How late to leave Chesapeake South?

[camaraderie]

Originally Posted by CaptainForce

Beyond this, nothing prevents a person from finding excellent vessels in the south.

Oh yeah...there are definitely lots of good boats to be had in Florida... you just have to plow through so many bad ones to find them. The other things not mentioned is the effect of sun, moisture and bugs on boats in the south...particularly those hauled and yard stored while being advertised for sale. Also ...since boats can be used 12 months a year, there is more wear and tear on rigging, engines, seals, joints, sails etc. than northern boats of the same age used 3-6 months a year.

Of course...there are anal owners (MaineSail suddenly sprang to mind! ) both north and south and 1% boats to be found in all sorts of places...my own experience is that you'll find more of that 1% up from the Chessie & north. I don't know about the West Coast, but I would be interested in hearing if the same issues are true since the PNW is a warmer climate.

[EpicAdventure]

I can sort of see the difference in just the listings of the boats further south. For example, there are a lot of previous charter boats as you get down into the Caribbean, and I'm pretty sure I don't want to go that route.

Sounds like it would be possible to leave almost any time. I'm used to sailing here in the midwest and Lake Superior where the water gets very hard and you had better find a boat with runners!

Yes, I do know how to sail. I do quite a bit of racing here at home, I've sailed down in the Caribbean a couple of times on charter trips and have done a bunch of sailing extended weekends up on Lake Superior in some pretty rockin' conditions. So I know what you mean when you talk about sailing in cold miserable conditions!

[labatt]

We left Back Creek in Annapolis on December 13th and broke ice on our way out. We had our full enclosure on and a propane powered heater in the cockpit while sailing overnight down the Chesapeake to Norfolk. We went through 6 cylinders overnight, and within seconds after the heater going out, we could see our breath again. It was COLD, but tolerable with the enclosure and the heater. I would NOT recommend doing it any differently unless you bring arctic wear.

[motion300]

I left the upper bay last fall the day before thanksgiving. Man it was cold all the way to florida I had to run the heater almost every night. Some mornings I had ice on the deck, but still better then saying north

[EpicAdventure]

I climbed Mount McKinley a few years back so I have the arctic gear. But I'd much rather leave that gear at home on this adventure!

[NauticalFishwife]

Working with a good broker can save you time. Start shopping before the boat show. The Annapolis Boat Show is a wonderful show to shop for new boats-but it sounds as if you would like to find a solid used boat. Take a Friday off-spend Friday and Saturday looking at as many boats as you can. Don't be in a hurry... there are so many great used boats out there-take your time-you'll find her. Make sure your broker knows what you want and knows you want to see as many as you can while you're there.

[EpicAdventure]

So can anyone recommend a broker in the Cheasapeake area?

Is Walczak work on a boat in the 50-75k range? Looking at their website it looks like they maybe focus on the higher dollar stuff.

[drfreddie]

I must throw my 2 cents in on this one... go to FL and buy it there. Looks to choose from and it's there. It all sounds easy sitting here saying " I could push the weather window.." You don't have to if you buy it already there

[motion300]

Originally Posted by drfreddie

I must throw my 2 cents in on this one... go to FL and buy it there. Looks to choose from and it's there. It all sounds easy sitting here saying " I could push the weather window.." You don't have to if you buy it already there

That is true but..... the jounery can be The adventure

[CaptainForce]

Originally Posted by camaraderie

Oh yeah...there are definitely lots of good boats to be had in Florida... you just have to plow through so many bad ones to find them. The other things not mentioned is the effect of sun, moisture and bugs on boats in the south...particularly those hauled and yard stored while being advertised for sale. Also ...since boats can be used 12 months a year, there is more wear and tear on rigging, engines, seals, joints, sails etc. than northern boats of the same age used 3-6 months a year........

Camaraderie, You make sopme good points that I wasn't considering. 'just to toss in another factor. There are some great deals to be made in Florida with the purchase of boats left in estates of retirees that have taken their dreams south, but personal health has not matched the vessel. 'take care and joy, Aythya crew