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• Practical Boat Owner: What to consider when restoring a boat write-off September 12, 2023 Click here to read the article! Here’s a good article about things to consider if you’re looking to take on a boat project that was written off by the insurance company- these are often free, or parted out, but if you’re thinking about this, give this a read!
• Terminal Trawlers- what are they? June 26, 2023 Plenty of free boats we come across are the result of big dreams and ideas that didn’t quite work out for the previous owner- lack of time, money, skill, who knows what, tend to lead to a strong start to a project that fizzles out. We recently posted a free 1969 Sailstar/Bristol Voyager that the…
• Good Old Boat: The Prospect and Reality of a “Free Boat” March 25, 2023 A free boat is never really free, and this Good Old Boat article is a great read for anyone going through the decision process of do you/ don’t you take on that free boat project you have your eye on. Good Old Boat magazine is always a good read, with a target audience of less…

• Storm damaged boats December 13, 2022 Looking at a boat damaged in Ian? There are a lot of them out there, and a lot of them are going to be free. As we say pretty often here, no free boat is actually free, and you need to be prepared for that when taking on a freebie. There have been some good…

Owners of derelict vessels across Florida could soon have a free option for disposal

A program through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is aimed at quickly removing privately owned boats that have been abandoned or wrecked.

Owners of boats at risk of becoming derelict would be able to rid themselves of the vessels at no cost under a state program.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on Thursday advanced rule changes for the “Vessel Turn-In Program,” which is intended to help speed the removal of privately owned boats that have been abandoned, wrecked, junked or substantially dismantled in state waters.

Travis Franklin, a captain with the commission’s Division of Law Enforcement, said derelict vessels plague waterways across Florida, cause damage to sensitive fish and wildlife habitat and raise concerns for public safety.

“Leaving a vessel on the water in the derelict condition is a crime,” Franklin said. “Whether the vessel is sinking hard aground, stripped of vessel components, or missing vital operational systems such as steerage propulsion or hull integrity, the result is the same. Derelict vessels create a risk to the residents, visitors and natural resources of Florida.”

State lawmakers this year increased funding for the removal of derelict vessels from $3.5 million to $8.2 million, after earlier giving law enforcement more authority to address at-risk vessels that have no effective means of propulsion and have taken on water or are on the verge of becoming unanchored. The commission also anticipates receiving money through the federal American Rescue Plan Act stimulus law to help with removing derelict vessels.

The Vessel Turn-In Program would be open to people who in the past 18 months have received notices three times for at-risk conditions. The people couldn’t owe money on the boats.

“This is probably one of the best things that has come out of Tallahassee, in reference to these vessels, trying to get them before they get to the point where it costs a lot of money,” Jim Suber of the Jacksonville Waterways Commission said.

Fish and Wildlife Commission member Sonya Rood suggested reviewing the 18-month time frame as the program progresses.

“I do find that 18 months is a little long,” Rood said. “I think, when you have an issue, that you should definitely address it quicker than 18 months, especially something that's important.”

For participants in the program, the commission will declare vessels a public nuisance and pay for removal from the water and eventual destruction.

Franklin said being able to remove vessels still considered “at risk” and floating, rather than fully classified as derelict, is significantly less expensive.

The commission is currently handling 730 derelict-vessel cases.

Since last July, the commission has removed 78 derelict boats from waters in Monroe County, 33 from waters of the West Coast Inland Navigation District in Southwest Florida, 11 from the waters of Escambia County and another 11 in Duval County, Franklin said.

“Officers are keeping a watchful eye for derelict vessels while on patrol, and new DVs (derelict vessels) are identified on almost a daily basis,” Franklin said.

Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto suggested the commission also include information about donating vessels to charities to get some at-risk craft out of the water.

“We should kind of like enlighten the public that there's avenues,” Barreto said.

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11 Best and Alternative Places to Find Free Boats in 2024

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7 Places to Find Free Boats

Freeboat.com.

FreeBoats.com is an online free boat advertising company with headquarters in Miami, Florida in the United States. The organization has over 350,000 boats in its listing in about 152 countries.

To get a free sailboat in FreeBoats.com, visit FreeBoats.com official website . You will see a listing of free or nearly free boats and also marine equipment. You can scroll down for more and select your preferred yacht.

Some of the boats offered for free include:

• Big boat 76 Uniflite
• Trailerable Day Sailer
• 1997 Sea Ray 240

You will save up to $245,000 when you get a free boat on FreeBoat.com.

Usually, most free boats require a little service work to get them back on the water.

Related: 8 Sites to Get Boat History Check

Carefree Boat Club Free Boats

Carefree Boat Club is a private club with locations across Canada and the United States that offers free boats for sailing.

In Carefree Boat Club, you will be able to access;

• A wide range of boats, including 18’-27′ Cruiser, Pontoon, Deck, Bowrider, among others.
• Unlimited boat usage
• No extra charges since fuel, repair, and maintenance are all taken care of by the club

Once you are a member, you can sail with whatever boat your eyes would pick. With over 70,000 boat trips per year across the US and Canada, you can enjoy Carefree boating in three easy steps:

• Make an online reservation through your mobile app or website and specify the date and time
• Next is to pick up your boat (you will find the boat ready in water filled with gas)
• Enjoy the ride then bring the boat back.

What’s more, Carefree Boat Club membership allows you to save more than 1/3 of the cost of buying and maintaining a boat.

Membership payment in Carefree Boat Club varies depending on the type of membership and location. Usually, there is a one-time fee ranging from $3500 to $5,500 and an additional monthly payment of $350 per month.

Wooden Boat Magazine Free Boats

Wooden Boat Magazine is an American publication founded in 1974 that is well known for advertising free boats and has its main headquarters in Brooklin, Maine.

The magazine’s main audience is boat owners, designers, admirers, and builders of Wooden Boats.

Some of the free boats you could find here include:

• Free Lapstrake Dyer Dinghy
• Free Saybrook built lightening
• 40′ Diesel Ketch

You will need to head over to the  Wooden Magazine free boat page to choose from the range of free fishing and sailing boats.

Craigslist Free Boats

Craigslist Summary

• Posts are anonymous
• Quick and easy listing in a matter of minutes
• Little to no seller fees, most auctions are free
• Sell within your local area

Craigslist is an American advertisement website that allows buyers and sellers to interact and do business online and offline. It serves more than 80 countries and has sections for jobs, housing, aw well as free boats.

