Acquisition

Leveraging What You Have Learned to Acquire the Right Vessel

Xwin

Package

$599   [eBook, Tools, Bluewater Briefings, Captain's Minutes]

This combined offering brings together the essential resources every aspiring cruiser needs to make the leap from land to sea. Built on the foundation of NAVOPLAN, it blends expert guidance, proven tools, and hands-on learning to help you choose the right vessel, prepare your crew, and move confidently toward your first voyage.

What's Included

Bluewater Living Volume II: A Practical Guide for Leaving Land Behind

Written by experienced cruiser Dwain Craddock, this book is your roadmap for transitioning to life at sea. From planning and outfitting to financial management and mental readiness, it provides practical, step-by-step insight for preparing your vessel and your life for bluewater adventures.

Captain's Minutes (5 Hours 1-on-1 Consultation)

One-on-one consulting sessions with seasoned mariners. Get tailored answers to your most important questions—whether about vessel selection, systems planning, or personal preparation.

Decision Making Tools

Interactive online tools inside NAVOPLAN guide you through the process of evaluating and comparing vessels. Match your cruising goals, skills, and budget with the right boat, avoiding costly mistakes.

Bluewater Briefs for Dreamers

A growing library of over 150 quick-read guides covering every stage of boat ownership and usage. From anchoring tips to electrical systems, these briefings provide reliable answers when you need them most.

