Need a little help, Thanks

[SailAway]

I'm new to this boating scene and hope you guys can help me out. I am considering buying a sail boat to live on year round and was hoping you guys could answer some questions. I was thinking about a 30 to 35 ft maybe something like a cape dory? Also, was looking to primarily stay docked in the San Fran Bay area or the clearwater StPete area and was really curious what costs would be docking and anything I'm unaware of? Would there be a big cost difference between the two? So if you guys could please give me some suggestions as to what kind and size , an idea of cost for docking year round in those places and as much information as you can give. <br /><br /> Need Help,<br />Thanks

 

[moderator1]

Re: Need a little help, Thanks

SailAway,<br /><br />Moving to Sailboats. I think you will get a better response in that area.

 

[rons boat]

Re: Need a little help, Thanks

I can't thing of two more different places. I once spent one cold Winter night during a Summer I spent in San Fran. Just got back from Saint Pete and it was almost cold there, but I understand that is unusual. I have heard it said in Fla that West is Best. Not sure how that applies in this case. Good Luck.

 

[Navigator]

Re: Need a little help, Thanks

SailAway,<br /><br />St Pete is a real nice place to berth. One thing you are going to encounter here is that almost all marinas (that you'd actually want to live at) have waiting lists that take months or years to move. Plan on around $8-10 per foot per month for live aboard bearthing. Some more, some less depending on the marina. One of the nicest marina's is the St Pete Municipal Marina. Its right downtown with everything within walking distance.<br /><br />Go to St Pete Times Newspaper website (www.sptimes.com) and select the boating and marine section. Choose boat slips and you can get an idea of whats currently available.<br /><br />Its been in the low 80's all week here.... Perfect Weather for relaxing on the boat <br /><br />Nav

 

[SailAway]

Re: Need a little help, Thanks

Thanks for the info. Just curious is that 8-10 $ per foot amount a good estimate for San Fran too or because California is more expensive for pretty much everything that that would be a fair amount more? Also, when staying at a marina is there any other monthly charges besides docking?<br />One of the reasons I am undecided is because I don't know if the SanFran winter temperatures of being in the 40's at night is to cold? And what do you fellows suggest about the boat being new I am unsure of what to stay away from and what to look for or get? Any boat brand or model suggestions? <br /><br /> Thanks a bunch<br />Carter<br /><br /> p.s. Out of curiosity how do you refill your fresh water tank is there something at the marina for this, and do they charge something to refill? Thanks again.

 

[Navigator]

Re: Need a little help, Thanks

SailAway,<br /><br />As to the San Francisco costs, if you are looking to berth "in" San francisco, your costs will be substantially higher. You might be able to find berthing in the north or east side of the bay for much less. Frisco is not a "retirement" community like Florida. It is full of fresh "big money". Thats the reason Frisco has the highest cost of living in the nation. If 800 sq ft apartments are going for $2,000 per month, its not likely you'll find a 35ft slip for just $350 Beautiful Location, but it costs a pretty penny.<br /><br />As to other berthing costs, it really relies on the marina and what they include in their rates. Typically you are billed separately for your power. Water is usually provided free on the dock. As for filling your water tanks, simply run your hose to the nearest spigot and let'r rip. You will also have to pay for pump out services if you decide to use the head on the boat. Most marinas catering to live aboards will have nice restroom with showers for their tenants. Its really up to you to research what is included. Most places that advertise a "slip" are just giving you a place to tie up. Some dont have power, water or restrooms with showers available. <br /><br />Do your homework and its all pretty easy.<br /><br />Nav

 

[rons boat]

Re: Need a little help, Thanks

A question you tossed out I don't think got answered. Most all have fresh water hookup, but waste disposal is on your own. Some have cable and others choose a dish at the dock.

 

[boatneck]

Re: Need a little help, Thanks

Sailaway, I just came back from visiting a friend who lives aboard his sailboat in the St Pete munincipal marina. Very nice, civilized, but a long waiting list. You can try to make do by shuffling around as a visitor, but that gets old quick. San Fran is probably very expensive as was mentioned and much colder during the winter months. Recommend you read up on this topic before you commit to spending the dollars for a sailboat as a living space.