Owner aging along with classic Hatteras

[jim rosenthal]

I used to do damn near everything on my own boat. That included painting the bottom, after sanding it, etc. And waxing it. Etc.

I don't do any of that anymore. I'm grateful to still be working, to be able to afford to have the boat detailed, etc. Most of the mechanical work I do, with help from friends who are also boaters. Painting and varnishing I do. Putting the winter cover on and off, I do. (with help)

I prefer not to think about when I'll stop doing all this. Hopefully it's still a few years off......I hope.

 

[jrbrein]

One of my neighbors has hand written on her kitchen wall:

"Act your age as if you did not know how old you are"

In my case, all I need do is loose about 45 pounds of excess weight that has accumulated over the last 20 years, maybe get a new pair of knees. That is all of the major overhaul I think I am going to need to run for another 20 good years...I think.

I will be 64 in May and I plan to be boating one way or another well into my 80's. My mother is 87 and still plays golf. Not great but she loves getting out there!!!


Jon

 

[krush]

I don't understand. If you are old and can't do stuff, get a boat with outboards that doesn't require tinkering.

If you want a hatteras with lots of systems, bust out the checkbook. You old guys with pensions should enjoy them, because nearly all those that are younger will never have such pleasures. Millennials often get bashed for "living life now"...but many are smart and know what the future holds for them once they get older.

 

[SEVEN]

An old friend gave me some words of wisdom years ago. “ between 20 and 40 you learn, between 40 and 60 you earn, after 60 you pay it back” I’m in the pay back time of life. It’s been a great life.

 

[Walter P]

I don't understand. If you are old and can't do stuff, get a boat with outboards that doesn't require tinkering.

If you want a hatteras with lots of systems, bust out the checkbook. You old guys with pensions should enjoy them, because nearly all those that are younger will never have such pleasures. Millennials often get bashed for "living life now"...but many are smart and know what the future holds for them once they get older.

You're right Krush, you don't understand.... When you arrive at a certain age you no longer desire to
skip across the waves with a fast outboard. What most of us in "Gezzerdom" enjoy is quiet time with
a few friends having a cup of tea or something stronger on an afterdeck while watching some young
wippersnappers like you work your A$$ off, with great envy (but we "usta could). Gezzerdom is not
able to do them. We can still do plenty of things however. A couple of years ago we were with Bobk
and Gayle at a party in Fla and there was a 90 something yr old gent doing some fancy dance steps
with all the ladies. So you see, it ain't over till it's over (Yogi Berra) and the fat lady sings (Kate Smith)
Life is wonderful so make all the memories you can so you too can reflect on them in your old age, if
hopefully you will be as lucky as we in "Gezzerdom".

Besides we can always mooch rides with you younger folks from time to time and get a chance to
impart some great words of wisdom......lol

Walt

 

[spartonboat1]

BobK, my example of slow but determined is 5 new Lifeline 8DL batteries sitting in my garage that will be replacing the current set that the Admiral and I installed 14 years ago. At that time I did all the rigging to get them in and out without having to manually lift even one end of these 160 lbs. beasts. We will do it again using the same rigging, likely for the last time. When the stamina goes it just requires more mental time to figure out a solution. Even back when I was 60 there was no way I was going to strong arm the beasts.

Pete

For what its worth, I have a rig that my wife and I used to pull and install 4 8D's, by ourselves, in a 43' DCFB. Albeit fairly easy to reach batts at the outer ER. It worked well and both lifts and lowers, plus rolls the battery into and out of place, after raising or lowering.

If desired, I would be pleased to post some pics. It was constructed from gear found at Tractor Supply and Lowes. Is not overly sophisticated, as it consists of an 8' "barn door" roller, a standard boat hoist, usually for a boat trailer, and a section of 2x6, plus some 2x2's. Oh, and I moved the batteries with a hand cart.