Buy Now

Bluewater Living: A Practical Plan for Leaving Land Behind


Table of Contents

  1. Getting Started
    1. Exploration
    2. Transformation
    3. Acquisition
    4. Coastal Passages
    5. Achieving Safer Passages
    6. Common Nautical Terms
  2. EXPLORATION
    1. A Leap of Fatith: Making a Decision For Sea Over Shore
      1. Personal Motivation
      2. Adaptablity and Skills
      3. Financial Motivation
      4. Family and Social Life
      5. Challenges and Problem Solving
      6. Professional Development
      7. Health and Well Being
      8. Satisfaction and Fullfillment
      9. Vessel Suitability and Modifications
      10. Legal and Compliance
      11. Financial Considerations
      12. Safety and Emergency Preparedness
      13. Skills and Knowledge
      14. Psycological and Social Aspects
      15. Long-Term Considerations
      16. Go/No-Go
  3. Navigating Numbers: A Practical Side of Ocean Living
    1. Budget Assessment for Marine Yacht Ownership
    2. Understanding Your Current Financial Landscape
    3. Projecting Yacht Ownership Costs
    4. Tools and Resources for Effective Budgeting
    5. Breakdown of Yacht Purchase and Operational Costs
    6. Strategies to Manage and Reduce Costs
  4. Tax Implications for Long-Term Cruisers
    1. Overview of Tax Implications for Long-Term Cruising
      1. Tax Residency Considerations
      2. Income Tax Implications
      3. Sales Tax and Use Tax
      4. Taxation in Different Jurisdications
      5. Reporting Requirements
      6. Tax Residency Questionnaire for Living Abroad
      7. Taxes in North America, Central America, The Bahamas, and the Caribbean
    2. Pre-Purchase Insurance and Risk Management
      1. Insurance Types for Bluewater Vessels
      2. Additional Tips for Bluewater Vessels
      3. Financial and Cost-Benefit Analysis
      4. Evaluate Risk Tolerance and Reward
      5. Consider the Insurance Provider's Reputation
      6. Policy Decision Framework
      7. Understand the Risk Profile of the Vessel Operations
      8. Health Insurance (ensuring coverage abroad)
    3. Emergency Funds: Importance and Management
      1. Purpose of Emergency Fund
      2. Establishingand Emergency Fund
      3. Accessable Accounts
      4. Combining Insurance and Emergency Funds
    4. Medical Attention in North, Central America, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean
      1. General Considerations
      2. United States
      3. Canada
      4. Mexico
      5. Central America
      6. The Bahamas
      7. The Caribbean
      8. Key Considerations Across All Regions
      9. Recommendations for Cruisers
  5. Facing Your Fears: Navigating the Sea with Confidence
    1. Understanding Common Fears
      1. Fear of the Unknown
      2. Fear for Severe Weather
      3. Fear of Mechanical Failures
      4. Fear of Navigational Errors
      5. Fear of Personal Safety
    2. Cultivating a Confident Mindset
      1. Focus on What You Can Control
      2. Visualize Success
      3. Embrace A Growth Mindset
      4. Take it Step-By-Step
    3. Building Practical Skills
      1. Mastering Seamanship
      2. Enhancing Navigation Skills
      3. Preparing for Emergencies
    4. Overcoming Emotional Challenges
      1. Combatting Loneliness and Isolation
      2. Managing Stress
      3. Buliding Resilience
    5. Learning From Experience
      1. Log Your Journeys
      2. Seek Mentors
      3. Share Your Stories
    6. Harnessing Technology for Confidence
      1. Navigation Technology
      2. Weather Forecasting Tools
      3. Emergency Communication
    7. Setting Yourself Up for Success
      1. Choose the Right Vessel
      2. Prepare Throroughly
      3. Celebrate Small Wins
  6. TRANSFORMATION
    1. Making a Decision
    2. Preparation & Acquisition of Vessel
      1. Sell/Rent Your Home
      2. Purchase the Appropriate Yacht For Your Dreams
      3. secure Financing and Insurance
      4. Prepare for the Transition
      5. Moving Aboard Logistics
      6. Integrate Into the Boating Community
      7. Plan for Continous Learning and Development
    3. Managing Material Posessions for Yacht Owners
      1. Inventory Evaluation - Assessing What You Own
      2. Downsizing - Prioritizing for Yacht Life
      3. Storage Solutions - Managing Excess Belongings
    4. Selling Your Home on Land
      1. Preparation and Listing
      2. Marketing and Sale
      3. Storing Possessions
    5. Building Your New Home on the Sea
      1. Research - Selecting the Ideal Vessel
      2. Inspection - Ensuring Vessel Quality
      3. Sea Trial - Assessing Vessel Performance
      4. Documentation - Legal and Administrative Steps
    6. Budgeting and Expense Management
      1. Financial Planning and Investment
      2. Legal Compliance and Regulations
      3. Financial Insurance Products
      4. Risk Assessment
    7. Developing a Budget for Life at Sea
      1. Crew Expenses
      2. Vessel Expenses
      3. Passage Expenses
      4. Contingency Fund
      5. Estimate Costs and Create a Budget
      6. use Budgeting Tools
      7. Monitor and Adjust the Budget
      8. Adusting for Changing Circumstances
      9. Seek Financial Guidance
      10. Conclusion
    8. Long Term Leasing
      1. Time-Share Agreements
      2. Seaonal Leasing
      3. Tourism and Excursion Services
      4. Ancillary Services
    9. Freelance on Consulting Work at Sea
      1. Understanding Freelance and Consulting Work
      2. Setting Up for Success
      3. Navigating Logistics
      4. Financial Considerations
      5. Challenges and Considerations
