deep water slip or anchorage east coast florida

[Silver_Surfer]

Jedi,
thanks for the detailed response, that's intel i can use. will use online charts and other resources to follow up on your recommendations. much appreciated

[Scrimshaw4]

I\'d like to suggest that you get a copy of the Southern WATERWAY GUIDE and the charts for Florida. Between the 2 I think you'll get a good idea of what the Florida waters are like. You can then compare that with the type of sailing you want to do. Also understand that deep draft boats are usually harder to sell and command lower prices on the east coast unless you are in New England. JMHO

[Silver_Surfer]

Ok will do. Thx

[Deep Blue Water]

Originally Posted by Silver_Surfer

i'm keeping my boat, a baltic 43..

Good heavens, what an absolutely gorgeous hull design!

[donradcliffe]

I cruised my 8 ft draft Beneteau up and down the east coast for several years, and have done Florida from Jacksonville to Key West.

I don't know why you are set on Florida. We have a house guest from Ft Lauderdale. She bought a one way ticket to Santa Cruz, and isn't going home until Fort Lauderdale cools off. She is tired of being cooped up in an air conditioned house, and getting up at 5 am to go for a walk.

If you are still bent on going, you should realize that northern Florida has winters. I remember being on the boat in 26 degree nights in St Augustine. That is not the case south of West Palm Beach.

As far as 8 ft goes, the ICW is out. Look at the detailed charts to see how deep the channels and marinas are.

St Augustine has several marinas that carry more than 8 ft. The inlet is dodgy at low tide.

Fort Pierce has a deepwater inlet, but the anchorage is less than 8 ft. We had to anchor in the main entrance, which did not work well with wind against tide.

Fort Lauderdale is doable for marinas, but moving around at low tide is not.

I looked at Biscayne Bay on the charts, and decided to give it a pass.

Key West is a different country. Stayed at anchor there for a month, but cold fronts can be uncomfortable with dragging boats, and moving around at low tide is out.

I'm sure that there are places available if you are motivated enough. The classic Merlin is being homeported in Tampa Bay and she draws 11 ft (but currently like our guest she is on the West Coast).