Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

May 12, 2011by: Claiborne Young 3 Comments
Channel Key Pass – Navigational Conundrum (Florida Keys Inside Route, Statute Mile 1179.5)
Another GREAT article by our very special Florida Keys correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd. And, in this missive, Captain Charmaine is asking for input from fellow Florida Keys Cruisers. Please read on, and if you have any knowledge of the channel across Channel Key Pass, please click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.
May 11, 2011
Channel Key Pass (ICW through Channel Key Banks) – Navigational Conundrum
N 24 48.768 W 80 54.708 (Green #5 & #7 and Red #8)
by Charmaine Smith Ladd
The weather in the Keys has been in the high 80s. Not a bad thing when there is wind to blow off the waters and keep one comfortable while aboard. A few weeks ago, looking at the extended forecast it became apparent the wind would be saying goodbye for a while. That’s the time when flags which otherwise fly proudly become as limp as last week’s wilted flowers. Hardly a breath of wind to lift anything. Marinas and Harbors can get quite stifling during such times, unless one has the option and decides to run air conditioning.
September Sea has that option. But instead of closing the boat up and turning on the central air, we find it much more adventurous to leave the confines of marinas and Harbors and head offshore in search of cooler days and nights. Most probably wouldn’t think it…but it’s a great time to take off for adventure even when the seas are calm and the breeze is gone.
---- Calm Seas and No Breeze (just outside Boot Key Harbor in Atlantic)
Florida Bay was our choice this time, as it would be calmer waters for anchoring in the event any weather happened to surface. Gorgeous waters say hello to coolness! There seems to always be air out here in the Bay, even if it means going five to ten or more miles offshore. It is worth it. Not only for cooling off, but how one can cool off is what is so wonderful about getting away: the farther one goes the more one gains with total privacy, solitude, and no irritations. LOL
We’ve been out and about for over three weeks and loving it. When we departed Boot Key Harbor (Marathon), we took the Atlantic side and sailed on the last day of wind before the calm…and it was a glorious sail. There’s nothing quite like the sound of movement along the water and not spending a dime on fuel. It’s as Green as it gets! At Channel Five we crossed over into Florida Bay. Glorious backwater areas!
We recently had to pick up some supplies so we headed back towards Marathon. We normally don’t take the Bayside route as we draw 5’8. The waters of Florida Bay average 7-9 feet, mostly 7-8 this far inshore, whereas traversing the Atlantic one doesn’t have to constantly watch the depth sounder. But we decided to do it, as it was new territory for us between Channel Five and Seven Mile Bridge, via the Bay. When charting our course, we came across an unusual navigational aid configuration along the ICW at Channel Key Pass:
Channel Key Pass (ICW through Channel Key Banks) N 24 48.768 W 80 54.708 (Green markers #5 & #7 and Red marker #8)
Look at the included chartlet as if your boat draws 5’8. All depths on the chart are optimal, as the tide does not fluctuate feet but only inches in Florida Bay. How would you have plotted your course in this scenario? I’d like to get some of your comments as this is an ICW Route and many of you have probably been here. I’m sure there are other areas along the ICW that are just as confusing. But this one really makes little sense to me.
What do you make of it and how would you have handled it? You can see my track (in black) through the Pass (channel markers) but after doing so and finding my keel within a very few inches of touching bottom; in hindsight perhaps I should have gone with my first inclination: going outside the red marker and navigating the 7 ft. waters to its starboard. But then again, imagine making this choice at night. That would be scary to come up to two lit channel markers and decide to go around them instead of between them!
This just goes to show how one must be alert at all times. Even after plotting my course, I had no idea what those markers would actually look like when approached. The view from the water actually looked more confusing than the chart… as the chart is correct and the markers are exactly where indicated. The markers are not directly across from each other but create more of an “S” curve as you pass through. Navigating the “S” curve brought September Sea precariously close to the shoal on port (Green #7). Perhaps I should have gone outside Red #8, as the chart shows the water consistently deeper there. I did watch a sailboat do just that about an hour later, long after we had passed through.
There must be some history of these channel markers. Perhaps it was for fishing boats to easily navigate between the two shoals. But if that were the case, then why such a narrow opening and “S” curve rather than moving the red marker closer to the northernmost shoal and creating a much wider and easier to navigate passage? Anyone out there have an idea of why this is set up in such a confusing manner? This writer would love to read what you think.
In the meantime, we aboard September Sea will be cool and comfy offshore. Of course I had to time this article while in internet range, so at this moment we are much much closer to shore than we prefer (well, I did need to get those supplies too, so it’s all good). It is so different near shore…very, very warm day! As soon as I click “Send” we’ll weigh anchor and be underway offshore again. Coolness, here we come!
Charmaine Smith Ladd
SSECN Special Correspondent, Florida Keys
“Bringing you the low down from down low!”
http://www.SeptemberSea.com
We have been through Channel Key Pass a number of times, most recently about a week ago. I agree that the position of the marks looks pretty strange, but we always follow them, and we have not seen anything less than about 6.5 feet.
Unless I have specific knowledge I always follow the marks rather than the chart or the purple line. The soundings were taken many years ago and rarely get updated. The marks may have been moved since the chart was created.
Our boat needs somewhere between 5.2 and 5.4 feet to avoid fraternizing with the bottom, depending on how much water, fuel, and beer are on board. We made it from Marathon to Miami and back within the last few weeks. Channel Key Pass was one of the easy places for us. The skinniest water was found in two places. The worst was near Isla Morada, between marks 80 and 86. We could not find anything more than about 5.6 feet, even though the tide was up and the wind was light. The other place was at mark 50, just north of Grouper Creek. We were not much more than a boat length from the red mark when the alarm suddenly went off. A quick jog even closer to the mark quickly restored about 9 feet of water. We have been through there before without incident. I don’t know if there is shoaling or if we were simply a few feet closer to the existing shallows.
