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    • Good Words For Pilot House Marina (Key Largo – off Hawk Channel)

      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

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

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

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    • Florida Anchoring Regulations – The FEDERAL Dimension

      Most of us who have been involved in the Florida anchoring rights issue for more than a few years, know there is a Federal dimension to this issue. And, that issue is, many would argue, ONLY the Federal government, NOT states, counties or municipalities, can regulate “navigation,” AND anchoring is very much a part of “navigation.”
      In fact, several years ago, a fellow cruiser sued the city of Stuart, Florida in Federal Admiralty Court for prohibiting him/her from anchoring. Not only did the cruiser win the court case in question, but the city of Stuart had to pay all the cruisers’ attorney fees, and pay a sum of money for damages.
      So, while many of us have fought the fight for Florida anchoring rights on the state level, most of us have known there is a “fall back” line of defense by way of the Admiralty Courts. Captain Robert Driscoll lays out a good case below for the notion that only the Federal government can indeed regulate anchorage.
      This is very interesting input indeed! If there are any maritime lawyers out there reading this missive, PLEASE give us your input as well by clicking the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below!

      With the understanding that an informed public, in this case the boating public, is the best way to ensure the navigational freedom that we enjoy the follwoing is submitted.
      Anchoring is an act of navigation, navigation is under the jurisdiction of Admiralty Courts. Admiralty Courts exist only at the federal level.
      The laws of the United States are superior to state laws and state laws in conflict must yield. Likewise the Federal Court rulings are supreme.
      With the foregoing in mind consider the following rulings and laws which exist at the National Level, all of which are superior to any state legislation:

      U. S. Constitution, Article III, Sec 2.1
      `The judicial power shall extend to all cases in law and equity arising under this constitution, the laws of the United States, … (and) to all cases of admiralty and maritime jurisdiction …’

      U.S. Supreme Court, Butler v. Boston Steamship Co. 130 US 557, 141 US 1, Detroit Trust Co. v. The Thomas Baslum 293 US 21, 42
      `As the constitution extends the judicial power of the United States to ‘all admiralty and maritime jurisdiction,’ and as this jurisdiction is held to be exclusive, the power of legislation on the same subject must necessarily be in the national legislature and not in the state legislatures.’

      U.S. Supreme Court, Knickerbocker Ice Co. v. Stewart 253 US 149, 164
      `Congress cannot transfer its legislative power to the states, … by nature this in nondelegable.’

      U.S. Supreme Court, State of Washington v. Dawson 264 U.S. 219
      In responding to and overturning a lower court decision where a state was attempting to apply a local state law to all vessels which visit or navigate in the state the U.S. Supreme Court decreed: `This cause presents a situation where there was no attempt to prescribe general rules. On the contrary the manifest purpose was to permit any state to alter the maritime law, and thereby introduce conflicting requirements. To prevent this result the Constitution adopted the law of the sea as the measure of maritime rights and obligations. The confusion and difficulty if vessels were compelled to comply with the local statutes at every port, are not difficult to see. Of course, some within the states may prefer local rules, but the Union was formed with the very definite design of freeing maritime commerce from intolerable restrictions incident to such control. The subject is national. Local interests must yield to the common welfare. The Constitution is supreme.’

      U.S. Statutes at Large, Vol 30, 55th Congress, Sess 425, Sec. 10 states:
      `That the creation of any obstruction not affirmatively authorized by Congress, to the navigable capacity of any of the waters of the United States is hereby prohibited; …’

      U.S. Supreme Court, State of Wisconsin v. State of Illinois 362 US 482
      The phrase `not affirmatively by Congress’ as opposed to the phrase `affirmatively authorized by law’ which was used in an earlier similar law (51st Congress …) makes mere state authorization inadequate.’

      U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Republic Steel Corp. I11 362 US 482
      The diminution of navigable capacity is an obstruction to navigation. `Obstruction to navigation is not limited to structures specifically, but also includes diminution of navigable capacity by other means.’ {(personal comment) The State declaring areas where anchoring is not allowed is certainly a diminution of navigational capacity.}

      U.S. Law 28 USC 1333
      Admiralty jurisdiction covers every vessel under the American Flag, whether it is on the ocean or within the boundaries of a state, no matter what size or means of propulsion, or
      whether it is documented or not.

      Federal District Court, Anderson v. Reames 161 S.W.2d 957 961
      `…’rights of navigation’ include the right to anchorage, which may be exercised for either business purposes or pleasure.’

      Federal District Court, Hayn v. Culliford 3 C.P.Eiv 417
      `’navigation’ for some purpose, includes a period when a ship is not in motion, as, for instance, when she is at anchor.’

