When I woke up it was 41 degrees outside, a lot better than I expected, but nonetheless a bit "nippy", and a bit windy blowing out of the north at 15Knots.
When I went to bed last night they (the weather forecasters on TV) put out a freeze warning that ended at 4AM, however, we did not get it.
Today's forecast for Coastal Carolina is sunny, with the highs to hit the mid-50's, and by Saturday it will be sunny with high temperature in the 70's. Thank God, the weather is back!! to normal for this time of year.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Just a few Notes about River Dunes Harbor Marina
If you were to visit here for the first time, you would say it is backwards, because of the lettering system they use here. There are a total of 400 slips here, and because of that there are limits in each one as follows:
The first dock you see coming into the marina either by boat or car is called T- dock, because it is a mixture of (T)ransient dockage. Any boat not staying a month or more is put here at the rate of $1.25 per foot, per night, except for the Winter months of December, January and February, when the rate drops to 1.00 per foot, per night.
The second and third docks are called A-North and A-South, all fingers are 40' long x 16'wide. The fingers face north and south; B- dock is the fourth and fifth dock, all 45' long accepting boats up to 18 feet wide. Fingers facing noth and south; the sixth and seventh docks is C dock, all 50' long x 20' wide. Fingers face N&S, and finally D dock, wiich are the eight and ninth docks, facing north and south ALL fingers are at least 65' long x 25' wide.
The Tee ends are as follows: A dock for up to 75' boats, all beams
B- dock between 76 and 90 foot, all beams
C- Dock is 91 to 110 footers, all beams,catamarans with beams between 26' and 35' wide.
D- Dock is any boat over a 112 to 135, all beams and usually catamarans and tri-marans with beams over 35' wide
C & D docks are currently full. There are about 5 docks on B-Dock and maybe 8 on A-Dock that are not full. Transients docks are usually full, especially in Spring and Fall, as cruisers head either North or South.
And this is all set on 1,300. acres. If you think you know a large marina in land size bigger, let me know.400 slips set on 1300 acees is huge, because OPRM is set on 6 with 250 slips....LOL....LOL
LOCATION: North - 35.05.075 North Latitude by 076.36.068 West Longitude...or 35.08455 x 76.50733.....Off of Pamlico Sound, approx 1 mi. up Broad Creek, North Carolina, Chart # 11541_1 (Neuse River and Pamlico Sound)
All docks are dredged to8' feet deep in MLW, it is a deepwater water marina with between 8'-10' depths at the fuel and it is all the time, regardless of seasonl changes.
Tidal range is less than 2 feet.
All docks have 50 or 100 AMP service, at the top of each dock are huge panels with over 1600 amps servicing A dock alone. We also have water, cable and telephone jacks....they have included at dockside pump-out, but it is not connected as of yet.
During the fall and winter months, the restaurant is closed except for Friday and Saturday nights, however the chef comes in daily and makes one dinner for all cruisers at about 15.00 to 20.00 pp Sunday through Thrusdays. During the summer months, the kitchen is always open, serving three meals a day.
The first dock you see coming into the marina either by boat or car is called T- dock, because it is a mixture of (T)ransient dockage. Any boat not staying a month or more is put here at the rate of $1.25 per foot, per night, except for the Winter months of December, January and February, when the rate drops to 1.00 per foot, per night.
The second and third docks are called A-North and A-South, all fingers are 40' long x 16'wide. The fingers face north and south; B- dock is the fourth and fifth dock, all 45' long accepting boats up to 18 feet wide. Fingers facing noth and south; the sixth and seventh docks is C dock, all 50' long x 20' wide. Fingers face N&S, and finally D dock, wiich are the eight and ninth docks, facing north and south ALL fingers are at least 65' long x 25' wide.
The Tee ends are as follows: A dock for up to 75' boats, all beams
B- dock between 76 and 90 foot, all beams
C- Dock is 91 to 110 footers, all beams,catamarans with beams between 26' and 35' wide.
D- Dock is any boat over a 112 to 135, all beams and usually catamarans and tri-marans with beams over 35' wide
C & D docks are currently full. There are about 5 docks on B-Dock and maybe 8 on A-Dock that are not full. Transients docks are usually full, especially in Spring and Fall, as cruisers head either North or South.
And this is all set on 1,300. acres. If you think you know a large marina in land size bigger, let me know.400 slips set on 1300 acees is huge, because OPRM is set on 6 with 250 slips....LOL....LOL
LOCATION: North - 35.05.075 North Latitude by 076.36.068 West Longitude...or 35.08455 x 76.50733.....Off of Pamlico Sound, approx 1 mi. up Broad Creek, North Carolina, Chart # 11541_1 (Neuse River and Pamlico Sound)
All docks are dredged to8' feet deep in MLW, it is a deepwater water marina with between 8'-10' depths at the fuel and it is all the time, regardless of seasonl changes.
Tidal range is less than 2 feet.
All docks have 50 or 100 AMP service, at the top of each dock are huge panels with over 1600 amps servicing A dock alone. We also have water, cable and telephone jacks....they have included at dockside pump-out, but it is not connected as of yet.