Gene Fuller
Punta Gorda
Yorkshire Rose, Catalina 42
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Comments from Cruisers (3)

George - April 2, 2016 - 12:18 pm

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.
Reply to George
Apr 25, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Cowpens Northeastern Anchorage (Florida Keys Inside Route near St. M. 1154.5)
Wouldn’t want to get caught here in fresh western or southwestern winds, but otherwise, this spot makes for a good Florida Keys place to drop the hook!
Great little site, well protected from the south & east. Founder’s Park has a full marina with fuel, ice, and pump out station. There is a nice beach, tennis courts, pool, fields, amphitheater, and even a dog park.
Bill Longstreth
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For Cowpens Northeastern Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cowpens Northeastern Anchorage
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Apr 25, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Where Anchor Lights Are Required in The Florida Keys – It May Surprise You
I must admit to not knowing that even in Marathon’s Boot Key Harbor Mooring Field, display of a nighttime anchor light is required. Read on, and our Florida Keys correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd, will explain why!
April 19, 2011
Where Anchor Lights are Required in the Keys – It May Surprise You!
by Charmaine Smith Ladd
Most cruisers feel well vamped on when it is required by law to display an anchor light. Ask and the answer will most often be, “It’s not necessary when in a designated anchorage at night.”
However, particularly in the Florida Keys, there is a lot of confusion as to what constitutes a “designated anchorage.” It has nothing to do with whether or not an area is designed for anchoring or commonly perceived as an anchorage within an established harbor, but everything to do with whether or not the placement of the anchorage is within Inland Waters or International Waters. Even those designations cannot be determined by what one’s commonsense may indicate.
One may surmise that Inland is within any Harbor. That would be an incorrect assumption, especially in the Florida Keys. Many a cruiser has been shocked when visited by Florida Fish & Wildlife (FWC) or the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and handed a ticket (usually around $70.00) for not displaying an anchor light when anchored in what was perceived as a “designated anchorage.” Like last night in Boot Key Harbor, where Law Enforcement was out and about issuing warnings and citations for anchor light violations.
“It’s a designated anchorage!” is the common protest, “One does not have to use an anchor light when in a designated anchorage, and I’m in one because I’m moored in a designated mooring field!” Surely this has been heard by many an Officer while enforcing the anchoring light regulation. Cruisers truly are serious when they protest, but ignorance of the Regulations is not an excuse. With that said, here’s the low down:
It is all about the acronym COLREGS and its demarcation lines. “COLREGS” stands for “Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions.” Basically, regulations put in place to prevent collisions of vessels. On charts it is usually seen in lower case, written as “Colregs.”
When in Inland Waters inside of the Colregs demarcation lines {shown on coastal charts as magenta colored dashed lines} a vessel does not have to display an anchor light from dusk until dawn if it is in a “Special Anchorage” (clearly marked on the chart as such). However, there are no “Special Anchorages” in International Waters (outside of the Colregs demarcation lines) International Rules clearly state an anchored vessel MUST display an approved anchor light from dusk until dawn while anchored or moored.
In the Florida Keys, heading southwest, the Colregs demarcation line crosses just prior to nearing waters of Lower Matecumbe Key. From there throughout the remainder of the Keys and beyond, a vessel is outside of the Colregs and therefore in International Waters: regulated to display an anchor light from dusk until dawn. Yes! This means that even while in the most protected anchorage area of the Keys, Marathon’s famous Boot Key Harbor, whether on a mooring ball or at anchor . . . one must display a USCG approved anchor light in order to be in compliance with Regulations.
To some it seems silly. However, regulations are regulations. Once it is understood that a “designated anchorage” is deemed by its placement strictly in reference to Colregs demarcation lines on the charts, rather than being simply viewed as “any common inland place of anchorage,” it begins to make sense. When in the Keys, look for the Colregs on your charts and see where you are in relation. It will show whether or not an anchor light is required when anchoring at night.
This writer hopes to add clarity to this issue and help prevent others who come down to the Keys thinking the displaying of an anchor light in Boot Key Harbor is debatable or voluntary. It is not. It is mandatory and enforced as per the Colregs. When outside the Colregs demarcation lines, please make sure your vessel is shining from dusk ’til dawn with an approved USCG approved anchor light (white light visible up to 2 miles in all directions).
Besides, enjoying a nice dinner for two with the $70.00 saved from not receiving a ticket of violation leaves no bitter aftertaste! LOL
For more information on this topic, consult USCG Regulations.
Charmaine Smith Ladd, s/v September Sea
SSECN Correspondent for the Florida Keys
“Bringing You the Low Down from Down Low!”
And, from a fellow cruiser:
In addition, the USCG has issued an `Interpretive Rule’ (33 CFR 90.5) which states that `A vessel at anchor includes a vessel made fast to one or more mooring buoys or other similar devices attached to the ocean floor. Such vessels may be lighted as a vessel at anchor in accordance with Rule 30, or may be lighted on the corners in accordance with 33 CFR 88.13.’
I’m not aware of an exemption from displaying anchor lights in Inland Waters. I’ve been unable to find any reference to such in my copy of COLREGS.
Sorry, I could have been clearer.
