Background: I'm happily married, 59, retired; wife will retire in less than a year at age 55. We live in a waterfront condo the value of which has tripled beyond the outstanding mortgage. We own, free and clear, a medium sized sailboat built by an American yacht builder which is considered by many to be the best. The boat, as equipped for cruising, is valued in excess of $300,000. I mention this only because I want you to know that it is not just a scummy little oilburner and you'll see the why of that later. We have lived in the condo for about 12 years and we have been in boating for the 20 years we've been married.<P>Our Conflict: I do not like living in a condo. It served its purpose when we were in the workforce but now that very shortly we both will be retired I want to move on. I have suggested to my wife that we sell the condo (we have standing offers) and most of the furnishings, store that which we can't replace later, invest the proceeds in safe securities and move aboard the boat and cruise it for a trial period of one year. The boat, as I said before, is fully equipped for comfortable and extremely safe cruising (if there is such a thing). It is not a megayacht but it does have all the creature comforts to help keep one relatively happy and our retirement income is certainly sufficient so we could stay at nice marinas most of the time and do as much sightseeing, touring etc. as we desire and not touch any of our investments. After a year either of us could, for any reason, end the cruise, no questions asked and we would then sell the boat and move back on shore. The money we invested should have grown a little and that plus the money from the sale of the boat would certainly buy a nice enough home and furnish it for most folks.<P>She has indicated that she doesn't really want to be a full-time liveaboard and I can understand that. It does take a "special" attitude to do so for it isn't an easy life but it does have its rewards. She says that she would rather give up boating and move into a house. I said that I could do that since my interests are varied and I would have no trouble getting into several of a multitude of hobbies and projects that I had to forego because of the time and money boating had required.<P>Here is the problem: because of family and friends, she wants to stay in the area where we now live. The only houses that are available around here are houses located in neighborhood type settings. That, to me, is just an extension of condo living. I have told her that if I have to live in a house full-time then I would rather have at least 10 acres but probably more like 100; there is nothing around here like that. Also I would like to move to a location midway between both of our families (I now have to drive 500 miles one-way to visit my family) and that would make it easier for us to visit my family although it would then be harder than it is at present for us to visit her family. Owning a boat plus a house is not an option since the maintenance on both would overwhelm just the two of us. I could write a book on that subject from what I've learned just trying to keep up with a condo and a boat. Short of buying two houses, one in the city for her and one in the country for me, can anyone offer a viable solution to this perplexing problem?

okay this is just a thought.......keep both the boat and the condo.....just like you have now....<P>boat a portion of the year.....the amount to be agreed upon in a mutual aggreement.....rent out the condo during the time you are away.....of course this would require putting up valuables and making other preparations.........put enough into the price of the rent to hire a full time grounds keeper.....( I thought condos already had those, but anyway)......enjoy your retirement.....visit friends,,,family.....you don't have to spend all your time on the boat.....rent out the condo while you are flying to Australia....taking an Alaskan cruise....whatever.....you may even find a retired couple who wants to live in your area....but not all year..who knows???<P>hope this helps......

Thanks Stilldreamin,<P>Some of your suggestions are being considered. You are correct in that we do have all of the "commonly owned elements" of the condo profressionally maintained and paid for by a monthly fee to the association. I meant only the day-to-day upkeep of the individual's unit as well as typical boat maintainence is somewhat time consumming. I can't imagine adding yard and house work to an already busy schedule. That's why owning a house and the boat was not a solution. Looks like I'll have to bite the bullet, keep both and, as you suggest, kick back and enjoy retirement. We probably won't rent the condo since I don't have the disposition to be a landlord but I do like your idea of visiting friends and family and spliting the time cruising (which I want) with time in the condo (which she wants). Guess its like they say in boating: "Attitude - the difference between an ordeal and adventure" and perhaps my attitude needs a little adjusting. Thanks again for your input.

your welcome.....have fun!!