Move to Tampa?

[tdsull]

Just as we are ramping up for a New England boating season an opportunity for the family to move to Tampa at the end of August has come up. My head is swimming with all the new adventures. Can someone from the Tampa area chime in with helpful marina advice? Do’s and dont’s for a year round boating lifestyle?
Much appreciated.

[jleonard]

We moved from Ct to Florida west coast just north of Tampa 2 years ago (Tarpon Springs area).
I don't have a boat here, but have been on the water a few times with friends.
Boating is different here than in New England for sure. Water is shallow, lots of sandbars (and channels), fishing is "decent" but to get to deep water you will have to do some motoring.
The rule of thumb is 1 foot per mile, meaning if you want to fish in 20 ft you need to go close to 20 miles.
Fishing Tampa Bay may be a little different, not familiar with that specifically.
I can say we are enjoying a very very nice stretch of weather right now. Upper 70s to mid 80s. Perfect boating weather!
The boat ramps around me are packed full on weekends, weekday volume is less.
Good luck!

[TomA]

Tim, lots of Albin owners here in the Sunshine State. Year round boating keeps all the machinery oiled and a great life style. Marinas I have enjoyed in the Tampa Bay area, St. Petersburg municipal, and Gulf Port municipal. Both have good amentias and rates. Up until last year we had an annual rendezvous with 20+ Albin owners attending and sharing ideas. Maybe a 2018 rendezvous will happen? Come on down and join in the fun. TomA

[tdsull]

Thanks for the info guys. I have been looking at the Garmin maps and there defiantly are a lot of "green" areas.
We are looking into the Apollo Beach area and I have made contact with a few marinas regarding slip availability this fall, looks good.

My wife asked today for my current thoughts on the move. My response was that I have a line on a couple marinas, 2 quotes for shipping the boat down as well as offers from co-workers to bring the boat down with me.

She scowled and asked if I had researched school systems or housing logistics.
My response was to send a meme of Edgemont Key and some Manatee's, this should go off without a hitch!

[jleonard]

Housing logistics?

In Florida you can buy a house from Ma on your phone during your commute to work.
Yes it IS that easy.

[catalina_mike]

Thanks for the info guys. I have been looking at the Garmin maps and there defiantly are a lot of "green" areas.
We are looking into the Apollo Beach area and I have made contact with a few marinas regarding slip availability this fall, looks good.

My wife asked today for my current thoughts on the move. My response was that I have a line on a couple marinas, 2 quotes for shipping the boat down as well as offers from co-workers to bring the boat down with me.

She scowled and asked if I had researched school systems or housing logistics.
My response was to send a meme of Edgemont Key and some Manatee's, this should go off without a hitch!

Ha Ha LMAO! No really. Thanks and I can see my Commodore saying the exact same thing.
Good luck.

[Jay Knoll]

Here you go!

https://www.realtor.com/realestateandho ... o-Beach_FL

[Albinflorida]

Apollo Beach is nice, reasonable housing, including water front, but it is rural and there is a huge power factory there Ruskin is just south of Apollo Beach, but is even more rural. Don't know about schools there, Also check out Palmetto / Bradenton to the south. Both are on the Manatee River which spills out into Tampa Bay and I've heard schools are decent. (I live in Bradenton). Boating in Tampa Bay is great, with lots of places to cruise and fish in the bay, or nearby. And it is YEAR Round!!