The Punta Gorda Journey Continues

[Vectordirector]

Hi all,
Hope your summer went well and as we move into fall I have exciting news on continuation of the journey to move south.  Today I signed a one year lease on a beautiful house in Punta Gorda Isles.  3br, 2bath, pool , dock, lift, 5 minutes out via Ponce.  To say I am excited would be an understatement.  It really is exactly what I was looking for.  It popped up on zillow last Monday and I jumped right on it on Tuesday.  My lease starts October 1st. 

I'm currently working through the logistics of getting half my stuff and my boat down there.  My wife and our 2 Great Danes are going to stay in Chicagoland for the time being.  I'm figuring 4 days to drag the boat down behind the Jeep Wrangler.  The Admiral will be joining me on the trip down and then flying back so at least I'll have some company and some help if I run into any problems with the trailer.  We are planning on doing most of the driving at night in order to minimize traffic and heat.  Kind of playing it by ear as far as distance each day.  It is a little over 1200 miles so I'm guessing at least 20 hours of drive time @ 60ish MPH.  Right now I have no idea how many miles I can do per day as we have never done a road trip in the jeep.  It is a soft top and loud, bouncy, and not super comfortable.  I would like to get 400 miles per day, we shall see.  I'll be doing a "PODS" move with all the furniture, clothes, boat stuff, etc.  Seems like the most inexpensive and easiest way to get it done. 

Now for some questions: 

The Trailer:  Lights are new led and should be fine.  Tires are probably 4 years old and show no signs of wear.  I've put maybe 100 miles on them.  No cracks and haven't been anywhere except from the parking lot 500 ft to the ramp at the yacht club and back 20 times the last two seasons.  I think the previous owner bought them and used them for a couple seasons.  I have two spares that came with the trailer when I bought it and they show some wear and are probably older maybe even original with the boat in 2005.  They show some sidewall cracks.  They do hold air and are maybe 50% tread of the others.  I'm thinking about buying 2 new tires/wheels and using them for the trip, junking the current spares and using the current ones as spares.  They won't be needed once I get down to Punta Gorda due to the dock/lift.  What do you guys think? Worth the $250 from e-trailer?  Bearings serviced 2 years ago before I took the boat up to the yacht club.    They have been dunked in freshwater maybe 40 times since and haven't been driven more than 50 miles.  Should I have them looked at/serviced?

The boat lift:  I have never used one.  Trying to find out from the property manager/owner if I need to have anything done to it so it will work with my boat.  Are they pretty universal as far as boat support or do sailboats like ours need a different support for the keel?  Eclipse is only 2200-2500 lbs. so I can't imagine capacity will be an issue.  Pictures on google maps show a fairly large 25ft ish power boat on the lift.  If it needs something done, are there companies in the area that can do this for me if the owner lets me change it? 

The Motor:  Internet study indicates that the outboard will need to be flushed after use in salt water.  How is this done?  Just hose it off or something more?  Every time?  Motor will need to be serviced/fluids changed soon after I arrive.  Any recommendations for who to have do it?  Beyond my capability. 

Cover:  Need to figure out a cover for the boat while on the lift.  Any ideas?

Probably leaving here on the 2nd.  This may change.  I'll let you know.

Looking forward to meeting everyone.  Wish me luck.

Vectordirector







'

[capt_nemo]

Vectordirector,

Welcome to Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands.

I live in the area, know it and surrounding waters well, and would be glad to assist you when you arrive. Call me at 941.625.4764

Now for your questions.

You could spend the money on NEW tires and rest easier, even though they may not be useful after you arrive, OR you could make sure the tire pressures are correct (for max load) and go for it. With no visible signs of wear or deterioration I'd be inclined to stick with tires and spares you have. Carry a small trailer jack and lug nut wrench.

Wheel bearings. If not sure, service them. Otherwise, make sure they are well greased and check them with fingers and palm of hand at rest stops for excessive heat build-up. Warm-OK, Hot-Not good

Boat Lift. You will just have to see how your boat fits on the existing bunks. No problem - there are lift specialists around to help if you don't want to do it yourself.