During the fall and winter months, the restaurant is closed except for Friday and Saturday nights, however the chef comes in daily and makes one dinner for all cruisers at about 15.00 to 20.00 pp Sunday through Thrusdays. During the summer months, the kitchen is always open, serving three meals a day.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Tuesday - Day 47 - Don't rock the boat, baby.....
At about 9:30 AM we left Whittaker Pointe Marina to River Dunes Harbor Club. We got here around 11:00 AM, tied up ran our power and water, now we are enjoying a very nice lunch aboard the LF3. Tonight, we are supposed to go to a cruiser's dinner but they are making chicken....I never ever eat chicken in a restaurant.
I did make my car rental reservations. I am picking car up in New Bern on the 18th and traveling home.I will be home on the 19th of November on a one -way rental, I am returning the car at Syracuse Airport on the 20th. HERTZ was the only car rental agency that would allow a one-way rental from New Bern (EWB) airport. Everyone else said nope....I gusee you can figure out my car rental choice. Enterprise came up rent for one week and return car here ....Avis said no, and so did every other one of them. Hertz, when asked, said "sure, no problem"
After New Years, probably the 2nd, we are driving back down to Oriental with my Sebring and leaving it here while we take the boat to Florida. You have to have a car here and a courtsey car just don't cut it. I will look into a way to have my golf cart delivered here too, as I won't need it anymore in upstate, NY.
I did make my car rental reservations. I am picking car up in New Bern on the 18th and traveling home.I will be home on the 19th of November on a one -way rental, I am returning the car at Syracuse Airport on the 20th. HERTZ was the only car rental agency that would allow a one-way rental from New Bern (EWB) airport. Everyone else said nope....I gusee you can figure out my car rental choice. Enterprise came up rent for one week and return car here ....Avis said no, and so did every other one of them. Hertz, when asked, said "sure, no problem"
After New Years, probably the 2nd, we are driving back down to Oriental with my Sebring and leaving it here while we take the boat to Florida. You have to have a car here and a courtsey car just don't cut it. I will look into a way to have my golf cart delivered here too, as I won't need it anymore in upstate, NY.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Day 46 - Monday 11/11/13....Putting our house in Order on Veteran's Day.
Today was spent "shoring up" financial matters, cleaning, sanding & staining rails and other teak trim and changing addresses.....our new address by the way, is::
Al and Dottie Baris
River Dunes Harbour Club Slip A-South #27
465 Harbour Drive.
Oriental, NC 28571
They wil accept and sign for all packages and whatever else is sent to me that requires a signature....regular mail come directly to my slip.
and a quick THANK YOU to all who gave their all, so that we have a free country!!
It is a spectaular place...River Dunes in Oriental, NC.
Al and Dottie Baris
River Dunes Harbour Club Slip A-South #27
465 Harbour Drive.
Oriental, NC 28571
They wil accept and sign for all packages and whatever else is sent to me that requires a signature....regular mail come directly to my slip.
and a quick THANK YOU to all who gave their all, so that we have a free country!!
It is a spectaular place...River Dunes in Oriental, NC.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Day 45 - Membership does have it's privledges...11/10/13
Sundays are do nothing days in NC. And that is exactly what we did, nothing...on board the LF3.
However, we took the courtsey car and visited the other Marinas and Yacht Clubs in the area, and have decided this:
As a member of a yacht club you get a substantial discount on dockage, so therefore we joined the River Dunes Harbour Club We will pay about $300 per month for dockage, plus 0.16 KWH for electricity. We should never pay more than $15.00 for our electric per month.
The Florida Keys are a special place where the old adage "if you have to ask, you cannot afford it", never had a truer maning, but regardless of the cost, we like it there. After all, it is the KEYS
For the remainder of 2013, the boat will remain in Oriental, North Carolina until January 3rd then Dottie and I will head to the Keys with the boat.
Our new plan will consist of the boat being 5 months in Oriental, North Carolina and 5 months in Tavinier, Fl. leaving a month down and a month back to NC. We are now officially snowbirds, as after I called the marina in the Keys and told him of my plan, he said you are now official sunbirds.
Each year from 2014 on, the boat will spend March 2014 (traveling from Keys to NC) April, May, June, July and August in Oriental, NC, travel to Florida during the month of September 2014 and spend October, November, December, January and February in the Keys. This works out great both financially for us and for both marinas.
Please note, WE WILL NOT be on-board, 24/7/365...I do have to work sometime during the year.
For as much as I liked Whittaker Pointe Yacht Club and Marina, it is too new and too sterile for me, and has NO protection from hurricanes or named storms. It is a problem for me leaving the boat out in the wide open.
And although Active Captain has rated it the best that NC has to offer, right next door is beautiful and spacious River Dunes Harbour Marina and Yacht Club, which is only 7 years old and a beautiful place with a ton of amenities included...and it is a "hurricane hole" to boot!!.
Take a look at their website
However, we took the courtsey car and visited the other Marinas and Yacht Clubs in the area, and have decided this:
As a member of a yacht club you get a substantial discount on dockage, so therefore we joined the River Dunes Harbour Club We will pay about $300 per month for dockage, plus 0.16 KWH for electricity. We should never pay more than $15.00 for our electric per month.
