Between May of 2022 and February of 2023 I had a series of health issues that made me step back and take a hard look at my life and lifestyle. I knew I needed to make a change, but literally nothing sounded good. Then a customer sent me a picture of a sunset off the side of his sailboat and I thought to myself, I want to do that. So I tossed my laptop and my dog in the car and came to Fort Lauderdale Florida and bought a 70' Hatteras. She was a a bit of a fixer upper and I figured I'd fix the boat and the boat would fix me! So far, it's going great. We're whipping each other into shape and having a lot of fun! I've lost 35 pounds and recovered my health. I haven't felt this good in years! I'm pretty sure the boat feels the same... she sits taller and purrs like a kitten when I fire up the engines!

I've spent the last two years (since June 2023) servicing and repairing every system. I am very hands on because I planned on cruising and I knew I'd need to know how everything works and how to service and make repairs. I'm just starting in on cosmetics, but she's very comfy and I'm so ready to get off the dock and get cruising.

I am the named operator after having spent hours in training with a captain, but I'm not confident to take off without experienced crew. I have a few hundred hours behind the wheel now and I've made a run to Bimini and back (came back in 8' seas) and run from Fort Lauderdale to Key West with minimal issues and anchoring every night.

I am currently in the Keys and looking to take off in June for a leisurely trip to Belize. Plan on stopping in Marquesas and Dry Tortugas for a couple days each before making the Gulf crossing to Cancun or Isla Mujeras. The crossing will be roughly 36 hours. From there, go down the coast of Mexico to Belize. Stopping here and there and diving/snorkeling/fishing and just enjoying the ride. Not sure where I'll go after Belize, but that's a trip for another discussion.

usually cleancomfortablevessel is survey certifiedvery spacioushave a holidayshare experiencevisit remote placesseek adventurefulfill a dreamface challenges

The yacht is a 1981 Hatteras 70' CPMY. She has 4 cabins, (one will be storage) 4 heads, a full size galley up, huge salon, a large aft deck with seating for 8 and seating for 10 up top on the fly bridge. The cockpit is great for fishing and she has outriggers (they need a little work) and rod holders. The lazarette holds 8 dive tanks and a few rods. With the 14' Tender as well as some kayaks and paddle boards to play on, she's ready for fun on the water!

She's equipped with DD 12v71TI engines, Twin Disc Transmissions, Naiad Stabilizers (serviced 2025). New bottom job in Feb 2025. Oil change system on board, makes service easy peasy. Hydraulic systems are autonomous, so if one goes out, all the others will function. Hydraulic steering, throttles and bow thruster. Two 20KW Northern Light Generators, both of which run great and are very quiet, even with the shields off.

I didn't check very safe because in my humble opinion, there is no such thing as a very safe boat. Look at all the multi million dollar boats blowing up or sinking for no apparent reason. That said, she does have plenty of type 2 life vests, epirb, fire extinguishers, and halon/CO2 systems for genny room and engine room and all the other standard safety gear.

I checked usually clean but that's in the eye of the beholder. I have a dog and he sheds. To some, that has no affect on cleanliness and to others, it's disgusting. =-) He doesn't go in the guest cabins or sleep in the beds (please don't encourage him!) but that doesn't mean the occasional hair doesn't make it's way in. He's not allowed on the sofa or chairs in the salon, only the ottoman (by invitation). I do try to keep things clean, but I work full time and then some, so sometimes I'm not always the best. When I have folks on board, I'm better than when I'm here alone. =-)

Starlink and LTE for internet, (however on the open water it may be limited). Alexa in each cabin, every outlet has usb a and usb c plugs and there are some next to each bunk, so lots of places to charge the gadgets. 50' TV in salon with DVD player and a library of movies. Icemaker and fridge on the aft deck, wine cooler and full bar in the salon. Flybridge outdoor kitchen is unfinished, but there is a sink and a drink fridge (I just need to reconnect them). New Bimini in 2024. 14' 7 person Novurania 430DL with a 60hp Yamaha motor. Tender got new seats and some much needed TLC- it's not pretty but functional.

Yacht's a little bit cosmetically challenged as I'm in the process of redecorating, but new drapes and high end furniture in the salon has made it much nicer and very inviting. The galley is dated, but the appliances are all Stainless and work great. Dishwasher is awesome! All the cabins have new linens and the bunks are very comfy. Mid ship VIP has two bunk beds with a head across the hall. The V berth has a full size on top and a twin on bottom and a full size, private head with a great shower. The forward VIP is two bunks and a wet head (this will most likely be the storage). I sleep in the master cabin in the stern.

The current crew is me and my dog. He's super sweet, but he was abused, so he can be skittish with men at first until he knows he can trust you. He's a 55 pound pointer/red heeler mix that I rescued from the pound, where he'd been for 9 months.
Because of his breed, he has some residual herding tendencies, which can be annoying sometimes and we're working on, but he's really well trained, and does not steal food, get in the garbage or chew anything but his toys. He doesn't bark a lot, but he does love to bark at other boats going by and if you startle him while he's sleeping he'll wake with a bark. =-) He's so well potty trained that it's been a real challenge to get him to go on his pad in the cockpit, but we're getting there.

Me? I'm 56 years old, rediscovering who I am and looking to explore and enjoy life. I run a small technology business, so I will have to work a little each day. I also have a YouTube channel, but you don't have to be a part of that if you don't want to. I love to read, play games, have interesting conversations and laugh at the dumb stuff in life. I am really getting back into writing. I write stories, scripts, novels, music- anything that comes to mind. I also do consulting and love to help people start new businesses. I build my own websites and love spending time learning new things and finding new apps/gadgets. I have been isolated for a long time, so I can be awkward sometimes, and sometimes I need space. Good thing this boat is big and has lots of room for people to spread out and get their alone time. =-)

clean & tidycommitteddiligenteasy-goingenthusiasticfit & healthyfriendlyorganisedrespectfulskilledtrustworthyrarely/unlikely seasickgood communicatoreager to learn & workpolitepositive outlooksense of humorcan pay own expensesenjoy cookingdon't mind cleaninggood with maintenancecan follow orders

I'm looking for fun, experienced crew that wants to come along for a slow mosey from the Keys to Belize. I know my boat really well (I've been involved in all repairs and servicing every system) and I have spares of everything I can think of, but I'm new to cruising and navigation. I'm also single, and I can't go solo.

I really just want people that are relaxed, have experience and know what to do in an emergency, can help if there are problems and aren't expecting to be waited on hand and foot. This is not a charter... =-)

No smoking or vaping and absolutely no drugs. Drinking in moderation is fine, but no lushes who start drinking and can't stop until they hit the floor. No drama please. Must love dogs and not taunt or be mean to him if/when he annoys you. He's still got a little exuberant puppy in him, and when he likes you, he can be a pain wanting to play or get attention.

If you play guitar, please bring it! I love musical jam sessions! If you dive, bring your gear, and if you're a dive master, that would be really cool. I've been diving for years, and decided to get my certification finally, but I got rooked by the instructor, so I have to start over. =-( Not sure if any of the fishing gear left on board is worth a dang, so bring your own if you wanna fish!

My goal is to have a safe, fun and relaxing trip for all of us. Everyone will chip in on food, dockage/slip fees, share chores/turns cooking or cleaning. We each have to cover our own customs costs and fun money.

I would love help getting ready for the trip- stowing things away, finishing up small projects, etc, so if you wanna come to Key West before we take off, that would be fine. Cabins are first come, first claimed. =-)