Do You Worry About Leaving Your Boat ?

[Tom1340]

I understand many cruisers are seasonal, leaving their boats in a marina or yard for 6 to 9 months each year, so they can return to an inland home for work or whatever. I would like to join this crowd, but I wonder how easy it is to find a secure place for the boat (39 footer, in Florida or Caribbean, for example.) And then, do you worry about the boat the whole time you're away? If you have done this, would you recommend it? Thanks for any comments.
Tom

[pillum]

I'm doing that right now, the boat is in Marathon on the Keys. I worry a little if a hurricane passes close to the Keys, but other than that no, and she's insured too. Like most things, you select a company you believe you can trust, then you must trust them, anything else is too stressful.

[Tom1340]

Thanks Pillum,
I spoke to my intended insurance company. If I leave the boat in the water while I am gone, they want to see a signed agreement with an 'overseer', which documents his responsibility for watching the boat. I suspect there are individuals around most marinas who are willing to enter into such an agreement. But I guess the best thing for absences of 6 mos or so, is to haul the boat.

[Vasco]

Your best bet is to put the boat on the hard. Quite a few good spots to leave the boat in Florida if your insurance allows this. I've been leaving my boat south for the last seven years. Much easier than coming all the way back to Toronto