MacGregorSailors.com

I would like to spend January, February and March in the Keys...but I need an "affordable" base to store my van/trailer.

Does anyone know of a decent place?

I'd like to spend January, February, and March on your boat.

charleshagen wrote: ↑Wed Dec 20, 2023 12:36 am I would like to spend January, February and March in the Keys...but I need an "affordable" base to store my van/trailer.

Does anyone know of a decent place?

Can not help with parking suggestion in SW tip of Florida but offer this alternative. Launch/Park/Retrieve someplace in fresh water on the ICW. Attached is link of another Mac that launched in Indiantown. I am familiar with the Marina, safe/clean/inexpensive. Advantage for a Wisc boater is you don’t dip trailer into salt water and engine gets good freshwater flush before heading North. Plus, if you do the ‘Little Loop’ (around tip of Florida thru Stuart, Lauderdale, Miami, Naples, Fort Myers, Lake Okeechobee) it adds some new experiences. Closehaul
http://www.ne-ts.com/cr/cr-404bahamas.html
http://www.indiantownmarina.com/

Good post closehaul.

Hi Charlehagen!

Great plan objective. There are a couple reference books/guides on traveling the Great Loop available.
You might find what you’re looking for in them.

An alternative is try contacting some of the mid to large marina operators.
This isn’t an uncommon scenario and you might find that these marinas have dealt with your situation before…

Hope you have a great extended experience!

Best Regards,
Over Easy

South Dade Marina
I did your trip a while back. T’was a Great Adventure. Here’s Fun reading -Even met up with Cuscus! Good Times

Due to Jan, Feb winds from my 3x experience, I recommend a Bay side vs Ocean side stay/ anchorage YMMV.

I’ll be eating my heart out and living through your dream.
Good Luck

closehaul wrote: ↑Wed Dec 20, 2023 6:36 am Can not help with parking suggestion in SW tip of Florida but offer this alternative. Launch/Park/Retrieve someplace in fresh water on the ICW. Attached is link of another Mac that launched in Indiantown. I am familiar with the Marina, safe/clean/inexpensive. Advantage for a Wisc boater is you don’t dip trailer into salt water and engine gets good freshwater flush before heading North. Plus, if you do the ‘Little Loop’ (around tip of Florida thru Stuart, Lauderdale, Miami, Naples, Fort Myers, Lake Okeechobee) it adds some new experiences. Closehaul
http://www.ne-ts.com/cr/cr-404bahamas.html
http://www.indiantownmarina.com/

Wow small world! My PO was Ed Goodhue,”Taurus 2”! I renamed her “Ollie Gray”, after my mother, RIP ‘22. [yes I did a ritual for name change, when I bought her]. Ed & Taurus 2 are/were ne-ts originals. Wow! Ed wrote that article and are in the article & pictures! LOL. That article inspired me to buy his boat.

Thanks CloseHaul. I haven’t thought of this in 17 years!

Has anyone ever stored at Homestead? I am a veteran and was trying to reach out to Homestead ARB to see if I could store there.

ANYONE?

Charles, Homestead gets pretty sketchy after getting off the Base. It is one of the few USA locations where Walmart does not allow overnight parking (due to high population of houseless people). Leaving a vehicle for any length of time - I would suggest a fenced lot or at someone's home that you trust. The Crandon Park Marina on Key Biscayne has LT parking in a fenced lot for vehicle with trailer. https://www.miamidade.gov/parks/crandon-marina.asp County Government facility with 24-7 security. Expensive by the day, but they may have a monthly rate. Great location for a jump off to the Keys or Bahamas. Keep the forum posted on your adventure with lessons learned - many will want to follow in your wake next year. Closehaul

Charles, Found this URL that lists all the Miami-Dade County owned/operated Marinas. https://www.miamidade.gov/global/servic ... 5031663185 If the monthly parking rate of $258/mo includes the truck and trailer - it's not a bad price if the security if good. Safe Towing, Closehaul

OK, FINALLY reached Homestead ARB and as a veteran I have base access. They agreed to store both for only $75/mo. On a secure base and a fantastic rate.

Problem solved. Plenty more to address going forward.

A good deal.

Great Thread! Following for sure!

Very interesting. Thx.

charleshagen wrote: ↑Sun Jan 07, 2024 10:38 am OK, FINALLY reached Homestead ARB and as a veteran I have base access. They agreed to store both for only $75/mo. On a secure base and a fantastic rate.

Problem solved. Plenty more to address going forward.

So I figure on Anchoring near Adams Key and waiting for a weather window. If the repairs/mods on my 26X happen rapidly, I will be underway by end of Month.