Captain Feiges is responding, in her message below, to a posting which appeared here on the Cruisers’ Net some time ago, about the victory in St. Augustine, when the city proposed ten day anchoring limit outside the mooring field, was shot down, and changed by the FWC to a thirty day limit. Her point in this missive is very different, and very much worth the cruising community’s thoughtful consideration. Beverly speaks of a lack of anchoring “space” in Florida due to the proliferation of private moorings!
We are cruisers, plain and simple, and seldom stay in one spot for even a week. Even in Georgetown, in the Bahamas, where we may spend a month or more, we switch anchoring spots every so many days, depending on wind or activities ashore. Putting in mooring fields in very popular spots has the advantage of allowing many more boats to safely anchor, but it is also nice to have some room to anchor left over for those of us who may be too big for the spacing and holding power of the moorings, or too high off the water to easily pick up the mooring. Having permanently anchored boats in what is a limited area, even if they must move them every thirty days, does not help the honest to god cruiser who is passing through and wants a spot for a night or two. Even worse seems to be the unregulated dropping of private moorings everywhere it used to be possible to anchor. I want the right to anchor, but there must be room to do it, and in allowing people to set their private moorings all over the place, (in Maine some people have as many as five in different harbors), or to stay anchored more than 5 days without a valid reason, then this room does not exist, and you just as effectively have cut off my right to anchor. We had this experience in St. Augustine this fall, almost impossible to anchor. Beverly Feiges
Virtually all anchoring regulations being promoted by FWC are in violation of Florida Statute 370.04 in the wake of two Florida Supreme Court decision favoring boater’s (almost) unrestricted anchoring rights. There is nothing to be applauded here as FWC seems to be forging ahead unempeded with its greed and rise of power with little or no sound rationale or legal foundation. Make your resistance known against this flagrant arrigance and disregard for formal constitutional decisions. Bruce Bingham
Perhaps a private mooring can now be considered `the owner is anchored’ and falls under the new regs ?? Interesting possibility’¦ Dennis McMurtry
I agree with Beverly. Sure, Florida’s mooring fields are busy in the winter, but for most of the year there are many vacant moorings that eliminate huge areas that used to be available for anchoring. St. Augustine has effectively eliminated all of the best anchoring areas by covering the harbor in moorings, most of which remain vacant most of the year. Same thing in Marathon. I have squeezed into the remaining anchorage there during the off season when half the moorings were empty. John Kettlewell
Laws continue to be changed. FL Statute 370.04 I could not find. Overriding everything is our Federal Navigational Servitude and the Public Trust doctrine which provide, among other things, that navigation includes the right to anchor in all navigable waters. FL Statute 327.44 states `no anchoring’¦in a manner which shall unreasonably or unnecessarily constitute a navigational hazard.’ Jay Bliss
More than a few of St. Augustine’s north mooring field buoys remain empty because of shoaling of the bay bottom. This prevents the marina from being able to assign boats to these buoys because a falling tide MAY have the boat on the hard bottom. Because this is a designated mooring area, a shallow draft cruiser that COULD anchor in this space is denied anchoring as allowed by FS 370.04.
The report below from our very special Florida Keys correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd, sounds very hopeful. This is an important issue as all of the Florida Keys have been selected to be included in the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program. Sites selected for inclusion in this program have the power to regulate anchorage outside of mooring fields, but only after gaining input and approval from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC). The Cruisers’ Net, BARR (Boaters’ Anchoring Rights & Responsibilities) and Boat/US are working hard to insure SENSIBLE anchorage regulations are adopted by all participants in the Pilot Mooring Field Program.
Last night’s meeting of the MPAC held here in Marathon, went exactly as planned. Prior to the meeting, I spoke with Senior Administrator Rich Jones via telephone and informed him though I would not be there personally, I had sent him a letter. He said he would read the letter at the meeting. Mariner’s Barr and SSECN both are very happy with how Monroe County has handled the responsibility of meeting the objectives of the Pilot Program. All with a carefully thought out plan so as not to displace or burden those in the cruising or local liveaboard communities. There are very caring people here, that is wholly apparent. We’re still quite a ways before the actual ordinance is written and approved by the BOCC, but we’re getting there. The areas discussed last night are Boca Chica and Sunset Cove, where longterm liveaboards have a community. The ordinance will NOT affect cruisers and transient boaters in those areas. This was a way to keep from displacing those who live there. It’s not really in the realm of the Pilot Program, per se, as there is no mooring field associated with either area. However, Monroe County could do it under protection of the marine sanctuary…so it’s all good. We’ve worked very hard here in Monroe County to protect all boaters and cruisers from over-regulation. No time limits and a way for those who live aboard and do not navigate to still feel welcome…but making them own up to responsibility. I applaud the efforts made to accommodate and represent ALL boaters who enjoy the waters of the Keys. – On another note, the vendors in KW Harbor can have their floating structures as long as they are licensed otherwise to do business. That’s a huge thing for those whose livelihood depends on such. Key West Harbor was never in the loop of the regulations that were outlined for Boca Chica Basin and Sunset Cove, Michael. It’s easy to get them confused. KW Harbor was only to have a buffer area around their mooring field, of which no one has any complaint. Most anchor on the other side of Fleming Key or off Wisteria. With Wisteria out of the picture, things look very good to stay the same in Key West Harbor. The “approval” is only for language to be drafted into an ordinance to be presented to the BOCC in January; now that everyone is on the same page with what the ordinances should state. The BOCC will then take a look at it with the Public’s input, and it could still need tweaking. Once it is approved by the BOCC it will then be submitted to the FWC. Still a long way to go before there are ordinances of any kind in place. No surprises here of any kind, this has been the path Monroe County has taken from day one. A good one: LESS IS MORE. Charmaine Smith Ladd (SSECN Special Correspondent & Representative) Executive Director, Mariner’s Barr (Boaters’ Anchoring Rights & Responsibilities) scmithladd@marinersbarr.org
The anchorage commented on below by Captain Espinosa is entered by way of the charted channel north of the charted “Cormorant Rookeries.” You then break off from the charted track and anchor on the waters to the north in 4 to 5 feet. Vessels which draft 4 feet or more need not apply!
