I could listen to Walter for months. I've rebuilt 3 boats, one a total kludge and two much better. Everything Walter volunteered has been my experience. I wish I had him as a mentor. He's a treasure!
Randy - you’re really on to something here. These are super-interesting and informative lessons that also help to assuage some anxieties that we aspiring boat owners have about inexpensive but slightly scary (because of the unknowns) boats. There are lots of boat RU-vid series, but this one fills a void that the others don’t. Many thanks!
Much appreciated, Paul. I can tell you that the first period of ownership had me fairly anxious… but over time and getting up in the learning curve(with some good coaches) I’m much more able to relax and enjoy the process… and focus on fun… you’ll get there.. no doubt. Perhaps faster than I did! 👍
Randy I agree with Schu, you've found great niche. As one who is new to sailing and searching for a boat, these videos are truly informative, and Walter is a treasure.
This video was epic in its content and its message. I have a lump in my throat and a 1982 Morgan OI 416 Ketch that did exactly what Walter said. She spoke to me, and chose me. And so, I spent my retirement (military) to have her. Is she perfect? To my eye and mind yes. Does she need some upgrades and things? Yes. But those are frivolous and as she is, she will take me safely “off the couch” and out there to my dreams. 😅 Thank you for what has to be the singularly most important RU-vid “sailing video” folks should see.
That’s very kind of you. Thank you for your service and cheers to you and a well-earned retirement on your Morgan. Love to hear your perspective on the labor of love. Fair winds!
It’s hard for some to understand that owners have an emotional attachment to their boats like a child or a pet. It may have a few blemishes, but it’s beautiful in theirs eyes. Hence the word ownership. 😂😂😂
Every time that I hear Walter speak I'm struck by the profound perspective that he has on life. I can't wait to read his book ... I'm sure that it is full of gems. Thanks Randy ... another memorable episode!!!
thanks Robert!! I've heard the book is forthcoming after a few setbacks this spring... it's nearing print-ready completion. I'll definitely make an announcment when it's out. cheers
Regarding waiting to go sailing, listen to this man! My wife and I went cruising in our 30’s (3 years ago), because I had a near-death experience years ago and we had nothing holding us back. Everybody we met that was double our age said the same thing: “I wish I did it when I was your age”. We sailed many thousands of miles and it brought us closer together. It won’t be our last trip out, but I can die tomorrow and I’ll do so with a smile thinking about the time we had on the water.
I could listen to Walter for hours on end. So much knowledge and wisdom to share. Interesting hear his outlook is in looking for a good bargain boat. Thanks for sharing this video and all videos. Keep them coming.
Great video and really great advice from Walter. I turn 70 this year and it's too late for this old man's body to sail anymore. You can take it from me, time is the great enemy if we sit and watch life go by before we know it, it's over. Make every second count while you still can.
@@NonConfront Well if we don’t hear from him soon or he doesn’t hurry up and check in, we are all holding you responsible for not stopping him and asking if he needs some help. 💪🤬😱😂
First video I have watched of this guy but as I listened and watched, I was ticking every box of my decision. At 69 years old I have bought my first boat, I know a little but not that much but armed with just the little knowledge that I do have, I have bought myself a boat that ticks all the boxes he talked about. She needs some work, we have been knocked back by some jobs turning out to be bigger than at first glance but we are making progress. The most important thing he said here was "seize the day" I have to do it now or I will never do it, so we are going for it, the thought of sitting at home watching the TV or pottering around planting flowers till I die just don't do it for me. listening to him talk I know I have made the right decision. I like this guy.
