Let's talk about boats (Venice, Englewood: live, safe, bars)

[Old Gal]

So, we rented a boat on Friday. First time since we moved to FL. We now have boat fever - me for sure. Husband used to run a boat dock in Indiana, so he at least understands what goes into fresh water boating. I grew up on a lake in Texas. We do love the water. We're starting to think we might need to get a boat. He's thinking a deck boat - nothing new. Personally, I have no clue. Given that we are lake people and are very inexperienced with the intra coastal much less what might work to wander beaches on the gulf we need advice and help in this matter.

ETA: We are not fishermen; at least not yet.

[SeaRay35]

Originally Posted by Old Gal

So, we rented a boat on Friday. First time since we moved to FL. We now have boat fever - me for sure. Husband used to run a boat dock in Indiana, so he at least understands what goes into fresh water boating. I grew up on a lake in Texas. We do love the water. We're starting to think we might need to get a boat. He's thinking a deck boat - nothing new. Personally, I have no clue. Given that we are lake people and are very inexperienced with the intra coastal much less what might work to wander beaches on the gulf we need advice and help in this matter.

ETA: We are not fishermen; at least not yet.

If you are not going to fish much a deck boat could be a perfect choice for you, preferably with an outboard

[Old Gal]

Originally Posted by SeaRay35

If you are not going to fish much a deck boat could be a perfect choice for you, preferably with an outboard

So here comes the dumb questions. How safe would it be to go into Charlotte Harbor or possibly the edge of the Gulf (like just where it comes into the intra coastal) with a deck boat?

[MartyGras]

Originally Posted by Old Gal

So here comes the dumb questions. How safe would it be to go into Charlotte Harbor or possibly the edge of the Gulf (like just where it comes into the intra coastal) with a deck boat?

It doesn't matter what type of boat you have, its always safe as long as the weather is good.

I know it's not the definitive answer you're looking for but it's the truth.

Gary

[Restrain]

We bought a deck boat, high decked and self-bailing. My neighbor has a center console, not self-bailing, and almost sunk it when the intake for the bait tank came loose and water poured into the bilges...and the bilge pump failed as well.

Our boat has a 125 hp outboard, rides much smoother than a pontoon boat, top speed of about 25 knots. Has two captain chairs and can fish for it as well. If trailering, get a galvanized trailer. Steel will rust in a coupled years.

The Harbor is less than 5' over half the width, with sand bars running out from the shore line. So get either Sea Tow or Boat Tow. If you ever have to have a tow it will more than pay for itself. They say there are two types of boaters along Charlotte Harbor...those that have gone aground and those that will go aground.

Get a depth finder. Helps you find fish as well as watch for sand bars.

Good luck

[Old Gal]

More dumb questions. We do not have water front property. So, how difficult is it to trailer a deck boat. My husband says it isn't a problem. He knows how to do these things. I on the other hand haven't a clue. We live 5 minutes from the Manasota Beach boat ramp.

[SeaRay35]

Originally Posted by Old Gal

So here comes the dumb questions. How safe would it be to go into Charlotte Harbor or possibly the edge of the Gulf (like just where it comes into the intra coastal) with a deck boat?

Very safe we take my neighbors 24' deck boat with 225 Yamaha 4 stroke outside, up to cabbage key, Boca all over. Safety is not an issue, they are a good all around boat.

[SeaRay35]

Originally Posted by Old Gal

More dumb questions. We do not have water front property. So, how difficult is it to trailer a deck boat. My husband says it isn't a problem. He knows how to do these things. I on the other hand haven't a clue. We live 5 minutes from the Manasota Beach boat ramp.

Not a problem at all if you can back up a trailer.

[MikeM8560]

ive had several boats here and now have settled on 2 a centerconsole for fishing and a deckboat for general crusing. when I wasn't on the water I chose to keep my boat in a dryrack so much simpler then towing call the marina and the boat was in the water ready to go and when you het back then flush the motor hose the boat off and but it back

[Harbor Hopper]

Originally Posted by Old Gal

More dumb questions. We do not have water front property. So, how difficult is it to trailer a deck boat. My husband says it isn't a problem. He knows how to do these things. I on the other hand haven't a clue. We live 5 minutes from the Manasota Beach boat ramp.

If you're 5 mins from the Manasota Beach ramp between Englewood & South Venice, you won't be going into Charlotte Harbor. You'll be traversing the ICW South to Lemon Bay/Stump Pass or Placida, or North to Venice. Deck boats are fine for this. Could be a little rough with large boat wakes, but if your husband hits them at the correct angle, it will minimize the discomfort. We are in Englewood on the water, 7 mins from Stump Pass. We're on the water 4-5 times per week and deck boats are out on the Gulf as much as center consoles & pontoons, assuming calm conditions. Today was pretty rough outside of the pass and there were still all types of boats coming & going through the pass.