      U.S. Supreme Court, Lewis Blue Point Oyster Cultivation Co. v. Briggs 229 US 82
      When overturning a lower court case the U.S. Supreme Court said: `If the public right of navigation is the dominant right, and if, as must be the case, the title of the owner of the bed of navigable waters hold subject absolutely to the public right of navigation, this dominant right must include the right to the use of the bed of water for every purpose which is in aid of navigation.’

      U.S. Law 33 USC 471 Chap 10
      `The Secretary of Homeland Security is authorized, empowered, and directed to define and establish anchorage grounds for vessel in all harbors, rivers, bays and other navigable waters of the United States whenever it is manifest to the said secretary that the maritime or commercial interest of the United States require such anchorage grounds for the safe navigation….’ {(personal comment) when the language `authorized, empowered, and directed’ is used it implies sole authority to perform the named act. The Boating Public is a definite minority and it is only by the laws which exist in this country can navigational rights be preserved.}

      I agree that it is pretty clear that Federal law should rule, but the problem is that there is absolutely no political support for this at the state and local level, and no Federal entity, particularly the Coast Guard, wants to meddle in state and local affairs either. Now, if this were some issue that had broad national political support, like gun rights, you would have state and local politicians bending over backwards. Boaters are not organized or united politically, and because of the nature of the problem they are more likely to just move along to avoid the hassle. Plus, this mostly impacts transients, who have zero local political clout. Local and state officials answer to their constituents and supporters. Sure, they could be taken to court, at great expense, effort, time, and aggravation, but who wants to deal with that? Not many of us.
      No Name Supplied

      So, who is going to front the legal costs until the courts rule in a cruiser’s favor, and who is going to eat the costs when the courts don’t?
      While some folks who cruise Florida have very deep pockets, the most aggrieved in this situation are not so fortunate.
      In the absence of a `cruising rights defense fund’ or some such construct, I’m not going to be lining up for a test case. I am not willing to double down with shrinking retirement funds on the skills of a government admiralty lawyer.
      The Bahamas are a short distance away and much more welcoming on their worst days.
      Chris

      Every cruiser, EVERY cruiser needs to know this. Spread this information to every boater you know, every boating forum, any way you can. Local authorities are over-stepping their boundaries with unjust and, as we now find out, illegal anchoring restrictions.
      Thank you, Claiborne
      Larry McDonald

      Claiborne,
      I am not an attorney but I used to pretend to be one at the local pubs on Saturday nights. But seriously, being involved in this issue in Florida for many years, it is my understanding that the Federal Government handed over the jurisdiction of the local Waterways to the States many years ago, with some exceptions. Those are mostly exceptions dealing with maintenance and navigational aids which are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Corps of Engineers. The States were given the authorization to pass laws and regulations and enforce those laws and regulations. It is then up to the individual States as to whether they would in turn allow municipalities or counties to pass and enforce further regulations. And this has been the deal breaker in trying to get these anchoring regulations overturned or thrown out in Federal Court. Now my recollections could be fuzzy, so perhaps a true expert can enlighten us.
      Chuck Baier

      The United States Supreme Court has said (see Knickerbocker v. Stewart above) that the federal government cannot, repeat cannot, delegate its legislative power to the states. In doing so it would not be the first time the Federal Legislature has passed a law that would later be found unconstitutional. Unfortunately for a law to be ruled unconstitutional it must first be presented to the court, unti it is the law remains in force.
      Robert Driscoll

      I, too remember something about the feds abdicatiog responsibility for anchoring. Maybe discovered by the woman in Daytona beach who started an organization???
      I know a couple of guys who served on the `Harbor Board here in the 80’s and 90’s I will ask them about their recollections.
      Bill Dixon

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    • News from No Name Harbor Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 1096

      No Name Harbor Anchorage is on the waters of the tadpole-shaped harbor which indents the westerly banks of south Key Biscayne, near Cape Florida.

      May 20, 2011
      $20 fee for anchoring overnight. No mooring balls as of yet. Still on the honor system, we saw 12 boats come in and not pay. No one checked to see if all had paid. Still nice, the grill is expensive. More than $6 for a beer.
      Della Ebersole

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For No Name Anchorage

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of No Name Anchorage

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    • Channel Key Pass (Fl. Keys ICW through Channel Key Banks) – Navigational Conundrum Resolved

      Captain Charmaine’s article below is a follow-up to her earlier story here on the Cruisers’ Net, entitled, “Channel Key Pass ‘“ Navigational Conundrum (Florida Keys Inside Route, Statute Mile 1179.5).” If you have not yet red this article, please do so by following this link (http://www.CrusiersNet.net/channel-key-pass-navigational-conundrum-florida-keys-inside-route-statute-mile-1179-5) BEFORE delving into Charmaine’s story below. This account will be far more meaningful once the background has passed before your eyes.

