Why are we stuck on land, instead of out sailing the seas? Well, it really all boils down to one bad decision – buying the wrong boat. Makara was never the right boat for us, and unfortunately that one bad decision has brought us here, stuck, trying to move past it and move on with our lives, get back out on the water doing something that makes us happy.
So how did we end up with her? We were searching for a boat that would be better-suited to our long-term plans – cruising remote places, being away from civilization for long periods of time comfortably and sustainably. We had been close with a few prior almost purchases, but the deals had fallen through. We had exhausted most of our options on the West Coast of North America, we were tired of looking, tired of being away from the water, desperate… We found Makara, and hastily jumped, without taking time to evaluate – it was a chance at a quick sale, a way to get back out on the water, and our one mistake, after we had been SO scrutinous and said no to so many other boats.
She was far bigger (50 feet overall) than the boats in the 40-44 foot range we had been looking at. Although we wanted a bigger boat, we still really wanted to stay as small as possible in meeting all our requirement
After it became clear that we were not going to sell her in Hawaii (where we had purchased her) we made plans to get her to a better market, and Varuna as well, since we ultimately wanted to sell both boats and find our perfect boat.s. The smaller the boat, the lower your costs, in so many ways – marinas, maintenance, size and rating on all sorts of equipment for the boat, etc… She was also a project boat, which was never what we had been looking for in a boat, never. And that was the real killer.
Upon arriving in the Pacific Northwest, we had a few doubts about selling Makara, and decided to give her a chance… Plus, a few improvements surely wouldn’t be a detriment if we did decide to sell her, right? And so began a very difficult chapter of our lives.
We are not “boat project” people. While we’ve learned an incredible number of new skills in our time on the water, working on boats is not our passion, as it is to some people. We became unhappy, frustrated, upset, angry, disappointed. Many days it was a challenge to get up and face the projects, to continue to film and put on an optimistic face, to see the progress we were making.
As is the way with boat projects, one thing leads to another and we were in deep, working on many projects at once, and while we were very happy with the way the finished result was starting to look, we weren’t happy being stuck. All we wanted was to set out again, but there were still more projects to conquer, money was running low to actually finish the rest of what we wanted to do… it was time to make a decision. What made the decision so hard, and what took us so long to make it was all the hard work we had put in over the past several months. Makara is a good, solid boat with so much potential and has gotten very close to where we want her to be, in terms of being ready for cruising, but I think our tough experiences getting there have clouded our view.
If we could go back in time and change the fact that we bought Makara, we would. But we can’t. We can only decide what we do moving forward. So Makara is hauled out, currently for sale. We are working full-time to help our finances. Ty was hoping to have another back surgery that would alleviate much of his pain (which had been making all the boatwork that much more difficult), but unfortunately with the virus situation, that has been put on hold.
We don’t know what’s next for us, but we are certainly going stir crazy here. We’re happy to have a job, to be working, but we sure do not want to get stuck here. All we want is to be back out on a boat, sailing, exploring, seeing new places, learning new cultures, living a sustainable, low-impact life, being self-sufficient. Being here, working a traditional job, we feel the life being sucked out of us.
With the current state of the world, unfortunately our circumstances here may be prolonged. We have been casually boat shopping, but know that we should wait until Makra sells to buy another boat, and I’m not sure that’s going to happen anytime soon, given the state of the world. Plus, traveling to look at boats right now isn’t really the thing to do. We have considered going back to Makara, but know that would be another desperate mistake. Given the memories and regret surrounding our history with her, I don’t think we could ever be happy aboard, even though she really has so much potential to be a great liveaboard cruiser.
So what’s next? We don’t know. I don’t think anyone really knows what the immediate future holds at this point, so we will ride this out with the rest of the world, see where the next few months take us. We hope that we can get back to doing what we love very soon. We want to say a very big thanks to all of you who have been along for this crazy ride with us – you’ve been our inspiration to keep going!
All the best from us!
28 thoughts to “Where did we go wrong?”