This is a great bay with lots of room to shelter from any wind direction. The bay has a good controlling depth of 4 tp 5 ft. You can take the Glades canal all the way in to South Dade Marina, which caters to sailboats. Not much there but great shelter. Good Trout fishing also. Rick Espinosa
Now here’s a spot to anchor north of Jewfish Creek that I’ve never researched. We do recommend an anchorage farther to the north of Manatee Bay, but that haven is entered by an entirely different route than the one leading to the potential anchorage briefly described below. To reach the anchorage recommended by Captain Espinosa, you must first pass between markers #1 and #2 north of Division Point and then anchor in the charted 4 to 5-foot pool of water beyond. Anyone else tried this – if so, PLEASE let us hear from you. Adhering to our long standing policy, we will not consider entering this anchorage into our “Florida Keys Anchorage Directory” until we can research these waters in person!
Go thru the markers at Division Point into the southwest part of Manatee Bay. 4 to 5 foot depth and great shelter!! Rick Espinosa
Captain Paul and Key Lime Sailing Club are one of our oldest and most loyal SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS! So, here’s the deal. If you rent a room at Key Lime Sailing Club, it comes complete with your own 22′ Catalina sailcraft. How’s that for a deal!
This is a great Place, As the Owner and on site manager for 11 years, I personally make sure each of my guests has the best vacation the Florida Keys has to offer, With its great Weather and setting around the beach getting some sun, Kayaking, Fishing, Snorkeling, swimming in the warm waters of the Florida bay, or Sailing off to see the Florida Everglades and the 100’s of Islands that make it up our Shoal Draft 22′ Catalina sailboat will get you there and Safely back to port to see one of the nicest sunsets in the keys. I am sure if you try us, you will be back again & again’¦’¦’¦.Check out our Site’¦..[Click sponsorship icon at above left to access the Key Lime Sailing Club website!] ‘¦’¦.. We are Easy to Reach But Hard to Forget’¦’¦.. Thank You Paul
SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR Key Lime Sailing Club is offering GREAT off-season rates. Check it out at their website by clicking either their sponsorship panel to the left, or the link to their web site below: www.keylimesailingclub.com
Below you will find a SUPER article authored by our very special Florida Keys correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd. This story concerns some recent changes you will need to be aware of if you plan to visit the Dry Tortugas from Key West!
October 29th, 2011
Dry Tortugas – Mooring Balls at RNA & Park Permits Required by Charmaine Smith Ladd
The Dry Tortugas is so named due to the combination that none of its islands have fresh water, and that there are many differing species of sea turtles found in its gorgeously turquoise waters (including loggerhead, leatherback, green, and hawksbill). Only 70 miles west of Key West, it’s a fabulous passage whether under sail or power. However, just be sure to have an optimal weather window during the time of your trip. Of course, the faster the vessel, the less time needed for this ever prudent caution. If you’d rather not invest the time or travel to sail there on your own, one can always opt to use one of the Dry Tortugas’ Official transportation services out of Key West:
The Dry Tortugas National Park has changed its rules since the last time I visited. Currently:
All vessels (except those in transit merely passing through without stopping) visiting the Dry Tortugas National Park must now have a free-of-charge permit (including kayaks and dinghies). Once there, permits can be obtained a number of ways. 1) Hailing a Park Ranger on VHF channel 16, or 2) appearing in person at the Garden Key Visitor Center [Fort Jefferson] or 3) appearing in person at the Park’s Headquarters Office. Park Rangers will patrol and monitor vessels for permits. If you do not have one, there is no penalty–instead, the Ranger will fill one out for you on the spot. Nice!
Six mooring balls have been installed for use at the Dry Tortugas’ Research Natural Area (RNA). Anchoring is no longer allowed in the RNA area. Those who wish to anchor within the National Park can do so only in sandy bottoms (sea grass is protected) located within one nautical mile of Garden Key Harbor Light.
