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    • More on Opposition to Mooring Pilot Program for Sunset Cove Anchorage, Keys Inside Route, Buttonwood Sound – Key Largo, FL

      Sunset Cove - Click for Chartview

      Sunset Cove is one of the most popular anchorages in the northern Florid Keys. This haven is located on the waters of southeastern Buttonwood Sound, in charted Sunset Cove, near statute Mile 1143 off the Florida Keys Inside Route.
      The excellent report below, written by Florida Keys Keynoter reporter Kevin Wadlow appeared on KeysNet.com and is reprinted here with his permission. KeysNet website is http://www.keysnet.com and is a good source of local perspective on all things in the Keys.

      KEY LARGO
      Boaters Oppose State Pilot for Sunset Cove
      A managed anchoring area proposed for Key Largo’s Sunset Cove fails to meet requirements for a state pilot program, says a staff report to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Monroe County’s draft ordinance to create several new managed anchoring zones reaches the FWC board at its Sept. 5 meeting in Tampa.
      FWC Division of Law Enforcement staff who reviewed the county plan endorsed it, “contingent upon the Sunset Cove Managed Anchorage Zone provision being removed.”
      A pilot program for five Florida coastal areas was enacted in 2009 to “explore potential options for regulating the anchoring or mooring of non-liveaboard vessels outside the marked boundaries of public mooring fields.”
      Sunset Cove lies about 50 miles from the nearest existing mooring field, FWC staff said.
      “Staff understands the Sunset Cove provision was originally added to the ordinance due to the amount of public comment received from residents” in a June 2011 meeting,” the report says. “Unfortunately, Sunset Cove is 45 to 50 miles from the Marathon mooring field… These were the mooring fields identified as part of Monroe County’s original application package for the pilot program.”
      “There is also strong opposition from the boater groups on this provision,” the report says.
      The FWC board members must approve local ordinances created under the pilot program. The board can amend or overrule its staff recommendation.
      Monroe County officials only recently received the FWC staff report, said local Marine Resources Administrator Rich Jones.
      The Keys ordinance also designates managed anchoring zones in the Lower Keys at Boca Chica Basin, Cow Key Channel and Key West Harbor; and in Marathon’s Boot Key Harbor and Sister Creek.
      “Monroe County did something unique” by requiring proof of monthly sewage pumpouts for boats in the managed zones, FWC staff noted. A photo used in the state report to illustrate septic problems shows a toilet seat positioned over an open hole in a boat’s deck, with ocean water visible below.
      Monroe County rules also would bar boats from the managed areas if they “exhibit pre-derelict vessel conditions” such as being unable to navigate, or appear to be in imminent danger of sinking. Of 39 comments received by the FWC on the Monroe County anchoring law, 18 were logged as “negative” with 12 being “positive.”
      Kevin Wadlow

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sunset Cove Anchorage

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    • Florida Keys Inside Route Discussion

      Over the week of August 13-18, several posts appeared on the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) Mail List concerning the general cruising characteristics of the Florida Keys Inside route. Those messages are reproduced below. Incidentally, the entire SSECN staff highly recommends the T&T list if you own one of these roomy, fuel efficient vessels.
      Just to add my 23 cents worth, I have always considered a 5-foot draft to be the cutoff for safe cruising of the Florida Keys inside route. On numerous occasions, I have sounded 5-feet directly between the markers in the Key Largo region, particularly where the main channel passes the marked entrance to Tavernier Creek.
      If your vessel draws 5-feet or preferably less, don’t let these soundings discourage you. Some of the most wonderful anchorages, not to mention the views, you will ever enjoy lie off the FLK inside route!

