LETTERS “Freedom of the press is limited to those who own one.” A.J. Liebling
GLADES BOAT STORAGE
In its continuing endeavor to share its press, SOUTHWINDS invites readers to write in with experiences & opinions. E-mail your letters to editor@southwindsmagazine.com
Capt. Jay, All those places offer those services (like Wi-Fi at Starbucks) because people buy their products. And if you can afford, e.g., $7 for a cup of Costa Rican coffee at Starbucks, then you should get free Wi-Fi—at the very least. For that much, they’d have to deliver it to my boat, though. What amazes me is that people will be buy “food” at McDonald’s for an inexpensive meal—that in the long run will cut a few years off their life if they “dine” there regularly—who think that getting free Wi-Fi is a real deal. For what that food does to you in the long run, they should deliver that to your boat, too. I don’t call those services free. There’s a high hidden cost to them. But free dockage for a transient’s tender? I think boaters would be happy just with a beach, as long as they weren’t arrested when coming ashore for using it. That’s no different than parking your car in town when you’re passing through—and you can always find free parking in any town if you are willing to walk far enough. Editor PARKING METERS IN SARASOTA? ARE YOU SERIOUS? Re: “Parking in Sarasota” January 2013 “Letters” I read your reply to Harmon Heed’s letter where you accused him of making up the story about Sarasota parking
SAIL OR POWER
AS HURRICANE PROOF AS YOU CAN GET Locks on Both Sides — Minimal Storm Surge – No Tides 11 Miles West of Lake Okeechobee on the Okeechobee Waterway Stuart
e
Moore Haven
Ok e
FREE SERVICES Re: “Are Dinghy Fees Appropriate in Boot Key Harbor?” December 2012 “Letters” I would have to agree with Steve on that one. Some things should be free, like dockage for transient, dinghies, water and toilet. As a liveaboard sailor myself, free dockage is a must! It even states in maritime law to give refuge. The Winn-Dixie, Cedar Bay, and the Esplanade are all free dockage for day use to you and your tender—tender or any size boat at the Esplanade! And water, pump-out, bathrooms and trash are a must, and it is against the law here in Florida to charge for these basics of life. This was made law to help protect our waterways! Yes, I am not totally against charging for showers. Truck stops do. Some even give you a tow. There have been a few times I would have loved to pay anyone to let me take a shower. Wi-Fi should be free as well, as it is in most places, like McDonald’s, Starbucks, free Marco Island Wi-Fi, etc. And the fee for showers and—library? Well, those are free here as well in Collier County. TV? I have never paid for that crap! Weekly and monthly rates could make showers cheaper. Lots of marinas just ask that you buy something from their marina for dockage! No showers unless you pay or are docked with them. Capt. Jay S/V Tarquin Marco Island, FL
On the Okeechobee Waterway Inland Hurricane Boat Storage Your Do-it-Yourself Work Yard
ay obee Waterw ch
•
•
•
•
Lake Okeechobee
★Glades Boat Storage
La Belle Ft. Myers
12 MILES EAST OF La BELLE
Haul Outs: $2 per ft haul Storage Rate: $3.60/ft Work Area Rate: $17/day-$15/day — for project boats after 2 months in work yard Pressure Wash Rate: $1.50/ft for single hull & $1.75/ft for cat
24-HOUR, 7 DAYS A WEEK WORK YARD ACCESSIBILITY • Owner-operated by boaters for boaters • 8’ deep channel off the Waterway in freshwater section (for engine flush) • 40-ton lift — boats up to 16’ 6” beam • Dry storage at $4.50/foot per month • Crane Service • Auto/RV/Trailer Storage • Hot Showers!
GLADES BOAT STORAGE 2152 Boat Yard Rd. • Moore Haven, FL 33471
www.gladesboatstorage.com OFFICE PHONE: 863.983.3040
See LETTERS continued on page 12 News & Views for Southern Sailors
AFTER HOURS/WEEKENDS: 941.722.7722
SOUTHWINDS March 2013
11