Is it time?

S

Sea Angel

New member
As an older guy,72, I seem to be starting to fall apart faster than expected.

My question seems to be at what point is it best to sell my 2005 CD-25, SEA ANGEL? The engines have just been serviced and ready for the year(467hrs ea.)

In the past 3 months I find myself now climbing stairs one at a time, slowly.
I'm now using a cane and have added a 'handi' pass for the car.

I'm told from a MRI that there is spinal stenosis of the lumbar region (lower back) that is affecting my legs. It won't get better.

I think I read there were other C-Brats with a similar issue. How safe and comfortable do you find operating you CDs? Are there any adjustments that you had to make?

Any thoughts would greatly appreciated.

Art
 
Art,
That is a very personal decision. I also have spinal stenosis (as well as other back problems)--and have had two spine surgeries. I am limited to 20 lbs weight lifting. My wife does what heavy lifting needs to be done--but I am considering putting a Garhauer davit on the 22 to get things aboard this next year. We also avoid rough water in the 22, and limit our exposure to rough water in the 18 foot catamaran (which has a much better ride than the CD 22). I am pushing 78, with major coronary artery disease and I try to avoid stairs if possible.

My closest friend (83 years old) has just had bilateral laminectomies; L3,L4 & L5 for spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis and disc disease. He is thinking of giving up his 34 foot boat…

I think by having help either by family, friends or hiring folks to do work, you can continue to boat, but with limitations. We do use a ladder to get in the boat, and try and limit the number of times we climb into and out of the boat each day. I am considering a higher capacity trailer, so I don't have to transfer weight to the truck from the boat when trailering. I also consider making our loads on the boat lighter. You can also make accommodation in where you dock, on where you have to walk to when docked, and when you boat.

Only you can decide if it is time to sell the boat. I thought that time had come when I had my second bypass 3 1/2 years ago. But after selling the Tom Cat I found that I really still wanted to have a C Dory, and got the current 22. (My wife reminds me what a dumb decision it was to sell the Tom Cat almost daily)….but it was time for the bigger boat….

We all wish you good luck!
 
Hey Art-I'm soon to be 78 and have all the stuff you outline. My wife also has her share of aches and pains, but together we find we can still handle our 16 quite easily. It may not be a 22 or a 25, but it goes to many of the same places on the same water. On the other hand, if any size boat makes you feel that it is a chore to have around, sell it and do what you want to with the money. We do take a big ship cruise every other year. It's kind of fun to be surrounded by other 70 year olds (and their parents).
 
Sea Angel said:
As an older guy,72, I seem to be starting to fall apart faster than expected.

Art,
Don't mean to sound like a smart az but I'm 62 starting to develope some of the problems you & Bob mention. In a way I'm somewhat envious. IE I'm pretty sure you fellows have used Medicare for most of your surgeries/Doctors etc. With this and if remains intact, I would recommend that you keep your boat. Get rid of your stairs but keep your boat at least as long as you can still see. Hopefully you live on the water and don't have to trailer your boat. If this is the case you can sit there and at least look at it and have fond memories if the ole spine gives out completely.
My boat is currently 1150 miles away from me sitting on a lift in Va. I get to see it about 6 weeks a year. Forced into early retirement due to medical conditions which has left me blind in 1 eye and nerve damage in both feet. Wife can't retire yet as health insurance alone is 10K per year and this affords us the benefit/privilege of self insuring ourselves should something else come up. In my free time I worry that medicare will be bankrupt thanks to Medicaid, when my time finally rolls around. I can probably do my own back surgery by then though as it will most likely consist of a 2X6 and duct tape.
Moral of the story, keep your boat, live for today.
Click to expand...
 
Bob,
Thanks for the encouragement. I did meet with the neurosurgeon and, like yourself, I too have heart disease. He does not recommend that I have the surgery.

I have to smile a little for when I started to carry my cane - I had a lot of people opening doors for me. This is something new, to be 'served'.

Maybe the best part of all this is the wake-up call to stop and rest when I get tired and not overdue the effort. I was reminded of this while I removed one antenna [Eagle One] and installed a replacement [HUSTLER, 6BTV] in the back yard this past week. The bending over to install radials will take a little longer than planned (9 in so far), though I did find a neat weed puller tool with an extension handle to help.