To get a yacht on Craigslist for free, go to boat donations home on eBay , in the search bar, type ‘free boats.’ You will then see a list of donated boats that you can purchase for as low as $19.99.

Since most free boats are abandoned, you will have to do minor servicing to get them back to the water.

Kijiji Free Boats

Kijiji is a Canadian advertising website that allows exchanging goods and showcasing services such as free boats. There are over 100 cities in Canada and 220 in the US that use the Kijiji brand.

To get abandoned boats for free on Kijiji, search the listings by using filters and your current location.

Some of the almost free boats you can get in Kijiji are;

• 1989 Doral Monticello 270 Cruiser
• 2005 Southbay Super Sport Tritoon
• Sylvan Pro Select 17.Fishing Boat

It is worth noting that while online marketplaces such as Kijiji and Facebook may have thousands of boat listings, they are very competitive. Therefore, consider searching for free boats at the end of the boating season. This is the time boat owners are looking to avoid marina fees during the winter and are willing to let go of their boats. The search volume reduces by 40% which means less competition.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace Summary

• Buyer and seller accountability as you need a Facebook account
• Built in messaging system to keep on top of queries
• Access to a massive marketplace
• Ratings system maintains honesty

Facebook is an online social media and social networking website that provides a conducive platform for marketing goods including free boats.

To get free boats on Facebook , go to Facebook and choose from the free boat listings. You can also join some of the Facebook groups where you can find various posts on the abandoned boats for free.

Some of the Facebook groups where you can get free boats are;

• Sail/Power Live-a-board Boats
• Sail Boats for Cheap or Free
• Lake Anna Free and Cheap Boats
• Free, Cheap, or Project Boats

Alternatively, you can find almost free boats on Facebook pages such as  Free-Boat .

eBay Summary

• High user traffic – over 187 million users
• No listing fees for small scale sellers
• Promote your listing from as little as 1%
• Quick processing time for payouts

eBay is a multinational e-commerce corporation that facilitates business-to-consumer sales and consumer-to-consumer sales such as electronics, sneakers, cars, sporting goods, as well as a source of free boats. Project boats, sailboats, powerboats, and fishing boats are the types of boats you can find on the site.

To get a free fishing boat on eBay, search for free boats using filters then click on one and proceed with the payment process.

Alternative Places to Find Cheap Boats

1. boat angel.

Boat Angel is a charity organization that receives yacht and boat donations and sells them at relatively lower prices to fund the organization or issue them out as free boats.

To get a free boat in Boat Angel;

• Go to boat donations home of boat angel
• In the menu button, click on ‘Donated Boat sales’
• You will see a list of boats on your interface. Select one and place a bid or add it to the watchlist
• To make a payment, you need to have an eBay account since Boat Angel uses eBay for payments and biddings. You can create an eBay account or sign in to eBay if you already have an account.

2. Good Old Boat Magazine

Good Old Boats Magazine (GOB) is a publication that majors on boat reviews, boat repairs, boat installations, sailors stories, and information on free boats.  

In Good Old Boats Magazine, there is a page that lists almost free boats – under $2,000. You can also subscribe to their email list to receive boat project how-tos and up-to-date sailing news delivered right into your inbox.

To get a free boat in Good Old Boat Magazine go to Good old Boat site . You will see on the menu icon (At the top right corner of your interface) and Select ‘Boats for sale. Click on your preferred boat, and you get all information regarding it, including how to contact them for purchase.

3. Boat Auctions

Most Auto auction companies post their pre-sale inventories online and some of them even run dedicated marine auctions where they list salvaged, repossessed, seized, or written-off boats.

Some of the popular boat auctions include;

• Auto Bid Master
• National Liquidators
• Marine Auctions

Usually, Boat Auctions sell boats at a relatively lower price and you can try your luck to get a good deal or better yet a free boat.

To get a boat from boat auctions, you first have to register, and once you get your preferred yacht, you can bid on it.

4. Marinas and Boatyards

A marina is a dock that provides services such as repair facilities, restaurants, stores, boat chandlers, and refueling to small boats. Boatyards, on the other hand, are places where boats are built, stored, rented, or repaired. 

Very often Marinas and Boatyards find themselves with abandoned boats that they need to dispose of. They are one of the places you could find real gems that never make it online.

Additionally, when you buy a boat at a Marina, you can have a liveaboard parking spot as part of the deal.

To get a boat from the Marina or Boatyards, you have to visit their sites in person. You get to familiarize yourself with different kinds of boat models, and you also meet their hosts, who will give you various tips and the right directions.

Some of the Marinas in the United States are;

• Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas, U.S
• 5th Street Marina, USA
• Marina Del Rey, Califonia

Free Boasts FAQ

How do i cancel my membership on carefree boat club.

To cancel your membership on Carefree Boat Club, you first write a 60-days advanced cancellation notice. In the notice letter, you should include your name, email, telephone number, membership number, address, and reason for cancellation. Send the letter directly to your local Carefree Boat club. They will contact you for more details.

How do I protect myself when buying a boat without the safety net of a dealer?

You can protect yourself by following these steps:

• Make an in-person visit and see the boat
• Upon reaching a price agreement, fill out a purchase agreement
• Hire a qualified marine surveyor to check to cross-check on the boat condition, mainly the engine condition
• Request for a bill of sale from the owner’s seller. It can go in conjunction with the insurance policies and boat registration cards.
• Take pictures of the boat’s HIN and cross-check if it matches the boat title and registration
• Request for the seller to add a line on the agreement form to state if they are aware of defects of the boat

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1972 grand banks 42ft (north fort myers fl).

42 1972 Grand Banks

Full wood hull, need removed asap., it has 2 running ford liemens, its located at old bridge marina and is for salvage,, the boat is completely free but needs to be hulled out , its started the process of sinking but is being bilged constantly., please email us at [email protected], the boat is loaded with equipment for salvage once the boat has left the marina,, the build is teak and mahogany., there are no accessible boat ramps here at the marina,, so it would have to be another location., rosen park is 3.8 miles..

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Our Weller Day Boat Outings

We partner with local private and commercial vessel owners to provide small and large therapeutic boat outings for those who may not otherwise have an opportunity to be on a boat.

