George is responding to a request for information on Channel Key Pass made several years ago by our friend Captain Charmaine Smith, see /58003. Channel Key Pass allows passage from Gulf to the Atlantic across Channel Key Banks north of Duck Key.

I came through there in August 1992, 2 days after Andrew had swept through Everglade City and pounded me on Marco Island. That leg of my journey, I traveled from Marco Island headed for “someplace” in the keys. As I approached this challenging bit of navigation on the chart, I decided to lower my sails and approach it under power for greater control. Our big difference is that my 25′ Capri only had a 4 foot draft. I must admit, I was so intent upon avoiding the reef (with concern about possible unexpected current shifts), I don’t recall ever checking the depth. After I emerged and approached the Channel 5 Bridge, a coin toss decided whether to head to Key Largo or to Key West. Key West won, but I actually lived at Faro Blanco in Marathon for one year. Considering the damage a reef can do to your boat and vice versus, I would always recommend taking it slow and staying within the markers as close to the middle as possible.
George

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Channel Key Pass