      Looking for info on the practicability of taking the inside route from Miami to Marathon.
      I draw 5 feet. What is the opinion of the boaters that have done this route. Is it doable?
      Thanks
      Larry

      Larry,
      We’ve done the inside route and we draw 4’9″. Never had a problem, but then we watch the water, not a screen. It is marked adequately. Neither Jill or I can recall anyplace where another 3″ would have made a difference. There is a tide down there, though I doubt it is much more than 2 feet. If those 3″ might make a difference, plan to transient at high tide during a new or full moon, might want to consider spring tides too.
      Rudy
      Briney Bug- Panama City, Fl

      Larry,
      I have gone the inside route from Miami to Marathon a number of times, both in Pooh (draft 4’8″) and my previous sailboat with 5′ draft. Should be little problem. Not to say the water isn’t skinny; we often are reading
      depths of 5.0 to 5.2 feet on parts of this route (shallowest is just north of Islamorada), but haven’t touched bottom.
      Steamboat Pass, just south of Islamorada used to be a problem, but this has been dredged and is now good for around 6 feet (deep water ;-).
      Mark Richter

      Sorry Larry, but I disagree. I carry 5′ draft and have soft grounded in the center of the channel on two different trips on the inside route several years apart. I won’t try it a third time.
      Paul

      Time of year can make quite a difference. In the winter, northers will blow water out of Florida Bay. But don’t let that discourage you. It’s wonderful cruising!
      Regards,
      Randy Pickelmann
      Morning Star

      The trick is to wear polarized sun glasses, use you eyes.
      The water is usually clear, and it looks scary shallow, it is, but with 5 ft u can make it.
      The channels are well marked. The tide is about 6 inches in the upper keys,wind can effect water levels more than the tide.
      Go for it!
      See you in paradise!
      Capt. Sterling

      I don’t know where Mr. Kennedy traveled in the ICW on the inside, we have found the inner passage from Miami to Spanish Key to be a chalky green only rarely clear. We obey the day markers backed up by GPS. If your draft is 6-plus you are cruising for a bruising. If you need Sea Tow they are not allowed to move you until the environmental police arrive. The fines are prodigious..
      We have made the trip back and forth seven times.at different times of the year. Mr. Kennedy obviously has had a different experience.
      One thing is beyond dispute If you need Sea Tow you are in bad trouble
      Peter Denton
      Susie Q
      42′ Draft 4′

      Now that I know that Captain Sterling runs a tourist boat in the Keys, I must defer to his greater experience. I guess I was there at the wrong time. But it remains true that if you are passing over water that is 4,5or 6 feet it is impossible to tell the difference even if the water is crystal clear. Several of the passes are that shallow. Call me naive but I advise extreme caution. Remember you do not have advantage of some one who has local Knowledge.
      Peter Denton
      Susie Q

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    • Good Words for Mangrove Marina, FL Keys Inside Route, near Statute Mile 1150

      Mangrove Marina is currently one of only three marinas (the other being Plantation Key Yacht Harbor) which offers plentiful transient dockage along the Florida Keys inside route, from south of Jewfish Creek to Islamorada. There is also a full service repair yard here. If your vessel can stand some 4 1/2 foot MLW depths, what’s not to like!

      Great new look at the marina great tiki hut happy hour bbq very helpful staff and great prices close to shops.
      Roger Lougheed

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Mangrove Marina

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    • Report from Sunset Cove Anchorage, Fl. Keys Inside Route, Buttonwood Sound – Key Largo, FL

      Sunset Cove - Click for Chartview

      Sunset Cove Anchorage is located on the waters of southeastern Buttonwood Sound, in charted Sunset Cove, near statute Mile 1143 off the Florida Keys Inside Route. And, as Andree points out, Buttonwood Sound lies west of US #1 Highway Marker 99.

      Buttonwood sound is at MM 99.
      I was anchored there for a few years. The dinghy dock was right off Bay side resort but now year 2012 there has been a fence put across the path, part of the `dock’ was the resort’s property. You can still dinghy there , it is a small
      space though off the dead end street. Snooks burned down since than and was rebuilt it is now reopened. It is a nice quiet anchorage, first row seat to fabulous sunsets and Snooks’ nice live band music.