kindred spirit for sure... great to hear you took the leap!! Your experience is like a lot of others, including myself, jumping in, uncovering some jobs are bigger than expected but enjoying the journey of learning and fixing and leaving it better than i found it. Hows your progress going? cheers
Awesome episode! Gives a whole different perspective for looking at and for boats. I have spent too much time looking for the boat with everything, while sitting at my desk watching youtube videos of other people sailing. I don't need a walk through transom with a wing keel on a plastic fantastic boat, I just need a boat! Thank you Walter
I love Walter: straight talking, honest and down-to-earth, what’s not to like? What’s funny is that I’m surfing the web whilst sitting on the couch wondering if I’ll ever get back on the seven seas. ktf
This is very encouraging... I'm a little surprised to hear someone like Walter say it's OK to buy a boat out of love, because that's what I've done (30 ft carvel-planked Hannah Tahiti with an all-rope gaff cutter rig, and yeah, it's my first boat), and it validates my somewhat impulsive, naive, budget-conscious, sideways-working entry into yacht ownership. Currently dealing with nightmarish insurance difficulties (including arranging a haul-out for a C&V after 11 years sitting in the water), and looking at quite a bit of time, sweat, and money to get her shipshape for live-aboard cruising... but it's going to be worth it. It's already worth it... complications and all, she makes me happy, and gives me a much-needed focus in my life. Sailing, living aboard, and cruising will just be the icing on the cake. Even if you're loaded, if your yacht doesn't excite and motivate you just being part of your world, don't bother.
Wow… sounds like quite a labor of love, Sean. Good on you for bringing her back and making it seaworthy (and live aboard worthy)… love to hear it. Cheers to you and your dreams!
@seanmorrissey3103 may I ask where/how you found your beautiful sailboat? I've wanted to learn to sail ever since I got my first and last taste in the Boy Scouts many years ago. I'm 55 now and live in PA and not close to the ocean. I'm a professional chef and not a rich guy by any means. I just don't know how to go about learning to sail and finding and buying my own boat. Problem being I'm so dang far from the water. Even if I did find and buy a boat where would I keep her? I mean, I could rent a dock far from my house but that means I can't keep an eye on her and check or work on her easily and I feel that would get old real quick, you know? I feel like my life is passing by and I'll never learn how to sail or experience being out on the water on my own boat. Any ideas or thoughts would be appreciated very much. Thanks in advance for your time and I hope your boat is coming along great! Have you got her on the water yet?
@@philipmayo4865 I found her listed as an Air BnB while just searching for wood sailboats. Then she was up for sale on FB marketplace. I also live in PA, about 3hrs drive from the Jersey shore, but I usually work in NJ and have a "crash pad" at a friend's house in NJ, so I am sort of making it work. The boat will be out until at least next spring; much MUCH work yet to be done. I don't know yet where I will keep her after that. It would have been more sensible to wait until I retire and sell the house, etc so I could move aboard right away and go cruising ...but it was a miracle to find such a boat within a day's drive of home, etc ..if I hadn't pulled the trigger when I did, she'd be gone,and I would probably have given up on my dream. For what it's worth, I'd advise you to wait, maybe get a little trailer sailer and get out on the lakes of PA, and meanwhile save every penny, shop for the "dream boat" and make a definite plan to retire or change jobs and move closer to the water before getting a "project" boat. At 61, I felt more pressure to just get the boat, and having a 9-ton high maintenance mistress certainly focuses the mind, so I can deal with the scope and costs And I really love her. But DO NOT DO WHAT I DID !!!!!
Terrific video! It’s great to hear the man behind Shannon yachts. He built beautiful sailboats. And he’s right…get off the couch! I’m 64 and I can feel the inches disappearing, time to go sailing. Thanks again for a great video.
Hi Randy, the definition of an expert is X is an unknown factor and a Spurt is a drip under pressure. Thank you for your videos. Good to see you’re using people with heaps of knowledge on yachts and boats. Keep up the good work Cliff from Logan city Queensland Australia 🇦🇺 from the big island 🏝️🦘🌏
That is definitely a Contessa 26 not an Albin or Alden. I know, I own a Contessa 26. All of his info about it is accurate though except it is 25.5ft long not 28ft.
Walter you are a legend .... I stumbled upon a Shannon yacht here in Australia when I was looking for a 40 footer a few years back ...I'd never heard of Shannon yachts and after a bit of research realised what a high-end beautiful built masterpiece they are. It was a bit run-down and not really suited to the tropical conditions of Queensland - Australia, so I didn't buy it. ... but it changed how I looked at yachts and was a heavy influence in what I eventually bought - but there is a part of me that always regrets missing the opportunity to own one of Walters masterpieces because the one thing I have learnt is quality design and build is where the joy comes from. So Randy PLEASE pass on my respect to Walter ... even as far away as Australia he's made an impact and his advice and wisdom on not procrastinating is SO SO true.