      May 18, 2011

      Channel Key Pass (ICW through Channel Key Banks) – Navigational Conundrum Resolved
      N 24 48.768 W 80 54.708 (Green #5 & #7 and Red #8)
      by Charmaine Smith Ladd

      The navigational conundrum posed in my article of May 11th has been resolved. Love when that happens! LOL

      To quickly refresh your memory, see the illustration below. This is in the waters of Florida Bay, which average 7-9 feet. While traversing the Bay between Channel Five and the Seven Mile Bridge, we aboard September Sea came across what seemed to be 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)

      It seemed as per the chart, going outside Red marker #8 would keep my 5’8 draft in consistently deeper water and away from the shoals. I wondered why the marked channel was so narrow, seemed to come so very close to the southern shoal of Channel Key Bank, and was in a slight “S” configuration. That’s a lot more to think about than merely opting to go outside Red Marker #8 and be in what the chart shows as 7 ft. waters. Then I thought about the possibility of navigating this area at night or in foul weather! I had to know more about this area before either of those scenarios ever became a reality. Therefore, being daytime, I decided to follow the marked channel. With good daylight it was easier to see the shoals. Yet still, when passing through the marked channel, my keel was in only inches of water. That’s when I began to doubt whether I had made the correct decision.

      Since that time, I have researched to view satellite images of the area (seen side-by-side below). The images show distinctly lighter colored areas outside Red marker #8. This is an obvious indication of inconsistent depths. The black and white image on the left reflects a yellow ring I have drawn around the questionable depth area. The Google Earth image on the right, being in color, does not show that contrast as clearly. The yellow pins I’ve drawn flank the northern and southern boundaries of Channel Key Pass per NOAA charts. It is apparent the yellow ringed area lies within those boundaries.

      Satellite Image Comparisons of Channel Key Pass

      In the future, I will take the marked channel through Channel Key Banks. It is my belief that while navigating the “S” curve, I allowed the stern to swing a bit off the centerline. This would explain why my depth sounder went off and showed only inches of water. I was a bit too close to the shoal of Green Marker #7. When navigating this Pass, be sure to stay in the center of the passage. It is quite narrow and confusing, but it is totally accurate. The chart does show that a bit of shoal overlaps the Pass. Stay a bit more north when passing Green Marker #7 and you’ll be just fine.

      Most boats in Florida Bay do not have the worries about depth as we who draw 5’8 or more. The other sailboat observed that day which decided to pass to the North of the marked Channel (outside of Red Marker #8) was more than likely as confused as we were. His choice was probably decided as per the chart showing enough depth within that course. His thinking was to not risk any dealings to the shoal off Green Marker #7. But now that I have seen the satellite images, it is clear that is not the safest course to take. The satellite images also reveal the logic behind the configuration of the Channel Key Pass markers.

      My next trip there will include going out in the dinghy and taking some depth soundings of the yellow ringed area with a handheld sonar. Even though the satellite images indicate some shoaling there (enough at this point to avoid the area with my 5’8 draft); this writer’s curious nature would love to know what truly lies beneath!

      The NOAA satellite image used here was obtained from a fellow cruiser who has a program on his chartplotter which allows him to overlay such images. Google Earth images were easily obtained by downloading the resources directly from Google Earth. However, the side-by-side comparison shows that the contrast images on Google Earth are not always clear enough to be used for detecting navigational hazards at sea. It is evident that in this case, the NOAA satellite image most clearly reveals the answer to what once was the Channel Key Pass navigational conundrum.

      Cruisers helping Cruisers = Conundrum Resolved!

      Charmaine Smith Ladd
      SSECN Special Correspondent, Florida Keys
      “Bringing you the low down from down low!”
      www.SeptemberSea.com

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    • Important – Boat/US Releases Revised Summary of Florida Anchoring Rights!!!!

      Our good friends at Boat/US have asked the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net to help get the word out that they have just released an updated statement of Florida Anchoring Right, which are specifically designed for the use of cruisers, while they are underway. Boat/US has rendered the Cruising Community a GREAT service by formulating this document. May we humbly suggest that one and all make as much use of it as possible!


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    • 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

      Comments from Cruisers (3)

      1. 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
    • 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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    • 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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    • 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

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    • 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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    • 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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    • 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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    • 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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    • 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

      Comments from Cruisers (4)

    • 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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    • 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

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

    • 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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    • 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

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

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    • 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

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

    • 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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