      Sunset Cove falls under the new anchoring regulations that are part of the Monroe County Pilot Program. The main one folks there will have to deal with is proof of pumpout. Save your receipts and keep a pumpout log.
      John Kettlewell

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sunset Cove Anchorage

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    • Advice on Anchor Choice for Thursday Cove Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 1132

      Thursday Cove Anchorage - Click for Chartview

      This neat little anchorage lies just off the Florida Keys Inside/ICW route, immediately north of Jewfish Creek. You don’t want to be caught here with fresh northerly winds, as we were one inky black night. You can’t take my word for it – it’s a really bad idea! HOWEVER, during southerlies, this is a GREAT spot that we really like!

      I found here bad holding in mangrove mud mixed with leaves. Perhaps you can do better with a plow anchor.
      Charles

      Bottom is mostly turtle grass, which is difficult for most anchors to penetrate. I agree that this is NOT the place to be in any kind of a norther.
      Julie Stocksdale

      Pumpkin Key - Click for Chartview

      Nearby is Pumpkin Island that may be a better alternative.
      Always FOR SAILtoo

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Thursday Cove Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Key Anchorage Directory Listing For Pumpkin Key

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pumpkin Key Anchorage

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    • Praise For Mangrove Marina (FL Keys Inside Route, near Statute Mile 1150)

      Mangrove Marina is currently one of only two marinas (the other being Plantation Key Yacht Harbor) which offers plentiful transient dockage along the Florida Keys inside route, from south of Jewfish Creek to Islamorada. There is also a full service repair yard here. If your vessel can stand some 4 1/2 foot MLW depths, what’s not to like!

      My wife and I have lived here three years. It is a great Marina, close to shopping, hospital and other amenities.
      Great staff and enjoyable people.
      Jeff Hughes

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Mangrove Marina

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    • Shoaling Reported On Yacht Channel Near Sprigger Bank, north of Long Key Viaduct

      Sprigger Bank is located on the eastern edge of Florida Bay, next to the border of the Everglades National Park and is almost due north of the Long Key Bridge. Its northern tip is marker by flashing green marker #5. Yacht Channel is southwest of Arsenic Bank and is marked by flashing red marker #2 and flashing green marker #1. Sprigger Bank is northwest of Yacht Channel.

      Cruising News:
      In transiting from Channel 5 to Cape Sable on July 15th, we passed northbound through the Yacht Channel without incident and then ran along just inside the park boundary towards Sprigger bank. We found 4-1/2 foot water that was charted at 7, so we moved further east from the boundary where we found 5 to 6. It didn’t seem like a wind-driven tide because elsewhere on our travels in that area depths were running about a foot over what was charted. Feedback from others recently taking this route would be helpful.
      John Byrne

      Noticed 5 1/2 on Sun 08 Jul 12 about 2:00 pm. Sorry cannot give tide at that time.
      GP Shepard

      We traveled through this route in May of this year and also saw shallow depths (5′ and less). This has been the case every time we have used this route.We do stay away from the marks. Since we draw 5′, we have decided that it must be ‘˜grass’ causing invalid readings.
      Jackie

      I draw almost 5′ and regularly see 6′ between Yacht Channel and Springer [sic] Bank. My waypoint for this transit is 1 mile to the NE of the Springer Light. WPT SpringerBank ‘“ N24 55.299 W80 55.797
      Rick J

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sprigger Bank and Yacht Channel

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    • Report from Shell Key Anchorage and Mooring Field, off of Florida Bay

      Shell Key Anchorage and Mooring Field is a series of 5 five mooring buoys off the Shell Key’s northwesterly shoreline, maintained by the State of Florida.