I should have written, `I’m not aware of an exemption from displaying anchor lights STRICTLY BECAUSE ONE IS in Inland Waters.’ Of course, there are `Special Anchorage’ areas, but in my experience they’re very rare, and are clearly outlined on the charts and the CFR’s.
Let me try again. Unless you see a clear outlined area on your chart about a `Special Anchorage,’ with a reference to the CFR number authorizing it, you need to show a USCG approved anchor light (not a solar-powered porch light), whether anchored or on a mooring.
Larry Shick
And, Captain Charmaine responds:
Very true, Larry. It was not my intention to be unclear and give the impression that as long as one is in Inland Waters no anchor light is required. A practice such as that certainly would not help prevent collisions at sea.
Rather that such `Special Anchorages’ are found in U.S. Inland Waters, not International Waters ‘“ and clearly marked on the charts. To many a cruiser, a Harbor with anchorage is a ‘special anchorage.’ Your comment is perfect to bring the entire point to light that a designated or special anchorage is not what we may think it is, but what the charts dictate it is. Many thanks!
Charmaine Smith Ladd, s/v September Sea
SSECN Correspondent for the Florida Keys
“Bringing You the Low Down from Down Low!”
I believe the above article is inaccurate and confusing. Captain Charmaine seems to use the terms `designated anchorage’ and `Special Anchorage’ interchangeably, as if they meant the same. They do not. And she states that designated anchorages do not exist outside the COLREGS lines. They do.
A designated anchorage is simply an attempt to establish order in a area where vessels are likely to anchor, or to safely anchor dangerous cargoes. Many designated anchorages exist along the east coast outside major ports like Beaufort, Charleston, Jacksonville, Port Everglages, Miami, etc. All of these are outside the COLREGS lines, and all require anchor lights.
Special Anchorages do not require anchor lights. Special Anchorages are all inside the COLREGS lines simply because the federal government has no authority to alter the International COLREGS rules. As Larry Shick points out, Special Anchorages are very rare. They are listed in the Coast Pilot Chapter 2 and clearly labeled on charts. There are only six Special Anchorages from Cape Henry, VA, to Key West, FL. It is very unlikely that the average boater will ever anchor in a Special Anchorage.
The fact that the USCG only occasionally enforces anchor lights adds to the confusion and misconception.
Bottom line: Show an anchor light whenever you anchor or moor.
Bruce Marschall
Thank you for your comments, Bruce.
I agree it is all quite confusing. My article was not meant to add further confusion but to hone in on the ever asked question as to why boats in Boot Key Harbor are required to display an anchor light ‘” as some see it as being a `designated anchorage’ and assume no anchor light is required when moored.
Thus my conclusion in the article:
`This writer hopes to add clarity to this issue and help prevent others who come down to the Keys thinking the displaying of an anchor light in Boot Key Harbor is debatable or voluntary. It is not. It is mandatory and enforced as per the Colregs. When outside the Colregs demarcation lines, please make sure your vessel is shining from dusk ’til dawn with an approved USCG approved anchor light (white light visible up to 2 miles in all directions).’
I do hope that much of my article is crystal clear, as that is the intent of the article. With that said, if you feel otherwise, please let me know. I certainly do not want to mislead or confuse, but the parameters of my article were more akin to the problems we have in the Keys and BKH regarding the requirement of having an anchor light on whether in the mooring field or anchored within the boundaries of the Harbor. That has caused considerable confusion down here (and the shock of a ticket to those who thought it was okay to not display their anchor light).
Many thanks for your comments. No doubt I have much more to learn on this subject as a whole.
Hugs,
Charmaine
Change your anchor light to an LED light which draws less than 20% of what your incandescent lamp does and makes it a non issue to turn on the anchor light at dusk as the load on the battery bank is now so small’¦
Marinebeam dot com has an excellent selection of high quality LED lamps that do not put noise in your VHF radio’¦ I have not used the Dr Led bulbs so I cannot comment there’¦
Dennis O’Connor
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Apr 19, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Captain Charmaine Reports on Anchoring By Tarpon Belly Keys (Back Route from Marathon to Key West)

Author's Vessel, "September Sea" Anchored at Tarpon Belly Key
Wow, what a GREAT article by our Florida Keys SSECN Correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd. To reach the anchorage Captain Charmaine describes hard by Tarpon Belly Key, cruisers whose craft draw 5 feet or less, might choose to run the so-called, Back Route from Marathon to Key West, at least partially. To do this, run north on Big Spanish Channel, sandwiched between Big Pine Key to the west (among others) and Little Pine Key, plus several smaller keys, to the east. At Harbor Key Bank Light, you make a turn to the southwest, and slip along the northern face of the uninhabited keys all the way to Northwest Channel, which, in turn provides access to Key West.
Cruisers bound for Tarpon Belly Keys should depart this “back route” near Statute Mile 12287, and navigate the “Cudjoe Channel” to a point abeam of Tarpon Belly Keys. This is an unmarked passage, so the use of an up-to-date, GPS chartplotter is highly suggested.
For those whose vessel requires more than 5 feet of water to keep off the bottom, Captain Charmaine recommends navigating an arc around Bullard Bank, Monkey Bank, and Sideboard Bank to enter Cudjoe Channel from the Northeast.
What a neat place to be once the hook is down. Read Captain Charmaine’s article below, study her pics, and you’ll see how neat it is!
Tarpon Belly Keys, Florida Keys
N24 43.74 W81 31.24
by Charmaine Smith Ladd
September Sea is often out sailing and anchoring throughout the Florida Keys. Often the question “Where do you go?” is presented to me. When told of the plethora of unique and quaint places where we anchor, the usual response is: “There’s no protection there, is there?” Or, “That’s Bayside, what do you draw?” We draw 5’8″ and have no problems navigating Florida Bay–we simply consult and adhere to our charts!
