Marinas in Florida

sailorsez · #1 08-05-2007

We are coming over from Australia to Florida US, buying a boat and then cruising the Bahamas before shipping the boat back home to Oz. We'll be hanging around Florida for approx one month preparing for our cruise to the Bahamas and doing the tourist things.

As I have no idea about Florida I was wondering where is the best place to base ourselves on our new boat. I was thinking either Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Ideally we would be at a marina with showers, laundry etc. Our five year old son will be with us so night life etc. isn't high pirority.

Any feedback or suggestions would be very welcome.

Sailor Sez

camaraderie · #2 08-06-2007

I would suggest Vero Beach muni marina on their moorings which are cheap and they have everything you need. Helseth Marine is excellent for doing any work on the boat while you are there. Free bus transport to all stores and West Marine. Nice showers and boaters lounge. About 1 mile walk to ocean for swimming/beach etc. or you can take the dinghy down the creek and walk across the street to the beach/playground. Cross to Bahamas from West Palm Beach....one day south on the ICW.
http://marinas.com/view/marina/2505

kmclarke · #3 08-09-2007

I can't help you out with the marinas but my wife and I and our two sons ages 8&10 will be in florida in November and then crossing to the bahamas and cruising there for the winter. We will be spending some time in FT pierce to get a little warrenty work done . If you want yo can contact us at kevin.kc1234@gmail.com
I even speak a little bit of aussie.
Kevin

Cruisingdad · #4 08-09-2007

You can try Fort Myers Beach. Salty Sams is there, and Snook Bight Marina. Both take transient. We lived aboard at Snook Bight (was Fort Myers Beach Family Marina) with my son for a while. A grocery store is an easy walk and the island is kid friendly... for the most part. Water access will be an issue. Anything over 6 is basically impossible. 51/2 will get you around. 65 foot bridge at the entrance.

Let me know if you want specifics. All the best.

- CD

sailorsez · #5 08-09-2007

Many thanks for your helpful replies.

Kmclarke - I will definately retain your details and contact you when we definately know what we are doing. It would be great to catch up with you at some stage as my son always loves meeting new kids. Don't worry too much about the language difficulty - I find a bottle of rum can solve all that !!

Cruising Dad - Did you mean anything over 6 feet draft is impossible ?? We are actually looking at buying a Catalina 400 and I noticed that you are the Tech Editor. How have you found your 400 ?? Do you think there is anything I should pay particular attention to when I'm looking at second hand 400s ??

Sailor Sez