Motor. No problem, I'll talk to you about it when you arrive. I flush mine after each use.

Boat Cover on Lift. Several options to discuss. No worries mate.

Looking forward to meeting you. Have a safe trip.

capt_nemo

[Vectordirector]

Hi Capt'n

I was hoping to hear from you.  I'll definitely give you a buzz. You relaxed all my worries.    Thanks.

Vectordirector

[alsantini]

Congrads.  you will love it.  We will have to sail together this winter.  I will bring my Eclipse (Off The Wind) down to Nokomis FL in November, where she will stay until mid April.  I will sail frequently on Charlotte Harbor.
The distance from Elgin, IL to Nokomis is 1360 miles and you are about 50 miles further.  When we used to tow our 8000 lbs travel trailer down to Nokomis, we would take 4 days.  First night in Louisville, second in Birmingham, third near Tallahassee and 4th in camp.  Of course we were camping along the way.  This is the first year of bringing a sailboat down, so who knows.  The plan is to make 2 overnight stops and arrive in camp around noon of the 3rd day.
Wheel bearings - service them
Tires - if you are worried, have one of them unmounted so they can check for cracks inside.  I just replaced both and they looked good, but were 5 years old based on the date code.  They were all cracked inside.
How are you bringing down the outboard?  In the vehicle, in the boat or on the back of the boat?  Inquiring minds would like to know.
Do you have a right to purchase the place, since I think you will love it?
A great adventure and Florida in the winter does not get any better.  This will be our 15th year as a snow bird.  Love it!
Al

[Vectordirector]

Hi Al,

Looking forward to sailing together.  The route you indicated wasn't the same as the one I scoped out on Google Maps.  My house is 20 miles door to door to my workplace which is @ Bowes and McClean in Elgin.  Google Maps driving Indy-Nashville-Atlanta-Tampa-Punta Gorda shows around 1200 miles.  Your route looks longer.  Any reason you go that way? 

I'll strap the motor down good and leave it on the transom.  It isn't that heavy and seems to travel well in the limited towing I've done with it always back there.  I don't know if I have the factory motor mount or not, but it seems plenty sturdy.  I don't think the prior owner removed it to tow it and he brought it up from North Carolina.   

The boat is still up at Lake Geneva, hoping to get a few last sails in although the weather forecast isn't promising.  I'll have to bring it down here and have someone look at the bearings.  I'm not "mechanically inclined" although my next door neighbour is. 
I'm sure he will be able to tell me if they need servicing.  Still trying to decide on the tires.  I'll look them over next week and decide if I want to buy new ones. 

The house is just an annual lease that I could extend for extra time if I wanted.  I don't know if the owner is looking to sell any time soon.   

Tomorrow is my last day at work.  Then the adventure really begins.

See ya soon,

Bryan

[Bob23]

Bryan:
   Congrats on this new and exciting stage of your life. Although I don't live there, I visited there twice when my daughter lived there and loved it. I even got to meet the Suncat Guru, Nemo himself.
   Of course you'll invite all interested Compac-o-nauts from the site down for Christmas, I presume, ayuh?
Bob23

[alsantini]

Bryan.  The route differences involve towing our large travel trailer (before I sold it and bought a park model which stays in Florida).  We would go through Alabama on I-65 because it avoided Mount Eagle in Tenn.  The long pull up the mountain was to be avoided especially since it usually, in Dec., would have fog.  Since we have not towed in 7 years, we still sometimes go through Alabama since it is so easy and has much less traffic than going the Atlanta route.  Atlanta route shaves about 100 miles off of the trip though.  Not sure which way we will go since the Eclipse is not much of a load to my Acadia and Mount Eagle will not be a problem.  Personally I hate Atlanta and the traffic around it but it is shorter.
Congrads on your last day of work.  On my last day at the College of DuPage, I wore a T shirt that said "Quit work - Go sailing".  You will love retirement as long as you find stuff to do.  Never been an issue with me or my wife Carol and we have been retired since 2000.
I look forward to meeting you and sailing with you in Florida.  Go get em...  and Fair Winds.

