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    • Dec 16, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Florida Keys Cruising – Inside/ICW vs Hawk Channel

      Just hours away from the Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas and Sanibel! Below, you will find a very interesting and informative discussion, which I copied from the Trawlers and Trawlering list, concerning the relative attributes of cruising the Florida Keys by way of the Inside/ICW route, vs Hawk Channel. There are many good points to consider.

      I'm planning a Christmas trip from the Miami area down the Keys probably to Boot Key and back; I have only previously run the Hawk Channel route. Can any listees provide some guidance on depth issues in ICW along this route, and mention any areas less than 5' ( I draw 4'  with twins) so a bit of a margin is nice. Does the Ceasar Creek route provide 5' on the bay side in and out? What tide range can be expected? If a strong norther sets in, how does that effect the water levels? FYI, I need 19' air draft for any bridges.  Appreciate any advise on list or direct.
      Tom

      Tom,
      We were based out of the Keys for 10 years. I would suggest you use the Hawk Channel route since there are no advantages to the Bayside route of the ICW and even with 4 foot draft you are probably going to run aground and this could be on coral and not just sand. December as with most winter months will give you the strong winds from the north, another reason to use Oceanside. The tides are normally 2 to 3 feet but winds and celestial influences can not be overlooked. Hawks channel has plenty of water and not much to worry about and can even be sailed at night if you know the area.
      Chuck

      I disagree, i think the bay side as a lot to offer and with 4' draft you will have plenty of water to enjoy the many anchorages, remote spots and the sheltered water of Florida Bay.
      I've done the route many times with my 4' draft hatt., the ICW is very well marked and foolproof.  no way to run aground there!  It's really mostly 6'  deep except a couple of 5'+ spots north of Key Largo. one at the entrance to Dusenberry Creek, another one of R58 off Rock Harbor, and another one just east of Cross Bank, but again, all over 5'.   Earlier this year, I took a larger boat down with a 5' draft and it was a little closer, we churned the bottom a few times but never touched.
      The only reason I'd consider taking Hawk Channel is if you're running on plane as rolling wont' be an issue…  if you're going to do it slow, enjoy the bay.
      And while indeed northerly winds can lower the water a bit,  the tides on the bay side are minimal, under 1'.  2 to 3' tides are outside, not inside.
      Pascal

      I have made the trip many times with 4 ft plus draft. It will get skinny,  but, you can make it . It's just pretty scarry at first because you can see the bottom, and it get skinny down by islamorada. You will make it fine.
      See you in  Paradise!
      Capt. Sterling

      Skinwalker with its 4.5 foot draft and crew has traveled both sides of the Keys in the winter enough to far prefer the inside with its clear protective water and anchorages.  We do watch our depths through the few coral cuts on the inside ICW route, but even those are usually, but not always non-events for some; yet we have never had a problem or run aground in the channel.  I suggest your decision be developed on what you wish to experience.  On the inside are wonderful blissful anchorages that provide access to the edge of the Everglades by dinghy or Tour, with hundreds of small Mangrove Islands, creeks and even a few Mangrove tunnels, all  pregnant with wild life.  There is also direct access, to a number of wonderfully funky, Keys, tiki bars with a fauna all there own.  I could start naming them up and down the interior of the Keys, but they are so much more fun when one discovers them on their own. If you like exploring the water and its edges–you will like doing it from the inside of the Keys.
      Bones
      aka Wayne & Lynn Flatt
      MV Skinwalker

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    • Dec 12, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      A Detailed Look At Key West Bight Marinas

      Our thanks to Captain Rich for this very detailed look at the marina choices in Key West Bight. Looks right on the proverbial money to me!