I have written about the Dry Tortugas for SSECN in the past, but our server didn’t carry many items over when things were recently updated. I’ll be sure to resubmit that article so you can familiarize yourself again with the beauty and tranquility of the Dry Tortugas and its many unique attractions. In the meantime, here are some photos from my last visit there:
Charmaine Smith Ladd (SSECN Special Correspondent for the Florida Keys) “Bringing you the low down from down low!” csmithladd@marinersbarr.org or charmaine@septembersea.com
Where is the dry toryugas’ research natural area? Bill
Below are two follow-up notes from Captain Charmaine:
I believe the Windjammer was the original one and may be reserved for private use. The six that follow are those put in for public use. Hugs, Charmaine
Remember, this is a National Park. Even though much of it is comprised of being part of the RNA, that simply means it is a no-fishing zone and no-take zone of its natural wildlife and flora. But it IS a `People-Zone’ for others to enjoy it! Please reference: http://www.nps.gov/drto/naturescience/upload/What’s%20a%20RNA%20-%20edit%205.pdf The Research Natural Area is a 46-square-mile area in the northwest portion of the park. It is the area enclosed by connecting with straight lines the coordinates of 82:51:00 W and 24:36:00 N with 82:58:00 W and 24:36:00 N, and with 82:51:00 W and 24:43:32 N. Not included in the RNA is an area one nautical mile in diameter around the Garden Key Light, and the developed areas of Loggerhead Key. Before boating in the park, please key these points into your GPS system. Charmaine
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
24thesea- December 7, 2014 - 4:21 pm
GPS N24°37.413 W082°56.548 is directly on top of a wreck and the rest of the points are in shallow or near shallow water… Copy and paste to Google maps and take a look.
By special permission from the author, Captain Bill Bishop, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is proud to present, “The Mourning Field,” one of the wittiest, wry-est (is that a word) articles ever written concerning Florida anchorage regulations and mooring fields. IF YOU HAVE EVEN THE SLIGHTEST INTEREST IN EVER DROPPING YOUR HOOK IN SUNSHINE STATE WATERS, or just want to read very well written prose, follow the link below. YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY!!!
Many, many thanks to professional nautical writer, Captain Jessica Geffen, for allowing the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net to publish her in-depth account of Dinner Key Marina, their adjacent mooring field, and the nearby Coconut Grove community, as well as the included photos. This article offers GREAT information to all cruisers who coil their lines at this popular port of call!
Miami, Coconut Grove, Dinner Key Marina The highly sought after Dinner Key Marina, in the cozy little village of Coconut Grove now has 225 moorings located on Biscayne Bay, giving boaters more options in Miami. Dinner Key Marina’s location has roots in the Pan-American Airline industry. The mooring field has many benefits to cruisers either passing through to ports further south or as a storage option. While slip rates are up to $33 per foot, a mooring ball costs just $295 per month. Dinner Key Mooring Field offers transient or short-term rates. Amenities include dinghy dockage, showers; closed for cleaning twice daily, laundry, a detergent -dispenser, a snack machine, soda machine and an ice machine. A few shelves in the office denote a book exchange. Other services include; package handling, pump out service, and a shuttle boat. When choosing a port to wait for weather, parts, or labor we look for a few key items. Access to Internet is always high on the list, marine and hardware stores and access to good grocery stores as well as safety in the harbor. Transportation can be an issue for cruisers that lack a vehicle or even a bicycle but Miami’s super convenient public transit has endless possibilities for those wishing to provision or sightsee. The marina is conveniently located close to Highway US 1, the main road that runs North and South. The Grove Circulator, a bus that runs every 15 minutes stops within walking distance to the marina and costs just 25 cents. Stopping several times until arriving at the Coconut Grove Metro-Rail Station where a high-speed train runs from South Miami ‘“ for $2 per ride. Another option is the Tri-Rail that runs from North Miami to West Palm Beach round trip for under $10. With about 20 different stops along the way one can find just about anything.
Internet access Coconut grove is the home to Coco-Walk centrally located in the business district, street shops geared with tourists in mind. A bevy of eateries and art galleries are nestled in among the Post Office and Bookstore. The Bookstore in the Grove, a local’s spot, located on the corner of Virginia and Grand, is a very cozy place to get a cup of coffee while checking emails. Supplies for boat projects can be purchased between Shell Lumber, West Marine, Home Depot and Crook & Crook Marine all within walking distance.
MISC Refilling Propane can be a daunting project. It is illegal to transport a propane tank by public transportation. Our daughter’s passport needed renewing before we left, the Passport office is easily accessible. This time we rode our bikes a total of (3 miles) and hours of operation were convenient. The Public library is located at the south end of Bayshore Dr and will allow guests Internet access.
Eateries **Flannigan’s Monday – Nachos free with purchase of pitcher Tuesday -Tumbleweed fried onion free with purchase of pitcher Wednesday – 10 wings free w/ purchase of pitcher M-T lunch deals under $8 Wi-Fi & Happy Hour at the bar only
***Las Culebrinas (The Snakes) $1 tapas, buy 1 get 1 happy hour
*Burger King Dollar Menu & 2 for $3.33 daily deals Check the back of your receipt for a coupon
**Sandbar Friday night Trivia night up to 7 players Trivia begins at 7 with an extended happy hour until 9pm if you play Happy hour from 4-7 Daily
Coco-Walk offers several eateries including CocoWok, Chili’s, and Cheesecake Factory.
