Suggestions for marinas/boatyards to look for FOR SALE signs-Ft Laud/Miami?

[sambo37]

Looking around Ft. Lauderdale/ Miami (or beyond) areas for sailboats to purchase...not having much luck. Anyone with suggestions for boatyards or marinas where a guy could stroll around looking for FOR SALE signs? I've done the Yachtworld, internet thing (futile), brokers grrr. I thought maybe the old-fashioned poking around might turn up something. Thanks.

[BillKny]

If you want to browse, it is best to do it by boat. Lots of for sale boats tied up behind houses on the many canals. Start along the New River and branch out from there.

[sambo37]

Originally Posted by BillKny

If you want to browse, it is best to do it by boat. Lots of for sale boats tied up behind houses on the many canals. Start along the New River and branch out from there.

Yes, I tried doing just that yesterday out at New River but really couldn't figure out access. I could see masts sticking up here and there but drove around in circles trying to get to them with no luck. Finally gave up but might try again. Thanks for the reply.

[BillKny]

If you are driving around by car you won't be able to tour very much of the waterway, and will find it hard to find very many of the boats at private docks.

You really need a small motorboat.

[Davy J]

Most likely a waste of time.

Most marinas in Florida have gates on the docks to prevent people from "strolling around"...........

[Davidhoy]

Without knowing your preferences, it's hard to give you good advice. But, if you're looking for a good deal on a boat that might need some work, you might consider driving north to Fort Pierce and looking around Riverside Marina. It's more a work/storage yard than a marina. Another similar type of place is Indiantown Marina.

[waterman46]

Originally Posted by Davy J

Most likely a waste of time.

Most marinas in Florida have gates on the docks to prevent people from "strolling around"...........

What size of boat are you looking for? Anything worth much will usually be advertised somewhere useful rather than just an owner's for sale sign.

I wouldn't waste time tooling around in a boat for this. Unless you would be satisfied to buy almost any boat that will float.

Really ought to be some local sailing magazine, newpaper, whatever, that has many "want" ads either in print or online. And some marinas, marine equipment stores and yacht clubs have old fashioned bulletin boards.

What was wrong with an internet search? That's how I found my boat after our broker missed it.

[sambo37]

Originally Posted by waterman46

What size of boat are you looking for? Anything worth much will usually be advertised somewhere useful rather than just an owner's for sale sign.

I wouldn't waste time tooling around in a boat for this. Unless you would be satisfied to buy almost any boat that will float.

Really ought to be some local sailing magazine, newpaper, whatever, that has many "want" ads either in print or online. And some marinas, marine equipment stores and yacht clubs have old fashioned bulletin boards.

What was wrong with an internet search? That's how I found my boat after our broker missed it.

Thanks for the reply. Yup, I've tried most of the standard sources but have found there really isn't much of anything. The ones that come up are usually old listings that still show active. As many here suggest, tried finding a buyer's broker but unless you're looking for a mega-yacht they don't seem too interested. Yachtworld and sailboatlistings used to be a good source; but, unless I'm missing something, very very few current and credible listings show up. Mostly just old ones or scams.

[sambo37]

Originally Posted by Davidhoy

Without knowing your preferences, it's hard to give you good advice. But, if you're looking for a good deal on a boat that might need some work, you might consider driving north to Fort Pierce and looking around Riverside Marina. It's more a work/storage yard than a marina. Another similar type of place is Indiantown Marina.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll probably check those out.

[Boatyarddog]

Originally Posted by sambo37

Yes, I tried doing just that yesterday out at New River but really couldn't figure out access. I could see masts sticking up here and there but drove around in circles trying to get to them with no luck. Finally gave up but might try again. Thanks for the reply.

Be careful...
Someone down there may exercise their Second Amendment rights upon you.
Unless stated otherwise most Marinas are Private property.
SV Cloud Duster

[japawil]

Maybe list your criteria; size, price range, any preferred attributes or deal breakers etc., and forum members local to south FL can help with crowd sourcing.

[sambo37]

Originally Posted by Boatyarddog

Be careful...
Someone down there may exercise their Second Amendment rights upon you.
Unless stated otherwise most Marinas are Private property.
SV Cloud Duster

Yeah, for sure...that's the feeling I got. Was just driving around looking for any access that was clearly open to the public. Thanks.

[flightlead404]

Originally Posted by Davidhoy

Without knowing your preferences, it's hard to give you good advice. But, if you're looking for a good deal on a boat that might need some work, you might consider driving north to Fort Pierce and looking around Riverside Marina. It's more a work/storage yard than a marina. Another similar type of place is Indiantown Marina.

try safe harbor there as well as crackerboy

[sambo37]

Originally Posted by japawil

Maybe list your criteria; size, price range, any preferred attributes or deal breakers etc., and forum members local to south FL can help with crowd sourcing.

Looking for 36 to 38ish island-hopper/ cruiser. Fond of Pearson, Morgan, Bayfield, Tartan, and possibly Tayana but am open to any solid cruiser in the 30k to 70k range. Any leads or suggestions much appreciated.

[Hudson Force]

Some online listings from sources like Boat Trader Magazine and even Craigslist can be surprisingly effective. Just goggling "sailboats for sale" brings up some more of these search resources. I've bought and sold several boats for myself, friends and relatives through these online searches with some great success. The Morgan 41 pictured in my avatar was traded along with some cash for my Morgan 33 through a Boat Trader Magazine contact back in 1985. 'lots of vetting and surveying, but all directly through owners only.