How safe overnite stays around Pine Isalnd area.

[videorov]

Just wonder if anyone has had any problems staying overnite on their
sailboat in the area and along the central west coast of Florida.

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by videorov

Just wonder if anyone has had any problems staying overnite on their
sailboat in the area and along the central west coast of Florida.

you mean safety issues? I have not heard of any, and I live on my sailboat. I know others who do as well. I think it would have been a hot topic at my sailing club.

[Waterway Guide]

There is a report that in at least a part of Boca Grande Bayou anchored boaters have been asked to move. Apparently the Gasparilla Inn claims it owns the bottom land there. You may want stick to the other anchorage areas. (Gasparilla Is. is just NW of Pine Is.). I've heard nothing about any safety issues...beautiful area.

[Waterway Guide]

Here's a letter to the editor covering the Boca Grande Bayou issue.

[forsailbyowner]

been living aboard frequenting that area in summers for years. Never had any crime issues except bikes being stolen from ashore in Saint Petersburg. Theyre currently putting a mooring field at vinoy basin. There are plenty of places to live on the hook. The best plan is to move often. When locals get annoyed is when you plan on taking up permanent residence in one spot. I also make sure they know me at the local pumpout spot. Keep reciepts or a pumpout log in case someone starts hassling you this will often diffuse the situation. It works out great for me as paying $5 for a pumpout also allows tank filling time so jerry jugging isnt necessary. Gulfport is pretty friendly to liveaboards lately. Ive had the local authorities stop by and ask name phone and information. he said is was so if there were issues that they could contact you if boat dragged etc... Had a good time staying a clearwater, manatee river, st pete, tampa, ft myers, boca grande(not many go to shore places there), Gulfport,crystal river. check out this site. Florida Sea Grant - Boating & Waterways - Anchorage Inventory

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by Waterway Guide

There is a report that in at least a part of Boca Grande Bayou anchored boaters have been asked to move. Apparently the Gasparilla Inn claims it owns the bottom land there. You may want stick to the other anchorage areas. (Gasparilla Is. is just NW of Pine Is.). I've heard nothing about any safety issues...beautiful area.

You know, he said west central Florida, and I only thought of my immediate area.

I have friends who recently anchored in Sarasota Bay. Their dinghy (with motor) was tied to their stern. They dinked in for dinner, returned to their boat, and then both fell asleep while reading.

When they woke up the next morning, someone had stolen their dinghy and motor.

[AnchorageGuy]

videorov, We have anchored many times from Anclote Key to Marathon on the Gulf Coast and never had any issues anywhere, either safety or hassles from authorities. In our opinion, the Gulf coast is by far the better option for Florida. We are currently in the Ten Thousand Islands and find this area spectacular. Petty theft and theft by opportunity is prevalent everywhere. Lock everything securely and things don't walk away in the night. Chuck

[Tripod]

Originally Posted by videorov

Just wonder if anyone has had any problems staying overnite on their sailboat in the area and along the central west coast of Florida.

We cruised this area this past August - St. Pete, Longboat Key, Venice, Ft. Myers Beach, Marco Island - no problems at all. Not even a visit from law enforcement. Coast Guard & FWC just waved as they went by. As always, prudence dictates. Don't make anything easy for opportunists. Use the same common sense you'd use anywhere else and enjoy. It's a beautiful area. Bob & Judy s/v Adagio