Salt water retirement

[George M 22 hunter]

I've been pulling my hair out with this one.I'm retiring in 6 months and I was thinking of going to Pensacola Florida. I've been sailing in fresh water for 20 years and my boat still looks pretty good.Every time I go down to Florida I don't see many boats out on the water and the boats for the most part don't seem to be taken care of as well.I thought moving south would give me more sailing time Is it the heat or the salt water that's so hard on man and boat. Also there seems to be more harbors up here. Thanks for any input. George s/v Tangerine

 

[Frank]

It is the sun and the salt.

The sun down there really is hard on sails and canvas and boat finishes. It is also very hard on your skin. You will need a good bimini top most of the year. You will also need a hat and sunscreen. The canvas and sails will definately last less time in the sun. Make sure so have good sail covers and a cover for your bimini top. The pesacola area is beautiful and not crowded. I think you will love sailing there.

 

[John aka Katy]

Retiring to Florida?

My Dad lives in Panama City Beach, Fl and sails a 19' O'Day. The sailing is nice, when you can sail. The Gulf doesn't offer much wind some days so you don't fly too well. The other thing is the red tide. It smells pretty bad when you get the yearly outbreaks of redtide. That's the negative side; the positive side is the Gulf is rather calm compared to the Atlantic/Pacific Oceans and most days you do get a nice afternoon breeze which will carry you along. The seas don't tend to build too high with the swells far apart for a gently rolling sort of a ride. The fishing is great as your speed is just right to troll when you're sailing. The heat is up there as well for about 5 months out of the year which takes a toll on both man and equipment. While I am not trying to tell you where to retire, I would rent a place for 6 months in Florida during the summer before you fully commit to the move. I personally like the area around Jacksonville, FL which offers you more in the way of wind but a little rougher ride. In JAX you will get more use out of the boat. Saltwater will take its toll on anything you put in it! Combined with the heat and there is little to prevent the wear on boat and sails. Let me know how it turns out.Good Luck,John aka Katy 23.5 Hunter

 

[Ron Scott]

Jacksonville,the best kept secret?

A friend once told me it is. He said, "Keep your boat slipped in the fresh water river and then it,s a hop, skip, and a jump To the ocean and the world". The Fresh water is easier to deal with and the slips are easier to come by than ocean front, especially if you want to live by your slip! Please don't tell any one else. It'll be a secret just between the three of us.Peace Love Sail Ron s/v "Maria Rose"Hunter 23.5