Cruisers often forget that shoal waters surrounding an anchoring area can be just as beneficial as a body of land for protection. When looking at charts, one limits their anchorage areas if land is viewed as the only source of protection from foul weather and indicative of a comfortable anchorage. Shoal waters can provide much the same protection.
Exploring Ruins on Tarpon Belly Key
One fine example of this is Tarpon Belly Keys. Looking at the charts one might view it as undesirable for protected anchoring. But a closer examination shows the shoal waters around it prohibit fetch from building in the area. The only seemingly exposed area is from the Northwest, but because of the shape of the narrow channel from the Northwest, and its surrounding shoal waters, you are quite protected. It is a very comfortable and lovely anchorage.
Tarpon Belly Key used to be a shrimp farm. There are two man-made, coral bottomed canals that are fabulous for exploration. From a distance, it appears there is a sand beach but it is sand-colored coral. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes when going up to the Key. We are careful to have an extra long painter on the dinghy so that no chafe occurs while tied up to a tree on the Key. There’s a home-made tree swing, remnants of campfires, a foundation for what used to be the main office of the shrimp farm, and lots of remains of concrete and structural steel that gives it a feeling of walking through a historic time in the Keys. You can walk, albeit carefully, atop one of the old concrete beams from one side of the canal to the other section of the Key, then follow an overgrown road and see the other canal. It is quite picturesque!
On Cudjoe Key, seen southwest of Tarpon Belly, the great Fat Albert makes it home. Many have seen it from afar, a big weather blimp high in the sky. However, from Tarpon Belly’s vantage point, you have an incredible view of Fat Albert as it’s docked.
Hope you enjoy the pictures of this most unique area of the Keys! There are so many places like this where you can anchor and enjoy the beauty, wildlife, and solitude. Open your anchoring choices by remembering that surrounding shoal waters can also offer great protection!
Charmaine Smith Ladd, s/v September Sea
SSECN Correspondent, Florida Keys
“Bringing you the low down from down low!”
www.SeptemberSea.com

Home-made Swing on Tarpon Belly Key

Author Explores Tarpon Belly Key

Man-made Canal on Tarpon Belly Key

Old Dock on Shrimp Canal - Tarpon Belly Key
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Tarpon Belly Key Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Tarpon Belly Key Anchorage

Tarpon Beach on Dwellable
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Mar 25, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Whale Harbor Channel – Wilson Key Anchorage (near Statute Mile 1156.5)
The anchorage described below lies off the eastern half of the Whale Harbor Channel, and is entered from the Florida Keys Inside/ICW route. We have always found the swing room here to be limited, but clearly Captain Erwan did not suffer from this problem.
Very nice anchorage, quiet compared to the one on the other side of the Wilson Key. The bottom is very soft mud, so not very good in strong wind. Don’t go too far inside the bay, it becomes shallow very fast.
We anchored there to visit the `Theater of the Sea’. It’s at a walking distance from the shore where it’s easy to dinghy. Ice, small grocery and Tiki bar very close.
Erwan
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For Whale Harbor Channel ‘“ Wilson Key Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Whale Harbor Channel ‘“ Wilson Key Anchorage
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Mar 25, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Lignumvitae Key Mooring Field (near Statute Mile 1162.5)
Clearly, the state of Florida is not keeping up with this mooring field. In the absence of more than one mooring, you can still choose to drop the hook here.
Spent one night there on March 13. I found only 1 mooring ball.
Erwan
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For Lignumvitae Key Mooring Field
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Lignumvitae Key Mooring Field
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Mar 25, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Matecumbe Harbor Anchorage (Florida Keys Inside Route, near St. M. 1168)
Click the chartlet below, which will open a Chart View page centered on this anchorage. Now, even though they are not noted on the chart, be aware that high-tension powerlines cross the southern reaches of Matecumbe Harbor. Captain Erwan can certainly anchor here if he likes, but, for me, I would be sleepless the entire night anchored on these waters in a sailcraft, worrying about dragging into these deadly obstructions.
I’m not [in agreement] with the `powercraft ONLY’. I have a 31ft sailboat and we spent one night in its beautiful anchorage. There is enough room and depth to stay away from the power lines. The bottom is hard mud which hold very well.
You can go ashore using the dinghy and the channel 2 passage, but not possible on the bay side because it’s a private marina.
Erwan
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For Matecumbe Harbor Anchorage
Click on Chartlet Below to Open a Chart View Window,
Centered on the Location of This Anchorage:
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Mar 25, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina (Florida Keys Inside Route, near Statute Mile 1155)
Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina lies along the Florida Keys Inside Route (ICW) a short hop south and west of Tavernier Creek. It is one of the most transient friendly facilities between Jewfish Creek and Marathon!
Nice marina with all amenities, and very nice dockmaster. The beach is great with kids. Be careful when approaching the fuel dock at low tide, there is a rock on the right’¦I touched it even with my 4’3’³ keel’¦
Erwan
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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Mar 25, 2011by: Claiborne Young 4 Comments
Major New Publication Available on Florida Anchoring
Our sincere thanks to Captain Mary Dixon for forwarding the link below. We have read the document in question, and it IS LENGTHY and very wordy, BUT it is perhaps the last word on virtually ALL the issues surrounding the complex and emotionally charged Florida anchoring issue.