Great video! Why does Walter Schulz always make cry? I found my PB 3 years ago. He’s exactly right, after 25 years of looking, I knew it when I saw it. It was a free derelict boat and took me one year of work to get into the water. I’ve learned so much in those three years thanks in part to your videos. Thanks Randy and Captain Q!
@CaptainQYachtHunter It's a Southern Sails Skipper 20 from 1979. Not much of a boat, but surprisingly seaworthy for its size. We sail it out of Rockport, Mass so seaworthiness is important.
Every one of my boats from 22 to 32 feet have been back row boatyard boats. Very rewarding. This video deserves a followup about educating oneself about the proper methods and hardware used in a marine environment. I've spent much time on my boatyard boats repairing bodgy modifications and repairs, and replacing hardware store fasteners and hardware. Some I've seen could've led to major breakdowns or hazardous conditions if not rectified. 7:38
Very enjoyable informative video but I think I speak for many people who've noticed it's been quite a while since the Captain made an appearance. Regular viewers are very invested in you guys and I think we'd really love to know that he's well?
Thank you Randay and Walter for an inspiring episode. Very sage advice on making every inch of your life well spent. Now to get busy following that advice. Take care, best wishes to you and the Captain.
Just amazing advice for a life well-lived. Equal amounts of boatyard intel & sage life guidance from Walt. Hearing these words in the context of searching for a boat on the cheap is a balm for what ails me (and apparently lots of other folks here). Profound & practical. And Randay, keep up your great work... you're onto something important giving a platform to Capt Q & Walt to share life's lessons with us.
What an amazing and inspirational video. Mr. Schulz your words really spoke to me. Tomorrow morning I’m going to look at a boat that’s been sitting on the hard for over 5 years. Enough sitting on the couch! Thank you!!!
@@YachtHunters it needs a lot of love. 84 Hunter 37c. Hull seems to be in good condition. Interior is a disaster. Clearly been an apartment for ants, mice, & something larger raccoon maybe. Found out it’s been sitting on the hard for almost ten years. Owner is open to offers, but hasn’t seen the condition of the boat for years. Lots of thinking to do.
Thanks we're bringing Walter back on, love the way he sees things and I could listen to him forever, he's a very wise man that says it like it is... Getting back to scrounging around, just do like he said, look for boats that have not been used for a while... And then look for a yard manager or yard owner and ask what the story is on the boat and then take it from there... Use common sense and don't ask stupid questions that would irritate the yard manager...lol 🍸🍹
I grew up around old salts like Walter and being able to learn from their life experiences is so valuable. Especially the value of experiences over money since most of them didn't grow up with any money. I would buy that Albin Vega, it seemed like a great boat. This episode makes me want to get off my arse and go buy a boat so I can learn to sail.
In Seattle and likely the whole west coast it never gets cold enough for a boat to come out of the water. If a boat is in the yard, it’s likely the owners have moved on to something else if it isn’t being worked on. At some places the out of the water storage is cheaper, but at some it’s not a lot cheaper. I would look at the registration tabs. If they are 2-3 years old, the own is doing something else, or maybe they died and the bills are just being paid automatically.
My wife is a Mountain Girl! Scared of the ocean. Insurance co. wants me to take sailing lessons! Ha! I am retired and have all the experience I need. My Mother in law is turning 91! Margaritaville! Soon I will be sailing. This year!
This is one of the best episodes ever done on this topic. I was fortunate to have someone like Walter as a mentor, and boy did I love listening to his wisdom. I am still in love going through old boatyards.
You have to start somewhere. Take asa courses . I live 4 hours from the ocean but theres lakes nearby! I bought an old Ericson 25 for experience, and it's been a blast. You can also do bareboat in the bvi for example to see if its for you.
If you sit in the right place long enough, you just might see his comings and goings in his convertible Jag on the mean streets of southern Maine... just keep your eyes peeled for the safety orange cap! 😀
More - more with Walter - we all need a Walter in our lives - keep up the great work mate (Ps I Have an international Folk Boat - please tell Walter that my wife and I have great adventures in our little space ship!).
Mr. Shultz is a national treasure. I love all these videos. I’m in Boston with a Mainship Pilot 34. I’d love to take you on a harbor cruise if interested. I recently learned about the Shannon Fast Trawler. My new dream boat!
