channel living in florida

[EDMAN]

We are interested in retiring to the Port Charlotte Harbor area. Downsizing home upsizing boat. Some of the homes I've been looking at are on channels. While looking at different locations on Google I've noticed something very strange to me. NO BOATS AT THE PIERS. Whats up with that? Boat ramps close to homes NO BOATS. I want to boat more without breaking ice or shoveling snow. we have broken a record this year for snow fall. I want to break a record for boating. Am I just dreaming?

 

[Turtlesboat]

You have to do your research on different neighborhoods. I found that there's some canals that are silted in so boats can't get into them.

 

[EDMAN]

Thanks for that. I will definitely check on that. No sense in paying more for water front if you can't use it. Going down there next month to check on possibilities.

 

[Four Suns]

My mother lives in Port Charlotte.... Some of the canals are fresh water and don't connect out to the bay; some of the canals have very low bridges; some of the canals are silted; and some of the canals require locks (manual or open once a week) to get out. You need to look for canal front property that is advertised as sailboat ready.

 

[BritLady]

My mother lives in Port Charlotte.... Some of the canals are fresh water and don't connect out to the bay; some of the canals have very low bridges; some of the canals are silted; and some of the canals require locks (manual or open once a week) to get out. You need to look for canal front property that is advertised as sailboat ready.

Exactly! And, not only that make sure you can afford the home owner's insurance before you get too carried away. FEMA is now insisting that non-elevated homes in a hurricane zone, which it is,will no longer be subsidized and owners are having to pay full premiums which can run into really big $$$$. Many single story homes are now for sale here and many can't sell them because of this. A Realtor told me recently that the government wants all these single level homes gone, so although local Senators etc., reckon they are going to get the law changed he thought it's "just lip service" to the electorate so be careful. Good luck.

 

[EDMAN]

This is all very good information. Bridges too low, channels going nowhere, silt, and now insurance does SEA RAY make canoes? The listed cost of insurance at the realtor's web sites (when listed) didn't seem too out of line. Sounds like that will change. I will double check. I may have to rethink a Marina. Definitely need to make a new list of things to check out. We have family already there but they don't care about the water. They no nothing of these things.

 

[jitts3]

We were in the Keys over winter break. We all went "exploring" on some kayaks we rented thru some of the local channels on Sugarloaf Key. Some houses were magnificent. Others a total wreck. And a good amount of vacant lots also. I found that interesting. Most people there use a boat lift to get the boat out of the water too. But not all.

 

[Bucit]

Boat lifts are the way to go unless it's a big boat. Big boat = a big lift = big $$$$$$$$

I live on a canal that's leads to Tampa Bay and the Gulf. You have to check and make sure of depth at low WINTER tides. These are our lowest tides of the year. Many canals are like beaches on these tides. Low bridges is another must to check out. When I bought I didn't think I was ever going to get into bigger boats so I have an 8' bridge on hig tides to contend with. I had to customize my 280 and hinge the arch so I can get under the bridge. Another expense but then again cheaper than moving. Depending on the type of constructiona nd age your HO insurance will vary. CBS (block) construction is the best. I thought my flood was going up to $10k + per year but after I checked the most it would raise (if nothing changes with the new flood policy) would be $5200. Still alot considering but much better than expected.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

 

[Air O'Nautical]

I'm visiting a friend in that area that ownes a few water front homes.
We went to Cabbage Key for lunch today.

It is very nice having the boats in the backyard.

 

[EDMAN]

WOW THATS WHAT I"M TALKING ABOUT!!

Thanks Mark I was starting to feel a little down about the whole thing.
Can't wait to get down there next month.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

35ft Mainship flybridge on a lift!

 

[Air O'Nautical]

I could get used to this...

 

[Air O'Nautical]

If looking for a rental in Punta Gorda PM me.
I'll hook you up with my friend, he may have a rental opening on the water.

We saw turtles and dolphins today right on the canal.
82 and sun on February 11th ....... Priceless!

 

[Sprint7TW]

Insurance is the key.
I have a friend that was just informed that his insurance would increase by $600.00 per month.
People will be walking away from their homes after the 1st of the year due to the insurances increases.
This is not only in FL. but, anywhere that you are in a flood plane within the US.
This will probably make the housing bust of a few years ago look miniature or so the banks think.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Another day in the sun...(sigh).
This is a typical screened in pool over looking the canal.
Taking the jet boat out today.

 

[EDMAN]

You really know how to rub it in. I was enjoying the sun too. working on my pier posts 20* and knee deep snow. i'm calling my insurance man

 

[Lucky's]

Here's a few shots out my back door. You can see the white poles from the boat lift in the background






In this shot you can see the SR and the pursuit in the background.


Of course we're on the east coast, but we're a 45min boat ride to the ocean, have one fixed bridge with a 20' clearance and 2 with a 70' clearance. We have a minimum of 5' depth at the lowest tide and that depth is at our dock. The rest of the river to the ocean is an average of 10-16'. It all depends on where you wanna live I guess.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

I'm only visiting but, really like the whole idea!

 

[Sea Ray Mark]

I just bought a canal home in Punta Gorda in December. I have a 15 minute ride to Charlotte harbor and one 13' bridge. Flood, hurricane, hazard, homeowners, whatever you want to call it is about $2200 a year for all of it. If something crazy happens with FEMA and flood insurance gets crazy I'll pay the house off and drop the flood. Just so you don't feel bad I just came in from shoveling snow in lovely Southern Jersey. Mark