Mooring Ball in the Keys

[biker6977]

I am looking at a boat- the owner says they can "include a mooring ball in the Keys"- what does this mean? That the boat comes with a free "parking spot" in the Keys?

[StuM]

Originally Posted by biker6977

I am looking at a boat- the owner says they can "include a mooring ball in the Keys"- what does this mean? That the boat comes with a free "parking spot" in the Keys?

Parking spot - yes.
Free - extremely doubtful.

But if it's in an area with a high demand and a waiting list for moorings, then it's certainly worth something.

[denverd0n]

You need to ask the seller exactly what this means. But, like StuM said, very unlikely that it will be free. It may be that he has a ball in a commercial mooring field with a waiting list. Or it may be that he has leased from the state his own, personal mooring spot.

There is the very, VERY remote possibility that he actually owns the underwater land where he has a mooring, and is offering to sell that along with the boat. If that's the case (again, VERY unlikely) then transferring that underwater deed is a completely different process from buying the boat, and needs to be documented like buying a house would be.

In any case, you have to ask the seller.

[biker6977]

Well I guess is a moot point as the owner is not returning calls or responding to emails- perhaps he out to sea and changed his mind.
I will be doing some looking into mooring in FL so any info or where to look would be helpful. I understand that mooring fees are one of the higher expenses and we'd prefer to anchor for free (wouldn't everyone?!) So I am going to see what's out there in the keys and Bahamas.

[sparrowhawk1]

A lot of places in the keys the holding is terrible basically like a sidewalk with some sand on top so a lot of people make their own moorings using engine blocks, concrete , etc

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by sparrowhawk1

A lot of places in the keys the holding is terrible basically like a sidewalk with some sand on top so a lot of people make their own moorings using engine blocks, concrete , etc

That's true, but there are also lots of places with good to excellent holding. It's also true that many "private" moorings are also illegal and nothing more than a heavy weight, and sometimes an anchor attached to a mooring ball. Most have dubious tackle and since the Keys are in the hurricane belt, these moorings should be used with caution. Often your better off relying on your own ground tackle. Chuck

[biker6977]

@AnchorageGuy- thank you- I will get this and looking forward to the book coming out in the fall that includes our area of the Gulf

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by biker6977

@AnchorageGuy- thank you- I will get this and looking forward to the book coming out in the fall that includes our area of the Gulf

Good luck. I see your in Alabama. We're currently in Demopolis for a short time working on the Gulf Coast book. Our ICW book covers the Florida Keys. Chuck

[biker6977]

If you get down in the Mobile Bay area please give me a call- we'd love to have you over for dinner to bombard you with questions about sailing.
678-988-1402 and mine name is Caroline

[AnchorageGuy]

Thanks. We will be back in Mobile in October or November. Chuck

[biker6977]

Originally Posted by AnchorageGuy

Thanks. We will be back in Mobile in October or November. Chuck

Keep our number- my husband makes awesome food and we'll have our first sailing class done by then.

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by biker6977

Keep our number- my husband makes awesome food and we'll have our first sailing class done by then.

Will do, thanks. Chuck

[blewett_john]

AnchorageGuy - do you have information on moorings in Florida? I'm looking for a spot to put in a mooring near Tampa. I have a 500# mushroom and heavy chain.

Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by blewett_john

AnchorageGuy - do you have information on moorings in Florida? I'm looking for a spot to put in a mooring near Tampa. I have a 500# mushroom and heavy chain.

Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

The waters in the State of Florida are under the control of the State and in some cases, local municipalities. In order to put down a mooring legally you must apply for a permit from the city, state or county that has jurisdiction. Just like a building permit, you must meet whatever requirements are set by the controlling jurisdiction. There are many, many, many illegal moorings in Florida and that is part of the problem and the reason for many attempts at regulation. The State is just in the beginning stages of cracking down on these moorings. If it isn't a legal mooring and you decide to go off sailing one day, you could come back to find someone tied to your mooring and nothing you can do about it legally. It will have to be your call as to where and if you feel you can get away with installing your own mooring. Most of the popular spots where no one will probably bother you is more than likely pretty full by now. Good luck. Chuck