      Claiborne,
      As promised, below is my recap of the current state of the marinas in Key West Bight Harbor. All are great places to stay but as you will see, they each are unique in their own way, so depending on the configuration of your vessel and what you plan on doing while visiting, then the choice for which marina to use varies. Again, I’ve stayed at them all and like them all. If you want amenities then Conch Harbor or The Galleon are the clear choice. And if you want the funky laid back feel of Key West, then the Key West Bight Marina is the choice. If you twisted my arm and yelled, “Tell me your favorite!” I’d say A&B … but that’s me and right now I’m writing this from my boat, Dancing Bear, in slip A10 at the Key West Bight Marina. I guess I’m just feeling “Key West funky” this week.
      Conch Harbor Marina
      Dockage, Diesel, Gas, Restaurant & Bar, Pool, Rest Room, Showers, and Laundry for marina customers.
      Fixed docks, most with a 12′ finger, a few with a full length finger peer. `Stern to’ docking necessary so succumb to the over the bow pulpit two step dance. RIB inflatable `tug’ can be arranged to help with maneuvering. Main peer is privately owned, slips are privately owned `condo style’ and leased through the management company, there is a secure gate at the top of the dock that is locked at night, so your fishing gear, bicycles, etc are secure while you sleep.
      Current rates for boats under 65′ is $3.50/ft per day, or $60/ft. per month.
      Key West Bight Marina
      City of Key West owned marina with Dockage, Diesel, Gas, Rest Rooms, Showers, and Laundry for marina customers.
      Four docking peers (A, C, D, and E ‘¦ B dock is the commercial dock that holds the fuel dock, and the ferry to the Dry Tortugas. Full-length finger peers between slips on the A dock only. No finger peers on the other docks, so unless you get one of the very few `tie along-side’ spots, you’d better bring a gangway.
      Key West Bight Maria controls the public dinghy dock for those visitors who choose to anchor out. Current rates are $6.00/day, $26.50 per week, $80.00 per month and a 13 ft maximum length for the dinghy.
      Current rates for slip dockage is $2.75/ft. per day or $44.00 /ft per month. There are higher rates during designated special events (Memorial Day, 4th of July, October Fantasy Fest, November Power Boat Races, Christmas/New Years, and KW Race Week in January.)
      A&B Marina Marina
      Dockage, Diesel, Gas, Rest Room, Showers, and Laundry for marina customers. Public restaurants, and a great martini bar at the top of the pier.
      One long floating pier with a single T-head at the end where the fuel dock resides. There are no finger peers between slips, so bow or stern mooring and egress is required. Slips are privately owned `condo style’ and leased through the management company; there isn’t a secure gate at the top of the dock, only a rope barrier and a sign asking the public not to pass.
      Current rates are $3.00/ft per day, or $30/ft. per month. Availability is always the issue at this great marina.
      The Galleon Marina
      Dockage, Diesel, Gas, Restaurant & Bar, Pool, Rest Room, Showers, Gym, and Laundry for marina customers.
      Floating docks, all with a full-length finger peers. The Galleon is a time-share resort and marina customers have full use of the resort facilities. Like the other 3 privately owned marinas, the slips can be purchased `condo’ style and leased out through the management company. Like Conch Harbor, the facility is secure at night. The docks at the Galleon stretch along the full length of the harbor’s breakwater thus, depending on the slip you are assigned, your walk from the boat to the shore could be long if you are lugging `boat stuff.’
      Current rates are $3.50/ft per day, or $60/ft. per month.
      All the best,
      Capt. Rich
      M/V Dancing Bear


      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Galleon Marina


      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For A&B Marina


      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Key West Bight City Marina


      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Conch Harbor Marina

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    • Dec 9, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Shallow Spots on Inside, Florida Bay Channel – Key Largo to Tavernier

      Key Lime Sailing Club in Key Largo, 305-451-3438, www.keylimesailingclub.comCaptain Pascal's posting below was actually in response to a question I had asked in my "Florida Keys Wish List" about whether others had found shallow water at the intersection of the Inside Route/ICW and Tavernier Creek. Pascal details some other skinny spots to watch out for!

      It's also a little skinny (5' MLW) at the entrance to dusenberry, bet 40 and 41, and further down near 58, also 5' MLW). remember that in florida bay water level can be lower when windy.
      Pascal

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    • Dec 9, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Sunset Cove Anchorage (Buttonwood Sound – Key Largo)

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      14. Who has anchored in Sunset Cove, off Buttonwood Sound (near Statute Mile 1143)? Did you find yourself amidst a whole collection of fellow cruising craft? Did you find anywhere to land a dinghy ashore?

      Responses follow:

      Sunset Cove gets shallow near shore and if you don’t get close you get the wakes from the ICW
      Pascal

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Sunset Cove

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    • Dec 9, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Sands Key Anchorages (Biscayne Bay)

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      3. Has anyone anchored off Biscayne Bay’s Sands Key (near Statute Mile 1110)? What depths did you find? Would you recommend this anchorage to your fellow cruisers?

