Thinking out loud

[Restlessone]

I have sailed as crew on several boats on the great lakes for about 10 years.

I am looking at buying a Grampian 28, looks to be excellent condition. New mast and rigging in 2012 and new head, lifelines in 2015. I would of course have a good survey performed.

I am thinking of taking the Erie canal to New York city (which I have done previously) then out into the Atlantic and sailing to northern Florida for the winter and returning in the spring. I would prefer to skip the inter-coastal if possible.

What is the cost of mooring in Florida and are there spots available for about 4 or 5 months.

Any comments would be appreciated.

[m2244]

Originally Posted by Restlessone

Any comments would be appreciated.

A white flag, must be you've used this forum before.

[a64pilot]

Really, wide open it is like asking how much does a house or a car cost?
Right places in Fl and especially if you move a little every now and again, it's free, anchor, I don't like mooring fields, too much like being in the KOA campground and calling it camping for me.
I'd assume you would want to travel around and see different things anyway, taking a mooring every now and again to wash up, pump out, water up, get rid of trash etc.
Seems going rate is around $18 to $20 bucks a day, daily rate, I assume maybe $200 a month?
But, who wants to stay in one place?

I'd do the intercoastal on the way down, maybe skipping large sections on the way back?

[skipmac]

Like A64 said, the question is too open to answer. Also would help if you would clarify exactly what you mean by moor: tie to a mooring buoy in a harbor, drop your own anchor, moor at a marina?

If you drop your own anchor it's free but some areas there's nowhere to anchor, either due to no areas suitable or prohibitions.

Marinas could cost $200/day or $250-$300/month.

[Stu Jackson]

Where in Florida would be a good start.

OP: you might want to go back and re-read your own post.

Safe journey.

[a64pilot]

He did say N Fl. which in my limited experience is much more friendly and less expensive than S Fl

[model 10]

If the St John's River is what you are thinking about, $300/350 per month.

[Restlessone]

I've been lurking on this forum for a while, hence the white flag.

I have no preset destination other than I would prefer to stay more where the temps are cooler. I have spent a good deal of time in Orlando and found it comfortable. Not to hot for me as I don't appreciate the heat. Do want to get away from the snow though.

As for mooring, I just don't know what is available. Cost is a factor so I would be open to anchoring or to a buoy. How long do they let you stay without charge on average?

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

He did say N Fl. which in my limited experience is much more friendly and less expensive than S Fl

Yes he did indeed mention northern Fl. I need to pay closer attention.

[Geek_Guy]

As for St Johns river.

You can rent a slip monthly for 7 dollars per foot a month which includes water and power. The only mooring I know of is at Palatka--Green Cove Springs Marina. It's 10 dollars per night, or 165 per month.

[bvander]

Fernandina has moorings, $360/month.
Green Cove Springs has moorings, 1/2 day sail S of Jacksonville on St John River $165/month
St Augustine has mooring fields, $360/month, Salt run field is $252/month

If willing to go further south look at Vero, Stuart.

ActiveCaptain a good resource for this kind of research.

[model 10]

It looks like your mast would fit under the bridge at Green Cove Springs, it's like 48'. That would give you much more cruising area but rental cars and shopping would be better further north.