As I was posting something on this site this morning, I’ve come to the realization that my boating life is truly over. The boats have been gone for a year or so and this weekend I finally got rid of the last of the boat tools and parts stashed in the garage. I used to cruise this forum (the best boating forum there is) from time-to-time, unwilling to accept that my boating life is now gone. Age, failing health and physical inability have made it impossible for me to continue.
I acquired my first boat at age 15. An old wooden 13’ runabout with a Mercury outboard had been sitting for years in my neighbor’s backyard and he agreed to give it to me if I could get the engine running. I did, and that began my boat ownership. That was 57 years ago and since then I’ve owned 12 different boats from 10’ to 52’. I loved every one of them.
In the summer of 2007 my wife and I bought a 1989 340 Sundancer….our first “big boat”. I learned a lot with that boat in the 6 years we had her. Mostly we learned about the Marina lifestyle and our life became all about the Marina, yacht clubs, boating friends and just being on the boat. I discovered and joined this forum in January of 2008. I made many friends here and even had the opportunity to meet and hang with a few of you. I learned a lot from some of you, tolerated others and hopefully contributed my wisdom to those that needed it.
After the Sea Ray we purchased a 1984 52’ CPMY of Taiwanese construction that was to be our retirement home. Didn’t quite work out that way due to unforeseen life challenges. I wish I could say, “No Regrets” but I can’t….I have a lot of them. After we sold the 52 footer and relocated from California to the New Orleans area I tried boating with a 23’ cuddy cabin but got quickly bored with going up and down the River. I realized I’m a destination boater….I like to go places on my boat for weeks and days at a time and I just can’t anymore.
I used to always say, “there are people that own boats and there are Boaters”. I’m a boater and I always will be….with or without a boat. Most of you on this forum are also Boaters and it’s been a pleasure and an honor to share our passion with you all. I know I could hang around but it’s too painful for me. Thank you all and goodbye.
NorCal Boater
Shawn
I acquired my first boat at age 15. An old wooden 13’ runabout with a Mercury outboard had been sitting for years in my neighbor’s backyard and he agreed to give it to me if I could get the engine running. I did, and that began my boat ownership. That was 57 years ago and since then I’ve owned 12 different boats from 10’ to 52’. I loved every one of them.
In the summer of 2007 my wife and I bought a 1989 340 Sundancer….our first “big boat”. I learned a lot with that boat in the 6 years we had her. Mostly we learned about the Marina lifestyle and our life became all about the Marina, yacht clubs, boating friends and just being on the boat. I discovered and joined this forum in January of 2008. I made many friends here and even had the opportunity to meet and hang with a few of you. I learned a lot from some of you, tolerated others and hopefully contributed my wisdom to those that needed it.
After the Sea Ray we purchased a 1984 52’ CPMY of Taiwanese construction that was to be our retirement home. Didn’t quite work out that way due to unforeseen life challenges. I wish I could say, “No Regrets” but I can’t….I have a lot of them. After we sold the 52 footer and relocated from California to the New Orleans area I tried boating with a 23’ cuddy cabin but got quickly bored with going up and down the River. I realized I’m a destination boater….I like to go places on my boat for weeks and days at a time and I just can’t anymore.
I used to always say, “there are people that own boats and there are Boaters”. I’m a boater and I always will be….with or without a boat. Most of you on this forum are also Boaters and it’s been a pleasure and an honor to share our passion with you all. I know I could hang around but it’s too painful for me. Thank you all and goodbye.
NorCal Boater
Shawn
