Anchor out or pay for transient slip?

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Mar 3, 2003
710
Hunter 356 Grand Rivers
You got it Nick. We are coming to Punta Gorda this winter. Will come down the TennTom in October and spend about half the time in Marinas and half at anchor. Other than the genset running at anchor, we have the same amenities like you. Once we get to the coast we'll go part GICW and part offshore. We plan on getting to South Florida in December and will leave the boat there until March, sailing around Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound and at least a trip to Key West, then return. I guarantee you, she wouldn't even consider this trip without all the stuff we have that makes it like home.
 
Jan 3, 2009
821
Marine Trader 34 Where Ever I am
Interesting, many replies, no response from the OP. It may be because there are as many opinions as there are posters. Everyone has to choose their own comfort levels and preferences and then decide what to do. We have been cruising the Chesapeake for a couple of months now and post our stops on our Beach House blog. The second posting will go up today or tomorrow. We generally anchor out most of the time and use our generator daily. It's a whole lot cheaper than paying for a slip. But we do take a slip about every week to 10 days to wash the boat, do laundry, shop for supplies and fill the water tanks. As we write in our posts, many towns have free docks and we use them whenever they are available. Fortunately, we have needed to use the air conditioning very little the last few weeks. We also stop and visit many of our friends in the Bay and if water is available, we can go for two weeks without a marina stop. There are also times when a marina in a specific area is a better choice if access to the shore is not available or dinghy dockage is almost as expensive as docking the boat. So the answer to your question is, it depends. Chuck
 
Dec 19, 2006
5,809
Hunter 36 Punta Gorda
Jerry

Looking forward to meeting you when you come on down,have you looked at any marina's to stay at yet.
Nick
 
Nov 26, 2008
1,966
Endeavour 42 Cruisin
We're full time cruising. We've paid for 3 nights in marinas so far this year and 2 of those were to pick up our new dinghy.
We have also spent several nights at friends docks along the way.
We had about 4 nights during the big heat wave where it was a bit uncomfortable at night but not horrible.
Whatever works
 
Aug 24, 2011
12
MacGregor Mac 26X Central Arkansas
My 36' houseboat (ten years ago) ran about $15 - $20 plus tax per night on most of the southern loop including the Ten-Tom waterway. Along the Gulf Coast, the prices hit $40 with tax included. The rate was $2 per foot at one fancy casino dock but I didn't stay there.

For cruises that last weeks and months, (in most areas) boaters are dependent on marinas for everything from water to gas. Friends and the kindness of strangers can't always provide.

I found a nice balance between the solitude of anchoring out and the social stimulation of meeting other cruisers and livaboards. Multiple cruising guides to cross reference proved extremely useful for anchoring in unknown areas.
 
Jan 22, 2008
34
Hunter 37C McCormick, SC
did not see anyone ask about your battery bank as yet. If you have 2 banks, plus a starter battery, you may have enough amphours to make it through the night and use the genset in the morning. Most of my cruising has been on another boat, and his mate demanded a slip, I anchor out as much as I can. Shut off the frig, change banks when I hit the rack, good til morning.
 
Mar 3, 2003
710
Hunter 356 Grand Rivers
Nick: I would like to meet you too. Have enjoyed reading your posts over the years. We have a slip reserved for December, January and February in Fisherman's Village. We will go back and forth between home and PGI, hope,to spend at least two weeks each month. We have been sailing there for a longtime with friends and charters. Lots of people from our hometown have houses and condo's down there, so we are very familiar with the area. Great place to spend the winter! Looking forward to meeting you!
 
Feb 5, 2011
39
Irwin Mark IV Concord Yacht Club
Achor, anchor

When I'm alone, I definitly prefer the hook but when the family is aboard, they're fine with a few hours achoring but my First and Only Mate longs for the convenience of a ball/dock.
 
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