I feel so bad for you since it just hasn’t gone as planned. I think all of us are pausing to evaluate our lives and make plans for the future and what you are doing now is prudent since you’re staying in one place and replenishing the kitty. You might want to consider when isolation is done a good old fashioned work party where your viewers in the area can come and help you with the projects. Wishing you the best and it will work out in the end
We appreciate your support! Like you said, it is a good time to step back and take some time to think and reevaluate. Best wishes to you! 🙂
Good on you both! Sometimes, no matter how hard we try and push through, when something just isn’t right we can’t force it. You aren’t the first people that this has happened to, and you won’t be the last. Hang in there. Stay safe and stay healthy!
Thanks for your kind words, Jules! And I think you are so right… we are taking time to think and evaluate all our options. Hopefully we’ll come out the other side wiser and get right back to it, whatever crazy path it may be to get there. Hope you are well and staying safe!
Hang in there. Just a short pause in your adventure. Will be interesting to see what happens to the sailboat market. We have been also looking for the right boat and it’s been two years and still looking. makara has some very nice features and your repairs look great. It just takes one buyer to make it happen. Stay healthy and safe. Looking forward to the Amazon delivery videos!
Yes, you are right – just a short term pause! We are curious to see what effect the current situation has on the boat market as well.. Could be some good deals to be had, but doesn’t bode well for trying to sell a boat either, but who knows! Thanks for all your support and for sticking with us! Hope you are well and staying healthy too 🙂
It said for me to hear this because I have been such an ardent fan… But maybe it’s good to step back and re-evaluate what your actual goals desires should be. You’ve had such incredible adventure so far it’s hard for me to think that you might want to leave the boat for any reason. Imply that there’s some more fundamental deeper unstated issue. I have to admit I’ve not been calling you every day at this point so I’m probably missing some statement you made. Always had the impression a larger boat was a good idea for longer international passages. But you may have become such great sailors at that is not as much a requirement. and I don’t know if you really going to go down and sell through the Magellan straits you might want a little bit bigger boat. Did hear a tale of a skampy who did the trip but the guy shipped his boat down there in a container sell the straight and then shipped it back in another container. You got all the accolades of great adventure but that’s not the epic journey I would expect that you guys would make.
I myself have been looking at guleys out of Turkey. not really the giant cruising for miles and miles type of boat but more of a get there and hang out for a while type of boat. I always thought that my car was more in this direction for you about that would be easier to spend longer time periods away from civilization on your own. But you both may be thinking of other adventures. If it’s time to buy a van and drive across America. Okay well after this covid-19 sense ends.
It’s always good to hear what you guys are up to. At this point I don’t know how you can monetize.
Please stay safe.
Hi Brian, it’s great to hear from you! Although we are taking a step back, we definitely still would rather be back out on the water sailing, and hope to get there again soon! To us, I think something in the low-40 foot range would be perfect, but that’s different for everyone. Though Makara is very comfortable and we have learned to handle her easily with the two of us, sometimes we just feel like there’s a lot more you could do with the space – the large aft cabin is amazing and so comfortable, but not a priority for us anymore. Anyways, we DO still hope to get to Chile and spend times in the channels down there, and look forward to the passages to get there, and whatever the next destination is as well 🙂 Hope you are doing well and staying healthy!
So, I’ve loved following you guys. I would say to you now, hold on, there is something better coming your way. It’s part of the journey. It’s like a season of life that doesn’t seem right but in time the sun shines, the face gets warm and the sails go up. Be very patient in this season. I can’t wait to see your next journey. You guys make me dream and make me smile.
Aww, thanks for your kind words and support! I think you are right, and hope that we can get back out there and continue to make you dream and smile! :):) Cheers!
Hi. If you’re interested in a 44′ Nauticat, it is at Marine Service Center. I was going to fly up to evaluate it, but the CV situation shut down travel and all that. It’s a beautiful boat at a list of around $180,000. My only point is to mention that you two have gotten through some pretty tough adversities so far, and you can get through this. Besides, there are other great boats up there nearby. I hope things work out.
