Southeast FL Marinas Recommendation

[Alex F]

Can anyone recommend good marinas that could be used during winter months in the region anywhere from Delray Beach to Miami?

We’re taking trip in the area (not by boat this time) and I was looking to stop by some marinas to get the feel and see what could work for us, so we can plan for the future "winter shelter".

 

[trit21]

Probably want to post this in the Southeast Forum since alot of the guys from that area cruise that forum. There are many to choose from and I will let some of the people that are further down that way chime in but if you don't get any responses let me know and I can tell you what I know and area I have stayed at in the past albeit for a week or weekend and not long term. Currently I am in Ft. Pierce, farther north of your destination since I live in Orlando and we really like the marina and area we are at now.

What kind of marina are you looking for as well? What amenities? Resort style with pool or just a place to put the boat? MIght be helpful to know your expectations so recommendations can be made.

 

[Ididntdoit]

Bahia Mar is nice (Ft Lauderdale) Palm Harbor (Palm Beach) is great too Also Coconut grove- Dinner Key - But don't sell short saying a little further north, the insurance is much cheaper and the weather and water is still quite nice - Sunset bay in Stuart (or, even better, anything in the "manatee pocket") would be a great choice and from there its an easy jump off to the Bahamas, or across the waterway to the west coast.

 

[Alex F]

Tom,

Good point on the thread location, I'll ask our admins to see if they can move it to the Southeast region, so I don't have duplicate threads.

The expectations are not high at all. We're not looking for a 5 star resort accommodations, but rather somewhat of a happy medium (decent place for a reasonable cost).

Primary priorities are:
1. Good and protected location, in regards to the wind and seas, especially if unexpected hurricane is unfolding.
2. Good location and safe neighborhood.
3. Marina management that will be able to help watching over the boat, since I'll be remote.
4. Have some nice nearby boating destinations on ICW or on the open water.

Other nice to have requirements:
5. Location in the area with something to do nearby in case if we are weathered in.
6. Location not too far from the nearest inlet, in case if most of the local destinations require going out on the open water.
7. If a marina has a pool it's would be a great plus.


Mike,

I'm pretty open and not locked to the DB to Miami stretch. But, my primary idea was to stay closer to the Southern region considering the fact that Ft. Lauderdale is the beginning of tropical zone. Since our focus is to use the boat for the winter months (Dec-Mar/Apr) we want to be in the warmest climate. One of my primary goals is to take a trip to Bahamas during spring break, so for that reason I don't want to be too far from Bimini. But, obviously extra 20-30NM or so further North or South doesn't make a big difference for Bahamas trip.

 

[trit21]

Reasonable price leaves out South Florida entirely. Only kidding but what is reasonable prices. $8-10/ft/mo, $13-14/ft/mo, or $16-18/ft/mo. Bimini is reachable from Ft. Pierce without much of a problem, 135 miles there against the stream and of course better economy coming back with current at your back. Protected marina where they will allow you to leave your boat in might be difficult to find since 2004. They are around and mine will allow it but your insurance may not. FL law states if you boat causes damage to a dock, you are liable so your insurance may require you to pull if storm is certain distance away. I agree with the list above by Ididntdoit, have stayed at Bahia Mar but it is expensive during the winter at least for transient slips, upwards of $4.50 / ft /day. And fuel there is out of this world.

I have not had my insurance increase because I was further north or south, if you are in FL, you are already in the danger zone according to my insurance company. I was in Daytona and when I moved south no increase, even if I was to move to Miami according to them.

Marina managment will certainly look after your boat and call if something is wrong and if an emergency will take action as they see fit. You would have to discuss that with them. Manateee pocket is nice, again expensive as I was quoted $14.50/ft/mo and power $100 /month in one marina, other were close in price for that area as well. I pay $8.50/ft/mo, cheap for that area as most are much higher. My marina is trying to get people in there. BTW.....these prices are all for 12month contracts and are higher if only for seasaonal or monthly, typically $2-3 /ft/mo more.

Don't know what you pay in TR, NJ but that is what some of the nicer marinas get down here even with this economy. I will be watching this thread and commenting when I can but I am interested to see where you end up and I have looked further south and this is what I found. We also needed 3 slips together since my buddies also moved with me. Good luck with your search, and again I will help when I can.

 

[trit21]

FYI, winter months off the coast here is typically not great. For example, haven't been able to get off shore any weekend since 2012 or so due to high northeast and north winds. Anything with a north component opposes the gulf stream and it blows up quick and tight. Last weekend was 8-10'seas. This weekend is supposed to be 3-4' but far apart with light winds. So we are going fishing or least gonna try our luck at the dolphin run. Most winters are bad with occassional ok weather. Once the north-northeast winds stop, then offshore is great hoping from inlet to inlet. SOmetimes April, sometimes May on a fairly regular basis of good winds and seas.

 

[Alex F]

Great suggestions, guys. I've looked up some of those marinas and they look awesome. I'll call them for more info.