Cruising News:
New publication on Florida anchoring
http://www.flseagrant.org/joomla/images/PDFs/anchoring%20away_03_09_11_full_web3.pdf
Mary Dixon
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Mar 25, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Gilberts Resort Marina (FL Keys Inside Route, on Jewfish Creek, near St. M. 1134)
There are differing opinions on this facility. The note below represents a positive review. However, also follow the link below for a different point of view.
We enjoyed our stay at Gilberts Resort Marina at mile 1134. Despite the fancy name its a laid-back kind of place, the dockmaster never answered the radio. They have a pool, bar/restaurant and a little beach. A condo salesman gave us the pitch. I would like to know if it has gone condo now? I think that would destroy the old keys atmosphere. Gilberts is 23 miles from Islamorada then 45 miles to Miami.
Alan Lloyd
Click Here To Read An Earlier Posting Concerning Gilberts Resort Marina
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Gilberts Resort Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Gilberts Resort Marina
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Mar 21, 2011by: Claiborne Young 1 Comment
Anchoring in No-Name Harbor (near Statute Mile 1096)
No-name harbor lies on the southwesterly tip of Key Biscayne, just north of Cape Florida, and is part of the Florida State Park of the same name. The crew of the “Sorry Dawg” does a good job of describing what this anchorage has to offer below.
Visitors are allowed to anchor overnight in No Name Harbor for a fee of $20.00 per boat per night. Mooring to the seawall overnight is not permitted. During operating hours, visitors who have paid the overnight fee have access to coin operated laundry machines and a rinse shower. We also have a free pump out for all boats, a picnic shelter and restrooms. Boater’s Grill is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Visitors arriving by boat but not anchoring overnight must pay a $2.00 entrance fee. The entrance fee and anchoring fee are both collected by honor system.
http://www.floridastateparks.org/capeflorida/activities.cfm#10
This is a nice harbor during the week but is mobbed on the weekend, tons of weekend boaters all around the area.
You can also climb the Cape Florida Lighthouse while you are there during regularly scheduled tours. However, I do not think there are water hookups at the wall. You can call them and inquire,
Bill Baggs State Park @ (305) 361-5811
Incidentally, there is a restaurant right there in No Name Harbor that has good Cuban food.
Sorry Dawg
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida/Florida Keys Directory Listing For No-Name Harbor
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of No-Name Harbor
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Mar 21, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Marina Del Mar Marina and Resort (Key Largo, off Hawk Channel)
To find one’s way from the Hawk Channel to Marina Del Mar, you must run the marked and charted channel to what I call the Key Largo Canal, north of Lake Largo. Marina Del Mar has always struck me as a bit on the touristy side, but, on the other hand, it is one of the few facilities on the Hawk Channel side of Key Largo that offers transient dockage.
A good place to spend the night would be Marina del Mar. A little pricey (3.00 per foot plus electric) but a very calm marina and lots of stuff to do within walking or biking distance. Home to African Queen (boat used in Bogey movie of same name). There are 3 pools on site, two restaurants (Coconuts also has live entertainment weekends, and good drinks and bartenders), and a continental breakfast comes with the slip. Showers at two locations depending on what side of the marina you are on, and both excellent. Laundry facilites as well
Best local restaurant off site would be Ballyhoos about 2 miles south of the marina.
My normal morning activity is to get up early and watch all the fishing and snorkeling boats departing the marina. if you do want to snorkel or dive, Molasses is best and closest, and best time to go is between 11:00 and 1:00 (the commercial boats have all returned to their docks prepping for afternoon run).
If you decide to go talk to Candi, the dockmaster, and tell her the captain of In-T-Mate recommended the marina. No financial advantage for me, but it gets me good points when i do show up, and I stay there a lot.
Good luck and smooth sailing.
K. Conners
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Marina Del Mar Marina and Resort
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Marina Del Mar Marina and Resort
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Mar 20, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Don’t Miss Pilot House Marina (Key Largo – Hawk Channel)
Pilot House Marina can be a little tricky for first timers to locate. Study chart 11451, and scan the Key Largo section of the Florida Keys west of Mosquito Bank and Hawk Channel marker #35. If you look sharp, you’ll spy Lake Largo. Pilot House lies on the northern banks of the canal approaching Key Largo, just as the passage enters Lake Largo.
Incidentally, your depth sounder has not lost its mind if you note soundings exceeding 20 feet on Lake Largo. This body of water was a one-time Rock Quarry for Henry Flagler’s railroad that “went to sea.” But, that’s another story for another day.
We’re on a 46′ Sea Ray and stayed at Pilot House Marina for four days’¦ thoroughly enjoyable! The approach is a canal that looks tricky but is not. The staff at Pilot House is knowledgeable and attentive, especially Dockmaster Don Brown (who even pulled our dog’s tennis ball out of the water not once, but twice!). There are two restaurants on site (one with a glass-bottomed bar), and a dolphin research center and a community park (with swimming pool, tennis courts, and fitness track) are within easy walking distance. Pilot House is not for the resort-minded, but is a casual, very friendly, and comfortable marina with unequalled sunsets.
Kim and Terry
`Hawkeye’
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Pilot House Marina
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Mar 16, 2011by: Claiborne Young 1 Comment
Anchoring in Community Harbor and Mangrove Marina (Statute Mile 1150)
Below, Captain Steve first reports on depths and anchoring in Community Harbor. This body of water surrounds Mangrove Marina, which is the second subject of Steve’s message.
Due to the depth and poor holding, we have never suggested anchoring in Community Harbor, and, consequently, these waters can not boast an entry in our Florida Keys Anchorage Directory.
Very poor holding. Our found depths were closer to 3.5 ft. Lots of old mooring trash on bottom.
