"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 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

--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

"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