On Fri, 3 Apr 2009 21:27:49 -0700 (PDT), Frogwatch
wrote:

I think the reason many people do not cruise is because it takes so
dang long they run outa time. They need to leave their boats
somewhere for a month till they can get back to sail on further. This
is very difficult because almost all marinas are geared toward long
term slip agreements.
What I envision is a series of mooring buoys spaced roughly 50 miles
apart on the Gulf coast to be used for no more than a month. Marina
operators may not like this but they mostly have enough business
anyway. These might have to be on state property (most bottoms are
state property). Fees would be by the night, by the week or by one
month max. payable at a drop box ashore or by CC online. The operator
of the system would pay fees to the state and community. Any boat
that exceeded the 1 month limit would be towed by commercial service
to a local marina.
Cruisers who would use such buoys, do not mind spending money at local
restaurants and stores so it would help local businesses.
Thoughts?

It's already happening in some places like Ft Myers Beach and Boot Key
Harbor. They usually expect someone to be on the boat however. In
my experience you are better off at a dock if leaving the boat for
more than a day or two. If for no other reason, you can keep the
battery charger plugged in to ensure that the bilge pumps will stay
working. Security is usually better at a marina also.

There is another issue with moorings. You need a way to get to shore
and back and there are very few places in Florida with launch service,
or a place to dock a dinghy long term. You may also need a place to
park your car if you are shuttling back and forth to the boat on
weekends.