[Mangrove Marina’s} Showers were medium clean but the staff and people there were great. In a blow get a slip. Saw a few boat come loose [presumably anchored in Community Harbor – editor].
Steve
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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Mar 16, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Curtis Marina (off Hawk Channel in Key Largo)
The marked channel leading to Curtis Marina cuts off the ocean/Hawk Channel north of Tavernier Key. First time entry by visitors can be tricky!
This marina is almost always full with about 20 slips, mostly live aboards. Next to Curtis is Blue Waters Marina a live aboard marina. sometimes you can get a slip there. Our draft is 4.5ft & we had no problem. Stay to your port in the deeper water before coming in the markers to the channel.
Steve
The channel can be easily traversed with over 5′ draft to either Curtis Marine or BlueWaters marina. We draw 5’3’³ and have no trouble with at least 1′ above datum, (3 hours +- high tide) The shallow spot is just before the channel entrance lighted G’1’³ and R’2’³, stay to starbord, over toward the red to avoid a hump. Once inside the first markers the channel is very deep.
If you need to wait for the tide, the anchorage on the NW side of Tavernier Keys is excellent, with depths raging from 5 to 8 feet at low water.
Capt. Edana Long
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Curtis Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Curtis Marina
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Mar 15, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Coconut Grove Sailing Club Mooring Field is Sailcraft Only (near Statute Mile 1094.5)
We have confirmed with SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR Coconut Grove Sailing Club that, indeed, only sailcraft are accepted for guest stays in their mooring field. If you do pilot a sailcraft, it is our experience that Coconut Grove Sailing Club is a wonderful place to pick up a mooring!
CGSC’s reciprocal yacht hospitality does NOT extend to power boaters! We’re members of a yacht club that us listed in the Registry of American Yacht Clubs & had been enjoying the Keys for the winter on our trawler. We contacted them via phone . . . they got back to us saying they accept sail visitors only. This was confirmed by their vice commodore just today. None of available cruising info states this ‘” their website, THIS net, the waterway guides, the Registry of American Yacht Clubs, etc.
Linda Hughes
They also only accept up to 40Ft. sailboats. We tried to stay there. We took a mooring in Dinner Key Marian instead.
S/V Colleen Mae
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida/Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Coconut Grove Sailing Club
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Mar 11, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Captain Charmaine Says No Such Thing as Local vs Tourist Prices in the Florida Keys
We have had at least two posts here on the Cruisers’ Net during the winter, 2010 – 2011 season about two sets of prices in Florida Keys restaurants and other businesses, one for locals and a higher price for visitors. Our Florida Keys Correspondent, Captain Charmine Smith Ladd weighs in on this issue below.
It’s baloney. LOL
Truly. There is no “locals” price and a “tourist” price that I know of anywhere in the Keys. In fact, it’s what we locals WANT in the off-season so we can continue to frequent their establishments but not get hit with “season” prices. Trust me, I wish there was a double standard! LOL
I’m sure what the waitress meant was jokingly saying “We’ll give you the locals price,” due to her error, rather than it being established protocol.
(You can quote me on this.)
P.S. Others may be confusing this with such things as discounts for taxis. Locals who use taxi service daily get a discount. They ride 20 times a month at least, because they take the same taxi service to and from work daily. They are given a “frequent rider” discount.
Keys Fisheries allows locals to purchase a discount card. It’s the same as buying 10 subs from Subway and getting one free. Frequent patronage is often rewarded by businesses all over the country. But as far as a “locals” discount on menu items as a rule anywhere in the Keys is unheard of. I do wish more establishments would offer such rewards for loyalty and frequent patronage. But most do not. In the case the gentleman referred, I am sure the waitress was joking. Between the true discounts offered and this incident, I’m sure it got confused.
But perhaps this can enlighten others as to why some services do offer discounts, as is the case anywhere.
Buy a coupon at Cracker Barrel to eat there ten times and get one dinner free! Gas cards used to do the …fill up ten times and get a free fill…but those days are gone! LOL
Charmaine
100% correct capt. 🙂
Charles
I respectfully disagree with your `It’s baloney’ comment as far as Islamorada is concerned. We spent 5 straight winters in Islamorada (2005 thru 2009), become known in many varied local establishments, and received a `locals’ price at a number (not all) of them. We certainly appreciated that savings and actually felt that we had become `locals’ instead of `tourists’. We loved that time in our lives. Islamorada is a very special place.
Ralph
MI don’t know about two sets of prices but there are sometimes discounts given to locals by some merchants though I don’t think the `tourist destination places’ offer them. The waitress quoted in the above article may have been talking about the `Locals Card’ which is sponsored by the Key West newspaper `The Citizen’. Info is at their website http://keysnews.com/ Scroll down the left side to `The Locals Guide ‘“ A savings directory for locals’ in Monroe County. The back of the card states: `The Citizen Locals Card entitles MONROE COUNTY RESIDENTS to discounts and savings when presented to participating merchants listed in the Locals Guide. Local or Military ID may be required.’
Reid Gantt
March 22. A group of ladies from the marina went to Hog Heaven today for lunch. When the check came they asked, on a whim, `can we get the locals’ discount?’ The waitress asked for ID from one of them, and then gave a discount on the bill. So, yes, there is such a thing down here in the Keys as a `locals’ discount’ if you ask for it and have ID should it be requested.
Wade Ehlen
And, Captain Charmaine responds:
Seems the subject has broadened a bit, to say the least. Talk about opening a can of worms that turned into anacondas! However, my response remains the same. Let me explain.
