Advice for spring break
 

I am in the process of planning a trip around the first week of April for my wife and two kids,girls 18/17. We want to take the boat and would prefer to stay somewhere with a hotel that has the docks close by. I have a 382 Formula that has never been exposed to the salt water environment, but I don't want to rule that out. I live in Indiana and don't mind the drive. I may even consider flying the family close to the destination and I can meet up with them. Any advice on some nice locations that would give us decent weather?

Re: Advice for spring break
 

HAVASU!!! :drink: :drink:

Re: Advice for spring break
 

SoFlo and the Keys Emerald water awesome places to go and stuff for the kids to do.

Flush it and wash it, dunk it in a fresh water lake on the way back and enjoy the memories of boating in the keys for the rest of your life!

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Got any names of places to launAll sounds good...Gota any names of places to launch, stay etc?

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Go to Spinnaker or Harbor Town Marina and get it lauched and retrieved with a lift don't dunk your trailer.

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Guys, remember, this is a hawk-eyed Father looking to keep an eye on his teenage daughters.

Hmmm... the possibilites. :D :D :D

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Stop clouding the issue with facts.

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Damn took the words right out of my head...

ohhhhh the possabilities...

Re: Advice for spring break
 

Check out the Tierra Verde Marina Resort in St Pete Florida. Plenty to do, and Disney is only 1.5 hours away for the family.

Re: Advice for spring break
 

Here's a link to it. http://www.tierraverderesort.com/

Re: Advice for spring break
 

Joplin, MO would be a great place to go for spring break, be sure to bring the 18/17

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The Keys would be great if you're doing the family thing. Your kids would be able to go out and do their "partying" and then during the day you'd all be able to go out on the boat and enjoy the crystal clear water.

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Thanks for the help. I like Cudas idea. It's not too bad of a drive from Fort Wayne and mid part of Florida. I also assume I could have a better chance of warmer weather. Is it feasable to hit the Keys from there via boat, and if so, approximately how long?

Re: Advice for spring break
 

It depends on the weather. Several years ago, my cousin and several freinds struck out for KW on a Wellcraft 32 Costal. They figured 12 hours or so running. It turned into like 35 hours or so after running into foul weather. They thought they were going to run out of fuel, the CG was in constant contact with them for several hours. My cuz said he thought one guy on the boat was going to cry he was so scared.

I used to live there in Pinellas County, and I always wanted to spend a weekend at Tierra Verde. The only time I had it set up to do so, my boat broke down on the way there. (my old cruiser)

Re: Advice for spring break
 

Can I come ? :D

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Another option might be the Hyatt at Sarasota. Great docks and pool, less than 2 hrs. to Disney.

The Hyatt is the host hotel for all the races and poker runs for this area. Just a thought.

Re: Advice for spring break
 

I appreciate all of the input. I think it may be a bit risky with just me and 3 somewhat laid back skippers. I would hate to get them into a situation where they wouldn't want to go out again. I am liking the idea of that area. I already called the hotel and left a message to send me additional info. I also ran across some info on the Chesapeake Bay area that looks nice. I may want to wait until later in the year for that trip. If you guys come accross additional info let me know and I'll check it out if it sounds good. Cuda-Where would you typically take the boat once you left the Hotel area? Are there areas to pull up, dock eat, etc. (Other than Marinas)

Re: Advice for spring break
 

Oh, almost forgot. CAPO, are you looking for a wallet to empty? I need some fuel and cocktails after we dock for the day! ; )

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Come on out to the Chesapeake Bay, and I will show you and the family around. Better yet, hold out for the Choptank River/Cambridge Poker Run next September.

Re: Advice for spring break
 

I vote for Sarasota or Orange beach durring one of the race weeks.... That way there will be a lot of performance boats around

Ernie

Re: Advice for spring break
 

Sydwayz,
I have a couple of friends that own a phone company in VA Beach. They have been beggin for me to come out. Where do you frequent out there?
KC

Re: Advice for spring break
 

http://www.hawkscay.com/hcr.asp

they teenagers can't get in any trouble there

Re: Advice for spring break
 

http://www.littlepalmisland.com/

expensive but very relaxing and you have to get there by boat.

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http://www.holidayisle.com/

Not sure who will have more fun here, you or the kids.

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simply the best for you and the kids. totally oriented around boating. if sponsorship by a member is needed let OSO know.

http://www.oceanreef.com/

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Thanks again. I think I can make something happen.

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Honestly, I have only been boating in VA Beach once, that being the Southern Mouth end of the Chesapeake. Chicks is a cool place to go, in VA Beach, as is the whole harbour around Hampton. The Richmond to Hampton Poker Run is a killer event, as is the VA Beach Poker Run.

I am more familiar with the Central area of the Chesapeake, as in Annapolis to Cambridge, and Kent Island. There are folks on here who boat the whole bay. They should speak up. I spend a lot of my time on the Potomac River, from Downtown Washington DC all the way to Solomons Island, MD.

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I plan on putting some hours on the boat next year and will make taht one of my stops. I keep hearing how nice it is. I would do my spring break with the kids there except I think I'd be gambling with the thermometer. My only partial reservation is the salt. I guess I shouldn't let that bother me.

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Formula Outlaw is right, the Hyatt rocks too. We've stayed there many times on poker runs or down for the races.

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There are lot's of places to pull in to eat. Also, the main boating hangout is just outside the channel to Tierra Verde, Shell Island.

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Billy's Moorings Restaurant is right at Shell Island. It would be right off the stern of the Powerplay in the last set.

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Mar Vista on Anna Maria Island is one of my favorite waterfront restaurants, and easily accessible from Tierra Verde or the Hyatt. Note the attire worn here, and realize this was taken on New Year's Day. :drink:

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The Raddison on the Hillsboro River is another option. Close to Channelside for restuarants, and only a trolley ride away from Ybor City for the night life.

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Looks like I have to pull out my credit card and be a full fledged member. I frequent this forum alot and it's always been helpful. Thanks for the pictures. (Another good reason to join) I just picked up my Formula this last spring and have found some incredible sources here. Thanks again for all the input. I'll let you know what I finally do. Looks like Tierra Verde is gonna win.

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Got the pictures opon. Looks exactly like what I was looking for! Think the daughters and wife will love it.

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Nice shots Cuda.....I may have to pull that off one of these summers :drink: :cool:

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I recieved the info for the Holiday Isle in the mail today! Thanks. It looks nice. I'll compare it with the others.

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I'm with GLH....drop the boat in Lauderdale and run down to the Keys, or just drive the boat to the Keys and drop it there.

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I'm getting information on different areas in Florida. I wold love to make it to the Keys. I think it's a long drive to take the boat all the way there from IN, but Lauderdale would shave some time off. I would be a little leary of the trip from there down because I'll have the wife and my 2 daughters. (18/17) Can you give ma some stopping points where I could travel a bit and stay the night between Lauderdale and the Keys. I would like a dock and Hotel combo. Also any names of places like that in Lauderdale and the Keys?

Re: Advice for spring break
 

Back in the early sixties, the Ocean Reef Club was just a hole-in-the-wall fishing club. My family and I lived on a boat, and lived at the Ocean Reef Club for a couple years. We bought the membership and some properties ( just lines on a blueprint ) . . . . wow, have things changed there.