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Health & Fitness

Getting The Boat Ready for Spring

It's all about getting out on the water, having a good time and returning safely.

Spring is in the air and it is definitely time to start thinking about getting the boat in shape. I am getting ready to install some new electronics on the fishing boat.

If you need some parts or service here is some information about the St. Pete Marine District and Sailboat Row.

Marine Supply Warehouse has moved from the  Harborage Marina High and Dry complex to a new location at 1427 4th Street South. Parking is around back. As one of St. Petersburg's newest additions to the Bayboro Harbor Marine District, Marine Supply Warehouse was opened to ensure local access to affordable marine products for vessels of all sizes.

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If you need some help or advice you can catch up with Stephen Cocker and he can help you with most anything about your boat.

There is good supply of new and used boat parts and accessories at the Marine Supply Warehouse, you'll even find stuff from some of my old boats.

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Just down the  road and over the "hump" you will find Sail Boat Row. Check out the yards if you need to have your sail boat or power boat pulled out of the water for some repairs, a spring refit or bottom paint.

Embree Marine is a full service yard and can handle boats from up to 70 feet and a 20 foot beam. This long time St. Pete  boat yard is well known for their quality work . A great yard if you need to repower your boat or yacht. Also a good place for interior rework and installation.

Salt Creek Boat Works  is a full- service boat yard which features old world craftsmanship, modern technology and large scale equipment designed to handle vessels up to 50 tons. With a 80-foot boom crane, a 20-foot-wide gantry and a 50-ton Travel Lift, chances are, they have the equipment you'll need to repair and maintain your boat in a safe, cost-effective manner.

Salt Creek Boat Works is the only large capacity yard to allow do it yourself work in the area.

Sailors Wharf features hauling capacity up to 80 tons. This long time full service yard is well known for their exceptional painting and service work. Sail or power, Sailors Wharf has an expert staff and is owned and managed by yacht designer, builder and racer Jopie Helsen. If you're looking for a major upgrade or refit Jopie can help you with the design and installation.

Progressive Marine Service  is located on Salt Creek. It is the very first marine service facility on Salt Creek as you enter via the shipping channel from Tampa Bay. Progressive Marine.

Services now operates two travel lifts a new 94 ton whopper, with a 26 foot beam going into service in April and a 40 ton lift for smaller boats. If you or a friend has a big yacht or a wide catamaran you can now get it pulled out of the water for service without a trip to Sarasota.

If you're looking for service on your boat click the links above. Even if your not a big boat owner a drive down Sailboat Row is a fascinating trip. Just go over the "hump" or "thrill hill" as it is also known and turn at the sign.

The yards are starting to look pretty full so I would call and get your boat scheduled with your favorite yard.

There are a lot of other boating services in the Marine District: Steve Smith Mobile Rigging, Advanced Sails and a number of yacht brokers including Massey Yacht Sales, Murray Yacht Sales and Fillingham Yacht Sales. 

Also on Salt Creek is the Harborage Marina, with both in the water and a high and dry storage. The High and dry  is a great place to keep your fishing or small power boat. Some of the best times I ever had sailing was when my sailboat was in the Harborage Marina.

And while you're looking for a place to keep that boat don't forget about the St. Pete Municipal Marina and the new mooring field in the Vinoy Basin.

Remember it's all about getting out on the water, having a good time and returning safely. Spend some time now to fix and solve any problems and have a great summer of boating.

While you're at it why not call the UnitedStates Coast Guard Auxiliary for free boat inspection there is a Flotilla near you, or if your new to boating take one of their Public Boating Courses.

Check out the gallery for pictures from the Marine District.

e-mail Doc at: dr.webb@verizon.net, or send me a Facebook Friend request.

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