Living aboard and cruising are a lot easier when you’ve got some support. But exactly what kinds of support? And how do you find support for cruisers?
Sure, it’s easier when friends and family don’t think that you’re totally nuts. Although we do have one cruiser’s advice for managing when your family doesn’t want you to cruise. But really, family is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s so much support available out there!
The internet gives us the chance to connect to people we’re unlikely to meet in person – and many of these have so much to offer in terms of knowledge, understanding, and help.
At the same time, don’t overlook people that may, literally, be right next door.
Boat Issues
There is almost certainly an owner’s group – or two or three – for your type of boat, unless it’s a one-off. But even then, you may find owner’s groups for many of the systems on board. For example, for our Gemini catamaran, there’s a Facebook group, an online forum, and a group that deals with the Sillette drive leg.
But also look around and see if there are other similar boats in your marina or anchorage. Just a couple of weeks before the pandemic closed everything down, we discovered that there were, if I remember correctly, 7 Gemini catamarans in Boot Key Harbor. One of the other owners quickly arranged a group dinghy trip from one to the next, with each of us giving boat tours and showing off boat projects we’d done. We all came away with SO many ideas for improvements to our own boats and knew exactly who to ask for more information.
Even if there’s just one similar boat to yours, knock on the hull and ask the owner about doing reciprocal boat tours.
At the same time, remember that a boat doesn’t have to be identical to yours to have an idea worth stealing! We’ve often walked the docks or done a dinghy drive by, looking for ideas to solve a particular problem we had. When we saw a possible solution, we’d talk to anyone aboard or just take pictures if no one was there.
Emotional Support
Boat life just isn’t like life ashore, and your non-cruising friends just may not get your frustrations or offer solutions that could actually work on a boat. Again, Facebook groups may be able to connect you to the people who can offer the encouragement and practical suggestions you need. There are literally thousands of groups with topics ranging from cruising with health problems, to sober sailing, kids on boats, cooking, DIY projects, decorating, and more. Not only will you find people who have faced the same problems you have, they can tell you how they broke through bad times.
But don’t rely just on virtual friends. It can be hard as people are coming and going but try to connect with people who are literally where you are. Put out a call on the VHF for “homeschooling moms” or “someone who wants to go spearfishing.” Go to the marina potluck and make a point of talking to five people you don’t know. Help organize the Super Bowl party.
Here at The Boat Galley, we try to blend the practical information with “you can do it” support. Our articles and podcasts can help you with many questions, and our courses take the topics to a much deeper understanding. And always feel free to hit reply on any of these newsletter and ask a question!
Creating Your Support Networks
Over time, you’ll develop a wide net of “your people” ranging from acquaintances to very close friends. You may not interact with all them every day, every week, or even every month. But you’ll soon discover that when a problem arises, you know just who to contact, either for ideas, hands-on help, or just to say “I understand and sympathize.”
Truly, I’m glad you’re part of The Boat Galley! I consider all of you to be part of my network!
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