The Florida Keys are a special place where the old adage "if you have to ask, you cannot afford it", never had a truer maning, but regardless of the cost, we like it there. After all, it is the KEYS
For the remainder of 2013, the boat will remain in Oriental, North Carolina until January 3rd then Dottie and I will head to the Keys with the boat.
Our new plan will consist of the boat being 5 months in Oriental, North Carolina and 5 months in Tavinier, Fl. leaving a month down and a month back to NC. We are now officially snowbirds, as after I called the marina in the Keys and told him of my plan, he said you are now official sunbirds.
Each year from 2014 on, the boat will spend March 2014 (traveling from Keys to NC) April, May, June, July and August in Oriental, NC, travel to Florida during the month of September 2014 and spend October, November, December, January and February in the Keys. This works out great both financially for us and for both marinas.
Please note, WE WILL NOT be on-board, 24/7/365...I do have to work sometime during the year.
For as much as I liked Whittaker Pointe Yacht Club and Marina, it is too new and too sterile for me, and has NO protection from hurricanes or named storms. It is a problem for me leaving the boat out in the wide open.
And although Active Captain has rated it the best that NC has to offer, right next door is beautiful and spacious River Dunes Harbour Marina and Yacht Club, which is only 7 years old and a beautiful place with a ton of amenities included...and it is a "hurricane hole" to boot!!.
Take a look at their website
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| The coutyard of cottages available to rent |
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| A Wedding at the Mariner's Chapel on the grounds of the River Dunes Clubhouse |
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Day 44 - Pictures of Whittaker Pointe Marina and Oriental NC - 11/09/2013
Well...I said I would post something everyday and am doing the best I can.
Lunch was at the Oriental Marina and INN in their Toucan Grill Restaurant, and of couse, I had to have my daily dose of shellfish, which included shrimp, scallops and clams...then we went to Fulchers for some seafood (Fresh caught flounder) to make aboard for dinner and just did some local sightseeing. I have and will always like Oriental, NC.
More pictures as the day wears on......Hang in there!
Lunch was at the Oriental Marina and INN in their Toucan Grill Restaurant, and of couse, I had to have my daily dose of shellfish, which included shrimp, scallops and clams...then we went to Fulchers for some seafood (Fresh caught flounder) to make aboard for dinner and just did some local sightseeing. I have and will always like Oriental, NC.
More pictures as the day wears on......Hang in there!
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| The Whittaker Pointe Clubhouse |
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| A 50' Hunter monohull sailboat |
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| Keith came all the way from Australia....I never did ask why he named his boat Jack's Back. a c |
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| The brand new docks at Whittaker Pointe |
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| This is a Fountain Perjot Catamaran....46 feet long and almost 29' feet wide. |
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| Man, what far odd place to be from, this reired couple took 9 months to get here, but they made it all the way from the continent of Australia. |
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| They are memebers of the Royal Port Yacht Club in Newport, Australia |
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| And they have a large amount of rigging and a 70' mast... because 70' is the norm in Australia |
Friday, November 8, 2013
Day 43 - Oriental, NC November 8th, 2013 and the end of Leg 2
We pulled into Oriental, NC this AM at about 11:30 after leaving the BelleHaven Marine Waterway Marina at 7:30AM ,and then off we went in the marina's courtsey car to town to do food shopping, and West Marine to pick up and return a few items. Lunch was had aboard the boat and dinner also, after the cocktail party at the marina.
I can't get over how nice this marina is, in fact, it is so nice and everything including the docks are brand new. If it weren't so wide open, I would choose this marina to call our Home Port. I don't know wether I am flying or driving yet, but Dottie wants to be home for the holidays. We will NOT be aboard from 11/19 until 01/03/2014.
I am not going to Morehead City as planned.
When we get back, our next stop will be Beaufort, NC.
On Monday morning they will haul her out so I can check the bottom and drop her back in Monday AM. We call that a "short haul". For less than $100 bucks I get hauled out for a few hours, left in the slings to do whatever needs to be done. Actually they charge about $250 a month plus $ 76.00 bucks for the "short haul", taxes included. If you need to do antything at all, you can do it here. I like Whittaker Pointe Marina a lot...you get a courtsey car for as long or as often you need it, and if I fly home they drive you too and from New Bern airport. Plus I just love these bathrooms it gives a new meaning to the words "nice and private", and they say it gets better the further south you go.
Hmmmmmm.....I don't know how better it can get, but I am dying to find out. They don't want or need the business here in North Carolina, so it stays this way year round.
Check out these pics below to find out exactly what I mean...
We have a lot of people, and some come from as far away as Australia
I can't get over how nice this marina is, in fact, it is so nice and everything including the docks are brand new. If it weren't so wide open, I would choose this marina to call our Home Port. I don't know wether I am flying or driving yet, but Dottie wants to be home for the holidays. We will NOT be aboard from 11/19 until 01/03/2014.
I am not going to Morehead City as planned.
When we get back, our next stop will be Beaufort, NC.
