Maiden Voyage!!!

[dtfeld]

Vaiden voyage was a short day trip from Clearwater Beach Marina to Dunedin. About 3 miles. Parked at the day dock (free) and had a nice walk around downtown Dunedin, some ice cream for a mid morning snack.

Made there and back, no muss, no fuss and no dinged fiberglass or egos! Wife was great first mate.

Looking for ideas of a place to go spend a night on the hook in the clear water area. Someone suggested 4 workers bar?

 

[bobeast]

If you haven't already done so, consider pulling all your chain and rode out of the locker, and check that 1) the end of the rode is properly attached to the boat, and 2) that your windlass works as expected.

I've heard of #1 happening. As for #2 there is little worse than trying to pull in the anchor in a relatively narrow channel only to find that the windlass can't make the rode -> chain transition, especially if you are single handling.

 

[Larry Sturm]

We like to go up to Tarpon Springs and visit all the bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops. A nice place to park is at Turtle Cove Marina. They have a nice pool and are within walking distance to all the shops.

 

[dtfeld]

We like to go up to Tarpon Springs and visit all the bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops. A nice place to park is at Turtle Cove Marina. They have a nice pool and are within walking distance to all the shops.

We have a reservation there in May.

I noticed a lot of sailboats off to the east and west of the the channel up near Dunedin, and a couple smaller boats out towards Honeymoon Island. I’m wondering if I can ease a 410 back in there for nite on the hook?

 

[dtfeld]

If you haven't already done so, consider pulling all your chain and rode out of the locker, and check that 1) the end of the rode is properly attached to the boat, and 2) that your windlass works as expected.

I've heard of #1 happening. As for #2 there is little worse than trying to pull in the anchor in a relatively narrow channel only to find that the windlass can't make the rode -> chain transition, especially if you are single handling.

Good idea.

 

[Boater420]

Vaiden voyage was a short day trip from Clearwater Beach Marina to Dunedin. About 3 miles. Parked at the day dock (free) and had a nice walk around downtown Dunedin, some ice cream for a mid morning snack.

Made there and back, no muss, no fuss and no dinged fiberglass or egos! Wife was great first mate.

Looking for ideas of a place to go spend a night on the hook in the clear water area. Someone suggested 4 workers bar? View attachment 54661

Three Rooker Island (#8) is a great place to anchor. Look for winds out of the south east for it to be a comfortable at anchor.

Anclote Island (#6) is another great spot to anchor overnight. Nice and calm.

Honeymoon (#11) is also nice and quiet an anchor. Very few people as well.

 

[Blkbird]

Envious!

 

[Boater420]

We have a reservation there in May.

I noticed a lot of sailboats off to the east and west of the the channel up near Dunedin, and a couple smaller boats out towards Honeymoon Island. I’m wondering if I can ease a 410 back in there for nite on the hook?

Try this website:
https://webapp.navionics.com

It gives pretty accurate depth readings for the area.

 

[FootballFan]

Sounds like a great maiden voyage. Congrats.

We went there a month or so ago. Similar, used the free day dock, ate, went to the ice cream shop (probably the same one). Wonderful place with a lot of options.

Not sure if you have gone over to Clearwater Beach Marina. They also have free day dock. Swing by the fuel dock as you are going in, ask them about free day dock they will direct you and tell what slips are available.

When we went there the slips were all the way on the west end right in front of the restaurant. There are several options for food. You are right at the traffic circle area.

Another couple of options. From the fuel dock at Clearwater Beach, turn north and go underneath the causeway. I think you would clear on air height but don't remember the exact clearance (we were on the Tender).

If you can get underneath the Causeway bridge, then there are two more options for "Free Day Docking". You would want to verify in advance, I think either have docks that would handle your boat.

Island Way grill to the right (east) towards the aquarium after you come under the causeway bridge.

Frenchy's (couple of restaurants on the island). Their docs are straight ahead and on the left, there is a sign. At Frenchy's docks there is usually an attendant to help you dock. He gives you a card which you get validated when you visit one the restaurants and docking is free.

Just a couple of ideas for day trips.

Mark