I have been considering keeping our boat at either "Dolphin Marina" at Regatta Point in Bradenton and also "Marina Jacks" in downtown Sarasota. (though a long waitng list) Does anybody have any experience with either of these? E.g., how do the boats there hold up in a good Gulf blow?! S.Jaffe
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Roland
Marinas
The draft of your boat and how long a ride before you can set sail should also be a consideration. Marina Jack's is closer to the Gulf but Big Sarasota Pass can be especially tricky if not impassable at times. You would have to go north to Long Boat Pass to get out, but that can also be tricky as well as a hike. To the south you would have to go to Venice Inlet - also a considerable hike. Regatta Point, up the Manatee River, is well protected and also a bit of a ride but you don't have as much of a depth or shoaling problem although these conditions are evident all along our coast. If you draw 5 feet or more you will definitely be limited. Hope this helps. -Roland S/V Fraulein II
The draft of your boat and how long a ride before you can set sail should also be a consideration. Marina Jack's is closer to the Gulf but Big Sarasota Pass can be especially tricky if not impassable at times. You would have to go north to Long Boat Pass to get out, but that can also be tricky as well as a hike. To the south you would have to go to Venice Inlet - also a considerable hike. Regatta Point, up the Manatee River, is well protected and also a bit of a ride but you don't have as much of a depth or shoaling problem although these conditions are evident all along our coast. If you draw 5 feet or more you will definitely be limited. Hope this helps. -Roland S/V Fraulein II
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Rob Homan
Marinas in Bradenton/Palmetto......
Regatta Point...no thanks. Not impressed. Even had a bad feel to it. Marina Jacks....last year harbor master told us that the owners didn't like sailboaters.....I guess we don't buy enough gas or diesel to line their pockets...and they are too lazy to scrape off 30 years of growth from their pilings. Twin Dolphin...nice people, nice amenities....but hell to pay in a Nor'easter or Nor'wester.....last bad storm some of the floating docks came apart and seven boats got sunk. There is a new marina in that area called Riviera Dunes in the Bradenton/Palmetto area. Brand new, floating docks, aerial photos make it look like a good hurricane hole. Pre grand opening dockage is $11.00 a foot, after May 1 it will be $13.00 a foot. Their website is: http://www.rdmarina.com To the north of Bradenton and Palmetto is Bahia Beach Marina in Ruskin. When I bought my boat in Dec 2000 she was there on the hard. Nice Marina, nice staff, have on site yard where you can have boat lifted and you can work on it or have them do it, and its a very good hurricane hole. If I was in that neck of the woods I would berth in there. Their website is http://www.bahiabeachmarina.com
Regatta Point...no thanks. Not impressed. Even had a bad feel to it. Marina Jacks....last year harbor master told us that the owners didn't like sailboaters.....I guess we don't buy enough gas or diesel to line their pockets...and they are too lazy to scrape off 30 years of growth from their pilings. Twin Dolphin...nice people, nice amenities....but hell to pay in a Nor'easter or Nor'wester.....last bad storm some of the floating docks came apart and seven boats got sunk. There is a new marina in that area called Riviera Dunes in the Bradenton/Palmetto area. Brand new, floating docks, aerial photos make it look like a good hurricane hole. Pre grand opening dockage is $11.00 a foot, after May 1 it will be $13.00 a foot. Their website is: http://www.rdmarina.com To the north of Bradenton and Palmetto is Bahia Beach Marina in Ruskin. When I bought my boat in Dec 2000 she was there on the hard. Nice Marina, nice staff, have on site yard where you can have boat lifted and you can work on it or have them do it, and its a very good hurricane hole. If I was in that neck of the woods I would berth in there. Their website is http://www.bahiabeachmarina.com
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Steve Growcock
Regatta Point and Bradenton
I don't know how much Regatta Point welcomes sailors, but it is interesting to note that Massey and another sailboat broker are located there. Anyway, while looking for a decent marina, be sure and check out Duffy's directly across from Bradenton Beach. Absolutely the best burgers and beer around. The place is literally a screened-in shack, but has the best food. Craving a Duffy-burger as I write! Steve!
I don't know how much Regatta Point welcomes sailors, but it is interesting to note that Massey and another sailboat broker are located there. Anyway, while looking for a decent marina, be sure and check out Duffy's directly across from Bradenton Beach. Absolutely the best burgers and beer around. The place is literally a screened-in shack, but has the best food. Craving a Duffy-burger as I write! Steve!
Question for Roland in Tarpon Springs
Is there a ramp in Tarpon Springs that would be suitable for launching and retrieving a Hunter 23 (fixed keel, 3 ft draft)? I'd also like to be able to safely leave a trailer and truck for a few days. The masthead is 33 feet off the water (probably 40 feet off the ground with the boat on the trailer). I'm thinking about doing a little gunkholing down that way and I'm looking for good spots to put in. Actaully anywhere between there and Clearwater would be good. Thanks for your help.
Is there a ramp in Tarpon Springs that would be suitable for launching and retrieving a Hunter 23 (fixed keel, 3 ft draft)? I'd also like to be able to safely leave a trailer and truck for a few days. The masthead is 33 feet off the water (probably 40 feet off the ground with the boat on the trailer). I'm thinking about doing a little gunkholing down that way and I'm looking for good spots to put in. Actaully anywhere between there and Clearwater would be good. Thanks for your help.
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NEIL WALTERS
Ramp in Clearwater
A good ramp for you to use would be the Seminole ramp in Clearwater. It is located very near Seminole Ave and Alt 19. There is just a small charge to use it and lots of parking for the trailer.
A good ramp for you to use would be the Seminole ramp in Clearwater. It is located very near Seminole Ave and Alt 19. There is just a small charge to use it and lots of parking for the trailer.
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