No - I agree - not really surprising at all given the location on Boca but
it was just meant to be an observation.  Marinas in this entire area are not
as full as they have been in years past and am especially surprised to see
how vacant the Crow's Nest is even with the pricey dockage.  Given the price
of fuel and the economy, which is already in recession mode in Florida, it
is not surprising to see the vacancies.  As in my own business which is
development, we have had to adjust to the new economy and I was suggesting
that marinas too should possibly be more realistic if they expect to fill up
the spaces.  I am a member of SPYC and use and enjoy the privileges of the
council to the max!  It is a great way to go and if one uses their boat
regularly as do I then it is truly a worthwhile thing to do.  Bottom line is
that the cost is what it is and if you don't want to pay it you anchor out -
right?  No matter what, it is all about being on the water!  The other day
on my return trip from Boca I passed 3 Krogens headed South.  I envied them
as they were obviously on a long trip based on their hailing ports - what a
wonderful lifestyle!

Steve Lattmann
"Tranquility"

----- Original Message -----
From: "Margery Griffith" grandsturdy410@yahoo.com
To: great-loop@lists.samurai.com
Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2008 12:04 PM
Subject: GL: PRices on Boca Grande

Insurance is getting up there in cost and many of my friends are dropping
it.  I have had some problems given the age of my boat (1985) but it still
isn't a factor in using the boat though it may be for some.  I maintain the
boat in pristine condition yet still face new demands every year from the
insurance company such as updated survey and service records for surveyor's
recommendations.  I am curious as to what you say about Georgia - is the
insurance more readily available at lesser premiums?
Regular marinas, at least on the West coast of Florida, are generally full
and spaces remain at a premium.  There are wait lists that are years long
for municipal facilities (I am on a couple) and many private facilities.
Biggest problem is that so many marinas have gone condo.  The transient
trade and general use of boats seems to be off which I suspect is more fuel
cost related in combination with the depressed economy in this area.
Guess I'm willing to sacrifice other things though before my boating :-) so
for the moment will continue to pay the price.

Steve Lattmann
"Tranquility"

----- Original Message -----
From: "Pete & Peggy Frazier" frazier@chartermi.net
To: great-loop@lists.samurai.com
Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2008 6:14 PM
Subject: GL: PRices on Boca Grande