Our therapeutic programs take place year-round in Collier, Lee, Broward, and Palm Beach counties in Florida. We offer annual events on Lake Lanier in Atlanta, Georgia, out of Port Royale Marina, and on Lake Monroe in Bloomington, Indiana, out of Fourwinds Lakeside Inn and Marina.

Our Participants

We provide individual, small group and large group Weller Day Boat Outings to:

• Children and adults with life threatening illnesses
• Children and adults with disabilities
• Veterans and active military
• At-risk youth

What Does It Cost ?

Our programs are FREE thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners.

Adaptive Sailing

We have partnered with Collier County Parks and Recreation since 2003 to teach people with disabilities to sail to the best of their ability.

This program takes place on the lake at Sugden Regional Park in Naples from October through April on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM.

Participants of the Adaptive Sailing Program are invited annually to participate in the Murdo Smith Adaptive Sailing Regatta.

To learn more, please contact the Freedom Waters Foundation office at 239-263-2377 .

Anyone who participated in the Adaptive Sailing Program during the past year is invited to join us for our annual regatta, recently renamed the Murdo Smith Adaptive Sailing Regatta (formerly Shenanigan’s on the Lake).

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Veterans program.

Freedom Waters Foundation provides boating and fishing opportunities for veterans and their family members, offering the opportunity to relax, leave their concerns on the dock and enjoy camaraderie with other veterans in a safe, enriching environment.

Veterans Programs take place year-round in South Florida and expand to our annual events in Atlanta and in Indiana. They include individual and small boat trips as well as our popular Veterans Meet-and-Greets aboard larger commercial vessels.

Please fill out our Participant Sign-Up Form to start planning your trip.

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Freedom Waters Foundation offers fishing opportunities for participants, enhancing lives by building upon life skills through the sport of fishing and interacting with our volunteers.

We take children and adults with life threatening illnesses or disabilities as well as veterans out fishing.

Fishing tackle and bait are provided.

Fill out our Self Referral Form to start planning your trip.

Naples, Florida Fishing Tournaments for At-risk Youth

Fishing mentors are partnered with teens, offering the opportunity for these at-risk youths to enhance their life skills through the sport of fishing.

Heels and Reels Fishing Tournament – Female fishing mentors work with teen girls.

Buoys and Bait Fishing Tournament – Male fishing mentors work with teen boys.

Fishing mentors are needed during these annual events. Please fill out our Volunteer Application and share your love of fishing.

Our History

Freedom Waters Foundation was founded in March 2006 by our current Executive Director, Debra Frenkel, a licensed clinical social worker, and yacht broker John Weller, who both still serve on our Board of Directors. Debby has been involved with disabled sailing since 1999 and knew John through her previous employer. John is a six-time cancer survivor and fellow humanitarian who encouraged Debby to form her own non-profit organization. What’s in a Name When selecting a name for the venture, Debby consulted a good friend who has paraplegia and is a top-notch sailor. She asked him what called him to the water. He said, “the freedom.” Thus, the name Freedom Waters Foundation -- which also incorporates an F for Frenkel and W for Weller. Who We Serve Originally focused on serving children with cancer, Freedom Waters Foundation has expanded to meet the needs of children and adults with life threatening illnesses and disabilities, at-risk youth as well as veterans. We operate in Collier , Lee , Palm Beach and Broward counties of Florida.

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Dock for free at florida's indian rocks beach.

Colors paint the sky above the Indian Rocks Beach floating docks as the sun sets

Indian Rocks Beach Dockmaster Bob Castor records boat activity on the floating docks on a Sunday

Slyce Pizza Bar is one of several restaurants within walking distance of the Indian Rocks Beach floating docks. This one’s half pepperoni and half margherita with prosciutto. Yum

Kelly Gilchrist helps fasten her 8-year-old daughter Christina's life jacket before leaving Indian Rocks Dock on their 21-foot powerboat, following dinner at a nearby restaurant

By Diane Daniel Florida's Indian Rocks Beach welcomes boaters of all types to dock for free during the day at its public docks on the Intracoastal Waterway. Within two blocks of the docks, visitors will find more than a dozen restaurants, shops and attractions.

Bill Demarest gazed at the new floating boat docks on the Intracoastal Waterway side of Florida's Indian Rocks Beach, 6 miles south of Clearwater . “Every town should have one of these,” the boater said.

Demarest had tied up his 22-foot Sailfish and, with his wife, two young daughters and their friend, were headed to get lunch a couple blocks away at Slyce Pizza Bar.

“IRB has some of the best places to eat on the beach,” the Madeira Beach resident said. “We were probably some of the first people to use the docks.”

Since the free public docks, which accommodate 18 boats, opened this spring at Keegan Clair Park, at the end of Second Street and Miami Avenue, they’ve drawn about 50 boaters a day on weekends, the only time a dockmaster is present to keep records, said Dean Scharmen, public services director.

“Overall, people are just absolutely fascinated and thrilled that the city would do this,” said Scharmen, who oversaw the $550,000 project. “From the docks, you can walk to over 12 restaurants and shops in a two-block district, and 300 yards away is the Gulf of Mexico.”

Pinellas County has about 47,700 registered boats, second only to Dade County. Most dock users come from between Tarpon Springs and St. Petersburg and are driving anything from personal watercraft to powerboats.

Shawn Byrne of Treasure Island, returning to his 30-foot Scarab, said he was pleasantly surprised to spot the docks.

“I was just cruising by and saw a dockmaster and the sign on the piling that said “courtesy dock,” so I checked it out,” said Byrne, who was on his way back from Jimmy Guana’s, a restaurant and bar complex at the Holiday Inn Harbourside, a one-minute walk away. “It’s rare to see something as nice as this and free.”

Nonmotorized boaters such as kayakers and standup paddleboarders have a place to dock or launch as well, partly thanks to input from Steve LeVine, owner of Watersports West in Largo and a longtime Indian Rocks resident.

“I was really happy with the outcome,” LeVine said. “A nice path with steps runs right into the water and it goes to a beach for easy launching.”

The docks are also convenient for pickups, boat captain Jim Labadie discovered. Labadie, a city councilor and co-owner of Colonial Court Inn, often takes guests on fishing and sightseeing tours.

“I used to have to meet them at the Belleair Causeway boat ramp three miles away, and they had to pay for parking. Now they just walk across the street.”

