Place to keep a Cat in Clearwater/St. Pete area?

I am very interested in getting a Hobie Cat, the only problem is that I live in Tampa, but I have no problem driving out to the Clearwater area to sail and I'm currently looking at a cat to buy. My question is, does anyone know of a good place to store it, either on the beach or on a Mariana type deal for a good price? Preferably near Reddington/Treasure Island/ Mediera/ Indian Shores area. Any information is appreciated, thanks!

That makes two of us! Let us know what you find. Looks like I have some competition for finding a boat too. I just bought mine but after further research I have decided that the hulls are not worthy of fixing. So I am in search for some H16 hulls.

Gulfport Yacht Club, http://www.gulfportyachtclub.com/ , not exactly Clearwater, but not that far away either.

Hey, I grew up in Tampa (Lutz actually) and used to sail in T-Bay all the time as well as Lake Mag, Lake Stemper, and a s-load of other lakes in N.Tampa. As for the Gulf I had a place on Indian Rocks beach we used to put in (near the old pier if its still there) across the street from the world's largest tourist trap-Tiki Gardens. I had a 14 Turbo growing up I'm proud to say I have one now. The great thing about Hobie's, even the bigger ones, is with a few friends you can pick them up off the trailer and put them over a sea wall on to the beach. Just make sure you get one WITH a trailer, then your sailing world is wide open. Good luck and say hi to Tampa Bay for me. Take care and have a Hobie day!

_________________
Sean Wheeler
[email protected]
http://hobie-14.ning.com/profile/SeanWheeler
'83 Hobie 14 Turbo "Rio"
Blue Hawaii Sail #40954

Thanks much for the info Karl and rsbw, I'll definitely be looking into these. For rsbw, is lake mag good sailing? I have actually been in contact with someone who lives on lake mag and may be able to let me keep the cat there, so i anticipate sailing there often if it works out. Thanks again!

Mast up storage is also avalable at ClearwaterCommunity Sailing Center, north end of Sand Key.
Before I got my Hobie 18 last year, I went there for some lessons and they have all types of boats you can use.
I believe that they have an old Hobie 16, Getaways, Waves and quite a number of small monohulls.

Come out to Dunedin Causeway any weekend and you'll find a bunch of cat sailors there.
Last Saturday strong winds, sailing in the Gulf was awesome.
Get some foul weather gear to keep dry, the Gulf temp has plummeted to 70degrees.
OK you northern sailors, I know that's not cold to you.

Bear,

Yes Lake Mag is great for sailing! Back in the 80's (wow I'm OLD!) we had alot of problems in the lakes in Tampa with Hydrilla. That's a real nasty weed that kind took over most of the lakes. It killed all the fish and made sailing or boating of any kind almost impossible. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Service was working back then to eradicate it, I hope they did. If you have a chance to keep a Hobie on Lake Mag take full advantage of it, I sure could think of a whole lot of worse places to sail! What type of Hobie are you looking for? I'm real partial to the 14. I love them. Good luck with your search and keep us all posted on your progress. Have a Hobie day!

_________________
Sean Wheeler
[email protected]
http://hobie-14.ning.com/profile/SeanWheeler
'83 Hobie 14 Turbo "Rio"
Blue Hawaii Sail #40954

JG,

Thanks for the info on Clearwater Community Sailing Center, Ill definitely be giving them a call and maybe one weekend I too will be able to make it out to Dunedin Causeway!

rsbw,

I'm currently looking at a H16 and from what I know Lake Mag hasn't had any recent problems with Hydrilla that I know of. I'm pretty excited to get out there and get sailing!

If youre interested, I've decided against fixing up my Hobie 16. Everything is in good condition except there are some soft spots in the hulls. Located in New Tampa

If you are interested in bouys racing, Gulfport Yacht Club is the place to be: we race twice a month on Saturday afternoon (beachcats only, mixed start), 3 or 4 races, with dinner provided afterwards. The races are open for non-members, for a $10 donation to cover dinner, so come try it out! Mast up storage is available. GYC hosted the Alter cup last year, and next week will be hosting the F16 Global Challenge (F16 Worlds). The club races are a low key affair, but are run very well.

_________________
Arie
H 16 107568

I live in Hyde Park area and suffered the same dilemma. Luckily, I found a buddy who doesnt mind me leaving it in his yard. Its just a temporary solution though so if you find out a good place to park it for a reasonable price, let me know! I've been launching off of Davis Island lately. Had a blast today - must have been blowing 25 kts! Hope to See you out there.

Hopetown'er, the mast-up storage at GYC is quite reasonable: $400 a year (I found that I couldn't put it in a mast down vehicle storage for that!). Come by one day! http://www.gulfportyachtclub.com

_________________
Arie
H 16 107568