10-26-2006
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Best Looking Moderator
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Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SW Florida
Posts: 8,254
Rep Power: 10
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Hi Allen,
I think I have seen you post on other boards too. Nice to meet you.
First, the problem and then some possible solutions. I owned waterfront real estate in SW Florida. Seems like I remember you lived in Burnt Store Marina for a while? Is that right? My memory is not always right on track, but I know that area quite well.
To the problem, it is the real estate craze I am afraid. THat was why I bought waterfront property on the ICW... because it was almost cheaper than paying: $13/foot, plus 50/person, plus 150/month liveablard, plus $75/30 amp, etc, etc. You know what I mean? Funny we almost bought a slip at Gulf Harbor for $150,000. That would be a 40' slip with 4 poles sticking out of the water! Sound outrageous? THat was what we thought, and did not buy it. When we left Florida it had sold and traded hands a few times and was back on the market for like $350,000 (I was told). THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR FOUR POLES STICKING OUT OF THE WATER!!! AND THAT DOES NOT COVER THE COST OF MONTHLY MAINT, ETC!!
Whatever.
In the last 5 years, real estate and Florida in particulair, has exploded. On the positive side (unless you own real estate there now), it has imploded. The prices have not started the massive nose dive, but in my opinion, they will. So, as the prices implode and land is no longer the quick fix to financial independence, the slips will open up more as marinas will no longer be switched to high rise condos. Thus I think it will only get better. That is what I am banking on.
A fix:
Not everywhere in the country has experienced that kind of explosion. If you are a fulltime live aboard cruiser and have a bit of a limited budget, go to Texas. There are a lot of live aboard marinas and THEY ARE VERY, VERY, VERY NICE!!! I was in awe at the prices and facilities. Lots of good people there too. The bad news is that the water is not very pretty and there are really not a lot of great destinations close by. But, it would be a nice place to keep your boat when you are not cruising Mexico, Bahamas, South Islands, etc. It is about 5 days at sea across from Florida, or you can hop the coast.
That will get you by until hammer falls in Florida (and it is coming). Until then, stick with your boat, stay with cruising, and keep exploring. Contrary to what many paper millionaires in Florida would want, you do not have to be a multimillionaire to cruise... just a little more creative for a little while.
So go buy you a Cowboy hat and have some fun in the Lone Star State. Keep you Heads up!!
- CD
Last edited by Cruisingdad; 10-26-2006 at 11:22 AM.
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