On Monday morning they will haul her out so I can check the bottom and drop her back in Monday AM. We call that a "short haul". For less than $100 bucks I get hauled out for a few hours, left in the slings to do whatever needs to be done. Actually they charge about $250 a month plus $ 76.00 bucks for the "short haul", taxes included. If you need to do antything at all, you can do it here. I like Whittaker Pointe Marina a lot...you get a courtsey car for as long or as often you need it, and if I fly home they drive you too and from New Bern airport. Plus I just love these bathrooms it gives a new meaning to the words "nice and private", and they say it gets better the further south you go.
Hmmmmmm.....I don't know how better it can get, but I am dying to find out. They don't want or need the business here in North Carolina, so it stays this way year round.
Check out these pics below to find out exactly what I mean...
We have a lot of people, and some come from as far away as Australia
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Day 42, November 7th, 2013.....Rain, rain go Away
We are not going anywhere today if the rain don't let up. It is not a heavy rain, just a really fine mist that makes it hard to see out, type of rain. If the rain does not end by 9AM, we will sit it out one day here in Bellhaven, NC
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Days 39,40 and 41 - November 4th, 5th and 6th
We made it Coinjock, NC and the Coinjock Marina yesterday and had a great mealin their restaurant I had the mates cut of Prime Rib, Dottie had the Large Seafood Salad and she too, enjoyed it.
We met a couple aboard their Fleming 55 (Quintessence)in Deltaville, and we met again today in Coinjock for dinner. Alan and Liz Hendershot is their name.
We left Coinjock this morning for the Alligator River Marina another 50 miles south. The folks aboard the Fleming decided to anchor out and we went to the marina. This has been the smallest marina so far with just 18 slips and a wall of 950 feet. Dinner was aboard the boat tonight.
I cannot get over the bathrooms in the south...ever since Cape May, they have all been private baths instead of the Locker Room style that we found in the north. PRIVATE and CLEAN, spotlessless clean, I should say.
Left the Alligator Marina today (Wednesday)and headed for Bellhaven, NC. Another quaint, small village known for it's quality marinas and restaurants. We pulled into the Bellhave Waterway Marina at 1:30 PM, and took a much needed rest.
Dinner tonight in a place called Spoon River Restaurant at the Marketplace and Artworks bldg., and all I can say is that was the best so far...I had the mussels and clams and Dottie had Shrimp and Grits, and both were fantastic. I had never had mussels that tased so good, and found out that it is a chef-owned restaurant.
We had dinner with two women who we met the night before at the Alligator River marina. Debbie and Dale are real boaters and they are bringing Debbies boat, named Camelot, home to St. Augustine, FL.
We met a couple aboard their Fleming 55 (Quintessence)in Deltaville, and we met again today in Coinjock for dinner. Alan and Liz Hendershot is their name.
We left Coinjock this morning for the Alligator River Marina another 50 miles south. The folks aboard the Fleming decided to anchor out and we went to the marina. This has been the smallest marina so far with just 18 slips and a wall of 950 feet. Dinner was aboard the boat tonight.
I cannot get over the bathrooms in the south...ever since Cape May, they have all been private baths instead of the Locker Room style that we found in the north. PRIVATE and CLEAN, spotlessless clean, I should say.
Left the Alligator Marina today (Wednesday)and headed for Bellhaven, NC. Another quaint, small village known for it's quality marinas and restaurants. We pulled into the Bellhave Waterway Marina at 1:30 PM, and took a much needed rest.
Dinner tonight in a place called Spoon River Restaurant at the Marketplace and Artworks bldg., and all I can say is that was the best so far...I had the mussels and clams and Dottie had Shrimp and Grits, and both were fantastic. I had never had mussels that tased so good, and found out that it is a chef-owned restaurant.
We had dinner with two women who we met the night before at the Alligator River marina. Debbie and Dale are real boaters and they are bringing Debbies boat, named Camelot, home to St. Augustine, FL.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Pictures from the Chesapeake
I am terrible at posting pictures. Although I have taken over 200photos so far, I always forget to post them.
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| The Porch at Deltaville, VA |
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| The Chespeake is known for it's oysters, which grow wild |
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| The side Porch at Dozier's Regatta Point Marina |
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Days# 37& 38 - Another Day.....Another Marina- Saturday, November 2nd, 2013
We got out of Deltaville around 9AM and we navigated our way down to Newport News, Norfolk and Portsmouth, VA arriving at 2 PM. Here is what I have learned...we all know that "company" is like fish, and after three days you begin to smell!!.
We didn't smell from lack of water or soap, but no one appreciates good clean drinking water, until you don't have it. In fact, the only con I found about Deltaville was their water had a funky taste, a funny odor, and although it was potable, it was dirty to look at, and even nastier to drink.
We arrived in the Norfolk area at 2:00PM, then we wasted all afternoon and evening just riding around Portsmouth and Norfolk Harbors. We had dinner aboard 7PM and got into the Tidewater Yachting Marina at about 9PM. First thing I did was fill the water tanks, we know have 140 gallons of the freshest tasting water since we left NYC.