      Responses follow:

      You can anchor in 7 or 8′ of water on the north side of Sand Key, north of the sandbar off the cut. There is a little canal in the bend going to a pond, worth a trip with the dink.
      The best anchorage in the area is still Eliott Key, though, I rarely anchor off sandkey. The water is clear, you can dinghy to the beach near the north.
      There is a small marina halfway down, by the rangers building, small boats though (under 30). no services, but a boardwalk/trail crossing to the ocean side.
      Pascal

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Directory Listing For Sands Key

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    • Dec 9, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Soldier Key Anchorage (Biscayne Bay)

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      1. Has anyone tried to anchor off Soldier Key? Did you find the entrance channel unmarked and tricky?

      Responses follow:

      You can anchor on the bay to the west… i’ve never dare trying to get close!
      Pascal

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Soldier Key

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    • Dec 9, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Key West To the Dry Tortugas

      Just hours away from the Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas and Sanibel! On 12/4/08, as part of a "Florida Keys Wish List," I posed the following question:

      50. Who has taken their own vessel to the Dry Tortugas, Garden Key and Fort Jefferson. Please describe your cruising experience. Would you recommend this passage to other cruisers? If so, what would be your minimum vessel size recommendations.

      Responses follow:

      Claiborne,
      Enjoyed reading your wish list. I wish we had cruised the Keys more recently than the winter of 2004-5, so we could help answer some of your questions. The hurricanes of 2005 obviously changed a lot of things that we aren't aware of right now.
      However, I doubt if the passage from Key West to Dry Tortugas has changed much, and we did that in our 35 foot trawler back in January  2005. We had a good weather window, and stayed anchored off the fort for 3 nights before returning to Key West (stopping at Marquesa Key both ways). The trip out was a piece of cake – relatively calm winds and seas. The return was a bit of a ride for the first 30 miles and we had to "tack" across 5-6 foot waves with a period of about 12 seconds, and reduce speed to around 5 knots or so until we got within the reefs which helped dampen the seas a bit. This was better than waiting another day when the forecast was for really rough weather!
      We'd do it again in a heart beat. It is an idyllic place and unique from every perspective. The staff at Fort Jefferson is superbly friendly and helpful. Water wasn't much of a problem, although we did consciously conserve (washed dishes once a day, were careful when brushing teeth and washing, took showers on the day-cats, etc). When we returned after six days out, we had used less than 40 gallons of water.
      I think one could make the trip in a smaller trawler (certainly a smaller sailboat) with a good weather window. You could always stay anchored at Fort Jefferson until a front passed (usually 3-4 days) if
      you got caught. All the local fishermen come into the anchorage at night, and stay there during bad weather in relatively small boats.
      The depth in the anchorage was about 20 feet, if I recall, so scope is important. Once set, our SuperMax held well, but there is some grass on the bottom that caused a problem for a couple of other boats that were there at the same time.
      Bob McLeran and Judy Young  

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    • Dec 9, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Fleming Key Mooring Field (Key West)

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      48. The city of Key West maintains a huge mooring field north of Fleming Key, administered by the city marina on Garrison Bight. Any of you who have stayed in the Key West mooring field recently, please share your experience. Did you get your holding tanks pumped out regularly? Were you able to dinghy ashore at Garrison Bight? Key West Bight?

      Responses follow:

      The mooring field at Fleming Key is a great place except in a north or north east wind. You can take your dink around to either Key West Marina. There is a facility charge in addition to use the docks at the Key west Bight, but itʼs worth the price.
      Bob & Toni Dorman

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For The Fleming Key Mooring Field

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    • Dec 9, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Saddlebunch Harbor Anchorage (off Hawk Channel Between Marathon and Key West)

      On 12/4/08,as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      44. The other anchor down spot you might select between Marathon and Key West is Saddlebunch Harbor. Can someone who has been here recently please give us your impressions of this anchorage?

      Responses follow:

      Saddlebunch Harbor is one of our favorites. Itʼs especially great if you enjoy watching F18s take off over your mast. Four or five boats fit in, the entrance channel is well marked, but itʼs best to have someone on the bow at the outer marker
      Bob & Toni Dorman

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Saddlebunch Harbor

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    • Dec 8, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Gilberts Marina (Jewfish Creek)

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following quesiton:

      10. Gilberts Marina is located on the western shores of Jewfish Creek. For many, this is their first stop in the Florida Keys. Who has docked here recently? What did you find? Was the adjacent restaurant operating, and did you eat there? How was the food?

