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North of 28
Notwithstanding my home port - the civilized man will not be found North of 28 degrees.
Gord
Notwithstanding my home port - the civilized man will not be found North of 28 degrees.
GordSt. Pete is worth a look see
The municipal marina is right downtown St. Pete. Not a lot of night life, but some, and the Salvador Dali museum is worth the trip. The Regatta Point Marina in the Manatee River (Palmetto - just at the entrace to Tampa Bay) is a decent marina, if a bit pricy. But there are a couple of good anchorages nearby if you just want to visit. I am told by friends that Sarasota has a nice marina. I think it is too close to the airport, but I haven't been there. It is at least 2 bridges in and down the ICW. ICW is problematic on the west coast of Florida. From Clearwater to John's Pass, it isn't much more than a ditch. There are plenty of places to get into and out of it if you want to. I would stay out, for the most part.
The municipal marina is right downtown St. Pete. Not a lot of night life, but some, and the Salvador Dali museum is worth the trip. The Regatta Point Marina in the Manatee River (Palmetto - just at the entrace to Tampa Bay) is a decent marina, if a bit pricy. But there are a couple of good anchorages nearby if you just want to visit. I am told by friends that Sarasota has a nice marina. I think it is too close to the airport, but I haven't been there. It is at least 2 bridges in and down the ICW. ICW is problematic on the west coast of Florida. From Clearwater to John's Pass, it isn't much more than a ditch. There are plenty of places to get into and out of it if you want to. I would stay out, for the most part.
Wintering on the west coast of Florida
I winter on the west coast of FL and love it.There are lots of great places to visit. Near my home port of Dunedin is Calidese Island. It has a great marina that is extremely reasonable ( I think under $5 a day) with water and electricity at the slips and a great beach. Last spring I took my boat down to Punta Gorda and had the time of my life. We spent 8 days at Gasparilla Island near Boca Grandee. It is like old Florida. You can anchor in a byou near Millers Marina for free and walk all over the place. You should also visit Cabbage Key and Burnt store Marina while in the area. What I like about the over all area is, you have a choice of sailing outside or if the weather won't cooperate stay inside and motor/sail the ICW. There are lots of great places to pull into for lunch or diner, a lot of them let you stay the night. Get a guide book at West Marine and you will be amazed at all there is to see and do. It will also show you the best anchorages. You can't miss. Winter time expect northerlies with their 25 knot north winds that sometimes last for 5 or more days. Sorry I don't agree on the ditch description of the ICW it is a great place to motor and take in the sights and other boats.
I winter on the west coast of FL and love it.There are lots of great places to visit. Near my home port of Dunedin is Calidese Island. It has a great marina that is extremely reasonable ( I think under $5 a day) with water and electricity at the slips and a great beach. Last spring I took my boat down to Punta Gorda and had the time of my life. We spent 8 days at Gasparilla Island near Boca Grandee. It is like old Florida. You can anchor in a byou near Millers Marina for free and walk all over the place. You should also visit Cabbage Key and Burnt store Marina while in the area. What I like about the over all area is, you have a choice of sailing outside or if the weather won't cooperate stay inside and motor/sail the ICW. There are lots of great places to pull into for lunch or diner, a lot of them let you stay the night. Get a guide book at West Marine and you will be amazed at all there is to see and do. It will also show you the best anchorages. You can't miss. Winter time expect northerlies with their 25 knot north winds that sometimes last for 5 or more days. Sorry I don't agree on the ditch description of the ICW it is a great place to motor and take in the sights and other boats.
where are you starting from?
speaking from the Redneck Rivera, our section of ICW is a great cruising ground. lots of secluded beaches, nice marinas, lots of bars and resturants right on the water. from Orange Beach to St Johns you gotta do it.
speaking from the Redneck Rivera, our section of ICW is a great cruising ground. lots of secluded beaches, nice marinas, lots of bars and resturants right on the water. from Orange Beach to St Johns you gotta do it.
To All that answered
thanks for the shared experiences. I need to do lots of R/D before we venture down and establish our own memories. Thanks again, Frank
thanks for the shared experiences. I need to do lots of R/D before we venture down and establish our own memories. Thanks again, Frank
East Coast
Frank: Not clear where you are traveling from. I am thinking of taking my 23ft boat to FL this winter from PA and was looking at FL east coast (St. Johns River). If you look back a few days you will see the good things people say about this area. Tom
Frank: Not clear where you are traveling from. I am thinking of taking my 23ft boat to FL this winter from PA and was looking at FL east coast (St. Johns River). If you look back a few days you will see the good things people say about this area. Tom
If you want to live on the hook...
Check out the anchorage in Sarasota. It has good holding and a fun crowd.
Check out the anchorage in Sarasota. It has good holding and a fun crowd.
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