      We had good holding here in 5-15 knots from ESE through SW. Nice quiet anchorage that was almost bug-free too.
      John Byrne

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For Shell Key Anchorage

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

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    • Good Report from Pilot House Marina, Key Largo, FL – off Hawk Channel

      The Pilot House Marina is located on secluded Lake Largo just minutes from downtown Key Largo. This choice location borders on John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, an underwater park famous among snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Pilot House Marina, is accessed from the Hawk Channel side of the Key Largo. The entrance canal cuts west towards charted “Lake Largo,” and Pilot House guards the intersection of the canal and lake.
      This is really a great spot, with MANY improvements having been made over the past year or two. The SSECN is very proud to have these good people as a sponsor!

      The “I Love Lucy” is presently in Key Largo. We have great diving and snorkeling. We are at the pilot house marina, and they are very [cruiser] friendly,having a [cruisers’] lounge with a book exchange and large screen tv.
      Ed & Lucy Guillard

      Both Ed and Lucy of `I Love Lucy’ are wonderful people to be around. They are always positive and enjoying life. This is one of the reasons we at the Pilot House love `Cruisers’ in general and why we strive to make Cruisers comfortable during your stay at Pilot House Marina, in the heart of Downtown Key Largo’¦the Dive and Fishing Capitol of the World. Our latest improvement for Cruisers’¦.A covered outdoor lounge for potlucks, socializing or just plain lounging around! Warm Regards’¦.Don Brown

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pilot House Marina

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    • Anchoring in Rodriguez Key Anchorage (Hawk Channel – Key Largo)

      Rodriguez Key Anchorage lies to the north of Rodriguez Key, off Hawk Channel, and northwest of marker #37. This is one of the only anchor down spots on the Hawk Channel side of the Florida Keys north and east of Channel Five.

      My wife and I have spent 6 nights at anchor behind Rodriquez Key over the last 4 cruising seasons as we moved from and to Marathon in the Keys. The main issue for us was the sea grass and how it made anchoring difficult. We learned from experience that the best practice was to find a large area of sand drop the anchor and pay out the chain to the desired amount. Once done we backed down and set the anchor. Our usual practice in other anchorages was to begin backing down as the anchor touched bottom. At Rodriquez, that technique only gathered a large amount of grass and an anchor not setting. We had more than a few nights with 15kn of wind and we never dragged.
      If you have a dog to walk, It is a long ride to the NW for a place for puppy relief.
      John

      what an informative post -. thank you
      s/v ZIG-ZAG

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Rodriguez Key Anchorage

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    • Public Meeting

      The FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission) has scheduled a public meeting, to be held in Tallahassee, FL (see below), on 7/11/12, to consider the Monroe County (Florida Keys) proposed anchorage regulations, as part of the Keys participation in the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program. ALL cruisers who can possibly attend this event, PLEASE do so!

      Hello,
      We are scheduling a public meeting to discuss the Monroe County Anchoring and Mooring Ordinance for Wednesday, July 11th, at the FWC Bryant Building in Room 272 [in Tallahassee, Florida – editor]. We have scheduled the meeting for 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Attached is the FAW notice, that will be published next week, that has the address and time of the public meeting. There will be representatives from Monroe County ready to answer questions from any organizations or individuals that would like to know more about the ordinance.
      We are planning on being able to take the Monroe proposed ordinance to the September 5-6th FWC Commission Meeting in Tampa. To accomplish this we will need to coordinate the review, conduct the public meeting, and have a 2 week internet posting of the ordinance to collect public comment. I anticipate posting the proposed ordinance on our FWC website the first full week of July. I will send out notification of that posting when it goes live on the internet. I have attached the current Monroe Co. ordinance language for your review prior to the public meeting and internet posting. Thank you.
      Tom
      Captain Tom Shipp
      FWC / DLE / Boating and Waterways

      Note that the proposed ordinance requires proof of pumpout, which I believe is a gross overreach. The anchoring and mooring pilot program law states that it is to regulate anchoring, not pollution controls or equipment onboard. These things are already covered by federal and state regulations. Once again, the anchoring and mooring pilot program is leading to further complication on the water, and a hodge-podge of laws in Florida that few transient boaters will even be aware of.
      John Kettlewell

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    • A Pleasant Night at Rodriguez Key Anchorage (Hawk Channel – Key Largo)

      Rodriguez Key Anchorage lies to the north of Rodriguez Key, off Hawk Channel, and northwest of marker #37. This is one of the only anchor down spots on the Hawk Channel side of the Florida Keys north and east of Channel Five.

