Charleston,SC

c172guy · #1 (**permalink**) 03-10-2003

My wife and I plan to retire and live on a sailboat. We now live inland and are considering moving to the coast. Our plans are basically to sell the house move to the coast and live in a small apartment buy a boat and get used to it for a year or so before moving aboard full time. We figure that a boat will need some work or upgrades and that we''ll want to be comfortable sailing it before heading out.
Any comments or opinions on Charleston or our plans. We will probably work until we cast off lines and head out. Charleston seems like a good place to head out to the Bahamas or up to the Chesapeak.
Thanks Tom

wgfi · #2 (**permalink**) 04-13-2003

I spent about a week there last spring while sailing south. It seemed like a fine spot for what you intend. I''d like to go back and spend more time there.

bob-m · #3 (**permalink**) 04-17-2003

Tom,

What you are planning is exactly what my wife & I did and I highly recommend it for several reasons>
-Assuming you intend to do your own upgrades and/or repairs, there is no better way to get to know your vessel.
-Taking it in small steps can be less traumatic on both parties and gives you the opportunity to see if you BOTH really want to make the final step to full time cruisers before cutting all land ties.
-The climate in Charleston will allow you to work on the boat during the winter months, but it becomes extremely humid during the summer. Plan your projects accordingly.

Good luck with the move!!!

bob-m

ccannan · #4 (**permalink**) 04-26-2003

Charleston is not cheap.

There quite a few marinas, but only a few can accomodate tall rigs (greater than 55 ft). Short term marina slip rates run @ $20/ft/mo in May and Jun.

camaraderie · #5 (**permalink**) 05-03-2003

Charleston is a wonderful town in which to live or visit but not the cheapest place to keep a boat or get work done.
I would suggest either Beaufort or Norfolk as alternates with low costs and good facilities.

conradconrad · #6 (**permalink**) 05-07-2003

beaufort would that be NC--SC????????

kokopelli9 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-07-2003

Oh, geez, Conrad...there is only one...Beaufort NC! :-)

kokopuff

Mclion71 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-07-2003

Please help......which is "Bow-fort" and which is "Bew-fort"???

spartinaSC · #9 (**permalink**) 05-07-2003

bow-fort is North Carolina
bew-fort is South Carolina

kokopelli9 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-07-2003

But don''t pronounce the "bow" like on a boat...it''s pronounced like what the ribbon on a package is tied into....
Maybe that''s because being there is like a gift! Great little place...with great food.

Kokopuff