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    • Apr 29, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Hawks Cay Resort Marina (off Hawk Channel, north of Marathon)

      Hawks Cay Resort Marina has always struck me as one of the most “swanky” pleasure craft facilities in the Florida Keys. After reading Captain Whitten’s message below, looks like their prices reflect this point of view.
      Note that only very small powercraft can reach Hawks Cay from the inside/ICW/Florida Bay route. Coming from this side, you must pass under a very low, fixed bridge. Virtually all cruising size craft will need to enter here from Hawk Channel

      We entered and left in strong southeasterlies ‘“ 15-20 kts ‘“ at high water with no problems. The small bay the marina is in, following the channel counter clockwise to the north side, is quite protected. The shoal in the middle of the bay is unmarked but obvious. The marina office is in an unusually well stocked tuck shop ‘“ at tuck shop prices ‘“ with offerings stopping short of encouraging you to cook and eat on the boat at the expense of the 5 restaurants on the resort’s grounds.
      The negatives ‘“ the price was $3.50/ft, not $3 as stated here. In addition, a $20/day ‘˜resort fee’ was levied for use of resort facilities that included nothing more than what a top of the range marina offers, mainly a swimming pool. Also, applicable to our 27-footer, the minimum length charge was 30 feet. I contested the two extras as they were not identified when I rang and inquired of the fee. On this basis, and because we used no resort facilities, they waived the resort fee for the two days of our stay but would not budge on the minimum length charge.
      I argued they were charging top dockage fees and offering nothing more than what other top end marinas provide and charging a fee for the extras one expects when paying this rate.
      The resort was quite busy in April with many tourists engaging in boat tours and fishing charters so the marina was not a quiet one, albeit reasonably pleasant. The four toilet/showers were small and shared with the general public, making them quite busy.
      We were the only sailboat in the marina, making us somewhat of an oddity. There were many empty slips. The charter fishing office staff inside the tuck shop were quite helpful, providing us with current wind reports to help us pick our time for departing.
      Conclusion ‘“ the stay was pleasant but the marina was overpriced ‘“ even by Keys standards.
      On another note, the resort keeps two dolphins in a very small pen. They are used for a ‘˜swimming with dolphins’ experience. For anyone who has seen The Cove’, this year’s Academy Award winning documentary depicting how the trainer of dolphins for the Flipper TV series had a complete change of heart about keeping dolphins in captivity, it was shocking that this practice is still being carried on. The urge to want to fish out the boat’s shroud cutters and cut the wire keeping them from entering the channel and leaving with us as we motored by was strong.
      Fair winds and following seas,
      Austin Whitten,
      s/y Discovery II (4′ 6’ draft)

      We just left Hawks Cay marina a couple of days ago. We thought it was terrific. The staff was as helpful as they could be and the resort makes all their facilities available to guests at the marina (although they did charge a resort fee).
      The marina is very well protected even with the high winds and seas that we saw last week.
      We will be back to stay again.
      Sheldon Gawiser

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Hawks Cay Resort Marina

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    • Apr 24, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Key West City Marina at Garrison Bight

      Interesting that this Key West city facility charges for power connections even if you don’t use them. Only in Key West!

      The location is fine, worth the 4 nm traipse around Fleming Key to get there if you cannot clear the 19-ft bridge. It’s equidistant between the old town to the west and the three supermarkets to the east ‘“ about 1 mi each way. There’s an excellent bus service right outside the marina with three buses to choose from ‘“ schedule at marina office ‘“ for $1 per ride.
      The negatives ‘“ the toilet for transients is open to the public and the two unisex showers are open at the top to the toilets with attendant smells and sound effects. Liveaboards and mooring field customers have their own facilities. My wife talked the marina office into giving us a swipe card for the former after supplying a graphic description of transient facilities for $1.90/ft. They also charge a $6.25/day `service charge’ for electricity. When I said I wouldn’t plug in, they said I had to pay it anyway.
      I asked what the rationale was and they said they lose money on boats that have air conditioning and refrigeration and make up for it in this way. We have neither and I said I didn’t appreciate subsidizing those that do, especially since I buy ice from marinas so end up paying for my refrigeration and for others! The last marina we were at for three weeks was metered and for the 21 days I paid $5.85, or $.30 per day. Marinas need to install meters or determine what the power usage will be, and definitely allow clients to decline power.
      The marina has no gate and is near well-used public thoroughfares. A guard walks down the dock occasionally at night. I know of no problems but’¦
      Fair winds and following seas,
      Austin Whitten, s/y Discovery II

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    • Apr 12, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Depths in Fleming Key/Garrison Bight Mooring Field – Key West

      When I received the note below from Captain Jim, I queried him on the location of the “shower and laundry facilities building.” I was not sure whether they were located in Garrison Bight, or Key West Bight. As you will see in the second note below, the new showers and laundry are in Garrison Bight!

