South Florida Sailors - Help

[malyea]

My job may force a move to SE FL - Ft Lauderdale to maybe as far north as Stuart (possibly Naples but not as likely) - living location is my choice, I just have to drive to MIA once a week....sooooo

I need some links, contacts, direction, etc to transition into the South Florida sailing scene. Any and all guidance appreciated!

First question - since I'll likely bring 'Bout Time with me, my '82 H30, I'll need to find her a slip - what's a slip going to cost in S FL? What are some good choice marinas - where to avoid?

Secondly, since I can choose where to live down there - as a sailor, where should I live? I want to be within a 1 to 2 hour drive of MIA. I'm not really ready to liveaboard fulltime on my H30 though that could be a temporary option.

Lastly (for now) - does anyone live in a condo with their boat docked out back? I imagine that option exists and should be cheaper than a waterfront single-family home with a dock - how readily available is the condo/dock option? Seems like, in theory, I could put the money I'd spend on a rental slip to use paying on the condo mortgage... thoughts?

Thanks to all - if there is a more appropriate forum for this topic please redirect me.

[CaptainForce]

Some of the less costly marinas are up some rivers a mile or two and beyond fixed bridges or a relatively shallow depths. ex.-Marina Bay Resort in Ft. Lauderdale is past a 55' fixed bridge, but has the best rates in the area. Manatee Bay is a little isolated south of Biscayne Bay, but also with good rates; however, you can't get in with more than 4 1/2' draft. I think it would be best to post your clearances for a better answer. Take care and joy, Aythya crew

[sailpower]

SE 15th St in Fort Lauderdale has a half dozen or so condos with docks Rents are approx $1,100 including slip. Note, not all condos have slips. These are all approx 6 floors or less, not high rise buildings and offer excellent access to the inlet while being docked on a canal.

Cromwell West for example has their slips right next to the pool and BBQ area.

This area is about 35 miles from Miami and is a very convenient part of Fort Lauderdale.

[night0wl]

I live in a house west of I-95 (even further up river than Marina Bay) and keep my sailboat back there. Housing prices have absolutely collapsed in our neighborhood. Used to be, a fixer upper home here would be in the $500k+ range.

Now, a remodeled nice large tri-level is in the $350k range (all done up).

Docks go all day in the neighborhood for $10/foot per month including water & electric. Although I'd be careful to make sure the owner ins't in default or foreclosure since who wants to deal with getting your boat back from a bank after they foreclose!

The location is about 1 hour up river from Port Everglades (getting every bridge)...its a great cruise up if you have less than 55' mast. The problem is that you bore of the cruise after a while

Fort Lauderdale isn't great sailing. First, its all ocean....boring north south sails. Second, its not protected waters, so even in sub 20 knot winds, the waves can make it unpleasant.

If I were to do it again, I'd look at keeping my boat in Biscayne Bay at a nice marina and living in a nice landlocked community inland.

[TeamDestructo85]

I keep my 45' starrett-jenks docked behind a little apartment building in downtown ft lauderdale for a little over 600 a month. I used a dock broker who has been very helpful.

I have to disagree with owl, i love daysailing out in the ocean. I just finished my engine rebuild and went out for the first time in a year 2 weeks ago in 3-5 seas and 15 knot winds. We also hit a squall on the way in AND out of port everglades. fun!

There are tons of dockspaces in s. fl. but it's hard to find a liveaboard spot. When i asked around the marinas here i couldn't find anything under 15-18 a foot/month. if you don't want to live abooard you can find a ton of slips for around 10 per foot/month.

I have lived in broward and now north miami since i was born. personally, i wouldn't move any farther south than i am now(too crowded). As long as your east of 95 your close to the beach, east of us 1 is even better, and there are a lot of cool condos/apartments along a1a from boca to miami. If you want to keep your boat in miami, coral gables is a pretty cool area.

my job involves a lot of driving and visiting the ocasional marina, so if you have any specific questions about a neighborhood or marina let me know, chances are i've been there.

PS: my boat has a 6' draft and a 65' mast so i ended up calling ALOT of marinas, dock brokers, owners and such to find a spot suitable for our boat.

[malyea]

My specs for 'Bout Time is 5'6" draft and 47' mast height above waterline if that helps steering me in the right direction...

A near shore ocean sail down to Biscayne Bay with an over night stay once or twice a month sounds pretty good - I do like the motion of the ocean.

I now need to pull a chart/road map and get a focus on all the good advice given above - thanks.

[night0wl]

Originally Posted by malyea

My specs for 'Bout Time is 5'6" draft and 47' mast height above waterline if that helps steering me in the right direction...

A near shore ocean sail down to Biscayne Bay with an over night stay once or twice a month sounds pretty good - I do like the motion of the ocean.

I now need to pull a chart/road map and get a focus on all the good advice given above - thanks.

From Fort Lauderdale to first entry point to Biscayne Bay (Government Cut) is about an 8 hour sail...so how much of a daysail do you really like?

With your draft, you'd probably be happier going a bit further south and cutting through Cape Florida or Stiltsville...just dont do it at absolute low tide.

I love sailing Biscayne Bay...so many places to go and great varied scenery (big city lights by Miami...secluded coves by the Ragged Keys)...although the weekend crowd can be a bit, lets just say, colorful and loud.