Santa Rosa Beach

Boating in Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach is just a small drive from Panama City on 98. Comparatively, it is smaller than some of the surrounding areas giving the location a more remote, secluded feel, even though the population is close to 12,000. When traveling to Santa Rosa, you will note that there is a huge biking and hiking following for the area, resulting in substantial allotment of roadways and parking to bikes and non-motorized transportation. As for the beach, most of it is public access giving access to the Gulf of Mexico. Boating in the area is mainly water sports and cruising, though there are a few that go deep sea fishing from Santa Rosa Beach. If you are seeking boats for sale in Santa Rosa Beach, here are a few things to note.

Access to the water

Boat access to the gulf is not limited if you can find a spot. There are about 17 access points, though most of these are Beach Access, which may pose a problem during high volume seasons. Boat ramps are available at Cessna Park Bay, Pilcher Park, and US Highway 331 Bay Access. It is strongly recommended that you use these areas. The roads close to the beach access points are rather narrow. When combined with the traffic and parking on the already narrow streets, navigation of a boat and a trailer is nearly impossible. Add to this that beach access does not necessarily mean that the access is a constant gradual slope (which I have seen firsthand many areas in Santa Rosa Beach which have sand dunes preceding the beach access), and you run the risk of getting stuck, Use the ramps when possible.

Types of boats for Sale in Santa Rosa Beach

The majority of boats for sale in Santa Rosa Beach will be those which have the ability to serve as a leisure craft as well as an angler boat. These boats will be the center console boats, specifically those with hardtops and dual hard tops, as they tend to have rod holders as well as the ability to perform water sports. Cabin Cruiser boats and Bow rider boats are also popular. Depending on how close you start to get to the Fort Walton area, you may be able to find some small Cruising Yachts. The expense of the vessels on 98 tends to be very high near Pensacola and then trickles down in luxury as you get closer to the Panama City area (think of it as a slide from private luxury to tourism and Charters).

Non-Gulf Access

For those who wish to find a boat to for sale in Santa Rosa Beach which will not be used in the gulf, there is the option of accessing Choctawhatchee Bay. Boats can find a ramp to the Bay. Choctawhatchee Bay boarders Eglin Air Force Base on the Norther Side.

Another option for boat buyers in the Santa Rosa Beach area is to go down 98 to West Bay or to go up to East Bay. Both bays are a bit of a drive from the Beach and have distinctively different boaters. West Bay is more targeted to the tourist and to sports and tubing and such, as it is close to Panama City beach. The east bay is close to Pensacola and so you get more of the Cuddy boats and the walk around boats then you do the smaller vessels.

Low HP areas

There are a few rivers and ponds in the Santa Rosa Beach area. However, these areas are very regulated with the type of HP and the kind of boat which can be used. Many of the areas do not allow for outboard motors or if they do allow for such, the boat must be set to a low trolling speed. Should you wish to access Mitchell River, Pine Log Creek, or Sister River it is advised that you check with the local boating authorities on the stipulations and regulations for boating on the river.

The rivers in this area tend to remain low and so a skiff boat or a bass boat may be the best option if you are only planning on fishing and not taking the boat into the bay or the gulf.

Find boats for sale in Santa Rosa Beach

Should you wish to purchase boats for sale in Santa Rosa Beach please look at the selection of boats available on Vessel Vendor. Vessel Vendor specializes in providing quality craft to the Florida boat enthusiasts. The site also has boat reviews, manufacturer summaries, location pages, information on services and marinas, and more. Should you have any questions about boats for sale in Santa Rosa Beach, or if you have a boat for sale in Santa Rosa Beach and wish to list your vessel with Vessel Vendor, please fill out the appropriate form on the site.