      On 6/4/2012, we spent the night behind Rodriguez Key. It was a pleasant experience, we found plenty of water getting in there, you just have to pay attention to your chart and the shoaling off the southeastern tip of the island. The shoals are actually very well marked with floating buoys, but be careful because they extend out quite a bit further. It’s easy to see the color change in the water if you come in during daylight hours. We got there just before dark and found several boats already on the anchor, but there was still plenty of room and we dropped the hook in about 7′ of water. The wind kicked up out of the southwest during the night, but we were reasonably well protected. Not sure I’d want to be there in a howling northeaster!
      David Ogle
      S/V Double Decker
      35′ Cheoy Lee Robert Perry Sloop

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Rodriguez Key Anchorage

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    • A Scratchy Night in Boca Chita Key, Statute Mile 1106

      Boca Chita Key is a smallish island surrounded by the waters of Biscayne Bay, south of Miami. It is part of Biscayne Bay National Park, and the Park Service maintains a small harbor and “marina” here. Services are minimal, and we have never been able to find more than 4 1/2 feet at MLW, while making our way to the dockage basin. On the other hand, many, including yours truly, find a visit to Boca Chita to be quite charming, particularly on weekdays.

      Beautiful spot. Carried 5’6’³ at high tide with no concerns. HOWEVER don’t bother going if winds are out of west, if it rained in the last few days or if it’s summer’”mosquitos thick enough to block the ports!! Could not go outsude even with full suit of long clothes and every repelent know to man.!!! These vampires are after a meal and you are the invited main course!
      JiM Lady Lady

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Boca Chita Key

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boca Chita Key

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    • Good Words for Burdine’s Waterfront Marina, Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL

      Burdine’s Waterfront Marina overlooks the Boot Key westerly approach channel’s northerly banks, just a quick hop east from Pancho’s Fuel Dock.

      Burdine’s Marina in Marathon is nice, friendly people, and a great Tiki Bar/Restaurant.
      The reef just outside Marathon has mooring balls and is great snorkeling.
      Ken & Pat Goewey

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

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Burdine’s Waterfront Marina

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    • Good Words for Coconut Grove Sailing Club, AICW Statute Mile 1094.5

      Transient Moorings in Miami at Coconut Grove Sailing Club, 24 hour launch & security, Short walk to Coconut Grove, Daily & Monthly Rates(305)-444-4571 EXT 16, manager@cgsc.orgThe Coconut Grove Sailing Club mooring field overlooks the Dinner Key – Coconut Grove waterfront south of Dinner Key Marina. This fine facility is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

      Fantastic club mooring field. Felt very lucky to be here and not in the overcrowded Dinner Key Marina or in the City mooring field in the road stead. Not much of an evening breeze in the summer and it did get HOT!
      Heads are ok -it is a small boat sailing club with lots of kids and lots of use! For what you pay it’s WELL worth it.
      JiM Lady Lady

      Click Here To Read An Earlier Article on Dinner Key

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Coconut Grove Sailing Club

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Coconut Grove Sailing Club

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    • Wisteria Island (Christmas Tree Island) Anchorages

      The discussion below is copied from the Cruisers’ Forum, and relates to the several anchorage opportunities adjoining an island which lies withing dinghy distance of Key West Bight. The charts name this isle, Wisteria Island, but all the locals refer to it as Christmas Tree Island.

