Renting & Cruising In Florida?????

Michael T

We are thinking of renting for two or three months in Florida next year (2017). January, February, March 2017. I know the Fort Lauderdale area pretty well - or I used to LOL. We want some nice sandy beaches, the ability to rent different boats and maybe do some scuba diving. Key West is great but probably pretty expensive ? What about some of the other Keys, like Key Largo, Marathon, ect. on the East coast. On the West coasts we were thinking of Fort Meyers, Coral Gables, Naples , any suggestions? We'd like to get a two bedroom condo or house on or near the beach. We want weather that's at least in the 70s ....any hope for us? Do you guys have any favourite spots? .....any and/or all help appreciated. Contacts with friends who want to rent or real estate agents you trust even better!

TonyWalker

MT, we have a friend who has a rental condo on Anna Maria Island on the beach with pool.  Nice, I have seen it.  If this area is of interest, I will put you in touch.

Michael T

Yes, Tony, That would be very much appreciated!

MarkB

Also consider west coast like St Pete's Clearwater area. Lots of nice rentals in Indian Shores and Madeira Beach. Last year Christmas we only had one day below 20C (it was 18) and rest were 26 to 28C. It was brilliant weather, but to be fair, better than average. 

Michael T

Thanks Mark! Right now all advice is appreciated and all options are open!

Black_Diamond

Cape Coral is nice too. Ocean access too. 

TonyWalker

MT, back with you on topic.  Checked with our friend, Dennis, and his condo is booked years into the future with long time renters.  I should have checked with him before I mentioned it on the forum.  Oh well!

rasbury

If you wanted to do something really different and out of the ordinary, in that area check out Cayo Costa. Also, more in line with the norm, Upper Captiva Island is also very pretty but has more normal stuff like power.....the beach at Cayo Costa is absolutely breathtaking, in the summer you would have the whole island to your self for the most part....For either there is boat rentals i the area available as well as water taxi......

Michael T

Thanks Ras! Another great option. @Tony, thanks for asking!

Handymans342

MT, you worried about expense? I will let you stay on my boat on the lift cheap. 

Michael T

Only if I get to run that diesel generator so I can watch this forum on my laptop. LOL......BTW, I'm happy for you Steve - you had a dream, set a goal and you're living it. Way to go. :-)

Handymans342

Thanks MT. I look forward to meeting you when you get here. 

howardrams

I've been boating 27 years here in Ohio but when we were at a rental in Anna Maria isle on the Gulf this past February I just had to rent a boat since we had a dock on the canal.  It was only in the 50's that week but it was like a heat wave to us.  Notice the chart in my hand and I did get to learn about tides.  We don't have those in Ohio!

 

Michael T

Beautiful, Thanks for the information!

raybo3

What kind of boat did you rent????

howardrams

This was a 20' Hurricane bowrider with an outboard.  The rental company told us no rental boats allowed in the gulf so we kept to the bay side of Anna Maria isle towards Sarasota direction.  Florida was beautiful.

rasbury

I have heard that also....the first trip we took over to the west coast we were going to rent one but a friend actually loaned us a boat for the week......not much to do in the gulf anyway....if you want to do any fishing you have to go way off shore as it is so shallow....

Handymans342

We are renting one this weekend. Going to Hit Sanibel for awhile and cruise thru Cape Coral, maybe hit Berts for lunch. 

Glassguy54

Last March in Sarasota we rented a 20' Nautic Star w/150 hp outboard from Siesta Key Watersports, just before you go over the Stickney Point Rd. bridge to Siesta Key. They do allow you to take their boats into the gulf, which we did, but the ICW is plenty nice and let me tell you, THE HOUSES!!! Good Lord. There is a nice area to beach your boat and hang out for lunch, a couple beers, etc. on South Lido Key, adjacent to the state park. As far as the boat was concerned, not very well maintained. No as advertised GPS, depth finder didn't work, the 150 horse was under powered, took forever to get on plane, but that was more likely a function of how cruddy the hull was. I would be absolutely appalled if my hull remotely resembled anything like that. But still, we were able to enjoy a day on the water, and that's what really matters. I'll be looking at other rental places for future reference.  If any one has suggestions, please share. Thanks! 

raybo3

Handy are you going to rent diesels????????

Handymans342

Outboard Ray

aero3113

Is it going to be this outboard!?

http://www.mercuryracing.com/optimax-diesel-reporting-for-duty/

Handymans342

Now that is a sweet motor Aero

Dream_Inn

I sure loved cruising that area with my father Handy.  Picnic island was one of my favorites.  Nothing there but sand, but really nice for a daytime visit.

rasbury

where is picnic island Dream? I have heard of one area called that on the east coast in S Florida somewhere but not on the west coast...would like to know!

Handymans342

Its right before Sanibel island

Dream_Inn

Yep, Handy is correct.  Nothing there but sand and a little bit of greenery.

rasbury

to the north or south of Sanibel? Pretty familiar with the area north but not south...there is lovers key to the south which is a popular area but have not heard of Pinci Island....

Handymans342

That was a web mistake Ras, its 2.37. This year at Picnic island, they put a barge right off the island with a DJ. I heard there was over 250 boats. Too crowded for me.  

rasbury

huh? what is 2.37?

Handymans342

Diesel Ras