As I previously wrote:
“Frequent patronage is often rewarded by businesses all over the country. But as far as a `locals’ discount on menu items as a rule anywhere in the Keys is unheard of.”
I stand by that.
My response was in direct reference to a situation regarding restaurant menu items. Not discounts for hotels, motels, or RV Parks in the Keys. With that said, it only makes sense to reference what I stated about being rewarded for frequent patronage. I see no disagreement here at all. It’s just that the topic has broadened beyond the scope of the original question.
Lodging? It simply makes sense that a person who wants to lodge here for three months gets a better rate than those who stay for a week. Are not daily rates much higher than weekly or monthly rates… be it for motel, hotel, Holiday Inn? Same with the mooring fields or marinas. The prices are more reasonable the longer your stay. This is true be you tourist or local — the price base is the same — this is the way it is all over the U.S. A tourist may think he or she is getting a “locals” discount because…well, that’s what tourists like to hear. I’ve heard it said in Las Vegas. (See, not everything that happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!)
The bottom line is the answer to this question: If a person moved down here and became a local would their restaurant tab total be less? In that sense, my answer is still No. Most discount cards for frequent patronage can be purchased by anyone. I’m sure if you went to Keys’ Fisheries and asked to buy their discount card you would be allowed to buy it, even if you were from Missouri. But if you’re only staying a week, you’ll spend quite a lot of money to get 15% off of the ten meals required to get the discount. LOL (Those numbers may not be accurate, I’m simply making a point here.)
Think of it this way, the guy who works the 4-midnight shift and lives here is really ticked because he is always at work during the numerous “Happy Hours.” No discounts for him! But the tourist sitting there with that wide grin on her face is certainly making up for his disappointment. Fair is fair! LOL
If you live locally, you pay taxes locally. County by county this is usually the case. If I go to the library in my county of residence, the cost for my card will be cheaper than that of a non-resident. But that is not the issue here. The issue is whether or not there is a practice of “locals” pricing vs. “tourists” pricing in restaurants. There is not. After all, we are simply the Keys, not another country!
Hugs!
Charmaine Smith Ladd, s/v September Sea
SSECN Correspondent
“Bringing you the low down from down low!”
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Mar 11, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Captain Jane Walked a Mile (and back) for This Sushi (Key West)

There is something pleasingly ironic that worthy sushi is hard to find in Florida and in particular the Keys, so when Heidi Garbo, my favorite foodie informant in Key West and proprietor of Garbo’s Grill, told me there is superlative sushi here, she got my attention.
It’s a good thing I trust Heidi, because there is no way I would have spent good cold cash on sushi in a restaurant named Ambrosia that is on the site of a hotel named Santa Maria, and has a modernist sleek interior architecture that is the antithesis of Conch. In fact, I nearly turned around when I saw the front door, and nearly left when I passed the glass-looking-like-waterfall room dividers and followed the blond-haired waitress with an East European accent to our table.
We ordered sushi despite the menu offering several items I remember well from Japan and don’t often see on menus in the states. Salmon skin roll, a vegefuto roll (a scaled back futomaki), and the Ambrosia sushi for one. It was more than enough. The miso soup that quickly arrived at our tables was special. Beautiful broth, not too salty, sweet flavor of miso really there — not just salty water with a fat globule. Shitake mushroom slices… excellent quality tofu… I’m already a happy girl. Auspicious beginning to what turned out to be some of the finest sushi either of us has had.
The Ambrosia Sushi assortment on the menu at first glance looks pricey for $40, but if you look at how many pieces of sushi it includes, it’s actually almost a bargain. It’s plenty for two people to share if you can get past feeling like a cheep skate and doing the share. The salmon skin roll had perfectly crisped and crunchy salmon skin — fresh and perfect. This is a roll that is only good when it’s great, so I view it as a sushi test. The vegefuto was an excellent contrast to the salmon skin, slightly sweet pickled vegetable and small enough to make it more manageable than a futomaki, one of my personal favorite sushi rolls. We were so impressed we came back for lunch and focused on a few special rolls.
So much for judging a restaurant by its name, hotel ambiance and architecture. Extra bonus is that just down the street is the southern most point of the United States. You can stand on the sidewalk and if there’s a fresh breeze (that’s sailor speak for big uncomfortable wind) blowing, watch the waves splash over the retaining wall.
It’s a little over a mile’s walk to Ambrosia from the Key West Bight Marinas or you can take the Green bus on Caroline Street there and the Blue bus back. If you like sushi and Japanese food, this is a great excuse to see this part of Key West. Ambrosia is located at 1401 Simonton Street; they offer lunch from 11:30 to 2, Monday through Friday, including bento box and other lunch specials. They serve Dinner seven days a week from 6 to 10. From the action we saw on Saturday night, we recommend reservations on weekends. Wish I could tell you about the miso cod or the various home made dumplings — it’s just that we had a hankering for the rolls when we went back. If someone reading this review samples some of the other items on the menu, please post and share your experience.
Captain Jane
S/V Lady Jane
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Mar 10, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Marathon About to Become a “Port of Entry”
Here’s a short article from our Florida Keys Correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd. This news will be of interest to anyone cruising to the Florida Keys from the Bahamas or other waters outside the USA!
March 9, 2011
Marathon, FL Keys – One Step Closer to Becoming International Port of Entry
by Charmaine Smith Ladd
Ryan McCarthy reported in today’s edition of the Keynoter that Governor Rick Scott has endorsed the city of Marathon’s efforts to become a Port of Entry for international travelers. It is documented in a letter sent by Governor Scott to U.S. Customs and Boarder Patrol on March 3rd. This is great news!
