liveaboard marinas in south florida

[RKO]

I am turning a series of misfortunate events into my chance to take my boat south for good.
While I love the keys, I'm thinking that living aboard there will be expensive.
Where are some affordable (that being relative) liveaboard marinas anywhere in the southern half of Florida?
While I may decide to try to work a little, I am no longer in the corporate race. A baitshop or beer tavern would work just fine as a place of employment.

I know this is very general, but I'm just starting this little research project.
Any advice?

[skipmac]

Hi RKO and welcome to the forum.

Congratulations on your fortunate misfortune. Moving south on a boat can't be all bad.

In general, SE Florida from Ft Pierce to Miami will be the most expensive marinas in the state. You could find cheaper places in the Keys.

North of there Titusville, Indiantown on the St Lucie River, St Augustine or Jacksonville would be options. SW coast around Port Charlotte and Ft Meyers would also be a less expensive option. Tampa Bay area also a good option if you want to be that far north.

[Hudson Force]

If your boat is the Columbia 8.7, then you can get under those 55' bridges like I-95 in Fort Lauderdale or the 55' Bridge that leads to Fort Myers on the gulf coast. Places like this that are a little further in from the coast usually have a much better rate. Also, look toward that arbitrary line that you select for the "southern half of Florida". Pushing that boundary a little can improve your rates too.

[skipmac]

Hudson Force raises another good point.

In general:

- closer to the ocean = more money
- further south = more money
- closer to large city = more money

If further south is a high priority then up the river would be the best option.

Also, the Keys might not be too bad. Seems like a lot of cruisers moor out in Boot Key. That brings up another issue. If you don't mind dinghy ride to shore mooring out will save a heap of money.

[RKO]

Thanks. Boot key on a mooring ball is a good option. Looks like the Ft Myers yacht basin may be reasonable as well.

[Scaramanga F25]

Fort Myers or Charlotte Harbor would be my cruising grounds choice
unless you wish to go to the Bahamas often.
I have lived on both Coasts.

[Dave22q]

Keys has good live aboard options. Better then Miami or Lauderdale. But the jobs market is worse. You will be competing for menial, low wage jobs with many who are chasing the dream as well as Cubans commuting from Homestead. If working is a necessity, I suggest you start with the job market and then look for an affordable slip or mooring. Best of luck in your search.

[RKO]

Originally Posted by Dave22q

Keys has good live aboard options. Better then Miami or Lauderdale. But the jobs market is worse. You will be competing for menial, low wage jobs with many who are chasing the dream as well as Cubans commuting from Homestead. If working is a necessity, I suggest you start with the job market and then look for an affordable slip or mooring. Best of luck in your search.

Fortunately, IF I work, it will be part time and nothing serious. Thanks for the advice, though. It makes sense if you need to continue working.

[KidSheeleen]

S.W. Florida by far the least expensive, Sarasota south to Keys. Rivers also have great small town's (Drinking towns with a fishing problem), Pine island, Ft Myers, and towns around Lake O have nice areas too. Hope this helps you and congrats on your MISERY LOL

[RichandHelen]

We're in Dinner Key Marina in Miami (Coral Gables - on Biscayne Bay). Not cheap (see the City of Miami web site) and there's a waiting list for slips. But the live aboard situation is great. You are right on one of the best sailing grounds on the planet. There is real camaraderie - always someone willing to help. It's safe and there's a brand new enormous clubhouse.P et friendly. Any kind of marine service you could ask for is close by as are markets and restaurants of every kind. You can easily get around on a bike. There are both moorings and slips. PM me if you need further insights.

Rich

[naitaka322]

Originally Posted by RichandHelen

We're in Dinner Key Marina in Miami (Coral Gables - on Biscayne Bay). Not cheap (see the City of Miami web site) and there's a waiting list for slips. But the live aboard situation is great. You are right on one of the best sailing grounds on the planet. There is real camaraderie - always someone willing to help. It's safe and there's a brand new enormous clubhouse.P et friendly. Any kind of marine service you could ask for is close by as are markets and restaurants of every kind. You can easily get around on a bike. There are both moorings and slips. PM me if you need further insights.

Rich

Which Marina? What is monthly cost? Hydro extra?
thanks

[twinboat]

Marathon city Marina charges $310.00 a month for moorings.
Parking, showers, dinghy dockage and pump out included.

Laundry pricy at $3.00 a load and water $.05 per gallon, honor system.

Often see help wanted signs. Seem like a big turnover in the marina staff.

[RichandHelen]

Originally Posted by naitaka322

Which Marina? What is monthly cost? Hydro extra?
thanks

Dinner Key Marina. Rates on the City of Miami web site. Water and electricity included.

[Custom30]

SW Florida offers lots of top notch marinas who welcome liveaboards (for an additional fee).

The Fort Myers/Cape Coral/Fort Myers Beach area has many options.

Much depends on your personal preferences and budget.

We are currently in a marina that is walking distance to everything, floating docks, pumpout at every slip, heated pool, 2 laundry facilities, 2 Bathroom/shower facilities, gym, captains lounge, gated docks and parking, all for under $700 a month for your boat including liveaboard fee.

Same weather as the other coast, less people.

Bradenton, Venice, Charlotte Harbor, Englewood are all cheaper than the other coast.


'

[SWFLman]

Check out Fort Myers Beach moorings:

Town of Fort Myers Beach, FL - Official Website - Matanzas Pass Mooring Field