The businesses are more and more becoming aware of the presence of the local boating community are very welcoming. With this many options it’s no wonder more and more people are calling Coconut Grove home!
Dinner Key is great in many ways. It is a beautiful location but its flaw is the bathrooms. All those 275 mooring cans plus the many dock slips all use the same small bathrooms that are outdated and minimal in number. Time for the City of Coconut Grove to give back to boaters and renovate the facilities. A comfy lounge for boaters would be welcome too. marniekm
The DKM mooring field is limited to 42′ and exposed to wins and chop Sailing enthusiasts should visit the Barnacle, a state park just 1/2 mile away from DKM. it was the home Ralph Munroe, of one of the early settlers (late 1800) on Biscayne bay. Originally from Staten island he designed and built a number of boats, incl the recently revived Presto sharpie Capt Nat herreshoff spent a few winters there late in his life, always bringing a boat from Bristol RI to enjoy the bay, still great sailing ground. Pascal
And, a question from a fellow cruiser, inspired by the article above. If anyone has an answer, PLEASE send your info along to CruisersNet@triad.rr.com. Thanks in advance!
Can we anchor off Hobie Beach for an extended period of time? If not where would there be a safe anchorage in the area not a mooring field. Thank You “Almost Heaven”
And, a warning from Captain McMurtry:
I hope the locals will not turn it into a `liveaboard’ community and destroy it for transient visitors. good to see a positive result. Hope it stays that way. Dennis McMurtry
There has been an interesting and wide ranging discussion underway on the MTOA List Serve, an organization that EVERYONE associated with the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net highly endorses, about picking up a mooring on Marathon’s Boot Key Harbor. Note that part of this discussion centers around the necessity of showing anchor lights. We’ve linked an article written on this very subject by our very special Florida Keys correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd, at the end of this posting.
We are planning on leaving Morehead City going south for the winter. We have been looking for a place in the Keys to spend a good portion of thewinter. This is our first trip south and we would appreicate some recommendations for good anchorages, moorings and less expensive marinas. We have been looking on line at the Marathon Mooring Field, but we are concerned that only 15 of their 216 moorings are big enough for our Defever 49 Cockpit Motor Yacht. We are afraid that we will get there and not have a mooring and not find suitable anchorage since they do not take reservations. Do any of you have experience with the mooring field? How quickly do it fill up? How quickly does it empty? Do you have any other recommendations? As always thank you for help. Shay and Elizabeth Glass 49′ Defever CPMY
You really take your chances with the Marathon mooring field. We were there in Feb 2011 and they were full and wouldn’t put us on a waiting list. The wind was from the north and we had to anchor outside of Boot Key and it was horrible. Other people have been there in May and they had openings. Mary Dixon
And remember, you are on the border where the “International Rules” apply. In the mooring field or at anchor, turn on your anchor light. Bob
Shay and Elizabeth, The Marathon Mooring field begins to fill early in November and can stay full all season with only a few boats coming and going. You just don’t know what size boats will be departing. You can get marina reservations at several of the marinas and a few have transient slips but they fill up also. Chuck
I spent many winter months on the Marathon town moorings and I don’t ever recall anyone leaving an anchor light on. Is this something new? Regards, Phil “TrawlerPhil” & Aven Rosch
This has been the rule since the before mooring field was instituted. Sometimes FWC will come through and remind you and sometimes they will write citations. Sometimes you don’t see them at all depending on how busy they are elsewhere. Boot Key Harbor is not a designated anchorage by definition so an anchor light is required. Chuck
Bob, You are not on the border so to speak. Marathon is outside of the colregs so technically international waters even though it is part of the National Marine Sanctuary. But more importantly, no matter where it is located, unless it is an official designated anchorage, which Boot Key Harbor is NOT, an anchor light is required. Chuck
Okay I agree . but for those anchoring in other locations in the Keys, it’s important to know. Bob
How can anyone sleep on a boat at a mooring field or an anchorage without at least an anchor lite?? See you on the waterways! Capt. Sterling
Another wonderful article by our very special Florida Keys correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd. In this story, we follow Captain Charmaine and “September Sea” from their home base in Marathon’s Boot Key Harbor to Key West. Along the way, we meet some of the very special anchorages that lie along this route.
October 4h, 2011
The Path Less Traveled: Finding Your Piece of the Pye! N24 38.01 W81 25.20 – Newfound Harbor Anchorage by Charmaine Smith Ladd
The summers here in the Keys can be quite hot and sticky. Definitely an understatement for anyone how has had the experience of being down here during the dog days of August! LOL During such hot times when the inboard generator is running more often than not, trying its best to supply we aboard September Sea with air conditioning, then it’s time to head to a marina for shore power. The decision is not a difficult one, as at that point it simply makes economic sense.
Then there are the amenities! Tennis courts (playing three times a week!), swimming pool, Tiki Bar, restaurant, oh wait…did I mention no dinghy rides during all that time? A dock! It is amazing, life’s simple pleasures. For September Sea, this is pretty much an annual routine for two to three months; yet still the difference from being out at anchor or mooring to marina life seems to always be fresh and new.