      Subject: Min. depth Garrison Bight Mooring Buoys
      Cruising News: We have been here 2.5 years and the least water I have seen in the mooring field is 8′. This area was dredged for sea planes landing area for WW II. They have also completed their Shower and laundry facilities building located at the dinghy dock.
      Capt Jim

      This is Garrison Bight next to the dinghy docks on Palm Blvd. not the Key West Historical bight. I was there two days ago and they were tied off the dinghy dock in two rows from the dock. It is a zoo there now. They charge by the month or by the day there. If you had any other questions of the area, I would be glad to answer what I know or look into it. Keep up the good work on the Cruisersnet. We do appreciate it.
      Capt. Jim

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchroage Directory Listing For The Fleming Key/Garrison Bight Mooring Field

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    • Apr 7, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Plantation Yacht Harbor Marina (FL Keys Inside Route, between Tavernier Creek and Islamorada)

      Plantation Key Yacht Harbor is now one of only two facilities that offer transient dockage for cruising size craft between Jewfish Key and Islamorada. The other is Mangrove Marina.
      We have always been very impressed with the Plantation Key facility. Shelter is excellent, the amenities are surprisingly good, particularly for a municipal marina, and there’s shopping and dining close by. What more could you ask?

      Like a magnet we are always drawn back to this great marina. Tim and his crew just have it right. Friendly, knowledgable, and very professional. The marina is well protected and very modern. Tennis, beautiful beach, huge pool, clean showers and rest rooms. Dockside pumpouts. Entertainment and great eateries are nearby but require a car. First class in every respect.
      Marsha & Bob
      M/V Threadbare

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Plantation Yacht Harbor

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    • Apr 7, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      A&B Marina (Key West Bight)

      A&B Marina is one of several quality facilities located in Key West Bight! I must say, though, Captains Marsha and Bob’s review below is about as glowing as it gets. Give A&B your most serious consideration!

      Tina Turner said it best- `Your’re simply the best.’ This describes A&B. Mark and his crew, plus the location make it so.
      Reservations most times are needed. Don’t miss it !! It’s worth the trip.
      Marsha & Bob
      M/V Threadbare

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For A&B Marina

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    • Apr 6, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      “Back Route” From Marathon to Key West

      The so-called “Back Route” from Marathon to Key West runs north up Big Spanish Channel, turns sharply west at Harbor Key Bank Light, and then skips off the northern face of a series of unhabited keys, until reaching Northwest Channel. This latter passage leads, in turn, to Key West.
      We just love the “Back Route.” There’s a host of wonderful anchorages along the way, and this passage has a true backwater feeling, as if you were out in the middle of nowhere, which, for much of the route, you are.
      There is one major caveat to the “Back Route.” Do NOT attempt this passage while piloting a vessel that draws more than 4 1/2 feet. There is one shallow stretch of the Big Spanish Channel that is the cause for this prohibition. Otherwise all the waters along the way have plenty of depth.

      Good Morning from Key Weird,
      Just wanted to let the group know that because of the strong easterly winds we have been having down here Life’s2Short took the bay side trip via Big Spanish Channel. We left Marathon at half-tide-rising and never saw less than 5.5 feet, and that was only around a small area by Cutoe Key. It was a pretty trip with the tides pushing us up Big Spanish Channel and then pushing us into Key West. The trip took about 7.5 hours going 8.5mph.
      Be sure your liver is in shape before arriving here!
      Todd & Brenda Lanning
      Life’s2Short

      Todd,
      You passed through some of my favorite cruising areas in the Keys. We always pick our way in and anchor for a night or two. Cudjoe Channel to Tarpon Belly Key (take the opportunity to moon Fat Albert!), Johnston Key Channel and especially Jewfish Basin are three of our favorite stops. Try it, you’ll like it!
      Regards,
      Randy Pickelmann
      MORNING STAR

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    • Apr 2, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Key Largo Pump-Out Boat Available Near Tarpon Basin Anchorages (St. M. 1139.5)

      There are three (at least) anchorages available in Tarpon Basin, just south of Blackwater Sound, on the Florida Keys inside/ICW passage. The “Government Center” Captain Sterling speaks of below is located at the rear of Tarpon Basin. Check out an earlier posting here on the Cruisers’ Net for more info on this facility (http://www.CrusiersNet.net/dinghy-dockage-now-available-at-tarpon-basin-anchorage). Note that in addition to the waste pump-out boat, cruisers will also discover a dinghy dock at the Government Center.
      Sound like, after reading Captain Sterling’s note below, that with a phone call the pump-out boat skipper will service you, even if you are anchored a bit farther way than Tarpon Basin. Anyone know what range of waters this vessels serves? If so, please share that info by clicking the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below!

