I echo what John says. We were one of those families in the early 80's who went cruising was the market and housing market was tanking. It was an excellent decision. We lived on less than $1000 a month while cruising half of the world (and back)--Some things were different, including the strength of the dollar. But we were able to get back into real esate for about what we had gotten out 4 years previously. We also retired and went cruising for another 4 years in the early 90's--same what the same story. We feel that down turns and recessionary times are excellent opportunities to take that trip you dream of. I'll add in on the covering the boat. We have kept boats in northern climes only a few years, but we built a frame, and used the heavy silver poly tarps, with ropes crossed under the tarps and then over them, plus lacing them tightly. This kept snow off of the decks--and avoided moisture sitting on decks and the damage which is caused by expansion and contraction of ice. I bought a boat 18 months ago, which had not been covered (I knew the problems)--and I had to replace some of the deck because of these moisture and ice problems. Bob Austin