Local businesses are equally buoyant about the project. Many, including Slyce and Jimmy Guana’s, have experienced an increase in customers, and some are actively courting boaters.

At Impressive Designs & Florida Wines, a gift and wine shop a block from the docks, owner Bev Malley added chilled wine in pouches and plans to sell microbrews.

At Slyce, which has indoor and outdoor seating, hungry boaters have increased sales and inspired new services.

“First we started delivering pizzas to the docks,” said co-owner Ken Gillespie. “Then, because there wasn’t always room or boaters didn’t want to stop, we added delivery by water. Now we have a Slyce jet ski and we go out to boats.”

Paul Jenkins Jr., general manager at the landmark Crabby Bill’s, sees the docks, two blocks from the restaurant complex, as a catalyst for further development of the business area.

“I’d love it to be a centerpiece for IRB,” Jenkins said. “We’re extremely excited about it.”

Area maps already are posted, but Jenkins and other merchants are working on a welcome kiosk at Keegan Clair Park that will provide boaters and other visitors with detailed information on nearby sights and businesses.

Directions to the Free Indian Rocks Public Boat Docks: 

The free Indian Rocks Beach Public Boat Docks are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Overnight stays are not allowed. For information, visit www.indian-rocks-beach.com or call 727-595-2517. Public restrooms, 203 4th Ave. N., open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Attractions Near Indian Rocks Beach:

Indian Rocks Historical Museum : 203 4th Ave. N., 727-593-3861, www.irbmuseum.com .

Impressive Designs & Florida Wines , 311 1st St., 727-595-9000, www.impressivefloridawines.com

Jimmy Guana’s , 401 2nd St., 727-595-8356, www.jimmyguanas.com

Crabby Bills , 401 Gulf Blvd., 727-595-4825, www.crabbybills.com

Slyce Pizza Bar , 311 Gulf Blvd., 727-408-5272, www.slycepizzabar.com

Lighthouse Donuts , 215 Gulf Blvd., 727-517-8722

Keegan Clair Park , Second Street and Miami Avenue, Indian Rocks Beach

Indian Rocks Beach

Related content.

Indian Rocks Historical Museum

• 203 4th Ave.
• (727) 593-3861

The Ocala Escape

• 4901 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ste 302
• (352) 448-6976

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15 Best Places to go Sailing in Florida from a Local Sailor

By: Author Florida Vacationers

Posted on Published: July 30, 2023  - Last updated: August 5, 2023

Categories Florida Vacation Ideas

Home » Florida Vacation Ideas » 15 Best Places to go Sailing in Florida from a Local Sailor

Looking for the best places to go sailing in Florida? You have come to the right place.

It is probably no surprise to find there are some great sailing destinations in the Sunshine State. Sailing in Florida means gliding through crystal-clear waters, basking in the golden sun, and embracing the spirit of endless nautical adventures!

In this article, I will list the absolute best sailing spots in Florida from more popular spots like sailing in the Florida Keys to hidden gems I have found from years of experience sailing in Florida.

If you love sailing like I do, you will love exploring these epic sailing spots. 

If you don’t have your own sail boat, you can book a sailing tour in Florida here .

15 Best Places to go Sailing in Florida from a Local Sailing Enthusiast

1. shell key preserve.

Shell Key Preserve is an untouched beauty located just north of Fort de Soto Park and south of Pass-a-grille Beach on the west coast of Florida.

Just inside of Pass-a-grille Inlet, on the north side of the island there is a patch of water off the beach that is the perfect depth to anchor a sailboat in. Weekends can get extremely crowded and you will most likely find the beach lined with center consoles and pontoon boats. On the weekdays, however, it is possible that you may be the only person on the whole island.

While walking along the pristine white beaches you may see dolphins, sand dollars, conchs, starfish, and possibly even a green sea turtle poking its head out of the water for some air, if you’re lucky. In the summer months, you may even spot a Roseate Spoonbill.

The mangroves covering the island offer tons of little tunnels and hide-outs from the harsh summer sun. During the weekend, it is not the best place to stay overnight. Pass-a-grille channel is a busy waterway and you will have to deal with incoming wakes all night from oblivious boaters.

If you decide to throw up a tent or a hammock overnight, camping is allowed on the public southern end of the island; registration is required and the permit is $6 for up to six campers.

“Leave no trace” is in force, so pack in and pack out (including your toilet facilities, as there are none provided). Please note that dogs and alcohol are not permitted. This is an important nesting area for both migratory birds and turtles, so please take care to leave the area undisturbed for them. 

2. Pine Key AKA Beer Can Island, Tampa Bay

Beer Can Island, also known by locals as BCI, is a locally owned island located in the northeastern corner of Tampa Bay, Florida .

The east side of the island is perfect for anchoring a sailboat, because the water drops off to a decent depth just off the shoreline. The western side of the island is great for snorkeling and wading out because it remains relatively shallow for about a quarter of a mile.

During the summer months, the island regularly has a blow up slide for kids. They also throw events with different DJ’s and have a tiki bar open on select dates.

hey also book out the island for private parties, such as weddings, and offer transportation to the island. I love bringing my sailboat to the island overnight – first to hang out for the festivities during the day, only to retire afterward to my sailboat to eat dinner and watch the sunset.

After sunset, you may find that all your boat neighbors have left to return home, and you have the island all to yourself.

3. Gulfport

Gulfport, also known as the Gateway to the Gulf, may be one of the most boater-friendly towns I have ever visited. It is easily accessible from the Gulf of Mexico through the Pass-a-grille Channel.

You can also access the intracoastal waterway that passes north and south right through Boca Ciega Bay, the body of water adjacent to Gulfport. There is a sizable anchorage with many welcoming and knowledgeable sailors. There are also mooring balls available from Gulfport Marina, located in the north side of Boca Ciega Bay. Gulfport is a quaint, artistic little beach town with a thriving local community.

There is a public dock for dinghies that was given to the city in a grant and is available to use for free. The downtown area is right on the water and there are a number of shops and restaurants within walking distance from the public docks.

There is a local market every Tuesday along the downtown strip with tons of unique vendors selling food, artwork, plants, etc. You can find live music every night at multiple restaurants along the waterfront. The sailing community in Gulfport is certainly something special and I recommend to any sailor in the area to stop in for a night.

4. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is located on the southern shores of Key Biscayne, just west of Miami, and has a quaint old-Florida feel.  It is home to the Cape Florida Light, a historic lighthouse that was used to guide sailors into port through the Florida shoals.