I made reservations this AM for Coinjock Marina in Coinjock, NC for Sunday night and Monday night, then we are free to go where we want after those nights are up. We hope to be in Tavinier by the end of November leave the boat and fly from Miami to Rochester to be home by the third of Decemeber or so.
We didn't smell from lack of water or soap, but no one appreciates good clean drinking water, until you don't have it. In fact, the only con I found about Deltaville was their water had a funky taste, a funny odor, and although it was potable, it was dirty to look at, and even nastier to drink.
We arrived in the Norfolk area at 2:00PM, then we wasted all afternoon and evening just riding around Portsmouth and Norfolk Harbors. We had dinner aboard 7PM and got into the Tidewater Yachting Marina at about 9PM. First thing I did was fill the water tanks, we know have 140 gallons of the freshest tasting water since we left NYC.
I made reservations this AM for Coinjock Marina in Coinjock, NC for Sunday night and Monday night, then we are free to go where we want after those nights are up. We hope to be in Tavinier by the end of November leave the boat and fly from Miami to Rochester to be home by the third of Decemeber or so.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
When are we leaving Deltaville?
I really don't know. We are supposed to leave tomorrow morning and stop at Hampton Roads, however small craft advisories went out this afternoon, and is supposed to last until tomorrow late afternoon, so....
We will not leave Deltaville until Saturday morning now.......No need to fight 4-5 footers on the Cheasapeake, especially when we don't have to. It is getting windier by the minute and they are calling for 15-25 Knot winds tonight and tomorrow AM. A cold front is responsible for the temperature dropping from mid-70" this afternoon to 55 right now, and a low of 48 degrees is expected tonight.....BRRRRR it is cold outside, baby!!
We will not leave Deltaville until Saturday morning now.......No need to fight 4-5 footers on the Cheasapeake, especially when we don't have to. It is getting windier by the minute and they are calling for 15-25 Knot winds tonight and tomorrow AM. A cold front is responsible for the temperature dropping from mid-70" this afternoon to 55 right now, and a low of 48 degrees is expected tonight.....BRRRRR it is cold outside, baby!!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Boat Taxes...WOW
I was discussing sales tax with a fellow boater today, and as the saying goes, I have "learned something new" every day".
Now, I already know and am certain of these two things, One is;- Boats are a very expensive "hunk of fiberglass"
Secondly, Sales tax adds to the expense, especially the 8.0% charged in NYS.
Here is what I have learned new today....Maryland has capped it sales tax to $1,500.00. Now, if you buy a new boat in NY and pay one million $ dollars, you also have to pay the dealer $80,000.00 in sales tax. Really, not too bad, but then again, NY is not a boater friendly state by any means, especially when you consider that the average price of new yacht, using the definition that a yacht is a boat over 100' long, are selling every day for 2-5 M. Take the average yacht in NY which is selling for 5M. Times that by the 8.0% tax, and you have actually paid an additional $400,000.in sales tax. A bit higher than most states, but NY, being boater un-friendly gives you nothing but a hard time in return.
Second thing I have learned, VA rate is 5% of the selling price. An average yacht, selling for 5 M generates a sales ta of $250,000 per sale per year in VA Sales Taxes. VA is a boater friendly state that allows town municipalities to set tax rates. Currently I am in Middlesex County, and their tax structure is a bit higher than most other counties in the state. This a boating area by far. because if you are not in one of the marine trades, there is just nothing else to do. So, this guy told me, " I pay 1500.00 per year to be in the Chesapeake.....he went on to explain "he has a 40' sailboat which I beleive he said was 1994 Hunter, Salon Deck......his tax bill every year, every January 01 is $1,500.00. What he gets in return are green marinas, clean waters to fish in, boater saftey education courses plus other things....
So far this guy has paid over $15,000.00 (County tax) in taxes for the past 10 years.That is a hell of an expense added to marina costs, and insurance. 40' sounds like a lot of boat, but in reality is is a small sailboat by todays standards. 60 foot is more the average, especially south of Maryland. I can't imangine what their taxes are in this county, but I bet the average boater is paying over $2,000.00 per year, per boat.
Of course, like every tax there are loopholes, and the VA tax code is no exception. The loophole is as follows: Don't be in this county on January 1st, because that way you do not get taxed by the county.
He is now retired and has been so for the past two years, and his plan is to go to FL every year with his boat.
I cannot blame him!!
I will report more as we travel down the coast.
Now, I already know and am certain of these two things, One is;- Boats are a very expensive "hunk of fiberglass"
Secondly, Sales tax adds to the expense, especially the 8.0% charged in NYS.
Here is what I have learned new today....Maryland has capped it sales tax to $1,500.00. Now, if you buy a new boat in NY and pay one million $ dollars, you also have to pay the dealer $80,000.00 in sales tax. Really, not too bad, but then again, NY is not a boater friendly state by any means, especially when you consider that the average price of new yacht, using the definition that a yacht is a boat over 100' long, are selling every day for 2-5 M. Take the average yacht in NY which is selling for 5M. Times that by the 8.0% tax, and you have actually paid an additional $400,000.in sales tax. A bit higher than most states, but NY, being boater un-friendly gives you nothing but a hard time in return.
