Marina Wet Slip Shortage in Florida a Crisis

Where have all of the wet slips gone?

The extreme shortage of wet slip rental or lease availability in Florida has been spurred on by the former real estate boom and the explosion of condominium development in Florida. New regulations by the EPA and strict building codes do not allow for the wet slip development which would allow a traditional rental slip marina to survive.
When these old Florida marinas are purchased by real estate speculators the goal is to maximize the return on investment.
Real estate developers hold a very different view of "marine amenities" than those who use them. Real Estate developers and Condo Associations usually think of the waterfront portion of their properties as necessary evils or "amenities". On one hand they promote the waterfront of these properties as a selling point for investors and condominium buyers and on the other hand they limit the availability of that same waterfront and the rights the buyers have to use the waterfront portions of the same property. "Everyone wants to see the boats, but they only want to see them docked behind some other property".

The result of all this development in the last 15 years is what we refer to as a wet slip shortage. This shortage has caused the congestion seen at boat ramps throughout Florida. Anyone who is less than a multi-millionaire and who also enjoys boating must come to the conclusion that purchasing trailerable boat is the only solution which will allow them to enjoy affordable boating. When a majority of new boaters come to this conclusion it is reasonable to expect the pressure on boat ramps to increase.

As a community of boaters we must find ways to pressure our legislature to find a solution for this every expanding problem. Part of the reason Florida is a destination for the world is our reputation as a boating mecca. Soon this reputation will only be applicable to multi-millionaire yachtsmen who can afford to purchase what amounts to 6 pilings and a cement pier for more money than most boaters make in a lifetime.

The article quoted below shows the amazing state of not only the wet slip shortage but also the ever increasing monetization of dry rack or high and dry storage. Local and State governments must find a solution to allow the citizens of this state to enjoy the natural resources by either building public marinas and boat ramps or legislating that a portion of these dockominiums which are built over or adjacent to State controlled wetlands be set aside for residents of the State at reduced pricing or on a lease basis. Affordable access to our State waters is something we all should fight for, before it is too late.

Capt. Scott (AKA Navmaster)

Boating now gets more expensive with dock speculators as investors moor hopes to boat-slip sales, rentals

By LORI BECKER Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Last year, Drew Burris bought four boat slips in Charleston, S.C. He's now looking at picking up a few more in South Florida. No, he doesn't have a fleet of vessels needing homes. But he's banking that a lot of boaters do.
Slip Investing:

• With more Florida boat slips hitting the real estate listings, marina developers are citing annual appreciation rates of 6 percent to 45 percent.

• Wet slips, sold by the foot, are going for $1,500 to $13,000 a foot, with South Florida drawing the highest prices.

• Dry stacks generally are priced based on length, width and height, and can vary from $100,000 to $300,000."It's a great investment play," he said. "I've seen the prices continue to escalate as more and more people move closer to the coast.

Article Continued on OffshoreOnly.com

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Dean is a Hurricane

DEAN IS A HURRICANE!

Hurricane Dean has been born and will effect our Caribbean yachting friends soon. And although the projected track does not include Florida in it's path at this time, we all should be vigilant and watch this storm and it progresses Westward.
-Navmaster

The U.S. National Hurricane Center has upgraded the Atlantic storm Dean to a hurricane - the first hurricane of the 2007 Atlantic storm season.

Dean reached hurricane strength early Thursday. It is swiftly moving west over the Caribbean with winds of 130 kilometers an hour.

Forecasters say they expect Dean to continue strengthening throughout the day.

On its current track, the hurricane's center is expected to be near the Lesser Antilles by Friday. Forecasters warn that heavy rain produced by Dean could trigger life-threatening flash foods and mudslides in some areas.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.
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Birds of a Feather

Photo by: SPooler

The Thrills Of Bird Watching From A Boat

By: Michael Russell

Bird watching is an activity that can keep a person thrilled to no limits. In fact, the only limit to this nature-loving pastime is a persons endurance, patience and of course, vision. The only limit to enjoying this pastime is a persons imagination.

There are plenty of locations where one can go bird watching. Anyone can go birding right in his garden. Some people particularly in New York visit the various parks famous for bird watching activities.

Wild birds are actually everywhere because they travel from place to place depending on the season. However, birds flock in areas with a good environment and which is not polluted.

A person who is just starting with this hobby can consult a bird watching field guide to make sure he knows a little about birds and how to identify them. Being able to know what you are looking for can be twice the fun compared to being ignorant of what literally lies on the horizon.

There are people who believe that the best place to go bird watching is near a river. They also agree that bird watching from a boat can give one the pleasure of going boating and watching birds. However, bird watching from a boat should be done during summer because this is the time when the birds flock along the rivers.

Bird watching from a boat can give a person the advantage of being able to see and then hear the birds chirping without disturbing them. Some even get their best birds sightings when on a boat because of the serenity of the waters. Remember that birding means watching or observing wild birds and not those that are in cages so keep an eye on the areas where they will be flying free.

