Relocating the boat to Washington DC

[Talulah]

Work are considering relocating me to Reston near Washington DC.
The big question though is not around where to live or giving up the UK existence but where would I park the boat?
Has anyone any suggestions on where best to moor the boat assuming I can get it there in the first place?
I think a few of the YBW forum members have boats in the States but suspect most are kept further south.

 

[jonjo]

What is your draft?

 

[Robin]

Your boat or are you buying new over there? Va is better for paying sales tax on a boat (due on new and used boats), it has a 6% tax but capped at $2,000 max. We are eventually moving to southern Chesapeake, Hampton Va but that is quite a way from Reston.

Best would be to post on Liveaboard Forum in their marinas section, but you will need to register first. see here http://www.livingaboard.com/forum/index.php?sid=170aa7404422c5af1c914615f83d5955

Quite a few on this USA forum are liveaboards or keep boats in the area and are very helpful.

 

[Talulah]

What is your draft?

1.85m draft

 

[Martin_J]

I had been wondering the same. There are a few nice looking marinas right by the Pentagon but I think they're military. If you want the boat really close to DC then I might start looking at the Virginia side of the river... near Alexandria.

The first link below is a forces one.. but has a link on it to the Potomac River Yacht Club's website which includes local rules/regulations for watercraft. The second is a link to a marina that I just came across that shows sailing boats in dock is accessible from the Reston area...

http://www.belvoirmwr.com/NEW/Facilities/Marina/

http://www.washingtonsailingmarina.com/index.htm

I would guess though that a lot of locals do drive out to the coast though.. depends how close you like the boat. I do have local friends though who might be able to answer any particular questions.

 

[Martin_J]

How about an online chart of the top of the Potomac

http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/12289.shtml

 

[TQA]

Some years ago [ mid 90s ] I took my 5 foot draft 38 footer right into the heart of Washington DC and anchored off the Smithsonian.

It was an intersting trip but I do not think you would want to keep your boat there for sailing purposes.

Keep it on the Chesapeake somewhere like this

Londontowne Marina is located on the South River just 20 minutes outside the Washington Beltway in Edgewater, MD with easy access to the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, and just a short boat ride to many other interesting destinations on the bay.

Or

Annapolis which will be pricier but it is the sailing hub of the Chesapeake.

Rope cutter on the prop is essential B*******D crab pots are everywhere.

 

[Salty John]

I wouldn't keep the boat on the Potomac because once you've explored the immediate vicinity it's a long haul down the river to the Bay to get anywhere new. Better to be in one of the marinas just south of Annapolis - South River, Rhode River, West River, Gailesville. Or Annapolis itself which has many marinas on the Severn River but can be crowded.
From these locations you have many interesting places to visit especially over on the eastern shore: Chester River, St Michaels, Rock Hall, Choptank River and further north to the Sassafras River, Fairlee Creek and many more delightful spots.
Chesapeake Bay is a beautiful and diverse cruising area, you'll love it.