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

"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

There are many boat storage facilities throughout Florida ranging from
relatively inexpensive, fenced in lots to fancy rack storage areas. I'd
check around with people in the area for recommendations and maintain
insurance on it.

I had a bad experience with a boat storage facility in West Palm Beach.
When I decided to pick up my boat I discovered that the gate was locked and
they were in bankruptcy.
Often when this happens the courts freeze all of the items on the property
until it can be sorted out in bankruptcy court, which can take 6 months to a
year. I basically forced my way in and dragged the boat and trailer out
despite the protests of the owners.

Eisboch

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.

On Sat, 28 Oct 2006 09:39:09 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote:

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.

Don't know if I can guarantee getting a rental house with a lift.
Is there any way to secure the boat to the dock and the motor to the
boat? I'd just hate to wake up at sunrise to go fishing and find out
I'll have to take my wife shopping instead.
Or am I a flaming paranoid?

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.

Hadn't thought of that and it makes sense.

Thanks,

--Vic

On Sat, 28 Oct 2006 06:21:21 -0400, "Eisboch"
wrote:

There are many boat storage facilities throughout Florida ranging from
relatively inexpensive, fenced in lots to fancy rack storage areas. I'd
check around with people in the area for recommendations and maintain
insurance on it.

That's what I'll do next time I'm down there.

I had a bad experience with a boat storage facility in West Palm Beach.
When I decided to pick up my boat I discovered that the gate was locked and
they were in bankruptcy.
Often when this happens the courts freeze all of the items on the property
until it can be sorted out in bankruptcy court, which can take 6 months to a
year. I basically forced my way in and dragged the boat and trailer out
despite the protests of the owners.

Good point. I try to factor that potential in when I ask around.

Thanks,

--Vic

On Sat, 28 Oct 2006 12:41:26 -0400, wrote:


You may want to look at buying a house. The market tanked and there
could be some bargains up there in Charlotte County right now. Then
you could keep your boat in the garage all summer and put it in the
water when you want to use it. A covered lift is really the only way
to go if you have waterfront. The sun and salt water will kill a boat
pretty quick down here in paradise if it is just sitting out in the
open.

Yeah, my dream was to have a second home there, but I'm awake now.
Still thinking about moving there, but haven't convinced my wife yet.
She likes our home and area.
But after every vacation down there and winter here I nudge her a bit
closer to the line.
I'll remember the covered lift tip if I make the plunge.

BTW even renting, you might find a year round rental is comparable to
the seasonal rate, particularly if you could use the house a little
off season. They usually charge 4x the year round rate for the 3-4
months of "season". Houses are dirt cheap if you only want the off
season. The owner would rather have it rented than sitting empty.

Due to my wife's vacation constraints I can only get down in the off
months anyway, which makes the rental idea doable expense wise.
But if I ever get to the point of buying, I'll look hard at the yearly
rental option first.

Thanks,

--Vic

On Sat, 28 Oct 2006 13:13:43 -0500, Vic Smith
wrote:

Don't know if I can guarantee getting a rental house with a lift.
Is there any way to secure the boat to the dock and the motor to the
boat?

There are various locking systems for outboards depending on size.
You can also use a cable looped through something solid and padlocked.
That's what I do on my dinghy when I'm cruising.

On Sat, 28 Oct 2006 22:03:13 GMT, Gene Kearns
wrote:

Vic, ping NOYB, here, IIRC he has some experiences to share, as
well...

Thanks, Gene. I'll leave it to him to notice the subject or not.
I've already gotten some good advice and think my next step
is on-site legwork.

--Vic

--Vic

There are many boat storage facilities throughout Florida ranging from
relatively inexpensive, fenced in lots to fancy rack storage areas. I'd
check around with people in the area for recommendations and maintain
insurance on it.

I had a bad experience with a boat storage facility in West Palm Beach.
When I decided to pick up my boat I discovered that the gate was locked and
they were in bankruptcy.
Often when this happens the courts freeze all of the items on the property
until it can be sorted out in bankruptcy court, which can take 6 months to a
year. I basically forced my way in and dragged the boat and trailer out
despite the protests of the owners.

Eisboch



How much does it cost to a hire a small boat 16-20ft ?
The only web sites I have found are for a Gin Palace.

Roger

"Roger" wrote in message
oups.com...


How much does it cost to a hire a small boat 16-20ft ?
The only web sites I have found are for a Gin Palace.

Roger


I am sure it varies from place to place. I rented a 22' open boat once in
Jupiter, Fl. before I brought the Scout down there. I don't recall the
rental fee, but I do recall that I thought it was expensive and not
something I'd do often. 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