Boat as primary home

[Marinahck02]

Well, apparently America's Cup is roughly over 4 miles from SD airport. But still must look for other places near SD. So, so far into my research, that's the only good thing in the "plan"

[Sam Plan B]

Marinahck02, I think your worries about safety are normal for one who has lived ashore up to this point. Marinas are very safe places. They tend to be gated communities where everyone knows everyone else. In my three years afloat I have never locked my door, or companionway, that is. So of all the issues to deal with, personal security is way down on at the bottom of the list.

[Marinahck02]

That does make me feel a bit better. Thanks Sam Plan B

[The Blue Heron]

I remember now why I moved and stayed away from California. Holy crap! Florida has nicer weather and less regulation. Come on over !

[Marinahck02]

Originally Posted by The Blue Heron

I remember now why I moved and stayed away from California. Holy crap! Florida has nicer weather and less regulation. Come on over !

I will seriously give that some thought

[Marinahck02]

Ok, I've been looking at this for too long and still don't understand the difference between MOORINGS, SLIPS, and DOCKS. Just need to know what to apply for. I mean, just want to park my car and walk to my boat, u know.
For example San Francisco Marina and Boat Slips charges $280 for a 32' x 12' slip and SD Mooring Co charges a monthly rate of $128 for up to 30' at Shelter Island Roadstead. Not complaining but shouldn't Shelter Island be pricier? What am I missing here?
Again, just need to know what to apply for.
I guess is time for me to start contacting the different places.

[MikeinLA]

Originally Posted by Marinahck02

still don't understand the difference between MOORINGS, SLIPS, and DOCKS.

SLIPS and DOCKS are pretty much the same thing and it sounds like that's what you want. They are the "parking spaces" in a marina. A MOORING is an anchored floating ball out in a bay or marina that you tie up to, but they are not near land so you have to row out to your boat.

Mike

[MikeinLA]

Originally Posted by The Blue Heron

I remember now why I moved and stayed away from California. Holy crap! Florida has nicer weather and less regulation. Come on over !

Hi Blue Heron. I was thinking of making the move from Cali, but I heard that Florida is becoming unfriendly to boaters, particularly liveaboards. Is that not so? Happy to hear it if it's true.

Mike

[Marinahck02]

Hi Mike. I'm sure that was the silliest question ever but my plan is not a cheap one and I want to understand every little thing. Thanks very much for clarifying that one for me

[The Blue Heron]

Mike,
My experience is that live aboards are treated pretty good on gulf coast side of Florida and parts of the keys. Costs are pretty reasonable.
People are friendly.

Can't say as much about Miami and north.

[MikeinLA]

Originally Posted by Marinahck02

Hi Mike. I'm sure that was the silliest question ever but my plan is not a cheap one and I want to understand every little thing. Thanks very much for clarifying that one for me

We were all new once. Good luck in your search. BTW, why a powerboat? Have you seen the price of gas?

Originally Posted by The Blue Heron

Mike,
My experience is that live aboards are treated pretty good on gulf coast side of Florida and parts of the keys. Costs are pretty reasonable.
People are friendly.

Can't say as much about Miami and north.

Thanks Blue!

Mike

[forsailbyowner]

Ive been living aboard 8yrs now. Never had problems finding a marina because I rarely dock at one. key to this life is constant movement. People dont mind boats that visit, they just dont want you staying. I also religiously locate pumpout stations and use them.

[The Blue Heron]

regarding the concern against "fuel costs", I would simply state a Sailboat and a Trawler use the same 20 amp plug when tied to a dock and a frugal liveaboard can get by pretty cheaply.
I have Diesel when I want to run out to a beach and I dont need to wait for wind.. not to start a sail vs motor thread...

[The Blue Heron]

Mike, my marina is dog friendly and liveaboard friendly and one of the best in the area

[Capt Phil]

Good luck in your search, Marinahck02 and welcome to CF. You might check out Sunroad Marina on Harbor Island which have a nice mix of power and sail liveaboards. It is located right across from the SD Airport and handy to bus and rail transportation as well. We found it to be a very secure marina and lived aboard there for years. Earlier this year there were a number of empty slips but not sure of their liveaboard capacity. There are several marinas on Harbor Island and I think most allow liveaboards. Cheers, Capt Phil