Live aboard marina east central Florida?

[Bpitchon]

We are looking a marina from which we can cross the Gulf Stream.. It has to be somewhat close to MCO airport since my husband is an airline pilot.. Any suggestions? We're hoping to park a 45'-60' catamaran, we haven't bought that yet but we are definitely the fly by the seat of our pants types so this isn't a far featched in the future dream.. Thanks (:

[amytom]

There's a couple in port canaveral that can squeeze you in.


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[Bpitchon]

Ooo really, that's absolutely perfect from the airport. Do you happen to now how the crossing is from there? I've done the Gulf Stream before with my parents (tethered down, glass from the oven door flying around yikes lol) so I know how gnarly it can be.. I'm a complete novice on my own though..

[amytom]

You'll want to head further south before crossing to the Bahamas.


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[Bpitchon]

That's exactly what I was afraid of. Is my closest spot Fort Pierce? Or is that even to far north?

[CREX]

Lake Worth is as far north as you really want to be. Ideally even further south. The gulf pushes north so your vector becomes extreme anywhere north of lk. Worth. I've done it from Ft. Pierce but it's not ideal, especially in weather. Its great for your return though. Safe sailing and good luck on a boat.

[lesterbutch]

Originally Posted by Bpitchon

That's exactly what I was afraid of. Is my closest spot Fort Pierce? Or is that even to far north?

I live just south of Ft. Pierce and we sail out of Hobe Sound. We always go out Jupiter Inlet. I used to Dock at Harbor Town in Ft. Pierce but I still went out Jupiter Inlet because you just have to fight the stream too much from Ft. Pierce. Unless you have a powerful and fast power boat it's not a good departure point for anything except Port Canaveral.

[adlib2]

Originally Posted by Bpitchon

Ooo really, that's absolutely perfect from the airport. Do you happen to now how the crossing is from there? I've done the Gulf Stream before with my parents (tethered down, glass from the oven door flying around yikes lol) so I know how gnarly it can be.. I'm a complete novice on my own though..

Departed a couple of times from Cape Canaveral to Bahamas. Headed south to approx Ft. Lauderdale and crossed stream to Lucaya. Lately though when bound for Caribbean I use Cuba and save the $300 Bahama fee.

[Bpitchon]

You guys are awesome! I was doing my research on this and it was inconclusive at best, then I felt dumb not knowing the answer and it dawns on me don't be dumb, sign up and ask the experts! So thanks again!! I obviously need all the help I can get! I'll be bugging you guys shortly about boat selections 😳😄
This forum makes my day! I really appreciate respectful, smart and just plain cool people just genuinely happy to help!!

[Dave22q]

As others have noted Ft Pierce is a little north for crossing to the Bahamas. However, it is a very nice, reasonably priced live-a-board marina so going south before crossing the stream might be worth it.

[Bpitchon]

You know Dave I was hoping to hear that for two reasons being its closer to MCO and that it really does look nice! How about heading south? ICW? Or the out skirts, I've heard some horror stories on that one..?

[Dave22q]

From Ft Pierce south to Jupiter inlet works. As there are not a lot of bridges, I would go the ICW but if you want to sail then go off shore and stay close in. You should avoid most of the north current.

[geoleo]

ICW is a drag as you only make 50-60 miles a day as you don't want to go at night and run aground--------best go outside and hug the coast tii you get to Lauderdale area and then head across-----

[Bpitchon]

By the way the live aboard isn't 100% essential, matter of fact the initial goal was to have the cat and a condo, but it's only the two of us and that's probably over kill especially if we get a big enough cat...

[geoleo]

Originally Posted by Bpitchon

We are looking a marina from which we can cross the Gulf Stream.. It has to be somewhat close to MCO airport since my husband is an airline pilot.. Any suggestions? We're hoping to park a 45'-60' catamaran, we haven't bought that yet but we are definitely the fly by the seat of our pants types so this isn't a far featched in the future dream.. Thanks (:

Dock fee for a 60ft catamaran on central florida east coast probably $2000 per month at a marina. I paid $625/month for my 42ft mono at Port Canaveral.