I'd like to bring the Catalina 22 and go check out Fort Desoto, Egmont Key, etc. for a couple days. Can anyone recommend a place to launch, with safe parking for the truck and trailer?
Yeah, I don't know either about overnight parking at Ft DeSoto. Demens Landing in St. Petersburg is a nice one; plus, there's a lot of stuff to do in downtown St. Petersburg these days. You just have to make those 15 n.mi. to Egmont Key and then back. A long day if a day trip w/ time ashore; but not too bad for an over-nighter. The anchorage at Egmont can be uncomfortable in easterly winds, especially northeasterly (b/c they are usually stronger than east or southeast ones)--a direction from which the wind blows often during the fall, winter, and spring sailing season. Just remember that in FL the basic rule of thumb is that during the season the wind can blow from any direction at just about any strength (say up to 30 kt), at just about anytime. Plan accordingly!Don't know if Ft Desoto Park allows overnight parking at the ramps. If they don't they will surely not have security available. Those ramps are very busy and keep the water churned don't recall them having a set up area to rig a sailboat and the waters are quite shallow. Check with some of the Marinas in the St. Petersburg side to see if they have a ramp and parking.
KG, when you mention Gulfport, are you referring to the Gulfport Municipal Marina? http://mygulfport.us/marina/ That one definitely looks promising!There's one close by at Ft. DeSoto Park. See below. Open 24 hr; I don't know about security.
https://public.myfwc.com/LE/boatram...ID=PI101005FD&Name=Fort+Desoto+Park+Boat+Ramp
The only ones I've used, which were fine, are at Gulfport and Demens Landing in St. Pete. But, those are about 10 and 15 n.mi. from your destination, respectively.
Yes. There's a cute little downtown area there; don't exactly recall how close it is to the ramp. Going out that way you'll use the ICW; lot's of neat stuff to see back there.KG, when you mention Gulfport, are you referring to the Gulfport Municipal Marina? http://mygulfport.us/marina/ That one definitely looks promising!
Hmm ... I've had the opposite experience with AC, to the point I don't even bother with them anymore. Great resource once you're on the water, but in my experience there have been precious few trailer sailors there leaving info as far as ramps and parking.Gene
Have you looked at Active Captain? I've had good luck finding launch sites using AC... you can read reviews and then email the marina for more info..
Yeah.... I guess I have not used it exactly like that. I use the reviews to get a sense of the place and the website to see if they have transient slips (cost?). Then I email the marina's dock master and tell them what I want to do and ask if they have a ramp and if so... are there overhead lines and parking. As a case in point.... when I go to Oriental NC, my favorite marina is a place called Whittaker Point. I found them on AC and the reviews were great. But they don't have a ramp and when I emailed them, they pointed me to the local public launch and offered me the use of their complimentary van. They also give me a complimentary parking spot for my truck and trailer... I've stayed there three times now... I love the place....and I launch at the public landing sail to their marina and a guy drives me back to pick up my car. Easy peasy...Other examples...I've launched out of Kilmarnoc, Annapolis, Swan Quarter, and Elizabeth City...etc. each times I found the marina on AC and then just emailed with questions about parking, launching and (don't forget) overhead lines . So far, everyone has been real nice and have worked with me. On a few occasions, I've had dock masters get back to me and say they don't have a convenient launch site or there isn't a place to park etc. but I've always been able to find another nearby marina that will work with me.Hmm ...in my experience there have been precious few trailer sailors there leaving info as far as ramps and parking.
Nevertheless, good point. I'll have another look.