Two Georges Marina - Shalimar, FL

[Windjammer]

The Admiral and I were kicking around the idea of moving our 340DA to Florida for a while - maybe several months, or maybe permanently. A dockmate from several years ago moved his boat to what was then Shalimar Yacht Basic and left it there for a couple of months. He liked it because the marina had some covered slips, which appeals to us. I understand that the marina has changed hands, and wondering if anyone has had any experience recently. Have also heard that Destin Pass can be tricky at times? Any info would be appreciated.

 

[fwebster]

I don't know anything about the marina in question since we keep our boat in Panama City Beach, 35 miles east. We do frequently visit Destin. The Destin Pass is not tricky at all, as long as you locate and identify the markers 2 markers ahead of where you are because there is a significant turn in the pass as you enter from the Gulf. The Destin pass also shoals a bit so you have to pay attention to the color of the water.

I think the biggest challenge in the Destin area is the amount of traffic in the late spring, summer and early fall, and the mad house around Crab Island just north of the Destin Bridge.

 

[Windjammer]

It's been almost 20 years since we've visited that area but I do remember Crab Island was a popular place. Have also found a marina (Legendary Marine) that says they have indoor storage for boats up to 50 feet, and have requested more info. Since we'll be 6 hours away from the boat, this might be something for us to consider versus a covered slip.

 

[fwebster]

Covered slips are very scarce and hard to find in Florida coastal waters because the Florida State DEP (dept of enviornmental protection) is not permitting any more due to the concentration of rain water run off into salt and brackish state waters. I am in Panama City Beach and there is a waiting list for any covered slip th at becomes available.

Get quotes on storing a 340DA inside. Rentals for dry stack storage usually have an insurance component in the rental cost. In this area, the cost of the insurance on a boat over 32ft makes the cost about equal to that of a wet slip for a 45-45ft boat.

One other thing to consider is what type of boating you plan to do on the coast. Destin is great for fishing, but there are very limited areas for beaching or anchoring a boat on a beach. Panama City Beach or even Pensacola has the benefit of barrier islands near Gulf access which means enough tidal flow to the water in areas behind the barrier islands clean and clear.

I've been boating in this area for 20+ years so let me know if I can help you ..........

 

[ttmott]

Covered slips are very scarce and hard to find in Florida coastal waters because the Florida State DEP (dept of enviornmental protection) is not permitting any more due to the concentration of rain water run off into salt and brackish state waters. I am in Panama City Beach and there is a waiting list for any covered slip th at becomes available.

Get quotes on storing a 340DA inside. Rentals for dry stack storage usually have an insurance component in the rental cost. In this area, the cost of the insurance on a boat over 32ft makes the cost about equal to that of a wet slip for a 45-45ft boat.

One other thing to consider is what type of boating you plan to do on the coast. Destin is great for fishing, but there are very limited areas for beaching or anchoring a boat on a beach. Panama City Beach or even Pensacola has the benefit of barrier islands near Gulf access which means enough tidal flow to the water in areas behind the barrier islands clean and clear.

I've been boating in this area for 20+ years so let me know if I can help you ..........

Isn't that a load of - well you know what..... Like rain water off of the roof is different than rain water off the dock and boat. When I went to permit my roofed dock behind my house they (FDEP) made me cut a deal that I would plant mangrove every 18 inches on the waterfront otherwise it would be quite a wait on my permit for further review. Criminal.... Shadowing the water and inhibiting sea grass growth was the stated reason and mangrove was a suitable offset. I have a lot of mangrove behind my house 20 years later...

 

[techmitch]

Isn't that a load of - well you know what..... Like rain water off of the roof is different than rain water off the dock and boat. When I went to permit my roofed dock behind my house they (FDEP) made me cut a deal that I would plant mangrove every 18 inches on the waterfront otherwise it would be quite a wait on my permit for further review. Criminal.... Shadowing the water and inhibiting sea grass growth was the stated reason and mangrove was a suitable offset. I have a lot of mangrove behind my house 20 years later...

"Isn't that a load of - well you know what..... Like rain water off of the roof is different than rain water off the dock and boat."

My thoughts exactly!

 

[Golfman25]

"Isn't that a load of - well you know what..... Like rain water off of the roof is different than rain water off the dock and boat."

My thoughts exactly!

The reality is you could collect the rain water off the roof in rain barrels leading to zero runoff. But that's government for you.

 

[fwebster]

It isn't like the Florida waters are short of barnacles, sea potatos, worms, crabs, or their like.......its more like somebody gave the DEP idiots the keys to the truck.

 

[rwvw415]

In 2003 and 2004 I had my 380 Sundancer in dry storage at Legendary Marina in Destin . I found it to be a very good experience and when I brought the boat back to our fresh water lake no one could tell it had ever been in salt water for over a year. I would call them when I left the house and the boat would be in the water waiting fo me when I arrived then they would wash the boat from the rubrail down when they put it back into storage. The only thing I missed was the dock life of hanging out on the dock talking to other boaters. Check them out it is a good operation but not inexpensive .