You are so right about planning the work and being smarter at how it is done. I'm a grouch if I don't have some project to keep my mind and body busy, especially to help serve others, as my wife can attest.

Art
 
Art,
I'm here for you most anytime that you want a boating partner on SEA ANGEL. Though I have my own fleet and love to use them daily, I will share my time with you when you want someone to get underway with.
Your friend,
Steve Baum
 
My, my, 'Free Money', I am so blessed with what we have had and have now. I can't forget the support of my wife, friends and adopted families here.

Since my purchase of Sea Angel, it has been kept abt 13 miles from my home in dry storage. I just call ahead during the week and it is placed on a work rack or in the water for me with one of their many forklift trucks.

I did wisely invest 23yrs in the USN, followed by 25yrs with an ABC TV station locally. Moving cables, equipment and 128#+ VCRs around for those 25 yrs did take a toll on the back, but that was the job as an engineer. The old, 'you call - we haul; you break - we fix' job kept me very busy; especially during storms and 'special events'.

I guess my sincere concern for safety on the boat may have created a shortcoming to my confidence. I don't ever remember being 'cocky' on the water; just VERY RESPECTFUL. We finished in November with 25yrs in the USCGAUX and with all the experiences maybe I shouldn't dry-dock my self too soon.

Art
 
I think we're all fortunate to be breathing in and out on a regular basis. I turned 78 last fall and I don't want to give up boating. So, I try to plan the easiest way to do everything, from getting the boat to the water, launching it and then hauling it out and parking it at home. Certainly it's harder now than when we got Journey On in 2005.

The doc used the "stenosis" word a couple of years ago and I certainly can't move as fast as I could, whenever that was. But I find that if I do keep moving, things go better. So walking, trying to do things that stress my bod seem to help. And taking naps, i rest a lot.

Having the boat in the water when you get there sounds like a great idea. I find that launching the boat it the hardest part, especially when there's no dock next to the launch. So keep moving as long as you can. Bob has a lot of good suggestions and I think it's important to not give up.

Almost have one of the bikes running, just put on the chain and gas tank. I'm not certain what I'm going to do with it after it's running, but I'll try riding it. We'll see how that works.

Boris
 
Art,
My friend's step dad was injured in a jeep after hitting land mine in WW11 and was paralyzed from the waist down. He stayed as active as he could. He was a successful insurance agent until his retirement. He lived on a canal on Osborne Island New Jersey had a boat and rigged up a lift arrangement that he could have someone hook a cable to his wheel chair and lowered himself into his boat with an electric winch arrangement. His boat had a floor that was level through out. Once in the boat he a had a lock for his wheel chair so he remained in a fixed position while driving boat. He loved that boat and he loved to fish.
If you love your boat my vote is to stay active with it as long as you can like Jack. My father in law is 87 and always says move it or lose it. Meaning if you get sedentary you will more likely stay that way and wither away sooner. Fight the good fight and do what you love as long as you can.
D.D.
 
Sea Angel":geoauy1f said:
Bob,


I have to smile a little for when I started to carry my cane - I had a lot of people opening doors for me. This is something new, to be 'served'.

Maybe the best part of all this is the wake-up call to stop and rest when I get tired and not overdue the effort.

Art
Click to expand...

That is so true! Like the guy in the ad who says "I do love sauce", I do love my canes. The simple bent wood one gets me around the yard, The sturdy adjustable brown metal one from the VA carrys me on my long daily walk, and the wonderful black folding one from Harbor Freight accompanys my every car trip. Runners in spandex turn and smile as they blow past me, kids on the schoolbus wave, and matronly ladies offer to carry my one small bag of groceries. As for 'stopping and resting" it's not just a cliche. And you know what? No matter how long it takes, it all gets done.
 
When age and health problems become a concern with boating,
I'd say get out when it hurts, when it's no longer fun, when you
worry too much about it, when you discover you don't know where
you are or where you're going or when you can't take your boat out
and return it by yourself without assistance.

Aye.
 