Second thing I have learned, VA rate is 5% of the selling price. An average yacht, selling for 5 M generates a sales ta of $250,000 per sale per year in VA Sales Taxes. VA is a boater friendly state that allows town municipalities to set tax rates. Currently I am in Middlesex County, and their tax structure is a bit higher than most other counties in the state. This a boating area by far. because if you are not in one of the marine trades, there is just nothing else to do. So, this guy told me, " I pay 1500.00 per year to be in the Chesapeake.....he went on to explain "he has a 40' sailboat which I beleive he said was 1994 Hunter, Salon Deck......his tax bill every year, every January 01 is $1,500.00. What he gets in return are green marinas, clean waters to fish in, boater saftey education courses plus other things....
So far this guy has paid over $15,000.00 (County tax) in taxes for the past 10 years.That is a hell of an expense added to marina costs, and insurance. 40' sounds like a lot of boat, but in reality is is a small sailboat by todays standards. 60 foot is more the average, especially south of Maryland. I can't imangine what their taxes are in this county, but I bet the average boater is paying over $2,000.00 per year, per boat.
Of course, like every tax there are loopholes, and the VA tax code is no exception. The loophole is as follows: Don't be in this county on January 1st, because that way you do not get taxed by the county.
He is now retired and has been so for the past two years, and his plan is to go to FL every year with his boat.
I cannot blame him!!
I will report more as we travel down the coast.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Synopsis of past two weeks October 17th to October 30th, 2013
Lets see.....we arrived in Deltaville, VA. on Thursday the 17th, after a smooth ride from Smith Point, VA. After arriving at Jack Dozier's Regatta Point Marnina, we tied up in a temporary slip until Sunday. Currently, I am in slip # Slip#G-35, however on Monday my new slip assignment will be G-3. We will stay there until we leave Deltaville...
Friday, Oct 19th....took the day off and did nothing,I did figure out that Dozier's monthly rate is a lot cheaper than weekly rate, so I paid marina for a month although I am leaving after two weeks.
On Saturday October 20, 2013, we started sanding the teak on the Lucky Find III,
Sunday October 21st, we continued sanding after a buffett breakfast at marina. I moved boat from G-35 to G-3....a lot closer to bathrooms, offices and courtsey cars.
On Monday the 21st of October, we returned to Glouscester to see about rental car for Dottie.....no luck, so I called Hertz and sure enough they had a car available on Tuesday.
Tuesday,October 222nd, I borrowed courtsey car and drove to Kilmarnock, VA to the Hertz place, and kissed Dottie good-bye as she drove north back to Clyde, NY.
Wednesday, October 23rd, thru Sunday, October 27th were work days as I tried to get our dinghy and davits back in shape after being torn off in Annapolis by a water taxi, and finally finished it on Sunday the 28th. Went to a Sunday buffet at a place called the Sunset Grill down the street. Basic breakfat and lunch fare, but a nice place with great friendly service.
Monday, October 28th, was spent doing sanding and getting all final amenities on dinghy. All teak is now done and waiting for Dottie to put on the Bristol Finish and get her looking new, AGAIN.
Tuesday, October 29th morning, I spent in the laundry room with the interior upholstery fabrics. After a quick phone call to Sunbrella, I found out that I could wash all cushion covers in a washing machine but do not put into dryer as they will shrink. After washing covers I put them on rail of boat to dry.....currently it is 72 degrees and sunny here, so a great day for that. All the guys on the dock are breaking my chops about doing "women's work", but when you are alone you do it all, and I am finding out that a woman's work is NEVER done..
Wednesday the 30th of October - Club Jeppesen Marine of which I am a member, is delivering my new navigation chip to cover me down the Chesapeake to St. Augustine, FL. Once in St. Augustine they will deliver a chip that covers St. Augustine to Key West FL.
I have cooked dinner and lucnh every day on boat and I need my restaurant fix soon.
Friday, Oct 19th....took the day off and did nothing,I did figure out that Dozier's monthly rate is a lot cheaper than weekly rate, so I paid marina for a month although I am leaving after two weeks.
On Saturday October 20, 2013, we started sanding the teak on the Lucky Find III,
Sunday October 21st, we continued sanding after a buffett breakfast at marina. I moved boat from G-35 to G-3....a lot closer to bathrooms, offices and courtsey cars.
On Monday the 21st of October, we returned to Glouscester to see about rental car for Dottie.....no luck, so I called Hertz and sure enough they had a car available on Tuesday.
Tuesday,October 222nd, I borrowed courtsey car and drove to Kilmarnock, VA to the Hertz place, and kissed Dottie good-bye as she drove north back to Clyde, NY.
Wednesday, October 23rd, thru Sunday, October 27th were work days as I tried to get our dinghy and davits back in shape after being torn off in Annapolis by a water taxi, and finally finished it on Sunday the 28th. Went to a Sunday buffet at a place called the Sunset Grill down the street. Basic breakfat and lunch fare, but a nice place with great friendly service.
Monday, October 28th, was spent doing sanding and getting all final amenities on dinghy. All teak is now done and waiting for Dottie to put on the Bristol Finish and get her looking new, AGAIN.
