I bought waterfront property.

[Eric 26]

@ol'crickety To answer your storage question I’m going to offer up any of the Suncast storage options as there are a ton of options available. I’ll include a picture of one that I feel would be very versatile and although I don’t have the stow away I’ll share mine also, I currently have 2 of the storage shed’s a 7’x7’ & 3-6” X 5’-6”. They come with a floor that’s designed to be put on a level surface and I opted for a wood floor comprised of 4x4’s and 3/4 plywood on one and 16”x16” pavers under the other. I will also offer up the customer service is awesome as a few years ago we were struck by a massive storm that blew my shed down. I was able to order a handful of pieces (roof trusses) and some odds and ends hardware and I was able to put it back together with a few modifications and it’s still standing strong.

Edited February 17, 2024 by Eric 26
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[TOXIC]

I’d be hesitant to put any kind of locked structure.  That just implies there’s something worth stealing inside.  If you are looking to cover your v-tin I would be more inclined to put up an open fronted structure and chain the boat to a post.  I have a buddy who has a cabin in the woods in Vermont, very isolated, and it still got broken into.  Luckily he had cameras and the perps were caught.  They stole booze and ate his food.  Bottom line, it’s like the saying that soft to jeep owners have….”Don’t put anything in a soft top jeep you aren’t willing to lose.”  Same with isolated sheds IMHO.  

[gim]

9 minutes ago, TOXIC said:

I’d be hesitant to put any kind of locked structure.  That just implies there’s something worth stealing inside.

 

I agree.  That's why I think the big plastic waterproof tote with just a some minor fishing related items inside would be fine.  Not the end of the world if it's stolen, which the OP seems to think is very unlikely.  The minute you put something of significant value there with a lock on it, it sends the message to people that there's value present.

[Swamp Girl]

Thanks, Eric, for the suggestions and photos. My fear of an upright shed is tipping. It's only five miles from the ocean and 60 mph gusts happen several times a year. I'm going with an unlocked storage locker,k which will low and inconspicuous. I won't buy an orange or yellow one. And if they steal my old PFD and net, I'll shrug. 

[Eric 26]

@ol'crickety I understand what you’re saying about gusting winds and although it may sound like I work for or get a kickback from Suncast that’s not the case. I only mentioned them as far as a ton of options, great customer service and a well built product. I’ll share one more that to me is a great design 😉 If you’re interested in keeping the storage container in the ground get some small diameter rebar as long as 24” then bend  the top 6”-12” into an L shape and drill 4 holes in the corners and drive them into the ground then silicone the holes for waterproofing and the wind or thieves will think twice about stealing your storage container 😉

[NorcalBassin]

Awesome purchase and congratulations! 

[steves191145]

Congratulations!  Wife and I went down to NC in the fall to look at some lots on hyco lake and Lake gaston. Will be going back down in spring to look at some on the chowan river/ albermarle sound.  Trying to find one without an hoa so we can put a camper or tiny house on it isn't easy.

[Swamp Girl]

On 2/18/2024 at 6:27 AM, steves191145 said:

Congratulations!  Wife and I went down to NC in the fall to look at some lots on hyco lake and Lake gaston. Will be going back down in spring to look at some on the chowan river/ albermarle sound.  Trying to find one without an hoa so we can put a camper or tiny house on it isn't easy.

 

Good luck to you and your wife, Steve. For various reasons, I checked Zillow everyday for the last couple years, so when the right property appeared online at the right price, I could react with little hesitation. In Maine, riverfront sells for less than lakefront and I assume that's because of the risk of flooding and the consequent higher property insurance. I saw some sweet lots on rivers at great prices, but sooner or later, rivers flood. Just something to consider with a Chowan River property. 

[JackstrawIII]

That’s great! Congrats. 
 

My wife and I have been scouring our area for a place just like this. I’m glad you found one! Enjoy. 

[Swamp Girl]

@JackstrawIII: I love upstate NY. When I used to drive thousands of miles for my work, if possible, I'd book at room in an upstate NY town. I never stayed at a bad one. The countryside is gorgeous too. So, good luck in finding a waterfront property! You might want to check the papers too for foreclosed properties that are being auctioned. 

[Functional]

Thats a really awesome accomplishment! Really happy for you and glad you finally get to go in a boat that wont put you eye level with the fish if you sneeze wrong!

