On Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:51:13 -0500, wrote:

On Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:23:36 -0500, "Eisboch"
wrote:

I think most people who own homes on manmade canals do so *because* they can
dock their boat near the house. That's why they live there. If people
don't like looking at boats, they shouldn't buy a home in an area designed
for people with boats.

Exactly!
My neighborhood has a private boat ramp and we had someone who
actually complained that there were a lot of boats on trailers in
people's driveways. They got shouted down.

What's funny is how many people buy on a canal with no intention of
boating. Punta Gorda is a prime example. Hardly any boats at the
docks.
Saw a small percentage of docks having boats in Cape Coral too, but
haven't been there for years.
I don't see where boat traffic in the canals is an issue.
Might even liven things up a bit seeing something/somebody when you're
on the dock having a drink.
I'd rather have a bit of traffic than a half hour ride to the river if
that was my choice.
My sister's place in Punta Gorda is pretty far from Charlotte Harbor,
but man is it quiet back there. The other side of the canal is a
nature preserve.
I think I've seen 2 boats in all the hours (days and days worth) I've
spent fishing on that dock.
Neither came close by as the canal is very wide there and dead ends
about a hundred yards away.
Oh, saw a couple kayaking once too.
Here's a shot
http://img170.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0064qn9.jpg
Pretty good fishing there too. If you're veeery patient.

--Vic