The east side of the park has white sandy beaches that overlook the Atlantic Ocean. To stop and stay a while, you can anchor in No Name Harbor, located on the west side of the state park. It costs $20 to anchor overnight in the harbor, or you can tie up to the seawall for the day for $8. This payment is received through an honor system box on shore.

If you stay overnight, you’ll have access to facilities such as showers, laundry and a free waste pump-out. There is a Cuban restaurant right on shore called Boater’s Grill, that overlooks the anchorage so you can keep a close eye on your boat. The bottom in the harbor is mud and there is protection from all directions, so you really don’t have too much to worry about. It is a great place to hide from storms.

It is a relatively small harbor and fills up quickly. If the harbor is full you are able to anchor outside of the harbor on the edge of Cape Florida Channel and dinghy in to use the park’s facilities if you wish.

5. Fort Pierce

Fort Pierce is a great stop in southeastern Florida to drop the hook to stay and surf for a few days. If you are entering via the Atlantic Ocean, you can head west towards land through Fort Pierce Inlet. Inland of the inlet to the west there is a surf shop called Spunky’s Surf Shop.

It’s a great local surf shop that always has boards to rent, both hard tops and soft tops. If you plan to stay for a few days and want to catch a few waves Spunky’s would be a great stop to add to your trip. Once entering the harbor, you can turn south and head under the Fort Pierce Bridge.

After passing under the bridge, head east towards Faber Cove. It is better to stay towards the green channel markers on your way in to get the best depth upon entry. Once inside the basin, you have protection from pretty much every wind direction and very little fetch. You can sleep well at night knowing that the bottom is solid, clay-like mud with excellent holding.

6. Key West

Key West is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the United States. It’s the southernmost city in the United States. It’s surrounded by a network of smaller keys.

Anchoring between Fleming Key and Dredgers Key sets you up for having the perfect balance of beauty and convenience. In between the two keys it can get a bit shoaly, so be sure to keep an eye on your depth sounder. You can dinghy into Key West and leave your dinghy at the dock for $8 a day.

If you have a decent sized dinghy motor, you could anchor on the west side of Wisteria Island. The holding is relatively good, it is just a bit of a distance from the dinghy dock on Key West.

7. Anclote Key

Anclote Key is the northernmost barrier island on Florida’s west coast and is recognized as a preserved state park. It is located west of the ICW outside of Tarpon Springs.

You can find it by looking for the Anclote Key Lighthouse, which was deemed unnecessary and decommissioned by the Coast Guard in 1984. If you anchor on the east side of the island, which is where I would recommend to anchor, there is protection from east and west winds, although it is exposed on the north and south sides. The holding is good with a sandy mud bottom.

Be sure to keep your eyes out for crab pots, they are littered throughout the water. There is a decent amount of fishing boat traffic early in the morning, so if you overnight there you may have to deal with some powerboat wakes. It is a preserved state park, so be sure to be respectful of the island and to leave no trace.

8. Blowing Rocks Preserve, Jupiter Island

If you’re looking for something a little more out-of-this-world, Blowing Rocks Preserve is unlike any other tourist destinations in Florida. It is home to the largest Anastasia limestone outcropping on Florida’s east coast.

It is owned by the Nature Conservancy and might be Florida’s best kept secret. Park entry costs If you would like to stay on anchor, there is an anchorage called Hell Gate, that is located between Blowing Rocks Marina and Jupiter Pointe Marina, just west of the Intracoastal Waterway.

Be wary of your depth sounder, some areas in the anchorage can get as shallow as 5 feet during low tide. You are able to dinghy into Paddling the Pointe and leave your dinghy at the dock there to run to shore.

Or, if you feel like having a bit more comfort, both marinas on either side have transient slips that you can rent out for the next to have access to showers, fuel, pump-outs, and laundry. Blowing Rocks Marina also has a marina store where you can buy ice, bait, tackle, beer, and more.

9. Dry Tortugas National Park

About seventy miles south of Key West, you’ll come across a small archipelago of coral islands known as the Dry Tortugas National Park .

It is the westernmost portion of the Florida Keys . The Dry Tortugas are known for their bountiful marine life and large population of tropical birds. Due to its impressive bird population, bugs are not an issue while staying at the park. The large Fort Jefferson sits on Garden Key, although it was never finished or completely armed.

There is a 46 square-mile Research Natural Area (RNA) in the northwest corner of the park. Within the RNA, you are not permitted to remove any marine wildlife or anchor, although six mooring balls have been installed for public use.

Be sure to fully stock up your vessel before heading there, as there are no amenities and no provisioning available within the national park. Anchoring southeast of Fort Jefferson provides you with the best protection and holding with a depth of 10-15 feet. Be sure to look for a sandy area to drop the hook in.  It is best to enter the harbor from the west, as it is the most well marked passage to the anchorage.

• See more: Ultimate Guide to Sailing the Florida Keys

10. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is located south of Marco Island and north of the Everglades, and is home to countless tiny islands, hence the name. It is for sure one of the best places to go sailing in Florida.

I would only recommend visiting this refuge if you have a motorized dinghy, most of the area is too shallow to bring a sailboat through, but the amount of exploring you can do on a dinghy is impressive. Having said that, be sure to keep a close eye on your transducer to avoid the shifting shoals.

A centralized location to anchor for your stay is north of Tiger Key in West Pass. Here you will find great holding with a fine, sandy bottom. On Tiger Key there is a white sandy beach that is accessible during low tide.

From your boat you can explore all of the tiny islands surrounding you on your dinghy and enjoy real, untouched wildlife. The bugs in the wildlife refuge are not something to joke around with, and this trip is most enjoyably taken with bug screens and ample bug repellant. This area is recognized as a lucrative fishing spot, particularly for snook.

11. Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island is a barrier island just south of Captiva Island on Florida’s west coast. Historians theorize that the island got its name from Jose Gaspar’s first mate, who named the island after a lover that he had to leave behind in Spain.

Sanibel Island is known for its abundance of seashells, shark’s teeth and sand dollars. It is believed that this occurs because the majority of barrier islands are oriented North and South, and Sanibel is oriented East and West. You can dinghy into Sanibel Marina which has access to showers and restaurants.

