Wet or Dry Slip Costs ???

[Spindrift NH]

If you're looking to purchase a boat, keep in mind there often is a limit to size and weight that can be dry stacked.

[Al B]

WELCOME - You have a dream. use your boat as a condo . GREAT
Never owing a boat, be prepared , have deep pockets, credit card with no limit

FINDING A MARINA from another state or even that perfect boat is tough

live a board ( getting harder too find ) but they are around
Wet- leaving your boat in water all the time
Dry in barn ( keeps boat clean ) generally marina will flush engines
Dry outside ( usually wider beamed larger boats) some will let you do your own work
Some marinas will not let you do anything , all repairs etc must be done by them .
Staying at a marina is a way of life. Meeting fishermen, socializing so there is a trade off.
Like all businesses the boating industry and marinas are changing rapidly

If you plan on keeping in high profile tourist areas expect too pay dearly
Most on the average ( some higher ) around 12 a foot with a year contract
I keep my boat at a facility that is rare ,.
They offer live a board in/out in yard and barn storage .,
Unlimited splash
A feature they offer is 8 days a month, a in/out customer can keep their boat in water ( sleep aboard ) as long as there are availability a courtesy slip either floating or piling.
No additional charge for electric & water. They will charge more if I stay longer . Being retired I take advantage of that feature. I sleep aboard 2 nights a week .
No other marinas I contacted locally offer this feature .
Most marinas even if you a in/out customer will charge you as a transient over and above your storage . around 1.75 - 2.25 a foot
Most offer daily launches . They offer dock too tie up , have lunch go out again, return and done they will pull, flush . You do nothing .

Presently I am a 2 boat owner ,
31 footer cruiser & 21 fishing. The 21 footer I zip around, tow all over too fish, keep at home and when I want a break I climb aboard.
There is always something too fix, and I enjoy having boat outside my door .
When wife & I want comforts of home we enjoy our fancy cruiser ( she hates smaller boat )

As a boat owner most of my life this is my advice. YOU ASKED FOR IT
BUY A BOAT YOU CAN TOW have a small cabin with comforts of home a few days .
KEEP IT AT YOUR HOME or local storage facility
You can find lots of features in 22 = 24 footer something you can tow with a Avalanche or similar truck
Stay at a motel . Not paying marina fees will afford you every toy possible for your new boat.
Other option is rent a boat . One place is PIPS in Florida Keys around Marathon they have deals, 20 footer with motel room . JUST SAYING
It will drive you crazy your boat is far away. Plus you can use it in Tenn.
Worst thing for a boat is not using.
Another thought is your driving from Tenn, you don't want too come down with tools, and work on your boat your few days away , but a boat sitting there will always be something too fix . ITS A BOAT . ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO
A big boat with no options your stuck at a marina .
Many people abandon their once loved boats cause that once loved dream becomes an anchor around their necks


YOU ASKED,
HAPPY BOATING

[Venomous_1]

Al B,

Got a good laugh out of that one. Not laughing at you, but with you.

Yes, I am asking for it. I know. I've owned a few small boats here in TN, so i know...they are holes in the water that you throw money in. That's why I started this process. Trying to cover all the bases so I know what to expect.

But...I'm an old salty sailor (US Navy) and I fell in love with the sea many a years ago. I spend so much time in Florida I should have dual residency by now. In the next few years I will be moving back permanently. For now, going to be looking to get a mid-sized boat, something I can stay on, but good for getting out for some long lining too. Will be keeping it somewhere up in the panhandle for a year or two, then moving to Tampa area when the permanent move happens.

I actually come down quite often and have been researching and visiting various places and marina's for quite some time. Just trying to feel out different areas. Finally getting to the point of trying to decide exactly how I want to do this and where I want to be. I have a pretty detailed spreadsheet where I have figured costs and such. But now I'm getting down to the details. The good news is I have time. No need to rush into something I wont be completely happy with.

I know I'm in for some headaches, but I feel I'm pretty prepared for them. I love the sea, and this is my dream. So I'm going for it. My grandfather used to say...people who never try, never succeed.