GL: boating in Florida * the Carolinas

[ron barr]

Snip: "I may never bring MORNING STAR back to Florida.  Let's see
now....hurricanes, huge numbers of inconsiderate and uneducated boaters,
insane insurance costs, outrageous slip fees, disappearing marinas & condos,
condos, condos VS. tranquil, peaceful anchorages, a constantly changing
view, affordable insurance and marina dockage rates...HMMMM.  Don't think
I'll be back anytime soon."

Randy - that all sounds rather depressing! Whilst I haven't been in FL for a
2-3 years, every time I do it seems to be a little more honky tonk, for want
of a better word. That road down the Keys is very discouraging with all the
cheap looking tourist stores lining it. That said, building is going on like
crazy in the Carolinas and I wonder where that is going? I have stayed in
New Bern several times of course and like the area. In fact we are
considering moving down to that general area at the end of next year. 

I think the NC local culture will change, given the migration of northerners
so we should feel at home- hopefully it will stay as friendly as it is now.
Although NC certainly doesn't have all the cultural attractions of the North
East, neither does it have the high cost of living and the weather is
somewhat better - in the winter. The house next door to us in Newport is
roughly 1000 sq.ft., and just sold for $650,000!!! It is three blocks from
the waterfront. As to property taxes - a friend has atiny 4 room
cottage/house on the waterfront here with about 1/5 acre, perhaps a little
more and pays $18,000. However RI does have one thing going for it - very
boat friendly taxwise, but of course if you want a slip it is about
$4.00/ft, and a mooring - well allow for a 10 year wait in Newport, or pay
$3500 for the summer with a one year wait. The only bargain is winter
dockside at the downtown hotels, pool, sauna, free electricity and about
$1100 for the winter thru mid-May.

Incidentally the mid-West has been the most boater dense part of the country
for many years. Mostly because of the large number of lakes and rivers - the
average size of boat of course is much smaller than in FL.
 
Ron Barr
Lady Brookhaven Hatteras LRC 42
Presently lying: Newport RI