Migrating wild birds often cross rivers so birding while on a boat can give a person the best vantage point. Some people would be amazed to know that there can be at least a hundred species of birds in his area alone. Being aware of what birds flock along the river can make birding from a boat more fulfilling.

Bird watching can be a fun and fulfilling hobby that can be pursued alone or in the company of friends or family. It can be bonding time for a father and son or even for the whole family. Anyone can have fun bird watching without spending too much money.

A person who wants to get the most of his bird watching hobby should read about birds, their natural habitats and the techniques of how to identify certain bird species. Certainly, these things will not cost a person much except of course, in terms of his time and effort.

Article Source: Birdwatching Guide


boat, boating, yacht, sail

Save your vessel or your life with the right Cleat Technique

Before a Storm

Be sure to know the ropes...

Or to be more accurate, learn how to tie a line. One of the most basic and most used (or misused) methods to secure your boat is the simple line to cleat connection.

If you appreciate animation and would like to learn more about how to properly tie or fashion knots in line to secure your vessel, yourself or your bait bucket... You should check out this site: AnimatedKnots.Com

The image to the here shows a line which is improperly tied to a cleat with some high quality chafing gear in place for protection from heavy weather chafing. Why is this line improperly affixed to the cleat in the image?

I think the image was taken to show off the chafing gear, not how to tie lines to cleats...

If your wondering what the problem is, take a look at the bitter end of the line and the wrap with the chafing gear under the horn of the cleat. Clearly this line was not tied with adjustment in mind, nor was it tied with the very real possibility of heavy weather in mind (chafing gear not withstanding). Think about how difficult it would be to remove that line from the cleat when it has a heavy strain upon it. The line will be bound up upon itself and if you were to try and ease it off that cleat with a 50 knot wind providing enormous pressure on the line, your choice might just be to cut the line because it will be nearly impossible to make any adjustment on the cleat with the arrangement as pictured.

The point here is your chances of getting through a storm, or your boat getting through a storm are greatly increased if you spend the time to learn a few basic knots and ways to tie up your vessel correctly. If you learn when it is calm and you have the time, and you put that knowledge to use in your every day situations in mooring your vessel, then it follows that these procedures will come naturally when the wind is high and the tension is at its peak.

Always keep in mind when you make up your mind how to tie up your vessel that you may be put in the position of needing to untie that same vessel when the situation has deteriorated. You may need to change where your line is riding, or you may need to get out of the way of a boat which has broken free from another mooring. (This is only if you ignored my earlier post which indicated your boat is not worth risking your life for in a real storm situation). Just try and visualize how you would get free if your lines are wrapped around a cleat in a manner which places all of the pressure on the line and does not allow you to release that pressure under complete control.

So go to animatedknots.com and study up on your mooring techniques and knot work. The small effort you expend will serve you well throughout your boating lifetime.

boat, boating, yacht, sail

Tropical Storm Dean moving across Atlantic

(Bay News 9) -- Tropical Depression #4, which formed in the Atlantic Ocean Monday morning, was upgraded to Tropical Storm Dean late Tuesday morning.

It continues to move westward at 21 mph.

Dean has 40-mph winds and though it's currently about 1,400 miles east of the far eastern Caribbean, it could reach that area by this weekend, at which time it may have intensified into a hurricane by Friday, according to Bay News 9 meteorologists.

A storm with wind speeds of 39 mph and higher is classified as a tropical storm, and a storm with wind speeds of 74 mph and higher is classified as a hurricane.

Dean is too far away to accurately forecast possible effects on Florida. It is the fourth named storm of the season.

Meanwhile, there's a strong low in the Gulf of Mexico. It could become a tropical depression, but is expected to move west and not affect Florida.

Tune in to Weather on the Nines for more forecast information, including our Tropical Update at :49 past the hour.

• Atlantic Ocean Satellite
• Hurricane page
• Tropical Update page
  
• Storm names

boat, boating, yacht, sail

Tropical Depression #4 moving quickly westward

(Bay News 9) -- Tropical Depression #4, which formed in the Atlantic Ocean Monday morning, continues to move westward at 21 mph.

It has 35-mph winds and though it's currently about 1,500 miles east of the far eastern Caribbean, it could reach that area by this weekend. It is expected to intensify into a tropical storm and eventually a hurricane by this weekend, according to Bay News 9 meteorologists.

The depression is too far away to accurately forecast possible effects on Florida. If it becomes a named storm, it will be called Dean.

The photo above is of a previous storm but it serves as a reminder to all of you summer time boaters in Florida (As if you should need a reminder after 2004). The Hurricane season is here and we all need to keep an eye on the Tropics!

One personal word about storm preparation, you should prepare and you should take every precaution to moor and store your boat in a manner which will prevent damage to it or any other vessel, but by all means if it is a choice between your boat and or you and your families well being (life) please choose life and abandon the boat. Head for high ground and save the important people, including yourself. No boat is worth your life or your health.

In future posts we will discuss the prudent and thoughtful ways you can attempt to save your vessel from storm damage. It can be done, and I have done it but you should never consider riding the storm out in a small vessel. And you should never wait to the last moment to try and save your boat when the winds have already come up and your safety is in question.

