Nearly 40% of Americans live within 50 miles of our coastlines. The expectation is that by 2020 that number may be as high as 50%. Next you have to understand this part of our population is occupying a scant 10% of our Country's total land area (excluding Alaska) and the picture quickly develops. The attraction is quite natural when we consider that adult men are comprised of 60%, women about 55% and babies are super wet with 3/4 of their weight being water.
Historically, if it weren't for water, some civilizations may never have existed. That was the mode of travel for our early ancestors. I must admit that sailing a thousand miles is a little easier than walking it. I have firsthand knowledge of this and although the sea can be unkind at times it's hard to escape weather whether on land or sea.
The sailing ships of the past have almost completely disappeared and craftsmanship to construct one is a lost art. Today's fantastic plastic machines are technological marvels which whisk us over and through the waters with ease. The new problem we face is finding a great berth for our marine toys and doing it without diminishing that environment.
In Naples we can protect the investment by purchasing dry storage condominiums and have access in minutes with a call to the marina. There are 64 to choose from today and they can accommodate vessels from 30' to 42' for a price. Generally, the closer you are to the ICW or Gulf of Mexico the higher the cost. After that the length, beam and height of your boat will be the next factor to determine the expense. Having a secure, safe, covered and convenient spot to keep your boat protected can pay for itself just by keeping it away from the damage of ultraviolet light from the Sun. Doctors ask their human patients to limit exposure while Boat Captains advise the same for the owners.
Dry storage begins at $12,500 and progresses to $249,000 and locations range throughout Collier County. Wet storage in Naples is an entirely different endeavor because it usually entails some very large yachts. The criteria here is essentially the same when it comes to price except height. Here, in both instances, the sky is the limit. With 82 wet slips currently for sale and ranging in price from $800,000 to $12,500 we'll find room for 24 footers and up to 125 footers. Again, with poximity to the Gulf and vessel size determining your costs.
Due to environmental regulations there is a limit on how many docks we can construct and their maximum intrusion into public waters. The approval process is expensive, time consuming & frankly difficult therefore once you find your ideal location, cherish it because the opportuity may not be repeated any time soon. Because water depth is always going to play a role in where we find safe harbor I'll end with a saying which is often attributed to Mark Twain yet remains unconfirmed.
?Whiskey is for drinking, water is for fighting over."
Comments(0)