Each year, when it comes time to leave the marina, it also is fresh and new! The first Northeast winds of fall provide ample sail power. This makes for a great opportunity to go out sailing for a month or longer, as long as no hurricanes are an imminently possible threat. We usually stick to the Keys and the Gulf Stream to limit our sailing, cruising and gunkholing areas during this time. Doing so allows timely access to our hurricane hole up in the Everglades, should the need arise.
Throw off the lines and put away the power cords, September Sea is off on another adventure! We’re sailing west! September Sea’s first anchorage after leaving Boot Key Harbor was Newfound Harbor. Cruisers usually follow the eastern channel up into Newfound Harbor, which can mean a diversion of up to five miles (depending on the amount of protection from wind and weather one is seeking). However, this sailor has found that during this time of year, the western route up Niles Channel is very accommodating, easily accessible, and takes one not out of their way if merely stopping for an anchorage between Marathon and Key West. This is perfect for a midway point between the two.
Another advantage of this area is there are no anchoring setback restrictions due to power lines, as is the case on the other side. For September Sea’s 5’8 draft, anchoring on the Niles Channel side also means following my plotted course right in to anchor without thought of meandering through skinny waters. Looking at the chart (to the right), it would appear exposure would be a problem. It really is not. Of course it is always prudent to what is happening with the weather and make sound decisions for anchoring based on that. Newfound Harbor offers many options, accordingly. At this location, the only real threat of exposure to fetch is from the South. That was not likely in any stretch of the imagination when choosing this locale. The surrounding waters of the area chosen to drop my hook (see the anchor I’ve indicated on the chartlet) are relatively shallow and greatly reduce the building of any northern fetch. The afternoon and night there was just glorious! Facing northeast, Little Palm Island is easily seen off to starboard, as well as a number of day trippers, moored and snorkleing at the Newfound Harbor Sanctuary Preservation Area directly off Little Palm. To port, hearty Fat Albert hovers high above Cudjoe Key; and Pye Island sits beautifully at my stern, giving me that “Gilligan’s Island” feeling of remoteness. Not another vessel anchored in the near vicinity, it was blissful and calm in every way. Heavenly, to say the least.
This is what is so fabulous about the waters of the Keys. It is all anchorage. Since the depths include much shallower waters, as this writer has touted to her readers many times before: using the shoals and shallows as protection from fetch just as you would a land mass, is something one should explore. Doing so opens up areas in which to anchor safely and comfortably, that at first glance would not seem to offer protection–but actually do!
Though the day was rather a dreary one, weather wise, and negated any opportunity for photographs as the rain poured down, my enthusiasm for this beautiful anchorage hopefully will draw you a vision for which you can strive. Or even better…look it up on Google Earth! Another tremendously valuable choice! That is what I love about the Keys: so many choices!
For we who like the tranquility and solitude after months of being in close proximity to other vessels, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction in finding your own serene and lovely “Piece of the Pye.” Pye Key, in this case! LOL
Next destination: Key West!
Charmaine Smith Ladd SSECN Special Correspondent, Florida Keys “Bringing you the low down from down low.” charmaine@septembersea.com, or csmithladd@marinersbarr.org
Thank you again for a great opportunity.you understand how my 7′ limits close in anchoring. I expect to be heading to kw in Jan .any anchoring suggestion? Thanks Bili
Bill, Thanks for your comment! We draw 5’8 and know of many in the Keys with 6+ or even 7 foot drafts that can meander the Keys and find plenty of anchorage possibilities. One need only heed the charts to do so. Remember, the draftier one’s vessel, the more important in the Keys to recognize that surrounding shoal waters can act as excellent protection from fetch. This is how September Sea finds herself in some great anchorages that other miss as they don’t recognize it as a great protected anchorage but instead see it as `open water.’ Bahia Honda, Newfound Harbor (using my chartlet above), Key Lois (ideal after a day out snorkeling or diving at Looe Key Reef) ‘“ though it is a `fair weather’ anchorage, if you have great ground tackle you shouldn’t have a problem ‘“ Key West (I prefer the SW area off Fleming Key to anchor rather than the mooring field ‘“ it’s quite deep 25 ft in spots so make sure you have plenty of rode), Boca Grande (west of Woman Key) is a delightful idyllic spot’¦the list goes on. In the meantime, remember that ALL of the waters of the Keys are basically great anchorage when you heed your charts and learn to use surrounding shallows as protection when mangroves aren’t nearby. You don’t have to be close in to shore to get protection’¦at least not always, by any means. Let me know if I can be of more help to you! Hugs, Charmaine
Bili, I think I see your name clearly now, many pardons! Key West has anchorage all along the west side of Fleming Key. You may want to look at that on the charts and pay particular attention to the area that is most SW of Fleming Key. There is plenty of water there (20 ft. depths), and a large expanse for anchoring, but one needs to peruse the charts to safely get in much closer proximity so that getting into the City docks isn’t so cumbersome (and wet during rougher weather). There are a few wrecks and shallow areas that are clearly marked on the charts and in the Harbor. However, noticing a few boats sitting aground illustrates that not all know the lay of the bottom around there. LOL The KW mooring field is open to the North and not my favorite, I prefer to anchor. Hope this is of help to you while you are in Key West.Bili, I think I see your name clearly now, many pardons! Key West has anchorage all along the west side of Fleming Key. You may want to look at that on the charts and pay particular attention to the area that is most SW of Fleming Key. There is plenty of water there (20 ft. depths), and a large expanse for anchoring, but one needs to peruse the charts to safely get in much closer proximity so that getting into the City docks isn’t so cumbersome (and wet during rougher weather). There are a few wrecks and shallow areas that are clearly marked on the charts and in the Harbor. However, noticing a few boats sitting aground illustrates that not all know the lay of the bottom around there. LOL The KW mooring field is open to the North and not my favorite, I prefer to anchor. Hope this is of help to you while you are in Key West. Charmaine
There has been a very lively discussion on the MTOA List-Serve, concerning a proposed regulation to demand proof of pump-out for vessels anchored on certain Florida Keys waters. Read on and learn a whole lot more!