There are many ways to enjoy our boats when we get infirm, for example, if you have not already done so, have you thought about getting a wet slip in a marina? Let the marina do all the work for you. Make sure that the marina has wide and stable concrete docks. Install a high quality, multi-step ladder with handrails to facilitate boat entries and exits. Use your boat as a vacation home at the shore, and venture out only when you want to. With all of us, there will be a time when physical limitations prevents us from doing the things we could do when we were young, but if we are willing to make changes to our normal routine, perhaps we can go a little longer before we come to the inevitable conclusion that we have to stop.

Rich
 
I go along with 'do what you do' or even 'keep doing as you want as long as
you can' up to a point. That point is when your 'doing' interferes with what
someone else is doing; you, becoming an unwanted burden or problem to
another.***

Often that point is not clear; like when to stop driving a motorcycle or an
automobile, flying a plane or being at the helm of a boat.

Being mindful of it all is the first step. And then being responsible
for what you do, or don't do, using common sense and good judgement,
is about the best you can do (not having a crystal ball).

Aye.

***"You go ahead and do whatever d**n thing you want. Just don't
interfere, bother or injure me or mine."
 
Foggy":sfgswm58 said:
I go along with 'do what you do' or even 'keep doing as you want as long as
you can' up to a point. That point is when your 'doing' interferes with what
someone else is doing; you, becoming an unwanted burden or problem to
another.***

Often that point is not clear; like when to stop driving a motorcycle or an
automobile, flying a plane or being at the helm of a boat.

Being mindful of it all is the first step. And then being responsible
for what you do, or don't do, using common sense and good judgement,
is about the best you can do (not having a crystal ball).

Aye.

***"You go ahead and do whatever d**n thing you want. Just don't
interfere, bother or injure me or mine."
Click to expand...

You'll get there soon enough -- old age, and believe me, it comes quicker than you think. Also, 72 years old is not old. In fact, my mother is 84 years old, and she is still working as a medical secretary. I recently met a man who had owned a Honda Dealership, was a Marine, and whose life-long passion was riding motorcycles. He rode them across the country and had been to Alaska and Canada many times. Due to a back injury, he had been unable to enjoy this passion. Now in his seventies, he is reconsidering taking up his sport again, but with a Trike that he would fit with a special suspension. Why not? Further, this man was as sharp as anyone I've met at any age. As for the rest of what you said, it is of course true, but how does anyone know (at any age) when they should quit? You can't put an age limit on things, because everyone ages differently. I think that is where family and friends come into play.

Rich
 
C-Nile":2gr48wmy said:
Foggy":2gr48wmy said:
I go along with 'do what you do' or even 'keep doing as you want as long as
you can' up to a point. That point is when your 'doing' interferes with what
someone else is doing; you, becoming an unwanted burden or problem to
another.***

Often that point is not clear; like when to stop driving a motorcycle or an
automobile, flying a plane or being at the helm of a boat.

Being mindful of it all is the first step. And then being responsible
for what you do, or don't do, using common sense and good judgement,
is about the best you can do (not having a crystal ball).

Aye.

***"You go ahead and do whatever d**n thing you want. Just don't
interfere, bother or injure me or mine."
Click to expand...

SNIP As for the rest of what you said, it is of course true, but how does anyone know (at any age) when they should quit? You can't put an age limit on things, because everyone ages differently. I think that is where family and friends come into play.

Rich
Click to expand...

Rich, I did not put an age limit on things.
I answered "how does anyone know" in my
last 2 paragraphs the best I could on a first
go around. Did you miss them?

Aye.
 
Art, don't give up the ship Navy - if you enjoy it keep it - if a little pain launching is all made worthwhile and forgotten once you are under way - keep it. Years ago I worked with handicapped kids some who had very little self esteem yet when they were put on the back of a horse they rode it like a king. I also played hockey once with the NHL Oldtimers - one player(Dean Prentice) could barely walk but put him on skates and he was a rocket. I guess what I am saying is when the joy of the trip is overcome by the pain of the preparations then maybe,,,,,,

I watch the Power Boat TV show - don't know if it was the same guy DD mentioned but they did a episode on a guy in a wheel chair that refused to give up his passion. Had his boat equipped with a lift and the marina accommodated him with a berth that he could wheel to. Inspirational!

Rich gives a good option if you can wet slip the boat - you may miss exploring - trailering to different places but,,,,,

Downsizing to a easier to handle boat may be a option or if you need the money out of the larger boat.