      6. Benefits of Freelancing or Consulting at Sea
      7. Steps to Start a Vessel Based Business
    10. Managing Finances Offshore
      1. Banking and Financial Institutions
      2. Currency Management
      3. Financial Apps and Digital Wallets
      4. Tax Considerations
      5. Practical Tips for Offshore Financial Management
  7. Vessel: Power, Water and Motion
    1. A Guide to Naming a Vessel
      1. Historical and Cultural Context
      2. Best Practices for Naming a Vessel
      3. Examples of Popular Vessel Names
      4. Performance a Naming or Renaming Ceremony
      5. Conclusion
    2. Critical Components of Yacht Structural Integrity
      1. Hull and Deck Construction
      2. Bulkheads
      3. Kell and Rudder
      4. Rudder Design and Installation
      5. Stability
      6. Practical Considerations
    3. Safety and Navigation Equpment
      1. Safety Gear
      2. Navigation Tools
      3. General Maintenance and Crew Preparedness
    4. Communication Systems
      1. Core Communication Systems
      2. VHF Radio for Ocean Travel
      3. How to Initiate and Close a VHF Radio Call
      4. Backup Communication Systems
      5. Setting Up Communication Protocols
      6. Maintaining Connectivity During Passage
      7. Social Connectivity andM ental Well-Being
      8. Managing Data Usage and Communication Tools
      9. Conclusion
    5. Marine Radar on a Cruising Yacht
      1. What is Marin Radar
      2. Types of Marine Radar
      3. Radar Range and Resolution
      4. Radar Display and Integration
      5. Integration with AIS
      6. Practical Applications for Cruisers
      7. Limatations of Radar
      8. Installation and Maintenance
      9. Training and Usage Tips
      10. Future Trends in Marine Radar
    6. Marine AIS on a Cruising Yacht
      1. What is AIS?
      2. How AIS works
      3. Types of Systems
      4. Components of AIS Systems
      5. Integration with Other Systems
      6. Limitations of AIS
      7. Installation and Maintenance
      8. Legal and Regulatory Considerations
      9. Tips for Effective Use of AIS
    7. Sailing Performance and Handling
      1. Sail Inventory
      2. Factors to Assess Sail Suitabilty
      3. Ease of Handling
      4. Automation and Assisted Handling
      5. Deck Hardware and Rigging
      6. Sail Handling Ads
      7. Balancing Performance and Comfort
      8. Practical Tips for Long Passages
      9. Estimated Pricing for Sails
      10. Notes
    8. Onboard Comfort and Amenities
      1. Living Quarters
      2. Ventilation and Heating
      3. Marine Air Cooling Options
      4. Heating Systems
      5. Practical Tips for Onboard Comfort
    9. Maintenance and Accessability
      1. Engine and Generator Maintenance
      2. Generators: Maintenance and Inspection
      3. Bilge Pumps and Seacocks
      4. Financial Considerations
      5. Differences Between Sailing Boats and Motor Yachts
    10. Water Management Onboard a Yacht
      1. Shore Supply
      2. Rainwater Collection
      3. Freshwater Generation
      4. Freshwater Storage
      5. Water Conservation
      6. Monitoring Water Usage
      7. Ice Production and Storage
    11. Black Water Management
      1. Composting Toilets
      2. Grey Water Management
      3. Solid Waste Management
      4. Waste Storage and Disposal
      5. Wastewater Treatment Systems
      6. Regulatory Compliance
      7. Health and Safety Considerations
      8. Safety Equipment
      9. Best Practices
    12. Waste Management Best Practices
      1. Solid Waste
      2. Organic Waste (food and biodegradable)
      3. Hazardous Waste
      4. Sewage (Black Water)
      5. Grey Water
      6. Medical Waste
      7. Oil and Oily Waste
      8. Recycling Programs
    13. Vesel Energy and Power Management
      1. Understanding Energy Sources
      2. Power Management Systems
      3. Energy Efficiency Strategies
      4. Planning for Energy Independence
      5. Battery Management and Energy-Efficient Equipment
      6. Fuel Management Onboard a Yacht
    14. DIY Repairs vs. Services in Foreign Countries
      1. Assessing the Need for Repairs
      2. Assessment of Skills and Resources
      3. Advantages of DIY Repairs
      4. Advantages of Professional Services
      5. Consideration When Choosing Between DIY and Professional Services
      6. Cost-Benefit Analysis
      7. Preparing for Repairs
      8. Documenting Repairs
    15. Vessel Maintenance: Route Maintenance and Tasks
      1. NAVOPLAN App
      2. Importance of Routine Maintenance
      3. Key Consideration Areas
      4. Routine Maintenance Schedule
      5. Documentation and Record Keeping
      6. Preparing for Emergencies
      7. Engine Checks
  8. THE CREW EXPERIENCE
    1. Onboard Life
      1. Keeping Entertained and Stimulated During Long Voyages
      2. Physical Activities and Fitness
      3. Engaging with Nature
      4. Mental Health and Safe Care
      5. Fellow Cruisers and Managing Solitude
      6. Establishing a Comfortable Living Environment
    2. >Cooking Aboard Equipment and Energency Efficiency
      1. Cooking Equipment Selection
      2. Energy Efficiency Strategies
      3. Storage and Organization of Cooking Equipment
      4. Preserving Food at Sea
      5. Storing Preserved Foods
      6. Energy Efficiency in Food Preparation
      7. Health and Safety Considerations
  9. PASSAGES: PLANNING FOR SAFE ARRIVAL
    1. Port Procedures and Documentation
    1. NAVOPLAN App
    1. NAVOPLAN App
    1. NAVOPLAN App
    1. NAVOPLAN App

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