Cruising News: Read in the local paper today, Monroe County is passing a law to require an inspection and proof of pump out in certain anchorage area, such as sunset cove in Key Largo. Once again they are taking away another one of our RIGHTS! Larry
Larry, This was tried in North Carolina, if you remember, and it was quickly forgotten about since it was impossible to verify and monitor. Perhaps the same will come of this ordinance, although the Keys have done some unusual things in the past. Chuck
I have a pump out at my home dock in South Florida. I wonder how they will handle that. From time to time I have a guest stop by and do a pump out while they are visiting on their way to the Keys??? Ed Potter
These are exactly the kinds of issues that don’t get considered when these knee jerk reactions become regulations. And exactly the problem in North Carolina. But it was a lot of input from boaters that got the NC regulations put on hold indefinitely. Perhaps the same will work for Monroe County. The National Marine Sanctuary must also be part of these regulations. Chuck
Here is the actual article and it addresses a number of issues including pump out. Note this quote, “Board members noted that the county could not ethically require pumpout of boat holding tanks if there are no pumpout boats or facilities nearby.” So sometimes it helps to have the entire story. http://www.keysnet.com/2011/09/28/382229/county-commission-urges-workable.html Chuck
The pump out boat offered by Monroe county is no longer operational. The rumors are they are letting it out for bids. sucker (pardon the pun) What fool would take that bid??? tis a looser. Of all the places I have cruised, the keys are the least boater friendly!! And I am a 30 year resident of key largo. See you in Paradise!! Capt. Sterling 38 Marine trader
Interesting how they reported it. It’s not an “ethics” issue. Its an issue of hypocrisy. After that its an issue of verification and enforcement. R.
And, here is the rest of the story from our very special Florida Keys correspondent, Captain Charmine Smith Ladd:
The Keys cover a lot of ground in Monroe County. The areas mentioned are Sunset Cove and Boca Chica Basin. They do not have pump-out facilities but that is being discussed. Boot Key Harbor has become a VERY FRIENDLY area for cruisers and boaters for some time now, and of that we are quite proud. Please read my article about the October 5th MPAC Meeting slated to be held in Key West, it will explain some things to you. At first they were wanting pump out logs, but now it is evident that once they get pump out facilities there, the pump out boat will have the evidence of pump out. Others have asked for a sticker system’¦these are other boaters, mind you, who comply by taking their boat to the pump out station and don’t want to be bothered by inspections. The powers that be, so far, in Monroe County are trying NOT to overreach and affect cruisers with these regulations. The Pilot Program is not needed for any of it, yet it is what is the driving force for the overkill. I have represented the readers/members of SSECN for some time on these issues and continue to fight to make some sense out of the nonsense that is the Pilot Program. Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd on “September Sea”
What a wonderful, wonderful story from our very special Florida Keys correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd. And who would have thought about such an intimate 9/11 connection in the Florida Keys!
Monday, September 12th, 2011
Life Aboard in the Keys: Where Last Names Are Optional by Charmaine Smith Ladd
Down here in the Keys, boaters are very laid back and unassuming. Most never inquire about the past of others, nor do we often know last names. Nicknames such as “Diver Dave” and “Fiberglass Dave” serve to differentiate boaters and tout their trades. I am probably one of the very few boaters who doesn’t have a nickname. But Charmaine is a very unique name. My spouse, however, is known as “Charmaine’s Bill.” There are lots of guys named “Bill” in the boating community. LOL
A gentleman I have known for many years, “Ed on Old Broad,” is a delightful man with a kind heart. He and his wife, Sally, are more known for their gigantic feline ‘boatcat’ than probably anything else. Or so I thought. Another boater came by yesterday and told me others were gathering to watch CNN’s feature “Footnotes of 9-11.” He told me, “Ed on Old Broad’s interview is gonna be on there.” Not imagining the connection, my friend then enlightened me that “Ed on Old Broad,” before his cruising life, was Ed Ballinger, a Dispatcher for United Airlines in Chicago. Ed Ballinger handled 16 flights for United Airlines on that tragic day ten years ago, 9-11. Two of the flights Dispatcher Ed Ballinger handled were Flight 175 and Flight 93. Both were hijacked.
