When I tell someone that I'm selling my house, buying a sailboat, and moving on board I inevitably get a lengthy list of questions. These questions are usually very carefully and politely worded so as to couch the person's true feeling on just how galactically stupid this idea is. In no specific order, here they are:
1. How did you hatch this ridicu- errr... unique idea?
My good friends John and Jess are buying a sailboat to live aboard after they get married. On a whim, I went with him to look at boats. I'm not really sure what happened from there. I walked into the boat thinking "What's a jib?" and walked off the boat thinking "MUST HAVE." My brain's a funny thing. I never really know where it's taking me next.
More here.
2. What will you do with all your stuff?
Give as much of it away to family and friends as I can. Sell what I can. Stick the stuff I want in storage. Any remainder gets swept off to Goodwill.
3. Can you live in that small of a space?
One way to find out.
4. Have you ever lived on a boat?
No.
5. Do you know anything about boats?
No.
6. Do you know how to sail?
Not really. Sorta. Has to do with wind, I think. And jibs.
7. What are you going to do with your cat, Shithead?
Not sure. This is one of two looming problems (see #8) that are as of yet unsolved. I may do a trial run for a month and see how he does onboard. If he can hack it, then Shithead and I will merrily co-exist on a boat. If he's too unhappy, I'll look into finding a good loving home for him.
8. Where are you going to put the boat?
Not sure. I'd prefer Shilshole out in Ballard but Lake Union, Salmon Bay, Portage Bay all have merits and I'd be thrilled to be in any of those places. That being said, moorage is at a premium and I'm not sure how I'm going to get my hands on a slip. Compounding the issue is an anti-liveaboard stance from the local government in Seattle. Liveaboard slips are harder to come by. Some marina's don't allow liveaboards. Others have restriction on how many slips can be designated liveaboard.
9. How do you take a shower?
By standing in the shower and turning the water on.
10. How do you do laundry?
Laundromat, I'm afraid. Or the very good graces of my dear friends with washers and dryers.
11. You're going to be single the rest of your natural life, aren't you?
Oh, ye of little faith.
12. Why are you... what would make you think... just... why? Why?
Mostly, this:
And this:
This comes to mind:
1 day ago
3 comments:
my question:
what took you so long?!?
That question's a recurring theme in my life.
All the best to you. I've spent months at sea living out of a single locker and cramped quarters (navy), and every sunrise reminded me of why I wanted to be there. Now my wife and I just bought our own sailboat, and who knows where we'll end up.
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