I just purchased a Hobie 16 and plan to trailer it to Ft. Walton Beach, FL in May. Any do's and don'ts would be great! I am looking for a place to launch it on the beach. Thanks for the help in advance.

L

DON"T step the mast near any overhead power lines! Don't forget to screw your drain plugs in. Do you mean that kind of thing?

When I bought the 4.3 We launch at Fort Walton Yacht Club for the Great Bay Race . Beach was a little steep and few rock under water BUT the water is beautiful emerald green.

Doug

Another great place to put-in and very close Ft Walton is Juana's Pogados at Navarre beach. Check out their website:
http://www.juanaspagodas.com/

remember to check over the trailor before, and during your drive. things always have a tendancy to work loose after your second tank of gas

I second Juanas, was there last summer... great bar too

I live just outside of Destin. There is a state park near the Brooks bridge heading into Ft Walton that I launch my 16 from. After the last hurricane they redid the boat launch at Juannas Not sure if there is a good spot to get to the sand from now. My band will play at Juannas in 2 weeks so I will be glad to check it out and let you know. I didnt sail in the last regatta there so there may be a spot I dont know about. Feel free to contact me fender1965@cox.net if you have questions or when you get to town!

Hey Bro, I live in Pensacola and there's tons of spots to put a 16 in around this area you should have no problem. Give a shout b4 you come down and I'll bring out my 16 and show you around the area. djpuckfl@gmail.com or myspace.com/dj_puck

Hey Puck, I hav'nt launched out side of this area especially since I got my boat at the end of last season. Id like to find out the spots you know about around Navarre etc....

ever been out of Grayton Beach? I am planning on hauling the old 16 girl up in may, and I am staying in grayton. Was thinking about keeping the boat on the beach for the week....

It is possible to drive on Grayton beach if you have a permit. You may be able to find someone at the beach to pull your trailer out on the sand. That area does not make it easy to launch if you are not a property owner.

I was looking for a place to launch near Rosemary and think that I may have to slip the boat on through an empty lot.

The park near Brooks Bridge is on the N side of Okaloosa Island about a mile or so from Brooks Bridge. I grew up there and pretty sure it is called Leeside Park. Another landmark is a park on the Gulf side called Beasley Park. Leeside is pretty much right across Hwy98 from Beasley.

Enjoy! Love the water on the Emerald Coast...