Tuesday, October 29th morning, I spent in the laundry room with the interior upholstery fabrics. After a quick phone call to Sunbrella, I found out that I could wash all cushion covers in a washing machine but do not put into dryer as they will shrink. After washing covers I put them on rail of boat to dry.....currently it is 72 degrees and sunny here, so a great day for that. All the guys on the dock are breaking my chops about doing "women's work", but when you are alone you do it all, and I am finding out that a woman's work is NEVER done..
Wednesday the 30th of October - Club Jeppesen Marine of which I am a member, is delivering my new navigation chip to cover me down the Chesapeake to St. Augustine, FL. Once in St. Augustine they will deliver a chip that covers St. Augustine to Key West FL.
I have cooked dinner and lucnh every day on boat and I need my restaurant fix soon.
Making Adjustments to Blog Site
Please let me know whether you can join our blog and or comment on posts.
Thanks,
AL
Thanks,
AL
Days 25 thru 36 - Deltaville, VA
We received a call from our daughter Natalie on October 17th, where she said she was not feeling too good. Turns out she is in the middle of an MS Episode. Also our insurance regulations say that we cannot travel south of Virginia until November 01, the official end of the hurricane season, so thereforth I planned on staying in Deltaville until Nov, 1st anyway..
Dottie said she would be right there, but after going all the way from Deltaville to Glouster, VA (nearest Enterprise Rent A Car), And nothing available, Dottie called Natalie to say that she would be there Tuesday, October 22nd,(Thanks to Hertz, whose rates are less, and they advertise they will pick you up too!!). So, Dottie will leave here on Tuesday, October 22nd and return next Wednesday the 30th of October.
In the meantime I will enjoy our Virginia weather, and it is sunshine everyday, all day with temps hoovering to mid-seventies at lunchtime to near 49 at nighttime. The past few mornings the heat was on in the boat when I awoke, only to have a/c on by 11AM and heat again at 7:00PM.
There are plenty of things to do on this boat, such as sanding all teak, and then bleaching it and prepare to have Dottie re-finish it.
I had two divers, from a company called Under Boats, Inc. ,go down this past Thurday (10/24/13), and examine bottom of boat, only to see one surface with a tatered old American Flag and proceeds to tell me except for this flag, which was wrapped around your shaft, the bottom looks like new, no need to haul out and have her cleaned. GREAT NEWS to me, and for 20 bucks, it was well worth the peace of mind.
A canvas specialist from The Ship's Tailor will be here to fix a few broken snaps before Thursday the 31st., he did come on Friday the 25th to check it all out., but did not have the needed tools with him.
More to come as trip progresses.
Our next stop, before crossing into the Carolinas, will be Newport, VA for a night or two then North Carolina for a few days and nights, South Carolina for a few days and then Florida.....LOL....LOL...and then a week or two down the 700 mile coast of Florida to Key Largo and Tavinier(FINAL DESTINATION).
Dottie said she would be right there, but after going all the way from Deltaville to Glouster, VA (nearest Enterprise Rent A Car), And nothing available, Dottie called Natalie to say that she would be there Tuesday, October 22nd,(Thanks to Hertz, whose rates are less, and they advertise they will pick you up too!!). So, Dottie will leave here on Tuesday, October 22nd and return next Wednesday the 30th of October.
In the meantime I will enjoy our Virginia weather, and it is sunshine everyday, all day with temps hoovering to mid-seventies at lunchtime to near 49 at nighttime. The past few mornings the heat was on in the boat when I awoke, only to have a/c on by 11AM and heat again at 7:00PM.
There are plenty of things to do on this boat, such as sanding all teak, and then bleaching it and prepare to have Dottie re-finish it.
I had two divers, from a company called Under Boats, Inc. ,go down this past Thurday (10/24/13), and examine bottom of boat, only to see one surface with a tatered old American Flag and proceeds to tell me except for this flag, which was wrapped around your shaft, the bottom looks like new, no need to haul out and have her cleaned. GREAT NEWS to me, and for 20 bucks, it was well worth the peace of mind.
A canvas specialist from The Ship's Tailor will be here to fix a few broken snaps before Thursday the 31st., he did come on Friday the 25th to check it all out., but did not have the needed tools with him.
More to come as trip progresses.
Our next stop, before crossing into the Carolinas, will be Newport, VA for a night or two then North Carolina for a few days and nights, South Carolina for a few days and then Florida.....LOL....LOL...and then a week or two down the 700 mile coast of Florida to Key Largo and Tavinier(FINAL DESTINATION).
Friday, October 18, 2013
Day 24 - Smith Point to Deltaville, VA
Well, we made it to the "Yachting Capital of the East". I have been looking forward to a few days here in Deltaville.
You see, Deltaville became a world class operation for Yachting a few years ago,(1999) after Hurricane Floyd dumped more than 10 inches of rain on the Eastern Shore, and along the Chesapeake Bay on September 16-17. Chestertown collected 14.00
inches. Annapolis had 11.60 inches. Floyd's eye passed over Ocean City, with a barometric pressure of 28.88 inches. Gusts in Ocean City, MD peaked at about 60 mph.