      Responses follow:

      I docked at Gilberts about six weeks ago. $2/ft./night. Docks are rundown and restrooms are shared with bar patrons (enough said). Still a fun atmosphere.
      Dick Bodner

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Gilberts Marina

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    • Dec 8, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Anchorage Resort & Yacht Club (Jewfish Creek)

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      11. Just across from Gilberts, on the opposite shore, cruisers will find Anchorage Resort and Yacht Club. Has anyone docked here recently? What was your experience.

      Responses follow:

      Hi,
      I docked my 29 ft. Prairie at Anchorage Resort last month. There was plenty of space and the rate was $2.50/ft. Amenities are a swimming pool and a hot tub. One restroom for the entire marina but since there were few boats there it was not a problem. I found it clean.
      The restaurant next door, Marley’s Seafood Grill is great! Order the CalaMarley appetizer (calamari). It’s just like you get on the Costa del Sol in Spain. Also their “Jalea” dinner is excellent and huge (one is enough for two hungry people) It has an assortment of fried (in a special batter) seafood, including calamari and dolphin and shrimp etc. and some fried yucca strips…… mouthwatering!
      The draw bridge over Jewfish Creek has been removed so it’s a bit of a walk over the new elevated roadway to walk to Gilbert’s. Gilberts has a band on Sunday and Karaoke on Tuesday. A real, laid-back Keys atmosphere.
      Dick Bodner
      Prairie 29 Trawler, Private Island

      Stayed at Anchorage last year around Early March. Were on their cement face dock by pool. Quiet. No complaints – nice people, seems like marina was a sideline – the guy helping us with lines was the hotel maintenance guy I believe. However, the restaurant right next store is fantastic – we had dinner there one night and lunch when passing by car. Marley’s is the name.
      Capt. John Wild

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For

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    • Dec 8, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Key West Bight Marinas

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      46. There are many, good marina facilities in Key West Bight. Can someone please comment on as many of these marinas as possible: Galleon Marina, A&B Marina, Key West City Marina, Conch House Marina!

      Responses follow:

      Claiborne,
      Your request was very timely as I arrived in Key West just yesterday on my boat Dancing Bear and am staying at the Key West Bight Marina for a week. Over the years I have stayed at all 4 marina here in the harbor; Conch Harbor Marina, Key West Bight Marina, A&B Marina, and the Galleon Marina. All are great, all are different, and it depends on your personal taste for nearby locations, your vessel type, and the general atmosphere you enjoy.
      Conch Harbor Marina and Key West Bight Marina both have fixed docks, so the freeboard on your vessel might be one the the determining factors in choosing to stay at one of these marinas. Key West has a average tidal swing of about 2 feet, so getting on and off your boat might be an issue at a fixed dock. The slips at Key West Bight Marina all have full length finger peers one side, where as, the majority of slips at Conch Harbor only have finger peers that come out about 25% of the overall length of the slip. This makes backing into the slip almost a must, unless you like climbing over the bow pulpit. For those single screw vessels, sans bow thruster, the dock staff are great in assisting with a push from a RIB they have standing by if you wish however. Just call and arrange with the dock master. A nice amenity that Conch Harbor has over all but the Galleon Marina is use of pool that is on the property. Neither the Key West Bight Marina or A&B have this amenity.
      A&B and Galleon marina’s both have floating docks so vessel freeboard should never be an issue, unless yours is very high and you left the boarding ladder at home. A&B does not have any finger peers so backing in is a must and you tie off from 2 outer pilings and from the one main dock. (There is a t-head at the end of the main dock, and if available, 2 – 3 slip spaces would have a floating dock along side.) In December of 2007 we stayed at A&B and found it fabulous. The dock hands are great with assisting you. Just know that you really need good boat handling skills, because you’ll be maneuvering in pretty tight spaces. Keep those side fenders out when entering or leaving because the vessels are berthed, rail to rail. The Galleon Marina is the largest and all slips have a floating finger peer along side. Because the marina stretches along the full length of the break wall from the harbor entrance, and then up to the Galleon Resort, your walk to and from your slip can be pretty long.
      As I said earlier, only the Galleon and Conch Harbor have a swimming pool for slip renters and both of these marinas have the “pay for the day” wireless internet service. However, I have found the coverage area for these two internet services, reaches both the Key West Bight and A&B.
      This is just a “top of mind” dump of what I will write this week for you. I will gather more information on current rates and other amenities I have forgotten about right now as I write this on Sunday morning. I was also at the Dry Tortugas in September (chased out be TS Fay, and will provide an update on it.
      All the best,
      Capt. Rich
      M/V Dancing Bear

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Galleon Marina

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For A&B Marina

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Key West Bight City Marina

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Conch Harbor Marina

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    • Dec 8, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Marathon Marina Recommendations

      I copied the question and answer below from the AGLCA list. As usal, Captain Alan gives superb advice!

