Truck/trailer storage in Southwest Florida

outbackbill

We are planning to explore Southwest Florida for about a month and would like any recommendations on a good place to launch and store our rig. We were thinking about the Charlotte Harbor area so we can cruise North and South returning to use truck to resupply.

Bill and Becky
Blue Days

Will-C

We stayed at the Palm Island Marina in Cape Haze. Just off the inter coastal water way. Nice public launch ramp about a mile away for a fee. Nice facilities at both the ramp and at Palm Island. Check it out.
www.palmislandmarina.com
D.D.

Discovery · Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2015 9:02 am Post subject:

We stored the truck and trailer in Punta Gorda at a commercial storage lot. The name escapes me at the moment. James of the TomCat "Molly Brown" recommended it. Perhaps he will chime in with the name. It worked out well for us. Use the public launch ramp on Charlotte Harbor, free and easy.

Crystal Cay Bldg Marine & Storage (U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer)
4225 Taylor Rd
Punta Gorda, FL
(941) 624-0293

On Edit, I think this is the place we used. We were there in 2006.

Molly Brown · Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2015 7:04 am Post subject:

Almost missed this since we've been on the boat since before Christmas. Mike and Connie run Crystal Cay Marine, and yes you can store your truck and trailer there. The address noted by Discovery is correct but the phone number I have is (941) 639-6603. I'm happy to provide logistical support during your visit. Seems your to have a great start to 2015 since your expected at the St.John's gathering in February as well. If I recall your story last year as to the name of your boat it would seems that all your days are Blue Days these days!

Charlotte Harbor is pretty much undeveloped and we prefer this area to either areas north or south. Given a choice I would explore to the south. Not much privacy to the north. As for Punta Gorda, we have two marinas, Fishermans Village which is a high activity facility with 3-4 restaurants and lots of small retail stores. My only issue with recommending them is their fixed docks. Granted our tides are only 2.5 feet but with a small boat like the C-Dory it can be a stretch getting on and off the boat at times, especially if you have a K9. Laishley Marina, where you can launch for free, has floating docks which are much more conducive to getting on and off the boat. At both locations you can get free bicycles to explore around town, have access to our extensive walking paths complete with exercise and bicycle repair stations. If you'd rather work out your arms there are a myriad of bars and restaurants, one of our favorites being the Celtic Ray just a short walk from the marina.

If you'd like, you can pm me and I'll provide my contact info.

outbackbill

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions. We arrived Tuesday and launched at Laishley Municipal marina public ramp. It's a very nice marina with lots of good reviews on active captain. We are storing our rig at Ann's Street storage about a mile from the marina. A cold front arrived just after we did so we took refuge from predicted gale force winds up the Peace River. The winds are subsiding so we plan to head to the coastal islands tomorrow.

Bill and Becky

Blue Days

Molly Brown · Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2015 10:11 am Post subject:

Bill and Becky wasted no time setting off on their adventure. I went by the marina this am with the intent of taking a picture of boat and crew but they were already gone. Safe travels.

BrentB · Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2015 10:44 am Post subject:

Is the Iron OX still selling shrimp at the dock?

Molly Brown · Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2015 2:48 pm Post subject:

Last I heard he was, three days a week.