Leap of Faith: Quit Your Job and Live on a Boat

This book was a blast to read. I may have been all alone but I laughed out loud several times! I had to read Chapter 20 twice just to soak it all in. Honestly, I was disappointed when the book ended. But aside from being a fun-filled humorous adventure, it is also a thoroughly thought-provoking, self-searching and informative book. Robinson doesn't preach or try to persuade you to his way of thinking, but ... you just do. Downsizing and living with an ultra small footprint has been a dream for me for years but I've been so caught up in the hamster wheel I never thought it a real possibility. Living on a boat has always been a romantic notion but I never thought I could make it a reality. In this book, Robinson explains where he and his wife, Kim, were to begin with, what motivated them to make a change, how they took their "leap of faith," how much money they had and how they bought the boat totally debt free. The book is definitely loaded with fun romps through the Florida Keys but after reading this book, I realized the fat lady has not sung yet. I just might be able to do something like this. Never let go of your dream!!! Whatever your dream is, you'll find useful advice on how to reach it in this book. I sure did.

This short book is a fun read about creating a lifestyle that seems unattainable for the majority of us. The scenarios about living this life are inspiring, and the plan to get there is solid....but there is no real meat and step by step direction to this plan. Just sell everything and say goodbye to your family and friends....but then what? The book touches upon how much money someone might need every year to maintain this lifestyle, but there is no discussion on how to achieve that income. Perhaps to supplement our cashflow, we are to mimic the author and write a book about it also! Please don't get me wrong, I am not bashing or criticizing the work the author has done here. I very much enjoyed this book and the way it is written. I especially enjoyed the development of the author's relationship with his wife and the many characters that the meet and become friends with along the way. I guess what I am saying is that readers shouldn't look at this as a manual or plan that will guide you to total freedom and a life on the ocean.

I'm glad I took the small Leap of Faith to order and read this book. From the description, I expected a good enjoyable read. I figured it would give me something new to fantasize about when dreaming about retiring one day. I was pleased to find out that I also received a healthy dose of encouragement, sealed with a big old KISS. That is a Keep It Simple Stupid, without making me feel stupid. I found the story of Ed and Kim to be fascinating and hard to put down. I could totally relate to drudgery of the daily grind that led them to follow their dream. While I felt that connection, actually taking the leap just seemed out of my capabilities. The author showed me though that it could be my reality. Almost more importantly , I can now see a path to so many other dreams that could come true. What previously seemed unobtainable now appears as simply a choice. I don't know that I could or want to live aboard a boat but I can now see how making the changes to my current lifestyle of consumption and always catching up, I can take my own leap of faith one day, no matter what direction I jump. And now I know that I can make that day come sooner than I previously did. I hope he writes a follow up. Now I am off to explore some of the music that inspired the author... Thanks!!!!

This book is supposed to be an inspiration to give up the rat race and live a live of leisure on a boat in Florida. Apparently the writer has done just that and he describes how. The trouble is he comes off like a lazy beach bum (not necessarily a bad thing) but it shows in his writing. And his boating. He lives on a trawler, (not a sailboat) and the only trip he’s ever made is once down to the Keys from Punta Gorda in the 30 months of his new lifestyle that he writes about. As if this short cruise of just a couple hundred miles, not even leaving the state, in a power boat, was some epic journey. His laziness also shows in his writing. The fact is this is essentially a 30 page book that keeps repeating itself on how great life is giving everything up, moving on a boat, spending your days sitting on the beach or fishing, and drinking beer watching sunsets. That, and throwing in some inspirational quotes from others to fill a hundred plus pages is basically the essence of this book. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking the lifestyle and I’ll hand it to the writer for making the leap of faith but I feel a bit taken by helping to support his lazy writing by buying this book.

