitely have occassional guests (maybe one of my sons joins for a bit)
no pets
I am 51 and super fit and healthy and totally scared to take this leap but its time.
Again, thanks to all my future big brothers and sisters out there!
Welcome
 
You mentioned that you want just one engine. You may want to look at some early to mid 2000’s 260 Sundancers. You probably won’t get a generator but should be able to find one with reverse cycle AC/Heat and a hot water heater which is pretty much must haves for the climate you’re looking to be in and the way you say you want to boat.
Anything bigger with a single engine and the learning curve will be bigger for handling, and the boat might be a bit underpowered.
 

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