 

As for storage, this might have some of my personal bias here, but why not one of those Lowes/Home Depot prefab wood sheds for a few grand? One that you could store a few of those essentials and possibly throw a fold down bed/table, small propane grill/stove and maybe a comfy chair? I know you said its only 5 minutes from you but I think it would be really nice to have a small bare bones quiet place to get out to for a night or 2. Small enough not to be a big disturbance to the scenery but enough for you to survive a day or 2. 

[Swamp Girl]

6 minutes ago, Functional said:

Thats a really awesome accomplishment! Really happy for you and glad you finally get to go in a boat that wont put you eye level with the fish if you sneeze wrong!

 

As for storage, this might have some of my personal bias here, but why not one of those Lowes/Home Depot prefab wood sheds for a few grand? One that you could store a few of those essentials and possibly throw a fold down bed/table, small propane grill/stove and maybe a comfy chair? I know you said its only 5 minutes from you but I think it would be really nice to have a small bare bones quiet place to get out to for a night or 2. Small enough not to be a big disturbance to the scenery but enough for you to survive a day or 2. 

 

There's no road to the waterfront, just a path. I don't think I could drag a shed down there. 

[Functional]

Just now, ol'crickety said:

 

There's no road to the waterfront, just a path. I don't think I could drag a shed down there. 

Not trying to push it but the Lowes down here delivers it in raw material form and either you or them can assemble it on site. Takes less than a day. 

 

Really no idea how big the path is so it still might not be doable. 

[Swamp Girl]

5 minutes ago, Functional said:

Not trying to push it but the Lowes down here delivers it in raw material form and either you or them can assemble it on site. Takes less than a day. 

 

Really no idea how big the path is so it still might not be doable. 

 

Hmm. I did not know that. I'll consider it. Right now, I'm broke. Pert near every spare penny went into the purchase. 

[Skunkmaster-k]

Congratulations Ms. Cricket !

[FishTax]

This is awesome, the dream! Congratulations, and I can't wait to see the photos this spring.

 

For storage, I'd go with cheapest waterproof bin like you originally posted, but would spray paint it to blend in. I'd also put up game cameras on the land, for security but also for fun as I love seeing what animals are roaming the property. Never know when you'll capture baby bear cubs on camera , and who doesn't smile when they see those 😄

[Swamp Girl]

8 hours ago, FishTax said:

but would spray paint it to blend in

 

Good idea!

 

8 hours ago, FishTax said:

the dream!

 

Heck, yeah, it is. I drove down yesterday evening to see if there was any melting yet. Sadly, it's still solid. 

[Swamp Girl]

Closed on the property this morning. So happy. Drove down to see the glittering blue lake. You can't see it from any road, which I like. 

[Motoboss]

Congratulations! It brings a smile to hear of someone obtaining waterfront property. Knowing you’re free to fish anytime and having your own place of peace is very special. 
 

Enjoy,,,,,,,often

[Swamp Girl]

Thank you, @Motoboss. All my life, I've dreamed of waterfront, but I figured it would always be a dream, i.e. I couldn't afford it. Then this amazingly affordable property went on the market on a lake I love and know well and I made the leap. I talked to Geico yesterday about insuring it, but they said that as long as I build nothing on the property, my home owner's insurance policy covers it.

 

"What about a small shed?" I asked.

 

"That counts as a structure," was the answer.

 

"What about a storage locker with handles that I chain to a tree?" 

 

"That's allowed."

 

However, I think I'm just going to store a net, paddles, and PFDs under my canoe. 

 

I also called my driveway-building guy and he already walked the land and found an old road. He just needs to connect the dead end lane to the old road, which is only about 100'. He'll likely do that this spring, so I'll be able to drive down close to the water this summer. 

 

A couple guys who've trapped beavers there for years asked if they could continue to do so and I said, "Yes."

 

I don't want to be one of those newly arrived waterfront owners who keep the locals from the lake they've long loved. 

 

Some more pics of the water!

 

[roadwarrior]

 

 

                                                               

[Dwight Hottle]

Looks really sweet. I hope you enjoy it.

[TnRiver46]

Nice! Never hurts to control the beavers. They have been know to flood roads. And there will always be more of them coming 

[Swamp Girl]

33 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

Nice! Never hurts to control the beavers. They have been know to flood roads. And there will always be more of them coming 

 

They are environment changers, for sure. I've got some big trees on my shoreline that they've girdled. With their vascular systems cut, those trees will die. 

[TnRiver46]

Wrap trees 3 ft high with 2x4 welded wire to protect. Not 2 feet not 2.5 ft