      We are currently behind Wisteria Island. The whole area is surrounded with boats. North of the Island east and west. The cityKWB marina maintains dinghy dock for 26 a week or 80 a month. Just pick a spot with enough swing, lotta boats.
      forsailbyowner

      Anchoring on the south side of wisteria (christmas tree) island will give you some shelter from the north but it’s rolly from wakes (especially in the early morn. when the charter boats go out). Holding is fair but use caution. It’s a short dink ride across the channel to the harbor where the dink dock is (payment enforcement haphazard… meaning you never know so just pay). note: going back across the channel in a northerly blow can be extremely rough and wet.
      Also remember that K.W. has been pirate country for centuries… and still is. Use common sense and you will have a great time.
      Cheers,
      MM

      Just off of Christmas tree is the place to be. It’s convenient to the municipal docks & out of the way. There are areas where there is 8-10 inches of sand over limestone, and you will think you are dug in well but will drag like a mother in the first squall, so make certain you’re dug in.
      Also, an open hatch is considered an invitation. A closed hatch with a big lock will generally be left alone.
      Starfish

      Just take care that your anchor does not get stuck in the many custom made moorings around the island. I picked up an engine block once trying to haul anchor. Many derelict boats with questionable ground tackle all over.
      Be careful of the shoal in the middle that looks like a great empty anchor spot.
      However once you navigate all the above it is a great spot very close to KW and a much better location than the city mooring field. Never had issues with `piracy’ in the many years I have gone there. Might be dumb luck though but I do lock up when I leave the boat.
      Patrick

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Wisteria Island (Christmas Tree Island) Eastern Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Wisteria Island (Christmas Tree Island) Northwesterly Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wisteria/Christmas Tree Island

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    • Marathon Dining Recommendations

      Below, Captain Brian, in a message copied from the Cruisers’ Forum gives some good advice on where to satisfy a healthy appetite in Marathon, Florida. Only wish he could have recalled some of the name, but, hey, we cruisers take advice wherever we can get it!

      Marathon. Well, most people grab a ball and go from there. That is what I would suggest. THere is a great beer and burger joint as you come in on the port side (I cannot remember the name) but it is the first 2 story restaurant when you enter after Marathon Marina. They sell gas too. On the canal right before that is a really good sea food restaurant if you take that first canal and it is at the corner. Also, at Marathon Marina (first marina on your left) they have a awesome happy hour and as they look west, good place to watch the sun set over the water.
      Brian

      The gas place is Burdines Marina. Top of that building is Chiki Tiki Bar and Grill. Had a nice taco salad there few days ago. We walked there after being at West Marine by going down 15th St. off A1A. Was a little scary due to neighborhood. Asked couple of people at restaurant if it was a crime neighborhood and they said you should be o.k. during the day but don’t walk it at night. Best to come by boat or dinghy.
      Mary Dixon

      Two story restaurant is Burdines.
      Lazy Days at Marathon Marna.
      Make sure to check out Hurricane, across from Home Depot (east end).
      Deborah Streeter

      `Salty’s’ Restaurant near Marathon Marina. `Castaways’ Rest. near Panchos & Burdines.
      Bruce Franz

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marathon, Florida

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    • Dragging Anchor Problems at Tarpon Bellys Keys Anchorage (“Back Route” from Marathon to Key West)

      The small collection of islands known as the Tarpon Belly Keys flank the northeastern side of the Cudjoe Key Channel. This latter cut makes into the so-called, “Back Route” from Marathon to Key West, west of the turn at Harbor Key Bank Light. It’s a great spot, and we have never had a problem getting the anchor to hold. Then again, we do not usually undertake the anchor setting procedure described below by Captains Chas and Bev.
      Has anyone else had a similar or dissimilar experience anchorage hard by Tarpon Belly Keys. If so, please click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.