The laundry at the marina costs $2 for a wash and dry. If the weather is fair, I would recommend to anchor off of Point Ybel. Although the current can be very strong and there is little protection from heavy weather it can be a beautiful anchorage with a view of the Gulf of Mexico. On the weekends there is a lot of traffic traversing under the Sanibel Causeway Bridge.

12. Crystal River

Crystal River is home to some of Florida’s magical freshwater springs. There is a very strong current upon entering Crystal River and it is recommended that you enter during an incoming tide. Be sure to keep an eye on your charts and transducer because there are multiple shallow parts on the way in.

Anchoring in such close proximity to the freshwater springs may give you a free bottom cleaning. If you are anchored in fresh water for a decent period of time, your barnacles that grew in saltwater will die and fall off. The cool spring water also keeps your boat at a manageable temperature, even through the summer months.

You will also be in close access to springs such as Three Sisters Springs , Hidden Spring, King Spring, and a multitude of unnamed springs. King’s Bay is a great central location to anchor for the duration of your stay.

Pete’s Pier offers a bunch of amenities and facilities, including food and beverages, fuel, etc. There is also a floating dinghy dock to tie up your tender to. Be sure to always lock up your belongings as you never know what people’s intentions around you are.

Three Sisters Springs/ Wikipedia

13. Steinhatchee

I grew up visiting Steinhatchee every summer for its abundance of scallops during scalloping season. Scalloping season in Florida runs July through September. In order to go scalloping, you are required to hold your Florida saltwater fishing license.

During scallop season the sea grass is teeming with tons of swimming scallops. There aren’t an overwhelming amount of places to anchor in Steinhatchee, although you can anchor on the south side of Steinhatchee River south of the Steinhatchee Marina and west of Sea Hag Marina.

There is also another spot that is possible to anchor further up the river. Steinhatchee is also home to Florida’s widest waterfall, the Steinhatchee Falls. If you need a break from scalloping and would like to swim in some rejuvenating freshwater, tubing down the Steinhatchee Falls is a great way to spend the day cooling off.

You won’t find crystal clear sparkling water like you will in Crystal River, but the river is surrounded by beautiful old Florida swamp and marsh land. There are also rope swings and trees all along the river to jump off of and have a good time.

14. Augustine

St. Augustine is an extremely unique and history rich town in the northeast corner of Florida, south of Jacksonville. It is accessible by boat either via the Atlantic Ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway. If you are entering via the Atlantic Ocean, you will need to head west down the Matzanas River, south of Vilano Beach.

You will cross the Intracoastal Waterway and then have a view of Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fortification in the continental US. After this turn south and cross under the Bridge of Lions. To your west you will find the city municipal mooring field, balls cost $20/day. If you don’t feel like paying for a ball you can also anchor south of the mooring field and pay to use the dinghy dock at the marina for $13.75 a day.

The holding is good with a mud bottom, and there is a decent amount of protection from all sides. You may have some traffic during the day, causing wakes that will rock your home around. Luckily, once you get all set up and go to shore, there are plenty of different types of activities to do to fill your time during the day.

St. Augustine is likely the oldest city in the continental US and was established in 1565 by Spanish explorers. You can tour Castillo de San Marcos, explore and marvel at the architecture of Flagler College, check out the St. Augustine Aquarium, visit the Lightner Museum, spook yourself with a ghost tour, go fishing, or rent a surfboard and catch some waves at Vilano or Crescent Beach and so much more.

Sunset Cruise of St. Augustine/ Flickr

15. George Island

If you are looking for a more remote and tranquil getaway, St. George Island is for you. Located on  the panhandle, just south of the Intracoastal Waterway(ICW).

If you are arriving via the Gulf of Mexico, you should enter St. George Sound via the East Pass and then turn west along the ICW. Just before port light 6 head south towards the island and you will find a nice little pocket to anchor your boat in. From here, you can head onshore and do some relaxing exploration.

The island is covered in old driftwood lining the beach from the pine trees covering the island. St. George is also known to be a loggerhead turtle nesting ground, so be sure to be respectful and not disturb the turtles or their nests. This anchorage is primarily a fair weather anchorage, as it offers virtually no protection, except for from the south. Appalachicola is near-by, just west down the ICW in case you need to refuel and reprovision.

Author: Reilly Mulligan is a sailing enthusiast from Florida who has spent her life sailing and exploring the Sunshine State.

Florida Vacationers is the #1 place to find everything exciting to do in the Sunshine State from the incredible beaches to the beautiful springs, campgrounds and road trips - we are constantly on the lookout for hidden gems and secret spots! Bookmark this blog as your go to place for all things Florida related. We are so happy to have you as part of our Florida Vacationers community!

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Our Sailboats

If you’re an experienced sailor we invite you to use one of our own 22′ sailboats with your cottage rental at no additional charge. there’s no better way to relax and enjoy the keys.

Our 22 foot Catalina or O’Day single-masted sailboats are perfect for cruising the calm waters of Florida Bay. Just grab your cooler, walk to our dock, and point the bow into the horizon. Explore the Florida Keys in style! Leave and return when you like…after all, you don’t want to be tied to any schedule when you’re on vacation.

And if sailing isn’t for you, try our kayaks, canoes, standup paddle boards, rowboats, or even one of the floats we make available to our guests at the dock. The point is: take to the water! It’s the Florida Keys way of life!

Even relatively new sailors can enjoy the Bay on one of our easy-handling day cruisers. It’s great family fun, and a big part of the reason Key Largo Cottages remains so popular with our guests. Find out for yourself!

22′ SAILBOAT RENTALS

Rent a 22’ Catalina Sailboat and sail around the beautiful Key Largo bay area for only $300/day plus taxes. Note: We mainly rent the cottages with a free sailboat but on a case to case basis we may have an extra sailboat that we can rent out. Just call when you are in town and we will see if we can help you get your sailing needs taken care of.

On a budget? Here are 10 free, fun things to do in Brevard this weekend

Free things to do outdoor concerts, a film festival, nature walks and more: these events in brevard won't cost a dime..

Due to potential changes and cancellations, we encourage you to check with presenting organizations about the status of their events.