Thanks for your message. Yes, the current state of the world has made travel difficult, we ourselves were hoping to get out to the East Coast to look at some boats, but that is on hold as well for the time being. Anyways, thanks for the good wishes and all the best to you as well!
Hillary, Ty: Thank you very much for the candid insight on your current situation. My wife and I are currently looking to move up to a larger boat ourselves, but this underscores the need to be selective and be patient to find the right boat for us. Good luck on your recovery and hope to see you out there again soon. -Eric
Hi Eric, yes this whole process really made us appreciate Varuna, and how lucky we were to come across her so quickly in our first boat search! As many boats as there are out there, it’s amazing how tough it is to find the right one for you! Best of luck and continue to be scrutinous and take your time, you find the right one eventually! Best wishes 🙂
Hugs to you both!!! If you have a chance double check your email (I sent you one a few weeks ago) Really want to see your finances match your intentions!!! You are truly meant to be on the water.
Thanks Lynn!
Just stay positive and work hard at getting the next boat. Wait for makara to sell and don’t be in a rush to get the next boat. Get Tye sorted out. It will all fall into place 👍🍷🇿🇦
Thanks Gary, we hope it will fall into place!
The trouble with going on a hiatus, is that in this day and age with your YouTube channel, The clientele that you lose will be very hard if ever getting everybody back. I totally understand the financial ramifications, and that you had a great thing going. My 2 cents with is you make some money for bit and stick with Makara. My wife and I own a Jeanneau 54 DS and we love it, wouldn’t have anything any smaller. Good luck and hope to see you out on the water in the near future. #S/V ANY ISLE 🌴🌴
Thanks for your input. We do have some different, but hopefully interesting and relevant videos planned for the interim!
I’ve seen all your videos and enjoyed them all. I’m sure putting out a weekly video gets pretty old, and Makara took a little wind out of your sails. I know you’ve had a few good years living the cruising life. I hope wherever the future takes you it brings joy, peace, and adventure .
Leonard, thank you, really appreciate your support! We hope to keep some interesting videos coming for the time being, and hope to be out on the water again in the not too distant future. All the best to you!
Wow, very sad, have followed you guys since the start. Some serious work getting both vessels back to the North West. Maybe find another couple that want to cruise, sharing the finances and the adventure. Not always easy in such confined space I would imagine. Unfortunately the world is changing rapidly at the moment and traveling of any description has become nearly impossible. Enjoyed your story and hope you guys are able to continue when this is all over…
StaySafe and Good Luck with whatever you do and where ever you go…..
You two are living LIFE! Great days with bad. We all have them. Except you were brave enough to put your life on video. We love watching weekly and felt the thrill of your adventure . You have more adventures coming. We will watch and cheer you on,live life the ups and downs. That is real. Thank you for being willing to share with strangers. To us you are friends. Ty we all hope your back feels better. Hillary I have learned so much from you videos. Cooking,canning, provisioning, repairs, sewing, watching whales!! We look forward to your next video.
Connie SV Valiant
So sorry you are feeling so discouraged. We have the exact same boat (Celestial 48, sloop) we purchased last May. We love ours but she was pretty much ready to sail away, just needs a water maker and life raft. We went from a 32′ Bayfield to the Celestial and love the extra space and the king size stateroom bed! Good luck to you, hope you can find a buyer and finally purchase the boat meant for you. Perhaps you are just discouraged from the amount of work you have had to do so far and a break will be good mentally. All boats have their quirks and issues though. Cheers!
We miss your stories. Think you have been inspiring to follow. Nice that you have not become commercial with a lot of fancy cocktails and parties on the beach. Thank you.
I wish you good luck with your dreams of enjoying the adventure on the water.
It just occurred to me that I hadn’t seen one of your videos in a while. Thanks for posting this, letting us know what is going on. Best of luck to Ty getting that back fixed as soon as possible, and I hope y’all get out sailing again soon. And I hope you are staying away from those loonies I see on TV.
I’ve missed you two. Have you seen what Sailboat Story has been doing since they sold Sandflea? Land Yachting around the USA during Covid-19. Maybe they’d be interested in a project boat, I don’t know. Take care.