      We are in the Keys and tried to anchor at Tarpon Belly Key, a pretty remote place. We have a 43 Mainship with 75′ of chain and 250′ with a 75 lb. Rocna, 8 feet of water and 7 feet of pulpit. Our usual procedure is to drop about 20′, let it settle while slowly reversing and add in about 20′ segments until we feel a good grip, then bump reverse multiple times to deepen the set and eventually increase
      reverse a few hundred rpm’s to set. When we did the set, the anchor released. A few efforts to set and we finally pulled up. Holy cow! A massive ball of grey clay (looked and acted like cement) and grass. Could have been a small planet. Boat hooks, dunking and dragging thru the water finally got it off. We tried 3 other locations at the same anchorages with the same, but smaller ball, result. At 5PM, we finally went to a marina. Just beat sundown by 15 minutes.
      Our question is should we not done the finally set, as we usually do, on this type of bottom? Would the anchor, with time and gentler prodding by the wind and tide, eventually buried deeper? (I wouldn’t have been able to sleep)
      The Rocna has been great for us and we love it.
      We also have a 45 lb. Bruce and a Fortress. Would it have made sense to try them?
      Thanks,
      Chas & Bev
      …and Everywhere

      That `grey clay’ you pulled up usually provides great holding- after all, it stuck to your anchor! I suggest you change your anchoring technique: let out full scope, or even more, before you pull back on the anchor to set. You want to give the anchor the best geometry to dig in, not the worst angle. I know there are some `authorities’ who advocate setting on short scope, but there is defective logic in that. Cruise on!
      Kris

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Tarpon Bellys Keys Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Tarpon Bellys Keys Anchorage

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    • Free Waste Boat Pumpout at Tarpon Basin Anchorages Praised (FL Keys Inside Route, 1139.5)

      Tarpon Basin is crossed by the FL Keys Inside Route, just south of Blackwater Sound and Dusenberry Creek. There are at least 3 good spots to drop the hook here, and creative skippers will find more.
      A couple of years ago, Monroe County established a pump-out boat serving vessels anchored in Tarpon Basin, and the locals chipped in with a dinghy dock on the nearby shoreline (see /?p=24226).
      Sounds like Captain Mary found the pump-out service very polite and most useful!

      We used the free pump out boat at Tarpon Basin by the government center today. We told the guy that we had planned on pumping out at Gilberts Marina. He said they don’t have a pumpout, but he will go up there in his boat. I called Gilberts and verified that, and they said they don’t have a pumpout, but they have a phone number that you call for someone to come there and pumpout. The phone number for the Monroe County pumpout boat is 305-747-2388.
      I might add the Monroe County pumpout is FREE. The guy was very nice and said he usually works M-TH, but they try to be accommodating. I asked him how far he will go and he said he goes up to Gilberts Marina and down to Tavernier. He also said that eventually all of the Keys will have pumpout boats.
      Mary Dixon

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Tarpon Basin Northern Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Tarpon Basin Southern Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Tarpon Basin Interior Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Tarpon Basin Anchorages

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    • Intermittent Contact at Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina (FL Keys Inside Route, St. M. 1155)

      Hmmmm. Kind of concerns me to hear Captain Dixon’s report below concerning Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina. This is one of only a handful of facilities that offer transient dockage on the Florida Keys Inside route between the southerly mouth of Jewfish Creek and Channel Five!

      Tried unsuccessfully to reach PYH marina for 2 days by phone or vhf. They didn’t even return a message we left on their answering machine. We wanted to get fuel, water & pumpout. Also wanted to get a slip so we could go buy new boat batteries. We finally moved on to Coral Bay Marina at Lorelei anchorage who were very accommodating. Coral Bay is more like a boatyard, but they have ordered our batteries and we are in a nice slip. A mini grocery store and liquor store are right behind the marina. Afternoon of second day I was able to reach PYH by phone and they said they are in and out, and in the future just tie up at the fuel dock and they’ll get to us. I kept calling because I wanted to know what is going on with them because we’ll be back up that way. We had hesitated to do that because the fuel dock is not easy to get to and there isn’t room for more than one boat. We’ll do that in the future because there aren’t many pumpout places on the bay side of upper keys.
      Mary Dixon

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina

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