Winter Base East Coast Florida

[MorningStar2]

Hi folks-

Wondering if i could get some suggestions from folks for marinas on the east coast of Florida for wintering over. I'm thinking of taking my boat down in November / December and spending some time aboard (two week intervals) for the season. Would like to find a spot with the basic services, maybe even a private dock. Any recommendations?

[tkeithlu]

Your first goal may be finding marinas that do not cater to sail boats that have to have aircraft warning lights on the tops of their masts. Smaller towns, largely industrial towns, and maybe Jacksonville or St. Augustine. Maybe Stuart or Ft. Pierce. We wintered on a ball in Key West, so maybe I'm being a bit too negative.

Welcome, by the way.

[Fishbone 1]

St Augustine has many marina options to choose from. Very historic town , lots to do and see. most stores are reasonably close to anchorages/ Marinas. They have a small airport north of town. I think that Allegent Air flies into

[Vasco]

If you're going to spend time on the boat you'd better get down to south FL. or else you'll freeze. Biscayne Bay would be ideal. Try Crandon Park Marina on Key Biscayne.

[hpeer]

What kind of boat? Size? Mast height? Does it have a heater? Do you need dockage or is a mooring ball OK? Do you intend to move or just stay in one place? What is your budget? What does your insurance think of this?

[RickG]

We enjoyed Boot Key Harbor in Marathon, Florida. We might have worn long pants twice last winter. We were out on a mooring for $345 per month. I flew in out of Key West for work, occasionally Miami.

Cheers, RickG

[JasC]

Originally Posted by tkeithlu

Your first goal may be finding marinas that do not cater to sail boats that have to have aircraft warning lights on the tops of their masts. Smaller towns, largely industrial towns, and maybe Jacksonville or St. Augustine. Maybe Stuart or Ft. Pierce. We wintered on a ball in Key West, so maybe I'm being a bit too negative.

Welcome, by the way.

Hey Cap How safe is it to keep your boat on a mooring ball in Key west . I assume you may not be on your boat for 2-4 weeks at a time . Thanks