We get this question a lot so I will let you all know how it began. A few years ago, Wes wanted to go to the Florida Keys and go fishing on a boat. So, I looked for something that we would both enjoy and finally found Ron and Paul who own Key West Pro Guides as well as Houseboats of Key West. We rented a houseboat and they took us about 5 miles out and left us on our own. We fell absolutely in love with living on the ocean. I must give them credit for getting my sea legs! We have spent a few weeks over the years on the houseboat where they take us out and drop us somewhere off the coast of Key West on the houseboat and say, “See you in a week!” When we got married one of their fishing guides took us fishing- Anthony was awesome and I caught my very first ocean fish– a yellow jack. Wow…good eating there. Here are their links- https://keywestproguides.com/ and https://houseboatsofkeywest.com/faq.cfm. To check them out. Here are some pictures I took from the houseboat while we were in Key West.
We had so much fun out there and we decided to find a boat and become cruisers. I started looking at others who are full time cruisers and what their life is like on the water. There are entire families who cruise the world full time! We had been looking all over the south east for a boat. There are many out there. Then one day Wes saw who we now call ATB, on Lake Lanier and said he was going to go look at her. He looked at her online every day until he met with the seller. Now I was not to sure about her because she was a mess, but I had faith that Wes could get her up and running with no problem.
So, we could have bought a brand-new boat that would have cost the same as a house or bought a boat that was in somewhat good condition, but he found a diamond in the ruff. We have no plans since the boat is no longer being made but we have had lots of feedback from others who have this type of boat. We look at pictures and I just happen to find some electrical wiring diagrams for a similar boat that will be useful later. By looking at her, I can not believe that she has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a kitchen but she does, and it is a bit tight. The houseboat is a lot smaller and we managed well on that. Wes said the other day that at least he will know her inside and out! Which will be good, especially when we are out in open water.
So, that is how we got started with the boat!