Sarasota Area or South Padre Island Area?

[Sailmonkey]

If you just want to go day sailing in the gulf, Texas would be fine. However Florida has so much more to offer someone looking to spend a week or two anchored somewhere pretty

[a64pilot]

I've been to Sarasota a few times as we have in laws that live there, I won't try that pass even in good weather as it's my understanding without local knowledge you may go aground, I have always come up from the ICW and out through Tampa Bay. We have stayed at Longboat key marina / resort, it's pricey.

[SecondBase]

Originally Posted by keepondancin

I am in the "gotta change my life" mode also, keep the boat, sell the boat, where to live, etc. I been looking on the Florida West coast. Punta Gorda isn't bad for buying a house on a canal. $300's and up. City owns and maintains sea walls, and dredges. Deed restricted so you won't have to worry about the swamp people moving in next door. Burnt Store marina was over $650 month for my boat. Last winter I stayed in Bradenton. Checked out the marina in Palmetto. $850 month, with a waiting list. Longer access to the gulf, down the Manatee River. I think sailing in and around Charlotte (so) Harbor would be a nice area, with access to the Keys and Dry Tortugas. Probably take 3-4 days to set up for a Bahama crossing. Considering slip fees, buying a canal house makes economic sense. A big issue in South Florida is all the derelict boats, some abandoned, many cheap housing that will probably never be moved again.

Here's waterfront with reportedly no bridges to ICW ...

[Taichungman]

Florida has so much more to offer and closer to the keys and Caribbean. I stayed in Rock Port for about 5 months and it's ok but not much to see down there. Lots of things out in the gulf to run into, like rigs, pipes, giant unlit workboat mooring buoys, ect.

[Seafarer24]

Originally Posted by Taichungman

Florida has so much more to offer and closer to the keys and Caribbean. I stayed in Rock Port for about 5 months and it's ok but not much to see down there. Lots of things out in the gulf to run into, like rigs, pipes, giant unlit workboat mooring buoys, ect.

No oil drilling of FL shores! At least, not yet, and hopefully not ever!

[jbinbi]

Very interested in this thread. I am also looking at both east coast and west coast. We have lots of friends on the west coast in naples area, however my impression is that sailing on the west coast is not so great. We also want to live close to the beach with pets, and have not been able to find anything with these requirements.

[Rugger]

I'm in the Palmetto marina, Regatta Point.

Very reasonable prices.
Good amenities.
Well kept
2 hours from gulf at 5.5 kts. and another 4 or 5 to Sarasota.

Waiting list doesnt surprise me.

Lots of room across the river at Twin Dolphin and i dont know why.

[captainstubbie]

Thank you for all the responses so far, I have pretty much ruled out the west coast of the golf in the Texas area from the feedback and private messages I've gotten. Now the hunt begins along the west coast of Florida, any further comments and suggestions is sure appreciated.

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by SecondBase

Here's waterfront with reportedly no bridges to ICW ...

Attachment 153608

Reviving here. Do people actually buy empty lots and put a dock?

This sold for 120K.

I wonder if the HOA would prevent such a plan?

I'm currently planning to purchase a boat later this year and spend one week or more a month living aboard. The rest in Ohio. Cheap flights to Sarasota (and other places in FL) for no frills airlines.

Chris

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by captainstubbie

Thank you for all the responses so far, I have pretty much ruled out the west coast of the golf in the Texas area from the feedback and private messages I've gotten. Now the hunt begins along the west coast of Florida, any further comments and suggestions is sure appreciated.

Ive lived and sailed on both, the W coast of FL is WAY better.

I used fo live on the Manatee River, great area. The Manatee itself has a few nice achorages and is fine for a day or two outting. Then it opens into Tampa Bay with lots of options. Egmont Key is close enough for a day trip even on a sailboat. From there youve got the whole W coast of FL which is a great cruising ground.

Maybe more importantly, what is it you really want to change? Does just shuffling boats and houses accomplish that? Youve got a place in Naples...its not like that suxs. ?

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

Reviving here. Do people actually buy empty lots and put a dock?

This sold for 120K.

I wonder if the HOA would prevent such a plan?

I'm currently planning to purchase a boat later this year and spend one week or more a month living aboard. The rest in Ohio. Cheap flights to Sarasota (and other places in FL) for no frills airlines.

Chris

Absolutely, that way you have an appreciating asset instead of slip rent. Ive done it in several places.

Check local ordinances first and make sure you can get your boat up that canal...many in FL are skinny/shallow.

[captainstubbie]

Not to revive an old thread but just wandered the update everybody and thank them for all their input. I did buy a 34' Gemini catamaran and am keeping it in a slip in Fort Myers. Spent a wonderful week on it exploring the coast of Florida and can't wait to go back in another couple weeks

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by captainstubbie

Not to revive an old thread but just wandered the update everybody and thank them for all their input. I did buy a 34' Gemini catamaran and am keeping it in a slip in Fort Myers. Spent a wonderful week on it exploring the coast of Florida and can't wait to go back in another couple weeks

That’s good news [emoji106].

[BandB]

Wifey B: Sarasota wins in a water slide. So much more. Glad you came this way.

[captainstubbie]

I hope our paths cross while I'm down there