1. Florida Tech’s Homecoming Fest in Indialantic

The alternative rock band Plain White T’s will headline Florida Tech’s 2024 Homecoming Fest at Nance Park, 201 N. Miramar Ave., Indialantic, from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 5. Other musical acts scheduled to perform are the national acts ALEXSUCKS and The Kaleidoscope Kid and DJ Tommy MOT based out of Orlando. The free outdoor event will include food, family activities and more. Due to limited parking on site, guests are encouraged to park on the Florida Tech campus at the Clemente Center, 3011 Panther Place, or in front of Residence Hall Circle, 2745 Country Club Road, and use complimentary shuttles to the event. Shuttles will run from 6 to 11 p.m. Admission is free. Visit fit.edu .

2. ‘An Evening with the Stars’ in Viera

Florida Star Fiction Writers hosts this free multi-author book signing event at the Holiday Inn Melbourne-Viera Conference Center, 8298 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, on Friday, April 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mix and mingle with more than 40 best-selling authors in genres from fiction to thrillers to cozy mysteries. The event will feature complimentary dessert, a cash bar, raffle baskets, a photo booth and more. The first 125 guests will receive a free goody bag. Admission is free. Register at eventbrite.com or visit floridastarwriters.com .

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3. Film festival in Cocoa

The 15 Minutes of Fame film festival, produced by Brevard filmmakers Ray and Migdala Etheridge, will screen 28 short films, including some produced by Florida filmmakers. It will be at the Catherine Schweinsberg Rood Central Library, 308 Forrest Ave., Cocoa, on Saturday, April 6 starting at 11 a.m. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. For details on the films and showtimes, visit etheridgeproductions.com . 

4. Fun Friday in Palm Bay

The band Tru Phonic will play at Veterans Memorial Park, 2225 Port Malabar Blvd., Palm Bay, on Friday, April 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. There will also be craft vendors, food trucks and a kid's zone. Bring your own chairs. Admission is free. Worried about the weather? Call the rainout hotline at 321-726-5682. Visit palmbayflorida.org .

5. First Friday at Wickham Park

This rain-or-shine event will be in the pavilion at Wickham Park, 2500 Parkway Drive, Melbourne, on Friday, April 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. There will be food trucks and live music by Whiskey JuJu. Visit facebook.com/events/382215377643942 .

Plan your weekend: 10 fun things to do in Brevard for April 5-11

Looking for more to do? 70 fun things to do in Brevard in April, from outdoor festivals to free movies

Feeling festive: Your guide to April fairs and festivals in Brevard

6. Free movie in the park: ‘Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie’

The move “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” (PG) will be shown at Kiwanis Island Park, 951 Kiwanis Island Park Road, Merritt Island, on Friday, April 5 at 8 p.m. In the movie, a magical meteor crash lands in Adventure City and gives the Paw Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into The Mighty Pups. Food trucks will be available for entrees, snacks and desserts. Admission is free. Call 321-633-1874.

7. Brevard Antiques and Collectibles club meeting in Suntree

The Brevard Antiques and Collectibles club will hold its monthly meeting at the Suntree/Viera Public Library, 902 Jordan Blass Drive, on Friday, April 5 at 10 a.m. The subject will be “Black & White.” Bring one item for study and discussion. The group is open to anyone with an interest in antiques and collectibles, but note that the group does not give appraisals. Call 321-254-5831.

8. ‘Sunset in the Hollows’ walks in Melbourne

Hundred Acre Hollows , 1170 Rock Springs Drive, Melbourne, will be open every Sunday in April from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Take a nature walk on the 2-mile trail or a shorter stroll along the berms. Enjoy sunset photography, birdwatching, and spotting wildlife including raccoons, deer and bobcats. There is also an Audubon native plant garden and a Keep Brevard Beautiful native plant garden. Visit hundredacrehollows.org .

9. Ranger-led tour of Turkey Creek Sanctuary

Turkey Creek Sanctuary, 1518 Port Malabar Blvd NE, Palm Bay, offers free ranger-led tours on the first and third Sundays of each month, excluding holidays, from 10 to 11 a.m. Participants should meet at the sanctuary Nature Center and bring sturdy tennis shoes or boots, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, snacks, binoculars and a hat. Tours will take place on the boardwalk and various trails. Each tour will be led by a park ranger and will focus on common plants and animals found in the sanctuary. Total distance for tours is approximately 1 to 1.5 miles and should take about 1 hour to 1 1/4 hours to complete. Admission is free. To sign up, call the Nature Center at 321-676-6690.

10. Free boat trip to Samsons Island

Samsons Island is a 52-acre passive nature island in the Banana River, accessible only by water, with docks on the south, east and north sides of the island for public use. The City of Satellite Beach provides free boat transportation to and from Samsons Island conservation area and nature park on the first and third Sunday of each month at 9 a.m., weather permitting. Guests will meet back at the main dock at noon for the return trip. Trips will depart from and return to the Satellite Beach Fire Department, 1390 S. Patrick Drive. Reservations are required. Call 321-773-6458 or visit satellitebeach.gov .

Do you have a community event? Email  [email protected]  at least three weeks in advance for consideration for the Things to Do roundup.

Whether you're interested in music, theater, festivals or other local entertainment, FLORIDA TODAY has got you covered. Support local journalism by subscribing at  Special Offers - USAToday Network .

Billionaire fights to dock his boat on water behind his house. His 164-foot boat, that is.

The love of the water, and a mega-yacht to enjoy it, is putting one resident at odds with village of north palm beach leaders..

For some people, the ultimate Florida lifestyle is a waterfront house , a private dock and a boat parked next to it. But what if that boat is a mega-yacht , and the mega-yacht stretches 164 feet?

That's the conundrum facing the Village of North Palm Beach.

This tiny community in northern Palm Beach County, with only 13,000 full-time residents, has an identity so tied to the water that a ship's steering wheel is the village's emblem.

But it's that love of the water that is putting one resident at odds with village leaders.

For the past several years, homeowner Michael Bozutto has been battling the village for the right to park his 164-foot Westport, dubbed Honey, behind a home he owns at 932 Shore Drive.

The house, built in 1961, is a one-story, ranch-style property with three bedrooms on a half-acre lot. Bozzuto paid $840,247 for the house in 2014, according to Palm Beach County property records.

Lawsuit rooted in dispute over where to dock mega-yacht

What makes this plain house special is its location. It's on a rare corner bordered on the north and east by navigable waters that provide access to the Atlantic Ocean via the Lake Worth Inlet. The east-facing dock is large enough to accommodate Bozzuto's motor yacht.

