FL boaters

[FootballFan]

Looking through the BoatUS magazine that came in the mail today,

Interesting article about selecting anchoring locations. Discussed changes coming regarding new laws.

Good reading if you anchor in state waters,

Mark

 

[northshore]

I had read that too. Did not know that things were getting that 'interesting'.

 

[fwebster]

This has ended up with the Florida legislature refusing to adopt no-anchoring law everywhere but in parts of Broward and Miami-Dade counties. There are areas in those counties where anchoring is illegal.

It is interesting to note the reason for all the discussion was a number of full time live-aboards avoiding slip rent by permanently anchoring boats in very high rent areas. You can understand why a guy who is paying taxes on a $12.0-$15.0 mil estate not wanting a derelict sailboat anchored in his back door on a full time basis. The other factor here is that the condition of many of these full time anchor-ee's was so poor that they were not seaworthy, could not move under their own power and were slowing decaying to the point is becoming derelicts. If they sank, the boat owner was always impossible to locate, so, the state or the nearby property owner had to have the vessels floated and removed. Florida already has a $1.8mil budget for derelict removal, but unfortunately, most of that is used up taking care of derelicts that are close to channels and high traffic navigation routes. The knock on the side of the hull usually means an inspection by the FWC (Florida's equivalent of a highway patrol or state police in boats) to verify the presence of a properly installed and approved MSD, the usual safety equipment and general seaworthiness of the vessel.

I am on the water a lot in Florida and an interesting local take on this is that the area the sailboats tend to anchor in here is adjacent to the state's top rated park. If a boat sinks and becomes a derelict, it is in state waters on state property so the state will be writing the checks to have them removed. Two sank last summer.........and they are still laying there, 1/2 submerged, but not close to the navigation channels. It will be interesting to see how long the state puts up with them.

 

[FootballFan]

Back in the spring we were in Marathon - had been at Burdines on the south side, rode up through Boot Key harbor (I think that's the name of it) - mooring balls that City of Marathon. Some rough looking boats - 20-30% looked abandoned.

North side of Key West, out about 1-2 miles due north of Galleon marina. Large anchoring field - probably 2/3's are obvious abandoned boats, many half sunk. Was spooky in the day time motoring through there. Some are live a boards, even those you wonder if the boat could still move under its own power.

Interesting data point from the article - Recreational boating is the #3 industry in the state of FL.

Mark

 

[Bridog]

Interesting article. Just read it.

 

[ttmott]

Understand the intent and agree however a slippery slope....
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) who I have reservations with their authority as it exists today, will use such legislation to further limit access for recreational use of our waters.
This effort should not consider FWC nor implement any authority for the agency.
The language for the study premise and results is twisted and misleading.

 

[northshore]

Well, If I had a 10 million dollar house on the water and someone decides that they want to permanently park a piece of garbage right outside my door......

Drones with the ability to drop volumes of _____________ (Use Imagination and Fill in the Blank) atop said vessel would probably be on my Christmas list as well.

I hope that what they have come up with is mutually good (understanding its not perfect) for all involved....