Hugo ripped up the area badly, and when just about all insurance companies refused to cover anyone from the north from going south of here until after November 1st...the official end of hurricaine season. And the last year, in 2012, Hurricane Sandy lashed Maryland on October 29-30 with isolated hurricane force gusts and widespread gales, heavy rain in the eastern two-thirds of the state and
significant snow in the west. The Ocean City fishing pier was partially destroyed and
bay sections flooded.
It seems that everyone ends up here for a week or two before they venture south to NC, SC GA or FL.
Deltaville, with it's proximity to Newport News-Williamsburgh Intl Airport is an beautiful area. Houses run from 250,000.00 for a fixer-upper, to a norm of 500,000., to a high of 7M. Not too bad considering Annapolis and Solomons are about double that.
We had a great day of traveling.....not too long, yet not too short. However, 2 miles outside of Deltaville, we ran aground again for the third time so far this trip, and if that is not enough, after Tow Boat US came and wiggled us out of the sand, I ran aground the fourth time. Having his number in my cell, I called him, waited two minutes, and we are "wiggled" free again.
I apologize to those I made fun of running aground in a channel, but I guess it can happen to the best of us....LOL. The channel markers or bouys just don't outline the channel well enough after Hurricaine Sandy hit last October. The Army Corps of Engineers needs to re-survey certain areas and just don't have the time, money or manpower to do it down here as of yet.
I was in the center of the channel in three out of the four groundings. But again, no problem except for the loss of time (20 minutes, total)!
Anyways, the area is exceptional and so are the marinas here. We pulled into the marina at 1PM, tied up, and started meeting some others that are going south after bthe first of November. We have tied up at Dozier's Regatta Point Yachting Center.
You see, Deltaville became a world class operation for Yachting a few years ago,(1999) after Hurricane Floyd dumped more than 10 inches of rain on the Eastern Shore, and along the Chesapeake Bay on September 16-17. Chestertown collected 14.00
inches. Annapolis had 11.60 inches. Floyd's eye passed over Ocean City, with a barometric pressure of 28.88 inches. Gusts in Ocean City, MD peaked at about 60 mph.
Hugo ripped up the area badly, and when just about all insurance companies refused to cover anyone from the north from going south of here until after November 1st...the official end of hurricaine season. And the last year, in 2012, Hurricane Sandy lashed Maryland on October 29-30 with isolated hurricane force gusts and widespread gales, heavy rain in the eastern two-thirds of the state and
significant snow in the west. The Ocean City fishing pier was partially destroyed and
bay sections flooded.
It seems that everyone ends up here for a week or two before they venture south to NC, SC GA or FL.
Deltaville, with it's proximity to Newport News-Williamsburgh Intl Airport is an beautiful area. Houses run from 250,000.00 for a fixer-upper, to a norm of 500,000., to a high of 7M. Not too bad considering Annapolis and Solomons are about double that.
We had a great day of traveling.....not too long, yet not too short. However, 2 miles outside of Deltaville, we ran aground again for the third time so far this trip, and if that is not enough, after Tow Boat US came and wiggled us out of the sand, I ran aground the fourth time. Having his number in my cell, I called him, waited two minutes, and we are "wiggled" free again.
I apologize to those I made fun of running aground in a channel, but I guess it can happen to the best of us....LOL. The channel markers or bouys just don't outline the channel well enough after Hurricaine Sandy hit last October. The Army Corps of Engineers needs to re-survey certain areas and just don't have the time, money or manpower to do it down here as of yet.
I was in the center of the channel in three out of the four groundings. But again, no problem except for the loss of time (20 minutes, total)!
Anyways, the area is exceptional and so are the marinas here. We pulled into the marina at 1PM, tied up, and started meeting some others that are going south after bthe first of November. We have tied up at Dozier's Regatta Point Yachting Center.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Day 23 - Solomon's to Smith Point VA. -
We left Zahinsers at 10:30 AM and drove the 35 miles to Smith Point Marina In Smith Point, VA. This is the smallest marina we have seen so far, only having 98 slips. But all are occupied and we tied up at the fuel dock. We did see some intersting sights on our trip here, and I will post some pics tomorrow.
Frome here it is on to Deltaville VA for a week.
Frome here it is on to Deltaville VA for a week.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Day 22 - 10/16/13 - Solomons Island Maryland - An Expensive lesson learned the hard way
The best day yet...We spent the whole day catching up with the chores on a boat. This morning we went from Zahniser's Yachting Center to Spring Cove Marina to buy well over 200 gallons of diesel at 3.699 per gallon.($750.00). I saw Paul standing on our dock when we came back, he bled the engine and it started right up. hours of Labor t $100.00 per. The billat the yard came to 318 with tax and some materials.
Then this afternoon both Dottie and I changed the oil in both engines, and the generator, and later that afternoon, we washed the dinghy, and had a great dinner aboard the boat. All I can say is I learned an expensive lesson.
Then this afternoon both Dottie and I changed the oil in both engines, and the generator, and later that afternoon, we washed the dinghy, and had a great dinner aboard the boat. All I can say is I learned an expensive lesson.
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