Thanks to CQ, and Ran-day, and a number of others, (Walter reminds me of an uncle of mine). I recently bit the bullet, got me an 86 25ft MacGregor (on a trailer, with a motor) for a decent price, and I dont have to pay marina/launch/mooring fees... She motors just fine, but I have not been brave enough to put up the mast yet... baby steps, I have a plan to get there! Thanks for giving so many people the courage to get out and face their fears!
that's a great trailerable boat you have... I'm hoping you've taken the next baby step and got the mast up by now? If not, that's okay too... we all need to go at our own pace and just getting out floating on the water is good for the soul. cheers to your new adventures!
@@melinda5777 he's fine, don't worry! If you're in the right place at the right time, you can see him tooling around southern Maine with his fluorescent cap in his convertible Jag! 😉
What a great guy! He seems like a really fun dude to hang out with. I love northerners like him… You always know where you stand with them. No BS with a guy like that. Great episode!
What a great episode. Everyone should have a Walter in their life. I would have liked to have heard his objections to center cockpits. Maybe Randy can ask him again next time.
We trimmed some details out (he elaborated while we were walking so the audio wasn’t ideal) and put some of it on patreon. in essence he said anything under 45’ tends to have a very wet cockpit… once you get up above 45 it tends to be much more comfortable… hope this helps 👍
its Funny walter is right time flys i know been married 31 years Wife passed Away Last january 2022 my lawyer asked me what are you going to do what are youre interest i Said before i married her i liked to sail he Said there you go She is gone now Go Sailing well here i Am looking and learning just like i did back in the 80s after taking lessons in boston
Great advice. I'm right now, on my best mistake. I ordered a big cat, but in the meantime wanted a boat I could practice on. I found a great boat, extremely well equipped, but over the budget I'd planned on spending. I convinced myself I wouldn't loose all that much selling it... Well the market changed, I didn't want to spend everything I had on the cat... it's a terrific boat. Walter's spot on: don't wait. And yeah, I probably watch a bit too much RU-vid, but as a resource it's remarkable. I just cleaned up my rope to anchor splice. It was a mess, wrong rope, monster splice - wouldn't pass through the gypsy, and it was only 30 feet long. (A dockline mis-purposed). My thought seeing it? This was done before RU-vid. Whoever did that didn't have the resource. Using YoutTube I fixed it. Okay, got to go do some sailing.
Great episode! I was elated to see Walter head to the green hull (DAPHNE) with the 'varnished trunk'. She is an Alden Challenger (Alden's first glass hull and deck), and Walter was right at first glance; "Everything you need is there to sail away". He was also right that boats will find you. A 1961 Alden Challenger found me 25 years ago, here on the coast of Maine. Sure, it's a tricky boat and not for the unskilled DIY owner, half fiberglass, half wood (and a bomb proof bolt-on lead keel), but I still love sailing the boat. I hope a proper owner for DAPHNE comes along and saves it. She will be so worth it, I know. Thanks!
Imagine sitting at an outdoor bar overlooking a bay full of boats talking to Walter having a few beers. Perfect, thanks Walter and Randy. I bought my Seafarer 26 after watching Captain Q and Randy, will be cruising the great lakes and beyond I hope. Don't wait.
This is a refreshing perspective. . . . I am reminded of a Voltaire quote: "Don't let the quest for perfect be the enemy of good." That is, if the perfect boat is unobtainable -- is going to keep you off the water -- buy the good boat and enjoy it.
Wow, that was incredible. Thanks for that Randay. Walter is a legend and sadly a dying breed. I also identify as a boat yard scrounger and have found many great deals. Yes, boatyard fees are outrageous. Many will upcharge and take advantage if you let them but there are still deals to be had and it is accessible to you if you want it bad enough.
Great episode, I agree with Walter I’ve read so many comments from armchair captains that never get out on the water, it’s sad. I’d add, start with something totally affordable but start you can always find a PB later after you’ve had a hand on your starter boat.
Randy, thanks for what you do for this site. I always want to see the Captain, but these video's are fantastic! I didn't know that Walter was in the motivation business? I'm signing up for his audio book:) I have learned so much from this channel.
