Living aboard near Norfolk, VA.

[Dean101]

Originally Posted by Landseer36i

Dean,
While on active duty in Norfolk I lived aboard on my 36 ft Jeanneau at Salt Ponds Marina in Hampton. Their channel tends to shoal, but I had a shoal draft and never had a major issues. I went aground once but that was before I new about the shoaling. After that never any issues. They have since dredged, but I would recommend a shoal draft since the bay is shallow. Salt Ponds was very nice, quiet and not very expensive. Good luck.

Does the Naval base have a marina? If so, will they let Navy vets stay there?

[SailKing1]

Little Creek Amphibious base has slips, but you might have to get on a waiting list to get in. I am not sure if they allow liveaboards or not. I believe it is 2 -3bucks a ft slip fee.

[Dean101]

Originally Posted by SailKing1

Little Creek Amphibious base has slips, but you might have to get on a waiting list to get in. I am not sure if they allow liveaboards or not. I believe it is 2 -3bucks a ft slip fee.

Thanks Sailking. I'm thinking about taking some vacation days either later this year or next spring so I can come and check out the area. I will probably do well by visiting the local marinas to see how I like them. Maybe I can meet some of the local liveaboards and get their take on things as well.

[chuck53]

One thing no one touched on...
when looking at marinas, check out the property tax rate for the locality you are looking in.
I think (not positive about this) that both Hampton and Va. Beach have little or no property tax on boats. On a 35-40 bluewater boat, that can add up to a lot of dollars.

[Cptken]

Little Creek and Norfolk both have marinas. The waiting list is long for both. Ft Monroe across the bay has a great marina, with the base closing and converting to the state, I have not heard what will become of the marina and Old Point Comfort YC. Personal Property Tax varies by county/city it ranges from 0.5-1.5% of BUC. Some cities waive it. I think currently Hampton and Va Beach. Of the two Hampton is more sail boat friendly. I think most of the marinas discourage liveaboards, but only a few say no. If you are going to work, the commute across the bridge tunnels can be a PITA, that may a factor in determining where you want to live. Pick up a Waterway Guide or take a look at ActiveCaptain.com. You can get a pretty good idea of the marina's available. I had an aquaintance that lived aboard in Bay Point Marina in Little Creek, had at least one dockmate that did also.