Longboat Key and North for 40 Foot Boats!

This is my last installment on great spots to moor a boat over 40 feet.  In my last two segments, I discussed spots for larger boats in all the areas south of the John Ringling Bridge all the way south to Blackburn Road Bridge.

If you are more interested in areas north of the John Ringling Bridge, look no further.  As you move north past the John Ringling Bridge, many spots are available.  Most of the good water and docks are located along Longboat Key.  On the east side, the closest place to town to store a larger boat are the docks provided by Condo on the Bay.  There are several townhouses that have their own docks.  You are right downtown and access is very good.  From there, you are only 10 minutes to the Gulf.  http://maps.google.com/maps?f=s&ie=UTF8&ll=27.339654,-82.549521&spn=0.001892,0.005665&t=h&z=18

As you move north in the ICW, along the eastern shore, there are a few spots available, but once you pass Whitaker Bayou, it become more challenging.  There are many docks, but the water is not as deep as there are sea grass beds along the shore and the water tends to be very shallow.

The better spots for large boat moorings can be found from New Pass to the north.  In Lido Shores, along Westway Drive, the water is very deep and you are only minutes from the Gulf of Mexico.  The only downside is that you are also vulnerable to storms and wave surge as there is not much protection as you are basically on the open water.  Directly north there is a small enclave of houses in the Longboat Key Club where some of the houses are more protected. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=s&ie=UTF8&ll=27.330581,-82.583016&spn=0.003784,0.01133&t=h&z=17

Moving north along the eastern shoreline of Longboat Key, a boat lover has a myriad of options to choose from when considering mooring spots for their larger boat.  Country Club Shores offers 18 canals that provide plenty of space for larger boats.  Longboat Key Club also offers great water and lots of bayous and harbours to store a large boat.  http://maps.google.com/maps?f=s&ie=UTF8&ll=27.344172,-82.596588&spn=0.015134,0.045319&t=h&z=15

One hidden gem, Emerald Harbour, is located at the north end of LBK.  One of the nice features is that you are only 15 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico.  The canals are very wide and protected.  It is also one of the few places where you live in a nice neighborhood and you have a deeded beach access.  The walk is only a few minutes from any of the homes.  Pricing is also a factor.  This morning, I was able to pull up 3 nice homes priced under $800,000. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=s&ie=UTF8&ll=27.420729,-82.663021&spn=0.007562,0.022659&t=h&z=16

Well, that about covers all the areas you can store large boats from the north end of Longboat Key all the way south to Casy Key.

Next week I will be talking about dry storage facilities for boats.  Should be fun and informative.