 

[krush]

Plenty of modern boats with outboards that will fit the ticket:

http://www.judgeyachts.com/oxford-37.html (they'll do outboards, I'm sure)
http://www.judgeyachts.com/chesapeake-36-outboard.html

Cutwater, the tugs etc

 

[SEVEN]

You're right Krush, you don't understand.... When you arrive at a certain age you no longer desire to
skip across the waves with a fast outboard. What most of us in "Gezzerdom" enjoy is quiet time with
a few friends having a cup of tea or something stronger on an afterdeck while watching some young
wippersnappers like you work your A$$ off, with great envy (but we "usta could). Gezzerdom is not
able to do them. We can still do plenty of things however. A couple of years ago we were with Bobk
and Gayle at a party in Fla and there was a 90 something yr old gent doing some fancy dance steps
with all the ladies. So you see, it ain't over till it's over (Yogi Berra) and the fat lady sings (Kate Smith)
Life is wonderful so make all the memories you can so you too can reflect on them in your old age, if
hopefully you will be as lucky as we in "Gezzerdom".

Besides we can always mooch rides with you younger folks from time to time and get a chance to
impart some great words of wisdom......lol

Walt

Well written Walt.

 

[jrbrein]

For what its worth, I have a rig that my wife and I used to pull and install 4 8D's, by ourselves, in a 43' DCFB. Albeit fairly easy to reach batts at the outer ER. It worked well and both lifts and lowers, plus rolls the battery into and out of place, after raising or lowering.

If desired, I would be pleased to post some pics. It was constructed from gear found at Tractor Supply and Lowes. Is not overly sophisticated, as it consists of an 8' "barn door" roller, a standard boat hoist, usually for a boat trailer, and a section of 2x6, plus some 2x2's. Oh, and I moved the batteries with a hand cart.

I would love to see pictures of your rig. We have the same boat.

Jon

 

[q240z]

I remember doing some varnish work on my old Connie 52 when a transient boater and his wife walked by and commented on how nice it was looking but how it sure looked like a lot of work. They were on their way to the local football stadium to watch a game. After they left, I marveled at how they saw work even though I was really enjoying myself. And they were going to 'enjoy' themselves packed in lousy seats with thousands of other people drinking overpriced beers watching adult men grunt around the grass for a few seconds every couple of minutes.

I actually enjoy being at the boatyard...most of the time. When things are going well, even if the progress is slow I'm having fun. I do like the idea of taking off the eyeglasses and taking in the "perfection" of my handiwork from a few feet away!

 

[johnjen50]

Well said q. I agree wholeheartedly!

 

[Pete]

Well said q. I agree wholeheartedly!

X2

Pete

 

[q240z]

Thanks guys.

I was also thinking recently that I wish I'd started on this when I was younger. Thing is, when I was younger I couldn't afford to do it! Now it's a race to get done while we're still young enough to enjoy the effort. Granted, it's the slowest race ever, but it's a race nonetheless. Father Time is relentless! The bastard never slows down or takes a break!

 

[SEVEN]

One thing we all need to remember is we are not getting out of this alive. Get er done.

 

[kingsley_oasis]

As a good friend keeps telling. "This is not a dress rehearsal"

 

[Jammin']

These are the best days of the rest of our lives.

 

[johnjen50]

Agree with u all. I’d like to have my boat pristine by the time I retire. Freshen up the power and the whole 9 yards. I’m lucky as a lot of it has been done on my boat, but even things like changing out the fridge has prompted me to widen the passage down to the galley. Let’s face it, part of the fun IS the tinkering. I also love it when the engines are purring and I have a high degree of confidence in them.

 

[bigreelsc]

You don't know how good you have it. First, to reach the age where the effort becomes troublesome. Then to at least be able to see the problem. I did my own on-board maintenance on sail and power boats up to 46'. Then an injury paralyzed me from the waist down 20 years ago. Kept the 46' Bertram SF for 10 more years until it became to small (loved that boat) and converted a 1992 65' Hat to serve someone in a wheelchair; wheelchair elevator and davit lift. Never seen the vessel forward of the galley but she has room for staff. It's my home now, and one becomes patient and tolerant of the techs who call themselves qualified and aren't. Presently in Marathon FL. and after "Irma" getting a service person is nearly impossible. Oh, by the way, I'll be 87 in two weeks and do what I can.

 

[Boatsb]

87 is impressive even without the injury. You have earned my respect and Im sure the respect of others

 

[bigreelsc]

Sometimes I feel like the first man to be electrocuted. Supposed he said "If it wasn't for the honor I'd just as soon decline"