Locally, this has been a well-known pet project of Marathon City Councilman Dick Ramsay. With the possiblity of Cuba opening up to U.S. travelers, touting Marathon as a Port of Entry surely makes sense. Currently, international travelers arriving in Marathon (via air or sea) travel to Key West to check-in with U.S. Customs.
It would be highly ideal to have both the City of Marathon’s Airport as well as Boot Key Harbor serving as Ports of Entry. This would make compliance with checking in to U.S. Customs in a timely manner a much simpler process for those travelling by boat.
Charmaine Smith Ladd, s/v September Sea
SSECN Correspondent
“Bringing you the low down from down low!”
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Mar 8, 2011by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Anchoring in Boot Key Harbor (Florida Keys – Marathon, FL) – Captain Charmaine Reports
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is proud and honored to welcome back Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd, as our regular Florida Keys SSECN Correspondent. Some two years ago, Charmaine did some sterling work for us, but then health and other factors caused us to part company for awhile. Now. SHE’S BACK, and we could not be happier.
Few know more about Florida Keys waters and ports of call than Captain Charmaine. Look for her reports here on the Cruisers’ Net several times a month.
On a personal note, Captain Charmaine is just one of the “neatest” members of the cruising community I’ve ever come across. She is witty, lovable, and, on the other hand, her life has been tempered by more than its share of tragedy. Take a look at her web site, http://www.SeptemberSea.com.
WELCOME BACK ABOARD CAPTAIN CHARMAINE!
March 7, 2011
Boot Key Harbor Anchorage, Marathon FL Keys (N24 42.228 W81 06.172)
by Charmaine Smith Ladd
A lot has changed in Boot Key Harbor (BKH) since last season. The bridge is now permanently open, as the drawbridge was removed, allowing cruisers to come and go as they please. This is a wonderful thing as it expands the very freedom we cruisers love to enjoy. However, it also means some cruisers attempt to enter after dark, which is not a wise decision if needing to anchor. Many boats in the anchorage have two or more anchors set in various directions and one cannot clearly see the many anchor rodes. It is therefore highly recommended to anchor outside BKH and come inside to anchor only during good light. Nuzzling up to the west side of Boot Key (South of the main channel entrance markers) offers great protection from East or NE weather.

Winter to early Spring it is season in Boot Key Harbor (BKH). Which means lots of cruisers arriving to enjoy what has proven to be “the friendliest Harbor in the Keys.” Though there are 224 moorings, during
season you will often find they are all taken. Hail Marathon City Marina (all spiffied up with a new bathhouse and improved commons area) on channel 16 once you are East of the bridge span to inquire about moorings. If there are none available, you can anchor outside the yellow buoys marking the perimeter of the mooring field. Then get on the waiting list by visiting the City Marina office (very friendly and helpful staff!) by dinghy. Unfortunately, BKH no longer has a water taxi service.
Most find it prudent to anchor on the South side (off the main channel located immediately starboard as you pass through the bridge opening). The anchorage area stretches from there Eastward {to red marker 18}). Be wary of the far south side as that is the backside of Boot Key. Some boats are on their own moorings and do not swing much, so they can be much closer to Boot Key than someone with 40 ft. or more of anchor rode! There are also a few pockets of deeper water with shallows around them. Just because you see other boats in an area near Boot Key doesn’t mean you can anchor there. “Brown, brown, run aground” is the saying in the Keys. Steer clear of brown water. Near the grass beds off Boot Key the deep water drops off and the bottom comes up remarkably. From 9 ft. to inches in a flash! Many a catamaran owner has insisted he’s safe there after being warned. A change in wind direction puts him aground and he has Crow Pie for dinner! Local knowledge being offered by someone should always be heeded; not taken as a challenge to one’s anchoring skills.
If you do anchor, please take note that when winds are light and variable in BKH…so can become the positions of the boats: quite variable! Make sure to leave room for neighboring boats to swing in all directions. This doesn’t happen too often during season when the winds are usually plentiful; but it can and does happen. When it does, boats can turn completely contrary to each other and the circus of fenders and fending off occurs. Staying apprised of wind conditions will keep you out of trouble. You may be just fine anchored where you are as long as the wind stays out of the East or West, but be too close to a neighbor if the wind shifts to the South or North. You get the idea. If you are waiting for a mooring, this information can open more options for anchoring. Listen to the weather and what may appear to be a full anchorage will have room for you if the winds remain in your favor for the duration of the time you need to anchor.
The holding here is excellent but you still have to set your hook. Many a cruiser has merely dropped the anchor and expected it to hold. This writer suggests setting an anchor with no more than 30 ft. of rode out. This way you can feel when it bites. After it bites, rev up your engine and back down to allow your anchor to truly set. When your bow swings you know you’re dug in. Then pay out the remainder of your rode. If possible, ask others around you how much rode they have out. Noticing whether boats near you are on a single or multiple anchors is also very helpful in knowing how much room you have to swing.
Boot Key Harbor is a wonderful place with friendly locals and cruisers. The changes mostly have been good ones and the City Marina is looking much improved. Hopefully, the information offered here will help to quell any apprehension one may have about anchoring during season. We’re ready for you! So come on down and see us!
Charmaine Smith Ladd, s/v September Sea
SSECN Correspondent
“Bringing you the low down from down low!”
With the price increases this is a place to avoid by a retired minimalist cruiser as myself..the city is much too greedy..let the `yachties’ have the place..refuse paying to anchor..will get the word out to other cruisers as well!!
JD
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For Boot Key Harbor
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boot Key Harbor
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