Moving the Boat

[gator1]

My wife and I are sick of being land locked on Lanier. We are considering moving the boat to the Fernandina Beach area or near Mobile since we have family in both of the general areas. Does anyone boat in that area that can give me some insight on either area? We really like the Fernandina beach area but are wondering what slip rates/insurance is averaging down there.

 

[fwebster]

Can't specifically address either exact location, however, we made the same boating move about some years ago. We chose the gulf coast because I think the boating is better here, and that is primarily due to the ICW and barrier islands we have all along the coast. There is seldom a day when we can't take the boat out simply because we have the choice of the Gulf or staying in the bay when the winds and seas are not conducive for comfort out side the pass. Nearly everything about coastal boating is different, sometimes a real challenge, but mostly it is an eye opener to serious boating we never saw on the Corp of Engineer's lakes in Tennessee. There are more risks, all of which are manageable if you have conservative go/no-go decision parameters. The biggest difference we have found is that we still find new, different and interesting places to go, things to do and people to meet and we've been on the coast for 25 years now.

You will need to address managing long distance ownership and insurance is going to be a big factor. Not all marinas are alike...some only rent slips; others have service capability and 24 hour security. It is going to be very difficult to manage a boat at a marina where you have no one to call for service or help while you are in Atlanta. What happens when there is a hurricane or tropical storm? You are probably not going to be able to even get to the boat since most bridges are closed to traffic when winds reach a certain level. Cost isn't the only consideration when picking a marina.....you need to be able to rely on the marina or a contractor you hire to help tend to your boat while you are away.

Very few insurance companies will write a new policy on a Gulf Coast location, particularly on a 10+ year old boat. YOur best chance is to talk to your present carrier about extending your to a coastal home port. We also find that we don't need long cruising limits which reduces risk and makes insurance more affordable. I have 400 gal tanks and keep 75 mile offshore limits on the boat. That lets me cross the Gulf from about Carrabelle to Tarpon Springs and from there stay within sight of the coast to Clearwater. My point is that 75 mile cruising limits isn't a big issue and is a lot cheaper than 150 mile limits for my particular insurance company.

Good luck with your move........be aware, once you learn about coastal boating, you won't miss the lake at all.

 

[kevin27]

My wife and I bought our first boat on Lanier back in 2003. We went out on the lake three weekends and moved the boat to Florida. Wouldn't have it any other way! Come on down. I aslo had no problem getting insurance even I have a mailing address in the Atlanta area. You will need to have a plan on file with them for storms.
If you move to the Tampa area I have an insurance agent you can conatct. He is a good guy and also a big boater as well.