subject: Selecting Marinas In Florida For Docking Boats [print this page] Marinas in Florida offer much more than just a slip and safe harbor. Today's marinas are also full-fledged service centers for the boats, inclusive of shopping outlets for marine gear. But that's not all - best part of it is the resort style facilities and the entertainment.
During the summer, Florida is choc-a-bloc full of multi million dollar yachts. There are all kinds of amenities for these yachts and the boat owners, so choosing a Florida marina is a complicated affair. The basic criteria don't change, of course, including the fees, vessel capacity and lift size, number of slips and max power available for charging.
It also depends to a degree on the reason the yacht is there in the first place. If it's just a brief halt for refueling and supplies, then the location and choice of marina is no big deal. But if the boat is to be docked for longer periods while the owner hits the town, then it matters a lot.
So for instance, Miami Beach marinas have a large number of yacht owners who use it as hotel. The yacht stays docked except for short forays for fishing or a cruise, while the owner vacations and parties in the fleshpots of Miami. On the other hand, St. Petersburg marinas are popular among those sailing the Intracoastal Waterway.
Others might be interested in being part of a marina which is effectively a club with all kinds of services for members. Being part of a marina club is not just an expression. Many of the marinas in Florida are just as good as any good old country club. It'll be a nice residential area, with a pool and lounge and health club. There will be bbq areas and bars with big screens and 24 hour weather channels.
More importantly, these marinas offer complete safety and services for the boat with guard patrols, fish cleaning stations, bait & tackle shops and boat repair. Not to mention freshwater and fuel, and ice vending machines. Boat owners will be able to make use of the showers, restrooms and get local transport.
In summation, the choice of marina is just as important as charting the right course. The choice has to be based mostly on the reason for being there. Florida has more than a few peculiarities, not least of which is the choice of coasts - from the Gulf of Mexico to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Bottom line is that boat owners need to take the trouble to find the top marinas in Florida and match them against the course and intended destination and purpose of the trip.
by: John Kavaliauskas
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