Move to Florida

[Jritt]

I am coming to Florida next week ( West coast ) to review Cruising grounds and Marinas from Tampa to Marco island. After 35 years in the NW and Mexico, I am thinning about shipping my 25sc down in the fall and cruising during the winters. Any suggestions that Tug owners in Florida have for me would be greatly appreciated. John Rittenoure ( 206 2278386 )

 

[pugtug613]

Charlotte Harbor is the best. It has great cruising grounds. It is in the Punta Gorda, Sarasota, Ft. Myer area.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

For our money we think that you just can not go wrong with the west coast of Florida. I'd consider somewhere between Charlotte Harbor and Ft Myers/Cape Coral/Sanibel Island for a home base. The reason I say this is that your about half way to Marco Island and the Everglades heading south and half way to destinations North. There are plenty of marinas from the basic to the very high end, lots of sand beaches and opportunities for anchoring.

Jim

 

[Namaste]

We are docked at Fishermen's Village Marina in Punta Gorda and have been based here for the last four years. Plus side - it is well protected and the town is very walkable. Downside - it is a 20 mile run through Charlotte Harbor to the ICW or the gulf and the weather has been nasty this year. Lots of place to gunk hole in this area so as other have said, you can't go wrong.

 

[dante3756]

We spent 4 years in Punta Gorda until Hurricane Charlie (2004) destroyed our boat and home. Burnt Store Marina (very nice) is at the midway point of Charlotte Harbor, but there's no town there. One of the many great things about Charlotte Harbor is that there are many places both North & South to gunk hole - all within an easy day's cruise. Naples/Marco is 60 miles south. Naples was our favorite spot - pick up a mooring or use city marina. Sarasota is 60 miles north. But, again, there are nice spots in between. From Marco, it's about 100 miles to Key West or Marathon, with a couple of midway points as well. Venice (just north of Sarasota) is a bit north of Sarasota. Tampa Bay is about 100 miles from Charlotte Harbor. There, I recommend the Harborage Marina in St. Pete.

Dante

 

[scubabob]

After traveling more than 7,000 doing the Great Loop, my wife and I decided to settle here at Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda. The Charlotte Harbor area is great for both day trips (nothing like a run over to Cabbage Key just for lunch) or overnights
Burnt Store Marina is a gated community and the Marina itself is wonderful. There are two weather protected coves and the diesel prices are among the lowest on this coast. In addition to our Cutwater, there are 2 Rangers a 29 and a 31. While I missed it this year, there are mini-rendezvouses for Rangers nearby.

 

[Jritt]

Thanks for your ideas and suggestions. I leave for Florida tomorrow to do some research.