I imagine it would be hard for anyone with a free spirit to read this work and not feel the oppressive weight that is the slow slog of grinding your way to the grave beneath the grey skies of industry, selling your irredeemable days for currency and accumulating trinkets that won't be accompanying your cold, moldering corpse into the dank, dark earth. All that which I just wrote, well, that's how your life may appear to you after you read this book - like a three day old, hard, tasteless bowl of gruel slowly choking you to death. The read may ignite a compelling need in you to escape to paradise, to a life in which you can't wait to 'Leap' out of the berth in the morning and greet the bright sunrise with a hot cup of coffee in your grip and a grin on your face - to days that end with you saying goodnight to stunning sunsets gleaming off the watery horizon in symphonies of golds, oranges, and reds. 'Leap of Faith: Quit Your Job and Live on a Boat' offers an inspiring glimpse into an alternative to the gloom - a peek into warm sunshine, blue skies, and aquamarine seas that could be yours if you have the courage - a little discipline - and a willingness to let go of impractically practical lifestyles that generate a great deal more misery than they do joy. It's a fast read, and yes ole Ed can pour it on a little thick in getting you to feel his passion for the life, but wouldn't you rather a writer really give a damn about you joining him in heaven? You won't help but "get it" by the time he's done with you, and then you'll be plotting and scheming in your head on how to make it happen for yourself. Thankfully, Ed's brief but effective strategy is laid out for you. Sure, some people want endless details and a flawless blueprint so that they can feel a sense of certainty before they make the 'Leap of Faith,' but this isn't a book written to make you feel sure; rather, it's written to make you believe that you can and should find a way to arrange your life so that you feel ALIVE.

I enjoyed this book. I got a little stressed over the storms and mosquitos, but came out unscathed. :) By the way were you charged for the CG coming to check on you? :) I think about clocking IN everyday, on my job and HATE it. I would so, love to do what you have done. I don't think I could live on a boat, but you sure make it sound worth it and stress free. I do however, like your philosophy of stop spending money, pay off the debts, save money and get rid of stuff. I think we ALL have TOO much baggage......half of America's garages are FULL and can't even get the cars in it, for which it was made, NOT storage. I will re-read this book for inspiration and motivation. Thanks for writing it. D.R.

I bought this book because I have always wondered why people choose to live on a boat. What I came away with is not only an understanding of why Ed and his wife chose this lifestyle but how it was achieved. The title, in my opinion is an understatement. This book contains financial advice, life advice and planning that would change the world if generally applied to all walks of life. This book explains how to believe in yourself and achieve your dreams, even if that dream isn't to live on a boat in a tropical paradise. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone looking to achieve a dream, whether that dream is to become a small business owner, a doctor, a mountain man, or simply to obtain personal freedom. Very easy read with well explained concepts.

A good but too short read. Yes as other reviewers have commented, it needs some editing that could easily have been done, but that doesn't bug me too much. It is short, but it has an element of inspiration that many of us need to get off our booties and go sailing! That's the good part, and unlike some reviewers, I don't care who inspired him to get out of debt. He did it and tells you how. I also don't sense or care about his political bent. It's HIS book about HIS perspective. Lighten up. What you will not find here are answers to some of the most important questions. Are they living off savings or income from investments? If the latter, are they not paying taxes legally? If they are draining their capital, how much is that lifestyle costing? Do they have health insurance? If no, what is their expectation in the event of health problems? These are personal, but important questions for someone wanting to emulate their lifestyle. Without these answers, a couple of very very important questions are left unanswered for the armchair sailor thinking of making the leap.

I loved the book. I liked the story telling and the humor. Even though it would seem like an amazing experience, I can't imagine being able to live in a confined space for such a long time. I also bought Poop, Booze and Bikinis which was a great follow-on to this one and the story continues. I would highly recommend this book to any boater who fantasizes about living on a boat. There are some great lessons.

Although not all about boats, which Ed acknowledges, this is about how to make your dream of sailing off into the sunset a reality and how he and his wife achieved that. Inspiration to us all. I'm almost there! 😀

Good read for anyone looking for something different in life, thank you ed for sharing your story and showing how the average person can leave the rat race and live a life where your free to do as you please.

I am not sure whether Ed was trying to convince us or himself that he was having a great time. If he is genuinely having such a great time then I congratulate him - he has found his niche in life. But there remains a niggling feeling that all is not as he says. However, a good read and I enjoyed it.

As Canadian boaters, we hope to one day make the trip south or even become Loopers. Your honest and authentic personal story will resonate with those who are right there. A few grammar and style issues took me away from your story while overall the book captured an honest snapshot of your new lifestyle. Shovelling snow is not something we wish to do for much longer. Great reminder of how much less we can all live on. Want vs. need is a great question to ask ourselves every day. Thanx for introducing me to Jim Morris' music!