At the time of the interview, CNN came here to Boot Key Harbor (BKH) and filmed it while aboard Ed’s sailing vessel, Old Broad. Currently, Ed and Sally are just a few boats down from September Sea at a marina where we are enjoying the benefits of ample shore power for cooling off during the hot summer months here in the Keys. Last night, a number of us got together at the marina tikki hut bar, along with Ed and his wife Sally, to watch as planned. Ed was visibly shaken and cried during certain portions of the broadcast. We all cried along with him. We all consoled him. This was a real life truth to the adage, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” We who live aboard and/or cruise full-time come from all walks of life. Our life aboard and sailing give us a freedom much yearned for, and needed for many differing reasons.
I hope many of you will share this with others, including landlubber friends and relatives. Just as there are those who live vicariously through we who cruise and sail, embracing the thought of such freedom; contrarily, many do not understand why anyone could give up a house or condo on land and opt to live aboard a boat. For my fellow cruiser and friend, “Ed on Old Broad,” who, for a brief time last night became Dispatcher Ed Balllinger once again, today he’s back to being “Ed on Old Broad.” I like it that way. I’m sure “Ed on Old Broad” does too.
Charmaine Smith Ladd SSECN, Special Correspondent for the Florida Keys “Bringing you the low down from down low.” Charmaine@SeptemberSea.com, or csmithladd@marinersbarr.org
Shows you how even boat names aren’t that important down here in the Keys: Ed’s boat’s full name is `Good Old Broad.’ Sorry about that, Ed, she is most certainly a ‘˜GOOD Old Broad’! Didn’t mean to hurt her feelings. Hugs! Charmaine
Hi Charmaine:
Thank you for the quick reply. What a moving story about Ed. You know ‘“ that reminds me at something my mother used to say. `Behind every window there is a light ‘“ there live people, just like me and you. You never know what they went through in life ‘“ they just try to make the best of it.’ Ernst & Melinda
Banana Bay Marina & Resort lies along the northern shores of the Marathon peninsula, east of the Marathon Yacht Club.
BANANA BAY RESORT AND MARINA. We docked our 40 foot Carver at Banana Bay Resort and Marina for the month of July taking advantage of their summer monthly rates. Larry Wade the dock master did everything possible to make our stay enjoyable including personally checking with us on a daily basis. We used Banana Bay as our home base for cruising and fishing the Keys as we were centrally located with easy access to the ICW as well as the offshore reefs. While docked at the Marina we had full use of the resort facilities. We mainly used the pool and tiki bar. They have (4) nice clean showers, laundry room and boaters lounge. Free internet service was strong throughout marina. Home Depot, Publix, Walgreen, and good restaurants are within walking distance. West Marine and rental cars are within 2 miles. The Resort extends special room rates at the resort for Marina customers. We took advantage of this to have family visit with us. We plan on returning next summer. Marina not presently shown on map view but on North side of Marathon adjacent to pretty Joe rock. Fred and Linda
Hawks Cay Marina can ONLY be entered from the Hawk Channel side. A low level bridge and shallow water block any entrance by cruising size craft from the Florida Keys Inside Route.
Stayed Memorial Day weekend 2011. VERY pricy, and think the resort fee is ridiculous ‘“ after all, pools should be included. They’ve spent millions upgrading the resort, and not 5 cents that we could see on the docks. Falling apart ‘“ a woman fell into the water when the rotten 4×4 piling snapped when she leaned on it! All wooden structures around the marina appear warped. That said, the marina staff (Beverly et al) are friendly and very helpful. No plans to return. Karen Reilly
Galleon Marina will be the first marina that will come abeam to your starboard side as you enter Key West Bight. This facility has an excellent reputation, and it certainly lies right in the heart of Key West!
Spent another month here (6/2011) as we try and do every year. John and his entire staff are welcoming and terrific at helping captains dock. Each slip holds ONE boat ‘“ no worries about hitting your slipmate! My husband waxes the hull each year during our stay. Close to all the action and super staff have made this our choice for over 10 years. K. Reilly
Captain Charmaine’s message below is actually a reaction to multiple comments received in response to her latest article concerning developments vis-a-via the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program in the Florida Keys (see /update-on-floridas-pilot-program-marathon-fl-mpac-meeting-held). However, I knew this article would get more visibility published as a fresh posting. so here it is. If you are at all interested in the question of Florida anchoring rights, PLEASE read Captain Charmaine’s thoughts below. They are worthy of every cruisers’ time and attention!
