Live-aboard Options Florida Keys

[austinrick]

Reading this thread leaves me pretty well convinced that I should abandon any plan for spending time cruising around lower Florida this winter and simply get out to the Out Islands, hope there's something left to enjoy there, and get back north asap, maybe even before spring. In a year of planning this trip I've seen nothing that makes Florida an attractive destination.

[SebastianB]

Guess it depends on what you want. I for one love the keys. I havent been on my boat yet but have been by car and really fell in love. I have found the people to be extremely nice and welcoming, the scenery beautiful, and the lifestyle almost perfect. People like to complain but really I think wherever you go-there you are! I have talked to people who talked bad about the Bahamas though, too so I guess its all in what you are looking for.

[FSMike]

Originally Posted by austinrick

Reading this thread leaves me pretty well convinced that I should abandon any plan for spending time cruising around lower Florida this winter and simply get out to the Out Islands, hope there's something left to enjoy there, and get back north asap, maybe even before spring. In a year of planning this trip I've seen nothing that makes Florida an attractive destination.

Lol. I guess that's why so many people go there.

[Dulcesuenos]

There are a few places you can anchor out and dinghy in to a dinghy dock. Gilbert's in key largo,Rock harbor by Rodriguez I Key largo, mangrove marina in Tavernier, OV I think in islamorada etc.. Most charge 80 or so a month if you keep a car there.
There are some affordable marinas around and so e expensive ones but most aren't more than your avg live aboard. You can't beat the snorkeling diving, etc for the US.

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[bobw100ton]

I've enjoyed tremendously calling Harbour Cay Club home in Marathon. Check out HarbourCayClub.com for slips for sale. I'm leaving for a few years so mine is on the market as well.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by kjdavie01

On a similar topic - is there a requirement to register a non-Florida boat (registered in another state and Documented with the USCG) if you're planning to be in FL for a longish cruise (7-8 months)?

I believe if your in FL for more than 90 days your supposed to register. I have no idea how that is enforced, I have a dock neighbor that is on year two of renting a slip in Fl, and he is still Ms registered, but Panhandle is a lot less strict than South Fl. Registration is easy and not that expensive, it does not trip any form of taxation that I am aware of.

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by kjdavie01

On a similar topic - is there a requirement to register a non-Florida boat (registered in another state and Documented with the USCG) if you're planning to be in FL for a longish cruise (7-8 months)?

Yes, If you are in Florida waters for 90 days or more, you must register with the State of Florida. If your from a state that does not issue state registrations, you must register in Florida immediately. The FWC is pretty aggressive about enforcing this. Some do get away with it if you don't travel much. In some areas, the FWC walk the docks looking for out of state registrations. Chuck

[SebastianB]

Checked out Harbor Cay Club online. Looks really nice. Probably give the Harbormaster a call when we are in town next week and go have a talk/look. Seems like a great place. Definitely different than a city marina or a commercial one it seems.

[bobw100ton]

If you have any questions you can give me a call, 305 289 1150 (Bob at SALT).