      Does anyone have a favorite marina in Marathon to stay for 2 or 3 days?
      Bob Koerner

      My favorite is Marathon Marina. This is the first marina entering on Boot Key Channel. It is before the bridge. Best views of the sunset. Stayed here a couple of times. The bus to Key West stops at the end of the road. I have also used the bus to go to Boaters World, etc. Its only two stops but for $1 its cheaper than a taxi. Bus runs on a 1.5 hour schedule.
      Alan Lloyd


      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Marathon Marina & Boatyard

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    • Dec 5, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Lignumvitae Key State Park Mooring Field

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      Does anyone know if the mooring field off the northwestern side of Lignumvitae Key (off the Inside/ICW route, near #91A) has been re-established since the 2005 hurricane season? If so, have you moored here? Did you find enough shelter for a comfortable overnight stay? Did you go ashore and take a tour of the Florida state park on Lignumvitae Key? Did you enjoy your visit ashore?

      Responses follow:

      Lingumvitae Mooring. Weʼve stopped here twice. With a south wind it was peaceful, with a north east it was very bouncy. A few moorings are sheltered around the south west side but theyʼve always been taken.
      Bob and Toni Dorman

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Lignumvitae Key State Park Mooring Field

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    • Dec 5, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      John C. Pennekamp State Park Marina and Largo Sound Mooring Field

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      Turning now, for the first time, to the outside/Hawk Channel route, has anyone run the channel and canal leading to John C. Pennekamp Park Marina? Were you able to find an overnight transient slip here? Please describe the services you encountered, and the general condition of the marina. Conversely, did you pick up a mooring in Largo Sound? This mooring field is also managed by the Pennekamp Park. What depths did you find in the mooring field? How about shelter from inclement weather? Would you recommend this mooring field to fellow cruisers?

      Responses follow:

      John Pennekamp park. Weʼve stayed at the marina and on a mooring. The marina is really for commercial tourist boats and not well suited for pleasure craft. The Lagoon entrance is shallow, maybe 4 feet, the moorings limited (get reservations) and have little protection from strong northerlies. To enjoy the park you must dinghy around back to the marina. Restaurants and Publix are within walking distance.
      Bob and Toni Dorman

      I called John Pennecamp Park Marina to ask about a slip. They said that the channel in was only 4.5 feet deep at high tide and that the bottom was rocky. Definitely not for me — I draw 5.5
      Dick Mills
      SV Tarwathie

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For John C. Pennekamp State Park Marina

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    • Dec 5, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Sunset Cove Anchorage (Buttonwood Sound – Key Largo)

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      Who has anchored in Sunset Cove, off Buttonwood Sound (near Statute Mile 1143)? Did you find yourself amidst a whole collection of fellow cruising craft? Did you find anywhere to land a dinghy ashore?

      Responses follow:

      Sunset Cove Weʼve anchored there often. It is rarely crowded. The sailing club no longer welcomes cruisers, but there are a few local restaurants with docks to tie up to. We just make sure to buy a beer at the bar to compensate and so far there has been no problem. Unfortunately, the Cuban market has closed, but Walgreens has some basic supplies.
      Bob and Toni Dorman

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Sunset Cove

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    • Dec 5, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Rodriguez Key Anchorage (off Hawk Channel, near Key Largo)

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      21. Has anyone anchored off Rodriguez Key (west, northwest of Hawk Channel’s marker #37)? Did you find enough shelter here for a comfortable overnight stay?

      Responses follow:

      Anchored there in 2004 prior to jumping off to the Bahamas (South Riding Rock). Stayed there a couple days waiting for 22 to 25 kt ESE winds to settle. They never did so we bit the bullet and went anyway. My memory has faded but to my recollection the north side anchorage was surprisingly calm, even to these winds, when staying over to the west side of the anchorage area. Anchored there on the return trip too, but there were only zephyrs then.
      Bob Hanners

      I’ve anchored on both sides of Rodriguez Key. It’s a very convenient jumping off place to cross to the Bahamas. Anchoring was good but you are very exposed if the wind clocks around on you. We also found it hard to find sandy patches to anchor legally. You can get fined if you anchor in sea grass. The good part, is that the water around the island is as clear as Bahamas water. Great for scouting the bottom.
      Dick Mills
      SV Tarwathie

