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Wavewacker · 11-08-2011, 06:27

When cruising, say in the ICW, not so much off shore, how do you get around when you reach a destination? Do you carry transportation? A bike, small motorcycle, a MiniCooper? Or do you own shares in the taxi company?

**skipmac** · 11-08-2011, 06:44

I've tried various options over the years. One trip I carried a pair of bicycles, one folding one full size. On a 32' sailboat they were in the way and occasionally a pain to deal with but really great to have when I got somewhere. We biked all over Nassau and saved a bundle on taxis.

Last trip down the ICW were in a bit of a hurry so didn't do a whole lot of touristing but did have restock groceries and went out to eat several times. Wherever possible we planned from the ICW guide to stop where there were stores and restaurants within easy walking distance. That worked out about 75% of the time. Other stops we had to take a cab. One of our few marina stops offered a shuttle to town which was nice.

If I planned to stay long in one spot and do a lot of sight seeing in the area would probably rent a car.

smurphny · 11-08-2011, 06:50

I keep a full sized old mountain bike with a nice sturdy rear rack on board. The wheels and pedals are off when stowed which makes it small enough to squeeze somewhere. When assembled, it fits right across the bow of my inflatable. With a backpack and the bike rack, I can carry lots of stuff and pedal many miles, if necessary, to get supplies or just sight-see.

Vasco · 11-08-2011, 06:51

We used to carry fold up bikes but for the last ten years have left them in the basement at home. Bikes are useless and unnecessary in the Bahamas so we opted for using the space for other storage. We get around by walking, not too far as we know where we're going and the shortest route. Usually to get propane, groceries and do laundry. After a while you learn which stops have what and how close it is. Sometimes we rent a car for a weekend but this is rare. In Miami we've taken the bus. If just doing the US East Coast, bikes are handy, especially in the Chesapeake.

Dkdoyle · 11-08-2011, 06:53

Hope we get more responses. I was also thinking bikes.

Paperbird · 11-08-2011, 07:17

Can't help with the personal experience, but am very interested in what others say. We're thinking of going the folding bike route. We thought about a folding tandem bike (we ride tandems all the time at home), but too much $$ and space required.

As an aside, when we lived in Micronesia, a couple anchored and promptly unloaded a 175cc motorcycle from their v-berth, rowed it ashore in their dink and took off around the island. Might be a little extreme for most folks.

chuckr · 11-08-2011, 07:44

i guess it depends on where you are going to cruise -- if you plan on staying in the usa and maybe the bahamas then bikes will work - but as said above not in the bahamas -
if you wander farther afield then - well we use chicken buses, shuttles, taxis or other means that the locals use - bikes in most of the places we have been to just are a hassle and pron to theft - we do know of one couple down here that travel with theirs but man do they take up a bit of cockpit space -
we walk a lot too and did when we were on the east coast - only once did we rent a car - to see cape canaveral -

chuck patty and svsoulmates
cartagena colombia

Unicorn Dreams · 11-08-2011, 08:14

Bicycles.
Carry 3 on board, 2 full size and one Dahon folding that someone threw in the dumpster. Usually bike to everything within 5 miles or p/u something really heavy.

**skipmac** · 11-08-2011, 10:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unicorn Dreams

Bicycles.
Carry 3 on board, 2 full size and one Dahon folding that someone threw in the dumpster. Usually bike to everything within 5 miles or p/u something really heavy.

When you get tired of the Dahon and are heading back to the dumpster with it how about giving me a little heads up.

speciald@ocens. · 11-08-2011, 11:00

I carried 2 full sized foldable bikes down below - too big. I then carried a marinized, foldable electric scooter - it worked well and stored in a lazerette ( cost $700-1000 - I forget exactly. Look around a sailboat shows in the tents - the Annapolis show usually has a couple of venders.

AnchorageGuy · 11-08-2011, 11:12

We carried bikes on our first cruise and dumped them as soon as we got back. We walk, mostly, or ride the bus, occasionally take a taxi and sometimes rent a car. When doing car rentals in cruising areas we split the cost with other boaters and it becomes really cheap. Chuck

four winds · 11-08-2011, 11:28

I've been traveling along the west coast of Florida for almost three months now. Currently in Panama City at Sun Harbor. Though I've only been on the ICW from Apalachicola to Port St. Joe.

I've put about 10 miles a day on my Montague full size folder each day for four days. If it wasn't raining right now I'd be on my way to pick up a new alternator and and two new hatch lenses.

Using Google maps and the bike I've been all over town looking for a new alternator, plus a trip to Best Buy. The glass shop was on the way so I decided to finally take care of the hatch lenses as well.

The bike folds and fits out of the way in my cockpit locker, and goes in and out of the locker without a single swear word or moving gear around.

I find it very helpful to have on board.

http://www.montaguebikes.com/swissbi...-bicycles.html

wingNwing · 12-08-2011, 04:56

Don't even have space for a pair of folding bicycles on our 33-footer; came up with these folding scooters, even more space-efficient. And it feels a bit like playing like a kid. Xootr Mg : Adult Push & Kick Scooters : Xootr Urban Transport

Minggat · 12-08-2011, 05:22

I have a Di Blasi collapsible Mariner model 49 cc scooter. Folds down into tight little package. Neat toy. But it's looking for a new home if anyone is interested. Has it's own carrying case.