Sailing in southwest Florida on the gorgeous waters, with remarkable unobstructed western sunset views are something that can only be experienced and not explained. Uncongested waters, blue water, white sandy beaches, remote islands and sailboat regattas are just a part of the attraction.
The gorgeous waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Charlotte Harbor present considerations that should be part of your sailboat purchase or re-purchase and/or factor into the home you wish to buy.
Shallow Waters, Shallow Draft
A sailor from the Great Lakes with a boat that has a 7 to 7.5 foot draft should consider selling the boat before moving here, or give modification a serious consideration.
Generally, open water will support this depth but this is a shallow water area by comparison and it will factor into your navigation at times. Not to worry, countless sailors navigate Charlotte Harbor, the Gulf and surrounding waters just fine.
Saltwater And Corrosion
We are in a saltwater environment and with it comes extra care to control corrosion of your hardware and maintenance of your beautiful teak and mahogany.
No problem as there is a product for nearly everything to keep your boat perfect. Part of the love of boat ownership comes with the maintenance and a boat at your dock is a thing of beauty!
Will Your Boat Live in the Water or on a Lift?
One consideration will be whether to keep the boat in the water or use a boat lift. Any boat in saltwater will require periodic bottom cleanings to remove barnacles.
There are many sailboats on boat lifts in our area. You will have to decide which is for you.
If you are bringing your sailboat from up north and are buying a home as a place to keep your boat, with the home less important than your boat, you are not alone in that idea. Some utilize deeper draft sailboats and choose their tides to come and go.
For those taking a long trip, this is a small price to pay for having such a nice home port in such a great little town.
Often, many of us will keep a small power boat for getting around locally or count on the neighbor next door for a cruise to a waterfront restaurant.
Using your home as a take off point for remote islands in the Caribbean or elsewhere or perhaps a world record Atlantic voyage, as one neighbor in Punta Gorda Isles is undertaking, tells you, this is a sailors paradise — some take it more seriously than others.
With that said, we have a house for you on the right canal for your boat.