I guess the first thing I'll have to think about the strategy about the weather and pick a place where I can have some sheltered cruising destinations so I'm not exposed to the Northern winds and high seas. It's been a while since I cruised the area (when I trailered my boats there), but if I recall there weren't that many destinations between Boca and Ft. Lauderdale on ICW in regards to swimming and spending a day on the water. Sites seeing is a totally different story. It sounds like I need to focus on the sheltered area first and then think about making my way to the islands. Perhaps it might make sense to stay some place sheltered during winter months and then move to a different marina as the weather improves.

First things first, I'm placing an order for Southern cruising guide.

Here's another thought. Considering that swimming and being in the water for the whole day during the winter months might be limited, perhaps it's better to focus on the areas with more of fun to see and things to do destinations. Does it sound like a logical approach? Any areas that come to mind to start looking at?

 

[Lucky's]

I just signed a year lease with Mariner Cay marina in the manatee pocket. It's a gated community with 24 hr security and swimming pool/bath house 75 yards from our slip. Also they have free weekly pump out and gas/diesel with the lowest prices in the area. Very nice, protected area with great water front restaurants all around and is only about a 8-10 min ride to the inlet and intercostal. Monthly is 16.50/ft and annual is 13.50/ft.


Shaun
Sent from my iPhone

 

[Alex F]

Thanks Shaun, I'll look in to it. Maybe we'll stop by and you'll give us a tour.

Oh wait, I can't let my folks come close to you...you might be "contagious" and they will get the "move to FL fever"....:lol:

 

[Lucky's]

Thanks Shaun, I'll look in to it. Maybe we'll stop by and you'll give us a tour.

Oh wait, I can't let my folks come close to you...you might be "contagious" and they will get the "move to FL fever"....:lol:

Well if you come to your senses and decide to move your welcome to stop by!! Your welcome to stop for a visit if you don't wanna move, too.


Shaun
Sent from my iPhone

 

[Alex F]

Thanks Shaun. We'll be staying 1.5-2hrs away form your place. I'll talk to the crew and if they won't mind taking a ride I'll PM you.

 

[Lucky's]

Thanks Shaun. We'll be staying 1.5-2hrs away form your place. I'll talk to the crew and if they won't mind taking a ride I'll PM you.

Sounds great!


Shaun
Sent from my iPhone

 

[Alex F]

...or, even better, anything in the "manatee pocket") would be a great choice and from there its an easy jump off to the Bahamas, or across the waterway to the west coast.

I'm looking at the "manatee pocket" and it looks like a great candidate for what we need in regards to being in the sheltered waters during unfavorable weather months during the winter. I have to say that I don't know much about the "manatee pocket", so I have some research to do. Hopefully, there will be a good coverage on it in Maptech Cruising Guide.

 

[Ididntdoit]

I'm looking at the "manatee pocket" and it looks like a great candidate for what we need in regards to being in the sheltered waters during unfavorable weather months during the winter. I have to say that I don't know much about the "manatee pocket", so I have some research to do. Hopefully, there will be a good coverage on it in Maptech Cruising Guide.

2 things - if its the bahamas you want, west end is very reachable from stuart and has a great resort, in addition to being the jumping off point for the abacos. Also, check into insurance - you will be an "absentee" owner and not every company will take you...

 

[Alex F]

Stuart definitely looks like a great location. I'll be researching about it more. Thanks for the tip on the insurance, Mike.

 

[Lucky's]

Stuart definitely looks like a great location. I'll be researching about it more. Thanks for the tip on the insurance, Mike.

Another thing about swimming, there is a HUGE sandbar near the entrance of the inter-coastal from the inlet that is a major swimming/party spot. That just happens to be about 5min from my marina....

 

[Alex F]

Reasonable price leaves out South Florida entirely. Only kidding but what is reasonable prices. $8-10/ft/mo, $13-14/ft/mo, or $16-18/ft/mo....

Tom, let me tell you what's not reasonable, IMO. I just called Bahia Mar in Ft. Lauderdale and they charge $2.70 p/f per day for monthly contract. :wow:......that makes $16-$18 p/f/m a bargain.

Another thing about swimming, there is a HUGE sandbar near the entrance of the inter-coastal from the inlet that is a major swimming/party spot. That just happens to be about 5min from my marina....

Great! This adds another selling point for the area.

 

[Ididntdoit]

Another thing about swimming, there is a HUGE sandbar near the entrance of the inter-coastal from the inlet that is a major swimming/party spot. That just happens to be about 5min from my marina....

Bathtub Beach!!!!!

 

[floriduramax1]

We keep the big boat in Marina Bay Marina. It's way up the New River and is the most cost effective place for insurance. Real nice gated community directly beside I-95 and minutes to Ft Lauderdale Airport. It's on exit 25.

 

[trit21]

Tom, let me tell you what's not reasonable, IMO. I just called Bahia Mar in Ft. Lauderdale and they charge $2.70 p/f per day for monthly contract. :wow:......that makes $16-$18 p/f/m a bargain.

Alex, I understand entirely. $2.70/f/d is very high but all marinas charge much more for a monthly or seasonal rate than they do for annual contract but that seems a little excessive.

That is why I am in Ft Pierce (about 15 miles north of Stuart area) at $8.50 /ft/ mo on a floating dock which include cable(limited channels), wifi(limited download speeds) and power is metered, so should only run about $40 /month for electric. Farther south you go, more it is but even WPB is expensive.