Since Bozutto bought Honey for an undisclosed sum a decade ago, he mostly has parked it at the Old Port Cove Marina, near Tiger Woods' 155-foot showy mega-yacht, ironically dubbed Privacy.

More recently, Bozzuto has wanted to park Honey alongside his Shore Drive house, one of four houses he owns in the village. While Bozzuto keeps some personal property at the Shore Drive house, he lives at a house he owns at Harbour Isles Court.

Village officials warned Bozzuto he can't park Honey at 932 Shore Drive because boats can only be parked on docks behind houses that are occupied by the homeowner.

But village rules do not define the word "occupied." For instance, the rules do not state that occupied means the house is a residence where the owner lives. Village rules also contain no restrictions on the size of boats that can be kept at private docks.

After years of pushing back against what he believes are fuzzy rules, Bozzuto in March filed a lawsuit against the village.

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He alleged the municipality is illegally depriving him of his property rights because nothing in the village code prevents him from mooring Honey at his house. He is asking a Palm Beach County Circuit Court judge to rule that he has a constitutional right to dock Honey there.

Gregory Coleman, Bozzuto's West Palm Beach attorney, said the village has plenty of waterfront homes with yachts parked behind them. But Coleman said the village is illegally blocking Bozzuto from docking Honey at his house because the village is bending to pressure from a handful of neighbors who think the boat is too big.

The selective enforcement is wrong, said Coleman, a former president of the Florida Bar.

"He's a very under-the-radar guy who doesn't cause anybody any problems," Coleman said of Bozzuto. "He pays his property taxes, and he wants to be left alone by the village of North Palm Beach. Unfortunately, they are singling Mike out."

Neither Leonard Rubin, the village's longtime attorney, nor Village Manager Chuck Huff responded to requests for comment.

Eric Stettin, a Fort Lauderdale-based attorney who is representing the village in the Bozzuto lawsuit, said he could not comment on pending litigation.

What good is a man's castle if he can't have a boat in his moat?

Coleman's lawsuit describes the conflict as a battle over property rights, but real estate and yachting experts say it's also a sign of the times.

As wealthy new residents pour into the county wanting all the perks of the Sunshine State, they want a boat to go along with their waterfront homes and golf club memberships. Some longtime residents fear Palm Beach County is turning into a playground for billionaires, to the detriment of everyday people who also want to live in sunshine and peace.

This conflict between Old Florida and new money is an ever-present tension, but even seasoned yacht brokers say they've never seen interest in luxury yachts quite as strong as it is now.

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"What we've seen in the marketplace right after COVID in the yachting industry, and especially the superyacht segment, is the most incredible growth ever seen in the history of yachting to date," said Shannon McCoy, a luxury yacht advisor and broker with Worth Avenue Yachts in Palm Beach.

"A lot of people are moving here with serious money," added Pascal Savoy, U.S. managing director of Camper & Nicholsons International yacht brokers in Fort Lauderdale.

While in the past Palm Beach County was not considered lively enough for some buyers, Savoy said the county's growing sophistication is putting it on the map in a way never seen before.

"It's a mini-Monaco for us," Savoy said.

Prices for mega-yachts can range from $18 million to $60 million, or many times that, for the largest and most decked-out mega-yachts, Savoy said.

While some yachts can be glitzy, a 164-foot Westport is considered a more low-profile boat, Savoy added.

Michael Bozzuto's interests: Houses, boats and philanthropy

Bozzuto is no newcomer to North Palm Beach. He's been a resident of the village for 20 years.

He is the billionaire owner of a family-owned supermarket wholesaler in Connecticut, and an investor and philanthropist who likes to collect houses and yachts, Coleman said.

In addition to the four North Palm Beach houses and several yachts he owns, Bozzuto in February paid a whopping $31.1 million for a house in the Town of Palm Beach Shores. The house, which has two docks, sits just north of the Palm Beach/Lake Worth Inlet.

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Coleman said there is plenty of room for other boaters to navigate the waterway when Honey is parked at the Shore Drive house in North Palm Beach. And while other people may not have as large a yacht, there are other sizeable yachts parked on docks behind other North Palm Beach homes, too, he added.

At a 2017 village council meeting, then-Mayor Darryl Aubrey commented on the issue, according to the complaint.

"When I didn't live here full time, I had a boat sitting in my dock, I was gone nine months of the year. I don't see how you can say that someone has to be in a residence year-round, seems to be some interpretation of occupant, there would be an enormous number of violations," Aubrey said.

Another member of the village council asked if the village had a definition now, the complaint said.

Rubin, the village attorney, replied: "No, we don't," according to the lawsuit.

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Palm Beach County's waterways run deep, and they are popular

The yacht docking dispute is particularly timely, given the scarcity of dock space for boats of all sizes.

The most convenient place to park a boat is on the water behind a house, brokers say. But not every waterway or channel can accommodate the draft, or depth, of a mega-yacht.

However, the dock behind Bozzuto's Shore Drive house can.

Not only is the Westport not known for its deep hulls, but the waterway also is typical of northern Palm Beach County, which boasts deep water and easy access to the ocean via the Lake Worth Inlet, said Coleman, a lifelong boater.

"In Palm Beach County, they have deeper water, and it allows people to have larger yachts," Savoy agreed.

But not every waterway is deep enough for every boat.

McCoy said she specializes in helping advise potential yacht owners about the county's varied water depths before they buy a house, if they plan to dock their yacht behind it.

If yacht owners don't have a private dock, the other option is a marina. But marina space is hard to find, with many dock berths reserved for months in advance, McCoy said.

Despite the challenges of owning a boat and finding a place to dock it, yacht brokers say demand continues.

They see interest continuing from business executives moving here with their families as they relocate their companies to Palm Beach County. There's also a growing demand for yachts among female buyers, McCoy added.

They also see younger mega-yacht buyers, some even in their early 30s. This is in sharp contrast to the mostly older buyers in the past, Savoy said.

Palm Beach County may not be as go-go as Miami-Dade County when it comes to showy ships, but if interest continues, "it's coming," Savoy said. "You're going to attract bigger yachts."

Put another way: "No one needs a boat, but everyone needs a boat," McCoy said. "It's the ultimate lifestyle."

Alexandra Clough is a business writer and columnist at  The Palm Beach Post . You can reach her at  [email protected] . Twitter:  @acloughpbp .  Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.