      Hi:
      Anchored on N side of Rodriguez in a max 10 kt breeze from the the NW and was happy with it. Departing on December 5 AM into Hawk Channel, saw two boats anchored on the S side. (Beneteau 343/drawing 4’9″)
      Appreciate your online info.
      Tom
      SV Move
      Boot Key Harbor

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Rodriguez Key Anchorage

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    • Dec 5, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Boot Key Harbor and Boot Key Harbor City Marina (a.k.a. Marathon City Marina)

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      39. The conversion of Boot Key Harbor from an anchorage to a mooring field, has been one of the great success stories of the Florida Keys. Most of the sunken and semi-sunken vessels have been removed, and the water is much cleaner. Also, the city of Marathon has built a nice shoreside support facility (Marathon City Marina), with good dinghy dockage, wet slip dockage, showers and Laundromat. Will someone who has picked up a mooring at Boot Key Harbor lately please comment on the mooring field, and Marathon City Marina. Did you have to get on a waiting list to secure a mooring?

      Responses follow:

      We spent two weeks at Boot Key Harbor and loved it and Marathon. We were there in March and it was not too crowded. Others said that you did have to anchor out and waite for a ball to open in January and Feb. Keep in mind that the pump-outs are MANDATORY. Even the dirt bags in the derelic boats must be pumped out once per week.

      We only draw 50 inches and had no problems with debth but we ran aground off of Largo when we left the channell but were fine when we followed Skippers Bobs direction.. There is some grass that has to be avoided. Not much to do there and had to hunt for a place to land the dinghy for our dogs.
      George

      In the [Boot Key] harbor today (Dec 7) we found maybe 50 moorings still vacant so the waiting list is not active yet.
      Sadly, Smorgasboat no longer provides the water taxi service. They do however, still do harbor tours.
      I can’t say too much good about Marathon City Marina. They seem to set the gold standard for everything having to do with running a mooring field and marina. I just learned today that they even have a TV camera to inspect the mooring tackle on the bottom for maintenance purposes. Who else does that? The pump-out boat, the handling of dinghies, and bikes, and parked cars, and mooring maintenance, and hazmat disposal. The bathrooms, showers and laundry are the only sucky things. But wait, they’re about to open a brand new bathroom/shower/laundry building any day now.
      Dick Mills
      SV Tarwathie

      Prior to the opening of 60 or so additional moorings there was often a wait list. That hasnʼt happened to us since.
      Bob & Toni Dorman

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Boot Key Harbor City Marina (a. k.a. Marathon City Marina)

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Boot Key Harbor Mooring Field and Anchorage

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    • Dec 5, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Channel Five

      Welcome to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, your own paradise in the middle of the beautiful Exumas.On 12/4/08, as part of a "Florida Keys Wish List," I posed the following question:

      32. Channel Five (near Statute Mile 1150 on the Inside/ICW route) is arguably the most important passage to connect between the Inside/ICW passage and Hawk Channel. That’s partly because it is crossed by a fixed, 65-foot bridge. Conversely, there is a real absence of navigational markers on Channel Five. Has anyone else been bothered by this scarcity of aids to navigation?

      Responses follow:

      Channel 5 Bridge posed no problems for us in either direction.  We did pass through both times with good daylight.
      George

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    • Dec 5, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff 2 Comments

      World Wide Sportsman, Bayside Marina and Islamorada Fish Company (Little Basin)

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      26. Who has cruised into Little Basin and possibly stayed at Bayside Marina (at World Wide Sportsman)? What MLW depths did you discover in Little Basin? Did anyone eat next door at Islamorada Fish Company? Are the grouper sandwiches as awesome as ever?

      Responses follow:

      IFC still has great sandwiches as well as everything else.
      George

      Comments from Cruisers (2)

      1. Dan -  February 25, 2016 - 11:05 am

        I don’t recall alongside depths at Marina, but there is mostly 3-3.5′ water in the approaches from any direction. Basin is protected 360 degrees from wind and waves. Food at restaurant is OK–geared to tourists (aren’t most of us?) who want waterside dining and (in the evening) live music. Worldwide Sportsman emphasizes fishing gearing and clothing.

        Reply to Dan
      2. Rob -  February 23, 2016 - 3:09 pm

        George – what is your draft when you went through? We draw 5’7″ and am looking at this to shave time off going down to Moser in Marathon when heading from Naples to East Coast.

        Reply to Rob

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