Make your preparations early and then take care of your family!

The Pilot Boat: Port pictures#links

If you have ever thought you had seen a rough day at sea or on the bay, take a look at some of the photos in the following blog:

The Pilot Boat: Port pictures#links

When your vessel is encountering sea's such as the ones depicted in this series of photos you only have your training and faith in your vessel and crew to depend upon.

Boat Show Anyone?

We see that the annual boat show season is coming to a public venue near you.

Here on the West Coast of Florida the next upcoming Boat Show is at the Tampa Convention Center.

Obviously a boat show is a the most innovative method that the marine manufacturers have developed to market the dream which is the boating lifestyle.

Somehow I find the method less than successful and have felt for years that boat shows could be carried out in a much better fashion. My experience has been tainted from a boat show attendance history of over 35 years. But in my view boat shows were more of an event back in my youth. Now they seem to be no more than a place to buy discount rods and reels, see home improvement displays, and or buy vacation interval ownership plans.

The main attraction (the boats) always seem to be shoved into a corner or over on the side of the main hall somewhere. Appointments must be made to see any boat worthy of interest, if one can get near the boat at all, and really who wants to pre-qualify themselves to a boat show salesman just to attain the right to see what he is trying to sell?

Boat shows can be fun and informative, please do not get me wrong, I just believe it should be more about the boats and the features of the boats than what boat shows have become. The people who promote boat shows developed a formula back in the 1970's and they have not changed the shtick one iota since.

I would like to see some innovation, some sort of way to make boat shows more friendly and less of a cattle call to cheap products. Sure, we all like discount fishing tackle and I have personally purchased rods and reels at boat shows, but to make people pay to gain entrance to what has become basically a travelling nautical flea market is a bit extreme. Show me the Boats Baby!

The following link is the boat show promoters idea of why you should go to the boat show. There are some valid points in the video. But when you decide to go to the boat show with your family remember that the prices you see at the show are not necessarily the best price available for a particular boat. In today's world of Internet pricing and world wide markets, it pays to know before you go. Create a list of boats you may be interested in and find your best prices before the boat show. Then keep that list close to your wallet. You may be surprised with a fantastic deal, but you also with have all of the information prior to entering real negotiations.

http://www.tampaboatshow.com/attendees/features/whygotoboatshow.aspx?s=discoverboating/boatingguy/006&w=480&h=360

So go ahead and attend your local boat show, pick up a rod & reel or a timeshare brochure and maybe, just maybe, you could find a great deal on your boat dream. But please go prepared if that is your mission (buying a boat). If your mission is simply to mess about with boats then by all means.. party on and look at all of the pretty vessels. They were assembled just for you!

Boat Dreams Florida Editors Background

Ahoy,

As we reach the second day mark on this journey around the blogosphere I thought I should introduce myself.

Hi! I am Captain Scott. (AKA - NavMaster)

The image you see above is one of myself after a long and wonderful day cruising about the West Coast of Florida in my current project boat, a 1986 Tiara Pursuit 2150 Center Console Fisherman. This photo was taken by my lady Katherine late one afternoon as we departed Tarpon Springs enroute to Johns Pass.

This by no means has been my longest journey at sea. I am a retired professional Merchant Marine Officer, deep sea Tug Boat Captain, former Cruise Ship Captain and professional Yacht Captain. I have sailed in many capacities aboard a plethora of differing and interesting vessels in my over 30 years as a working seafarer.

From 22' tow assist vessels to 780' deep sea oil tankers, both power and sail. My U.S.C.G. licenses included a 1600 gt Master All Oceans, a 500 gt Master Sail all oceans, in addition to numerous endorsements and certification as an unlimited able seaman. My training began at a very young age and as such I was licensed as a U.S.C.G Captain just after my 18th year. I have navigated my way to some of the most interesting ports around the world from exclusive yachting resorts aboard multi million dollar floating palaces to grungy oil field supply depots and some of the busiest and most well travelled commercial world ports.

I mention these facts of my career because frankly I loved each and every moment. As I look back I see that my life took a very interesting course and if it were not due to a tragic accident at sea I would still be sailing the oceans blue as a professional mariner and merchant seaman.

I have put away tid bits of knowledge throughout the years which include basic boat maintenance knowledge gained as a young lad in a commercial yachting maintenance boat yard to advanced systems knowledge of some of the largest and most well equipped yachts, and ships, and tugs sailing the seas today. I would like to share that knowledge with anyone who may be interested. While I am not an all knowing sage of the sea, I do have an interesting perspective which encompasses multiple aspects of seafaring life. I can hold my own with ocean racing sailors and exclusive motor driven yachtsmen alike because of my unique and varied life's experiences.

So, hello and greetings to any and all who read this little piece of my boating dream world. I may talk about the advantages of one outboard over another, or I could discuss the outrageous state of the marina industry in Florida. But whatever it is that I choose to expound upon, my readers will have an idea that the opinions expressed come from a long and varied experiential background which could hold a perspective which may be of interest.

I hope to keep your interest!

Respectfully,

Capt. Scott (NavMaster)