[Vectordirector]

Thanks for the kind words.  I responded in your other thread about the spinnaker.  I have one if you want to come look at it.  I have no plans for next week other than packing if you want to come over and look at it.  Also, would love to go sailing if the weather is good.  Lake Geneva is great in Spetember if the wind isn't too strong.  Have you ever reefed your main on the Eclipse?  I need to see how to do it, maybe you can show me how.

I'll have to study up on Mount Eagle as the jeep might be challenged by it.  It is a bit underpowered with the boat  behind it.  The hill on 67 from Fontana to Williams Bay was enough for it.  IT didn't like it at all.  Made it but sounded like it was working. 

Give me a call at 815-355-0749 if you want to come over and look at the sail or go sailing next week.  Sunday is looking promising. 

Bryan

[Dave]

Welcome to the Suncoast, often referred to as paradise.  I'm north of you in Sarasota.  I sail a SundayCat in NJ in the summer and a Precision 23 in Sarasota in the winter.  There are some very nice regattas in the area if you like that kind of thing.  Most are PHRF handicap and a rating can be obtained from West Fl PHRF.  The Sarasota Bay Cup in April is a great event (being on the Organizing Committee I'm somewhat biased).  1.5 hour drive or a long days sail from Punta Gorda, but we have free overnight docking.  Can be reached by either the inside or the outside.  I'm at davidspowell@hotmsail.com if you're interested.

[Vectordirector]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the information.  I'm not much of a racer (raced sunfish in my teens, wasn't very good at it) but I'm sure I'll venture up that way maybe to take in a regatta or help out with one. 

Vectordirector

[Craig]

Bryan,Based on the news today, you made your exit from the Chicago ATC just in time!

[Vectordirector]

Yeah, I had dinner with one of my controller buddies last night, another 30 year veteran, said it was one of the craziest days of his career.  Glad I missed it. 

My wife announced on Wednesday that she has just been informed of some non-negotiable trips she needs to make for work starting next week so we are delaying our departure to Florida until October 17th.  Better late than never.  See you all soon.

Vectordirector

[Sophie]

Hi,

Hope you have resolved most of your issues but just in case, here is a bit more info.  I live in PGI and have my COMPAC 27 on a lift.  Ron Parr of Parr Marine can look at the lift and tell you what you need.  If it had a power boat on it, you may need some more supports for a light boat.

Also, for engine flush, there is a product called salt away that is very good for flushing your engine. Comes with a bottle of chemical and a dispensing system that hooks to your garden hose (hopefully located at the dock). 

Once in area, feel free to call if you have further questions. We are on Captiva Court and you will see Sophie on the way out via the rim canal to Ponce inlet.

Welcome and best of luck.

Hi all,
Hope your summer went well and as we move into fall I have exciting news on continuation of the journey to move south.  Today I signed a one year lease on a beautiful house in Punta Gorda Isles.  3br, 2bath, pool , dock, lift, 5 minutes out via Ponce.  To say I am excited would be an understatement.  It really is exactly what I was looking for.  It popped up on zillow last Monday and I jumped right on it on Tuesday.  My lease starts October 1st. 

I'm currently working through the logistics of getting half my stuff and my boat down there.  My wife and our 2 Great Danes are going to stay in Chicagoland for the time being.  I'm figuring 4 days to drag the boat down behind the Jeep Wrangler.  The Admiral will be joining me on the trip down and then flying back so at least I'll have some company and some help if I run into any problems with the trailer.  We are planning on doing most of the driving at night in order to minimize traffic and heat.  Kind of playing it by ear as far as distance each day.  It is a little over 1200 miles so I'm guessing at least 20 hours of drive time @ 60ish MPH.  Right now I have no idea how many miles I can do per day as we have never done a road trip in the jeep.  It is a soft top and loud, bouncy, and not super comfortable.  I would like to get 400 miles per day, we shall see.  I'll be doing a "PODS" move with all the furniture, clothes, boat stuff, etc.  Seems like the most inexpensive and easiest way to get it done. 

