Where is this spot in South Florida?

[jheldatksuedu]

It's hard to beat the LaBelle area, I've been here for years working on my boat. There are a couple marinas here, I got lucky and found a lady that lets me use her dock on the old river channel behind an island, I help out around the place, and her family likes me to be here.

[tinkrman69]

Ft myers beach at the mooring field or free anchorage area. free dinghy dockage at San Carlos bridge with good bus and taxi service lots of marine parts close, Wall mart Wallgreens public has a dock, small fetch,pumpout boat service, non-ethanol gas and a couple whole food stores in the area.

Gulfport florida has good anchorage free dinghy dockage, but not for overnight, fuel and pump out at the marina every thing listed above except whole foods, that is a bit of a ride on the bus or taxi. and no mooring balls. Balls in Ft myers beach are 240 a month.

[rosatte]

Y don.t u just haul the dam thing out to do the refit...tablesaw on a boat....

[Boatguy30]

Long ass way from whole food in labelle. But it is a great place. Will solve his too many good looking women problem also.

[RichandHelen]

Originally Posted by 2hullvenus

I have to admit this place has been looking great.

My only concern is there is no protection.

I'm working on the boat. Stuff is everywhere. It will fall and damage things.

Seems East winds are the norm around here. Huge fetch there for east winds. South winds have a fetch to Cuba

What's it like over therr in terms of not bouncing around?

We have a slip so I really can't speak to the mooring field experience. But you're right about easterly winds. There have been times when it's really snorting that we have looked at the masts dancing around and felt grateful that we were inside. Keep in mind that Biscayne Bay is just that - a bay. You very seldom see big waves. I would think annoying waves from power boats would be more of an issue. Perhaps when you apply for your mooring you should request one closer to the Marina breakwater. You would have literally dozens of outer boats to calm the waves before reaching you.

[TomLewis]

Not South Florida, but not bad. Green cove springs marina was great for working. When we were driving up and down the coast from St. Augustine we saw this place. A real working marina, there was a mast on the dock as we walked around. Nice people, very reasonable, call to get on the waiting list. It was 6 months when we tried last earlier this year. A bit rustic and out of the way, but no problem tearing into you boat.

[2hullvenus]

Originally Posted by rosatte

Y don.t u just haul the dam thing out to do the refit...tablesaw on a boat....

It's a big boat, foo.

Enough room not only for the table saw, but also to push 8'' lengths through without bumping into anything... all while out of the rain.

[2hullvenus]

Originally Posted by RichandHelen

We have a slip so I really can't speak to the mooring field experience. But you're right about easterly winds. There have been times when it's really snorting that we have looked at the masts dancing around and felt grateful that we were inside. Keep in mind that Biscayne Bay is just that - a bay. You very seldom see big waves. I would think annoying waves from power boats would be more of an issue. Perhaps when you apply for your mooring you should request one closer to the Marina breakwater. You would have literally dozens of outer boats to calm the waves before reaching you.

Being the closest place, I may just come check it out next week.

Thanks for the reminder on this one.

[Hard Rock Candy]

I know we are not voting but I would go for laBell. I like the town and the library is good and the people are happy and friendly and not to high in the nose. I sat at their local dock and worked on my boat for a week one time. They do appreciate a little of your spare time to help keep the area clean and tidy. I liked being there so much I raked the grounds and trimmed around the foliage. This has been about 12 years ago. Mac

[2hullvenus]

Than you, all for all of these great suggestions.

In some ways, I'm leaning toward the west coast because I feel like experiencing something new might be a good idea.

I've spent a lot of time in Miami and this part of Florida already.

The people on the other side are typically nicer and more friendly too.

Tampa is a great little city that has all sorts of things from the requirements list and what I've found to be friendly people. Unfortunately, I was stuck in a very rural area for the build, so I do need to be near civilization.


The thread did just what I was hoping. Now, I need to try to figure out the best options. Not at all easy.

[RichandHelen]

Originally Posted by 2hullvenus

Being the closest place, I may just come check it out next week.

Thanks for the reminder on this one.

Going to the Ft Lauderdale show on Monday but I'll be on the boat Sunday if you want to send me a PM. Rich

[AnsleyS]

Indiantown marina is a good spot to work. You can live on the boat in the water or on the hard while you work on the boat or you can bring an rv and park it nearby the boat while you work.

Sent from my SM-T810 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Boatguy30]

Don't forget you'll soon be in violation of the 90 day stay with your NH registration. A bit dubious anyway as boat was built and launched in Florida.

No one even thinks of enforcing this in NE florida, but they are quite strict in other parts of the state.