My wife's uncle is 82 this year and for the last 40 years has been a member of the "Wandering Canadians". He has pulled his 26' travel trailer from coast to coast across Canada and the US. He says when his 1975 Buick gives up the ghost he will quit. Camping has been his passion and kept him young.

Her grandfather was a carpenter and continued to make furniture in his shop well past his 90th year.

Both these men and others(inc. Cbrats) have been an inspiration for me and remind me that you have to keep moving or seize up!

I have a few "toys" but I already told the wife that the boat will be the last to go!! The day they pry the keys from my hand will be a sad day!

Best wishes to you Art.

Regards, Rob
 
Foggy":d8utsvlb said:
C-Nile":d8utsvlb said:
Foggy":d8utsvlb said:
I go along with 'do what you do' or even 'keep doing as you want as long as
you can' up to a point. That point is when your 'doing' interferes with what
someone else is doing; you, becoming an unwanted burden or problem to
another.***

Often that point is not clear; like when to stop driving a motorcycle or an
automobile, flying a plane or being at the helm of a boat.

Being mindful of it all is the first step. And then being responsible
for what you do, or don't do, using common sense and good judgement,
is about the best you can do (not having a crystal ball).

Aye.

***"You go ahead and do whatever d**n thing you want. Just don't
interfere, bother or injure me or mine."
Click to expand...

SNIP As for the rest of what you said, it is of course true, but how does anyone know (at any age) when they should quit? You can't put an age limit on things, because everyone ages differently. I think that is where family and friends come into play.

Rich
Click to expand...

Rich, I did not put an age limit on things.
I answered "how does anyone know" in my
last 2 paragraphs the best I could on a first
go around. Did you miss them?

Aye.
Click to expand...

Actually, when I parse through all your concerns regarding someone who is aged or infirm (by implication and in the context of this thread) who may impact you or someone else due to their lack of reasoning, common sense, and good judgement (also by implication,) you are correct in that you did say that in a round about way. However, addressing your concerns -- frankly, I would be more concerned about younger people who are reckless or drunken than someone who is infirm or aged.

Rich
 
Rich - talking about reckless - there's a guy at Turkey Point(Lake Erie) that rents seadoo's to anybody and everybody. If you don't have your licence he gives you a couple minutes instruction on the operation of the seadoo, he gives you a temporary licence, you sign a rental agreement and away you go. I believe the Turkey Point marina is the biggest fresh water marina in North America. There are hundreds of boats go in and out every day. These kids are a serious hazard to boaters. They can go over 50mph and never on a straight course - they dart back and forth jumping boat wakes and never a concern for safety - no knowledge or concern for the rules of the "road". I had one swerve directly across my bow a few years ago - if I had been going faster,,,,

Art - another option I thought about is something some of the older members in our Power/Sail Squadron have done. A sort of mentoring program. You take a younger person who seriously wants to learn " the ways of the sea" and you teach them in exchange for their help with the boat. Sort of like the karate kid - wax on - wax off 8) . Sometimes retirees on a fixed income have to trade and barter - your knowledge and experience on the water is a valuable asset - don't underestimate its value.

Like they teach you in the army we all need a "fall back position" as we get older. It may not be our preferred position but - as long as that position is in the blue on a chart - its all good :D

Regards, Rob
 
WOW,
So many encouraging comments and experiences. :thup What a follow up to my experience last Sunday when after I was prayed over, the pain in my back was gone. I can now walk up and down my stairs without much difficulty, though I do need to strengthen the legs after so long a period of weakness. It will be interesting to hear what my doc says after my 'annual' on Thursday.

WAY back in my youth I decided that I would set a plan for a fruitful retirement; not of money, but of purpose.

I set my main interest for my purposes in photography, electronics, teaching and boating. There has been seasons for each but they are still active. I took the love of the first 3 items and made a career out of them for over 55 yrs.. Yes, there is an overlap of each and the love still remains.

If my physical world shrinks to this keyboard & ham station I can still see the world through the eyes of those on the other end the comm., just as the pictures displayed in our albums show areas where I will never venture. There are the joys and connections that we are experiencing here with this simple thread's question.

Again, thanks for all you encouraging words. So; to the boat I will go, flush the antifreeze from the tanks and charge the batteries.

Art
 
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