"Eisboch" wrote in message

Paraphrased: {Mutter--something-YAWN-Mutter.}
Eisboch

It's 4AM. Go back to sleep.

There was also a substantial deposit required plus
they required some proof of having some formal training, via boating course,
captains license and/or previous boating experience. The boat was also
beat to banannas.

Eisboch

Isn't it mostly canals?
and you need a Licence?

"Roger" wrote in message
oups.com...
There was also a substantial deposit required plus
they required some proof of having some formal training, via boating
course,
captains license and/or previous boating experience. The boat was also
beat to banannas.

Eisboch



Isn't it mostly canals?

Depends on where you are. The one I rented was on the ICW just a half
mile or so from Jupiter Inlet and the ocean.

and you need a Licence?

No. I didn't say that. They required proof of boating experience by virtue
of having completed a boating safety course. A USCG Captain's license
covered all the proofs required. They also considered verifiable general
experience if you could prove it.

This was the policy of the specific place I rented the boat. Other places
may have different requirements.

Eisboch

Boat theft is not rare around here, Wayne.

Hardly a week goes by without someone in SW Florida posting to a popular
fishing forum that I frequent complaining about another boat theft. I had a
boat stolen from a private dock back in 2000. Boat and motor were never
recovered.



"Wayne.B" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 28 Oct 2006 04:23:18 -0500, Vic Smith
wrote:

FYI, I've never owned a boat, but have handled a few powerboats and
spent plenty of time on all kinds of water.
If I get the boat, I'll be here asking for boating tips, but right now
my concern is financial.
And security. Is boat theft from canal docks something to consider?

Boat theft is rare around here, outboard motor theft a bigger risk.
Most people with docks have boat lifts which can be protected by
locking down the power.

Your main risk is hurricanes in the summer season. I'd recommend
storing it on a trailer when you are not around, preferably in a
secure facility away from the water.

Vic,
You'll pay anywhere from $50 to $150/mo to store a boat down here in a gated
self-storage lot. Storing a small boat like that in the water when you're
not around is not a great idea. Bottom growth, potential for sinking,
theft, etc.


"Vic Smith" wrote in message
...
I'm thinking about spending a month or two in Florida yearly, around
Port Charlotte. Probably rent a home with canal/dock in Punta Gorda.
I like to fish on most days, but renting a boat is expensive.
An option I'm considering is to buy a boat, let's say a 16' Carolina
Skiff with a 40hp motor, and store it in the area when I'm not there.
Anybody done something similar, and does this sound practical?
What are not-obvious-to-me financial pitfalls/gotchas?
I live near Chicago but don't want a boat here and don't want to tow
it to Florida.
FYI, I've never owned a boat, but have handled a few powerboats and
spent plenty of time on all kinds of water.
If I get the boat, I'll be here asking for boating tips, but right now
my concern is financial.
And security. Is boat theft from canal docks something to consider?

Thanks,

--Vic