Thank you all for your comments. Public outrage is exactly what is needed to stop this gross manipulation of the law by a few at the total dismissal of the expressed wants of the majority. It is even more stomach turning when one realizes the `chosen’ sites for the Pilot Program are mostly comprised of the same cities that have been caught red-handed enacting and enforcing illegal anchoring ordinances. They lost in court, yet they continue to flex their muscles once again by creating a ploy to go around existing law. Law enforcement is caught in the middle of a political game and are being used to do the bidding of a few powerful people. The Pilot Program is a tool being used to dictate to law enforcement how to enforce the otherwise unenforceable. The politicians who backed the Pilot Program will distance themselves and run for cover once the general public grasps the enormity of the Pilot Program’s hidden agenda and total disregard for the protection of boats in navigation under the law. FL Statute 327.60(2) was written to shut the door on their attempts’“the Pilot Program does not have to adhere to that Statute. Does it make it right to concoct an instrument that circumvents existing law? The Right of Navigation includes anchoring. Those who want to own the land and the water shall not succeed if we stand together to expose their greed and arrogance. Safety at sea is priority one. It should also be the FWC’s number one priority. Where it is permissible to anchor and for what length of time should not be a concern for any captain whose thoughts should be concentrated on safety first and foremost. This is a recipe for disaster. A captain may, in his or her haste to avoid an anchoring violation, leave an area under pressure when it otherwise would be prudent to stay. It is obvious that landlubbers who know nothing of why the Right of Navigation is imperative to safety, are the driving force behind the Pilot Program and its open door to enacting anchoring time limit ordinances. Please write the FWC and send a copy of it to Boat US. Allow your objections to be on the record. It doesn’t matter where you live, as the waters of Florida are held in the Public Trust for all. There is power in numbers and we need to speak up. Tell others about this injustice. Our servicemen and servicewomen fight for the freedoms of others abroad, yet we are still fighting to retain freedoms among ourselves right here in America. That is a very sad state of affairs. Tim’s comment made me recall this quote:
`The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people; it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government ‘“ lest it come to dominate our lives and interests.’ ‘“ Patrick Henry
A Week 31 LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS warned of an exposed I-beam in Bowlegs Cut, creating a dangerous situation in the passage and warranting a Navigation Alert on Cruisers’ Net. That danger has apparently been removed and the area returned to normal, as Capt. Grass assures us with his two passages.
Went through Bowlegs cut on August 5 and everything appeared to be back to normal. Capt. Martin Grass
Currently anchored in Cowpens. I returned northbound through Bowlegs Cut this afternoon (8 August) at idle speed and everything appeared normal to me. Capt. Martin Grass
Another GREAT article authored by the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Florida Keys Special Correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd. How great to hear the story of how Bio Diesel is now available in the Florida Keys!!
July 16th, 2011 Bio-Diesel Fuel Company in the FL Keys by Charmaine Smith Ladd My dear friend, Captain Jack Burnett, has lived in the Keys for nearly four decades. We have known one another and have been truly “family” for nearly nine years. He loves to talk of old times in the Keys and has been a plethora of local knowledge for me since first landing here. During all that time, I’ve only questioned one thing he’s ever shared with me: the recommendation of using discarded restaurant vegetable oil for running September Sea’s Yanmar diesel engine. Captain Jack has been running his 33-foot sailing vessel on the vegetable oil he obtains from local restaurant fryers for quite some time now. Vegetable oil from the fryers restaurants would otherwise discard is recycled by Captain Jack as he strains it and pours it into his boat’s fuel tank. He swears by it. He says his vessel actually has never run better! Well, Captain Jack was absolutely right! The proof is now making big news as Marathon fisherman, Jeff Lillie, has recently put his brainchild, Marathon Bio-Diesel, on the map as the first bio-diesel fuel company in the Keys. It took him seven years to do it, but he’s well on his way as the word spreads of the advantages of using recycled vegetable oil instead of diesel. Buyers use it not only to fuel their water crafts, but also as fuel for their automobiles and tiki torches! Some begin by using a 50% ratio of the bio-diesel with regular diesel. Many soon find, sometimes after some minor modifications, 100% bio-diesel is their fuel of choice! Captain Jack made no such modifications and uses 100% vegetable oil with no problems for years. It’s a different way to “Go Green,” that’s for sure. But Green is always a good thing when helping to preserve our natural resources. This writer must admit that the aroma of french fries while motoring is a remarkably refreshing improvement over the smell of burning diesel fuel. Besides…smelling french fries is almost as good as eating them; and inhaling involves no caloric content! Ha!
Charmaine Smith Ladd SSECN Special Correspondent, Florida Keys “Bringing you the low down from down low!” Charmaine@SeptemberSea.com
Thank you for mentioning us in the Cruisers Net. We look forward to fueling up those who make it to the Florida Keys. Nancy Kukkue http://www.marathonbiodiesel.com
Pilot House Marina continues to receive praise here on the Cruisers’ Net. Clearly, this is one of the most cruiser friendly facilities in the upper Keys.
We stayed at Pilot House Marina 5 days. The first morning our coffee maker died. I went to the ship’s store and explained the problem. The lady went to the resturant and made a pitcher of coffee for us. To our suprise, a pitcher of coffe was provided all the other mornings too. A VERY enjoyable stay and a caring and knowledgeable staff! Hal Womersley
Comments from Cruisers (1)
More than a few of St. Augustine’s north mooring field buoys remain empty because of shoaling of the bay bottom. This prevents the marina from being able to assign boats to these buoys because a falling tide MAY have the boat on the hard bottom.
Because this is a designated mooring area, a shallow draft cruiser that COULD anchor in this space is denied anchoring as allowed by FS 370.04.