@9:55, that’s what boating is all about.

Thanks so much Michael.....very informative....as always.

Thanks for all your honest answers, can’t wait to see all the projects upcoming….

Great question and answer video.
..hope you include deck shoes on this adventure. 😋

Really enjoy watching your adventures. Excellent job on answering questions about your experiences. Wishing you all the best with your new boat. Cheers from Saskatchewan Canada 🇨🇦

As the ex owner of a Swift Trawler 34 in south Florida, i hardly used the flybridge. Steering from the lower helm we always had AC on plus it made me feel i was in control of a bigger boat. Now i miss the flybridge!

Great content, glad to see another video!

Thanks for all the great info!

Good information! Looking forward to seeing the next videos of the projects!

Great commentary, thanks for the insights.

I'm with you on the need to feel the wind, see the water and smell the salt air when it comes to cruising. Without that you might as well be driving a car.  Keep up the good work.

Great vid.

It's not just the river currents you fight going clockwise, but also sometimes the gulfstream.

Regarding your preference for the fly bridge I can relate. Way back in the day I had a 29 ft Contessa with a "Command Bridge" as they called it.  It was so much better being top side!  God's Speed on all your preps.  Thanks for sharing!

Too bad the Ranger didn’t work out, I liked that boat and it looked like it could get under most of the bridges along the Illinois Waterway.  But it appeared to be a challenge to steer in the wind in tight spaces.  Looked like it bounced in open water.  I saw on Targa trawlers they had thruster controls right next to the walkways that looked like they might be a big help for solo.  Ranger should look into that for their 29 and 31 if they haven’t already.  Congrats on finding another 391.

Intriguing, you used to race boats!

It looked like you didn't get to the Thousand Islands area on your first loop.  Images and videos of that area look amazing!

I appreciate the detailed explanation of why you don't want to have a lower helm.  I do worry for you running down that flight of stairs from the bridge numerous times a day!  Maybe consider adding some large non-skid treads to the stairs from the bridge?  Also have non-skid tread spares for when the grip gets worn off?  The Meridian 390 has such a great interior and overall layout.  I appreciate you pointing out that the design prioritizes interior space.  It was very helpful to see your demonstration that you can get around well on the narrower exterior walkways but that it could be less accommodating for other body types.  It was helpful too that you showed comparison photos of different styles and layouts of other boats.  The engine room space and access is surprisingly decent on the Meridian 390 (engine room not shown on this video).

The Meridian 390 has the main state room in the bow.  Some people fear sleeping in a boat's bow area due to other boat designs that have hard chines on the hull.  The hard chines cause loud water slapping sounds that can make sleeping in the bow area impossible.  The Meridians do not have the hard chines so the bow area is quiet for sleeping with only a faint soothing water sound from the hull depending on the water conditions.

My favorite part of the video was when you explained how you feel when you are out on the water on a boat.  You explained experiencing a deep soothing calm.  I enjoy a similar effect when I am out on the water.

One of my favorite additions to a boat is cameras.
1. A pair of rear facing cameras mounted out to the side to show the proximity and clearance to docks when backing in to slips.
2. An anchor camera showing the angle of the anchor lead and it also shows if the anchor is coming up in need of the boat being run in reverse to wash it off.
3. A night vision camera pointing foward to add safety when arriving after dark or leaving before sunrise.
4. An engine room camera can add peace of mind.

My wife would love to see you wear your PFD more.  You are an expert level swimmer, but if you slip and hit your head on the way to falling in the water a person can temporarily lose the ability to swim.  Landing in cool water can also cause a strong healthy swimmer to lose the ability to swim in less time than it would take to swim to the stern.  Stay safe and keep living the dream my friend!

Slip is very important especially in Florida

Did it rain frozen iguanas in your area the other day? 🦎

have you thought of going over to Montreal up the Ottawa river and down the Rideau canal to Trent Severn canal? just a optional route

Hi there.  Love the Channel.  On the CG or state title.   In NJ you pay yearly for the Registration.   So it costs over the long run.  CG. You pay one time.   And you pay taxes either way.