recommendations for affordable boating communities ?

[semi55]

Looking for thoughts on east coast retirement places, somewhere near a marina, with water access, not needed to be waterfront, just close to the boat so I'm not burning fuel to get to the water to burn more fuel.

Prefer rivers to lakes, too many droughts in the last 10 years.

 

[Sarah in SC]

Well of course the low country of South Carolina is unbeatable. From Beaufort all the way up to the NC line, there are tons of great communities with easy access to marinas and the boating life. And I must admit our North Carolina neighbors also have some of the same amenities as well. And more fresh/brackish areas, which may appeal more, based on your river interests.

Charleston is a happy boating paradise, no question. We've owned sail and trawler, and presently boat free, but that wears off every now and again.

 

[AnIntentionalRoad]

South Carolina is great. Anywhere along the ICW. We also liked the St. Simons Island area of Georgia.

Also, Hampton Roads area of Virginia has some cool dockminium options.

Just make sure you don't mind the summer weather.

 

[Midpack]

In my experience 'affordable boating' is often an oxymoron, "better to have a friend with a boat," but...

10 Affordable Places to Retire on the Water - US News and World Report

http://www.bestplacesinusa.com/blog/boating-lifestyle/10-great-towns-for-boating.html

http://www.boatingmag.com/skills/10-best-places-live-and-boat

 

[semi55]

Thanks to all, keep those cards and letters coming.

Yes, affordable boating is an oxymoron, but it is an addiction I've had for years, and not likely to break the habit anytime soon.

We go though phases, from the small trailerable ones, to the larger cruising variety. And some mix of them. We've been anywere from 10 minutes from a small fishing river to 1.5 hrs to good open sailing water. The wear and tear of having the boat 1.5 hrs away is not something I want in retirement.

Virginia (south of the Rapp) and Carolinas are all within the strike zone, but since neither of us were born into wealth, finding something that is not a Mcmansion has been an issue.

The old plantation system really messed up waterfronts in VA, there aren't many towns, let alone cities, on any reasonable water. A lot of the small villages are really hurting financially, businesses drying up, etc.

 

[H2ODude]

I'm 4 hours inland in NC but have a good friend with a sailboat in Oriental; seems like a nice quiet place that's very sailing oriented. Probably too quiet and isolated for us though. Plus, it's on the sound and DW would not accept that if a move to the coast, she'd want the beach.

 

[Sarah in SC]

Virginia (south of the Rapp) and Carolinas are all within the strike zone, but since neither of us were born into wealth, finding something that is not a Mcmansion has been an issue.

Um, it isn't a requirement to be born into wealth to live on the coast of the Carolinas. I'm pretty sure the plantation system has been exorcised reasonably well around here, lol.

 

[MichaelB]

Thanks to all, keep those cards and letters coming.

Yes, affordable boating is an oxymoron, but it is an addiction I've had for years, and not likely to break the habit anytime soon.

We go though phases, from the small trailerable ones, to the larger cruising variety. And some mix of them. We've been anywere from 10 minutes from a small fishing river to 1.5 hrs to good open sailing water. The wear and tear of having the boat 1.5 hrs away is not something I want in retirement.

Virginia (south of the Rapp) and Carolinas are all within the strike zone, but since neither of us were born into wealth, finding something that is not a Mcmansion has been an issue.

The old plantation system really messed up waterfronts in VA, there aren't many towns, let alone cities, on any reasonable water. A lot of the small villages are really hurting financially, businesses drying up, etc.

Wouldn't some of those small villages be just the kind of opportunity you are looking for? Housing costs would be much lower.

 

[golftrek]

We keep our boat at Southport, North Carolina, at a nice and inexpensive marina. Southport is a small town on the Intercoastal Waterway with access to the Atlantic and the Cape Fear River. The town is an old sea pilots town with a lot of interesting old houses and good restaurants. It is close to the larger city of Wilmington NC. There is a nice beach about 5 miles out of town. The fishing is good too.

So far, Southport does not appear to have been "discovered" so it is relatively inexpensive. Things could of course change in the future because they have filmed several movies and a TV show there recently.

Come on down and look at Southport. You will be welcomed.

 

[Sarah in SC]

Agree that Southport is lovely!! We looked a fee boats there when we were shopping a few years ago. You've got a great spot there for sure.

 

[Midpack]

I'm 4 hours inland in NC but have a good friend with a sailboat in Oriental; seems like a nice quiet place that's very sailing oriented. Probably too quiet and isolated for us though. Plus, it's on the sound and DW would not accept that if a move to the coast, she'd want the beach.

One of the boats I bought came from Oriental NC. I spent a day there nosing around from a sailing perspective and it looked like an interesting location to keep a boat. And the dealer is still in business (some didn't survive the 09 meltdown) so there must be a viable, healthy boating community.

 

[Surfdaddy]

There's a saying "if it flies, floats, or f***s, it is cheaper to rent than to own".

 

[sengsational]

That certainly holds true for people who are work slaves and only have a few weeks of the year to utilize. Maybe not such a slam-dunk if you're going to go on a 8 month trawl.

 

[semi55]

like most everything spoken of here, its a lifestyle choice. If you're a boat person, it's not much different than any other addiction, one is indeed too many and 2 is never enough. I consider it a success to have weaned myself down from a max of 8.

The trick is to enjoy, and for me, try to manage the costs. Our cruiser is more upkeep than some previous boats, so I'm adjusting.