Now for some questions: 

The Trailer:  Lights are new led and should be fine.  Tires are probably 4 years old and show no signs of wear.  I've put maybe 100 miles on them.  No cracks and haven't been anywhere except from the parking lot 500 ft to the ramp at the yacht club and back 20 times the last two seasons.  I think the previous owner bought them and used them for a couple seasons.  I have two spares that came with the trailer when I bought it and they show some wear and are probably older maybe even original with the boat in 2005.  They show some sidewall cracks.  They do hold air and are maybe 50% tread of the others.  I'm thinking about buying 2 new tires/wheels and using them for the trip, junking the current spares and using the current ones as spares.  They won't be needed once I get down to Punta Gorda due to the dock/lift.  What do you guys think? Worth the $250 from e-trailer?  Bearings serviced 2 years ago before I took the boat up to the yacht club.    They have been dunked in freshwater maybe 40 times since and haven't been driven more than 50 miles.  Should I have them looked at/serviced?

The boat lift:  I have never used one.  Trying to find out from the property manager/owner if I need to have anything done to it so it will work with my boat.  Are they pretty universal as far as boat support or do sailboats like ours need a different support for the keel?  Eclipse is only 2200-2500 lbs. so I can't imagine capacity will be an issue.  Pictures on google maps show a fairly large 25ft ish power boat on the lift.  If it needs something done, are there companies in the area that can do this for me if the owner lets me change it? 

The Motor:  Internet study indicates that the outboard will need to be flushed after use in salt water.  How is this done?  Just hose it off or something more?  Every time?  Motor will need to be serviced/fluids changed soon after I arrive.  Any recommendations for who to have do it?  Beyond my capability. 

Cover:  Need to figure out a cover for the boat while on the lift.  Any ideas?

Probably leaving here on the 2nd.  This may change.  I'll let you know.

Looking forward to meeting everyone.  Wish me luck.

Vectordirector







'

[Vectordirector]

Hi Sophie,

Thanks for the info.  A bit of an update is in order I think.  We pushed back the trip to leave Chicagoland on October 17th.  There just wasn't enough time to get everything set up and my wife had some last minute business trips come up.  We packed up all the stuff I'm taking (basically half the furniture, clothes, computers, stereos, etc.  and had a POD delivered, loaded and taken away this weekend.  It is hopefully on it's way to Punta Gorda as I type this.  They said it would take seven business days to get it down there.  I ordered and received in two days 2 new tire/wheel setups for the trailer.  (Highly recommend etrailer.com, they rock).  I'll have them balanced and install them this week along with new, if necessary, bearings.  Then I have to wait until my wife gets back in town on the 16th and away we go.  Hoping to arrive sometime on the 20th or 21st.  I guess I'll need to get the boat in the water right away as I haven't got anywhere else to put it and I hear PGI is pretty strict about having boats in the driveway.  The house in on La Mancha Ct., if anyone knows where that is.  I'm hoping the empty trailer will fit in the garage, I won't know until I get there and measure it. 

So, things are moving along, albeit slower than I had hoped.  More later.

Vectordirector

[CaptRon28]

"I hear PGI is pretty strict about having boats in the driveway"

You got that right, at least for overnight parking. You can file for a permit to park a trailer or RV on the driveway for 2 nights - but no more than 2 or 3 times in one year. After that, better find a place to put it. There's a half dozen storage lots within 5 miles of PGI.

We expect to get down there at the end of October. Get Ron Parr to look at your lift. He installed both of mine, including one that we modified to hold a 30 foot Trimaran.

La Mancha is off of West Marion, on the way to Ponce de Leon park. You've got maybe a 10-15  minute motor to Ponce Inlet. Better than most.