      Subject: pump out boat
      Cruising News: Key Largo\’s pump out boat is docked at the Government Center at mm 1140 on the icw in Tarpon Basin.
      the phone number for this service is 305-747-2388.
      Give em a call and he will come to your boat for your pump out.
      This Government center is also a place to dock your dinky for shopping and supplies. Publix is about a mile south, kli hardware is closer to the north, west marine is a mile and three quarters north.
      Captain Sterling

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

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

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

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    • Mar 29, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      GREAT List of “Friendly” Mooring Places

      Captain Jim Quince has done the cruising community a HUGE favor by putting together a list of “Friendly Mooring Places,” which are usually, but not always, free. Of course, Captain Jim’s list goes beyond the Southeastern USA waters we deal with here on the Cruisers’ Net, but there’s plenty of info here concerning “friendly” places from North Carolina to New Orleans.

      The list of free docks, etc. is now the Friendly Moorings List online at :

      http://friendlymooringslist.blogspot.com/

      Thanks to all of you that have provided input to the list. It has been updated almost daily since I first posted it and has had many additions and revisions. If I already have sent you a copy of the list, I suggest you delete that list as an out of date list and use this one. You can cut and paste it into a new document if you prefer….no strings attached!
      I will continue to add to the list as new information is provided and as we are lucky enough to visit many more places on the list. Please do send any information you think is valuable to other cruisers. I am also including good value stops with relatively low costs like some FL State Parks and Mooring Fields. (Note that we rarely eat at restaurants due to Vaughn’s food allergies. If you know of restaurants with dock space, tell me so I can include them too.)
      This Friendly Mooring List will hopefully be a good outcome from the change of status for the Venice “free” (overnight) dock!!
      Thanks, Jim

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    • Mar 29, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Good Jumping Off Point To Cruise to Dry Tortugas

      The discussion below was copied from the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) mail list. There is some good info here for those contemplating this southernmost USA destination!

      What is a good staging point from the Naples area to get the shortest/fastest run to the Dry Tortugas?
      Larry
      M/V Cigano
      Lying Crystal River

      Not sure this will answer your question. (not exactly sure what the question is?) Anyway, on my trip there a couple of years ago, we did a crossing from an anchorage at Marco Island to Key west, an easy day trip to the anchorage there. From there it was about a 10 hour run to the Tortugas. If I remember correctly, it was 74 or 75 statute miles from Key West anchorage to the Tortugas.
      Hope this is what you were asking for.
      And the Dry Tortugas is a beautiful place! Well worth the trip!
      Brent Hodges
      Friendship
      Albin 43

      Larry,
      It depends somewhat on the boat. Fast boat could run from Naples straight out. Slow boat probably from Naples, EC or the Little Shark to Key West, provision at Key West, and then out. It’s 65 NM from Key West to Las Tortugas. The first 40 miles are “on the reef;” shallow water that builds up into nasty, short period waves. The last 25 miles is in deeper (100 ft) water, and the character of seas in more like ocean swells with wind driven waves. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE how challenging that crossing can be in a pleasure craft. Prevailing winds are easterly or southeasterly. The last two winter seasons, winds have blown 25+ kts for seeral weeks at a time. There are NO facilities there; not even porta potties. The tourists use the facilities on their boats.
      Make sure you are fully provisioned and could stay a couple of weeks or more, worst case. When the winds blow at 25kts for 20 days, you will be hard pressed to run to the groceria for milk. I know one sailboater who took the tour boat in and back to get some galley stores.
      Fort Jeff is very interesting, and the place is very lovely; a lot like the Bahamas. But, with no water available, prolonged stays may not be what you wanted.
      Jim
      Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
      Currently at Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda, FL

      Larry,
      We’ve only been to Dry Tortugas once, but we liked staging from Turkey Creek (our home in Ortona). It’s about 26 hours to Ft. Jefferson, so you can arrive in mid-morning with plenty of time to get snorkeling while the sun is high.
      Mark & Joyce,
      Winnie the Pooh

      Larry,
      Its about 100 NM from Marco Island to Dry Tortugas and about 105 NM from Naples. The course difference is only 3 degrees. Pick your spot.
      Naples has a mooring field but it is “up the creek” a bit. However, you can anchor in one of the residential canals for the night and leave before first light.
      In Marco, Coconut Island used to be a popular anchorage, right near the mouth of the inlet. However, the State of Florida removed all the Australian Pines (non-native species) and the island started to erode away. Its been several years since I’ve been there so I’d recommend calling TowBoatUS or Sea Tow for some local knowledge. There is an anchorage at Johnson Bay. Its little more than a deep-water crook in the channel but would be OK for an overnight staging point.
      In either case, both Marco and Naples have short runs out to the entrance buoys. Its nothing like Crystal River or other Big Bend ports. You will be in the Gulf 30 minutes after you pull the anchor.
      Regards,
      Randy Pickelmann
      MORNING STAR

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    • Mar 22, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Tarpon Bason Interior Anchorage (Statute Mile 1139.5)

      Tarpon Basin sits along the Florida Keys Inside – ICW route, just south of Blackwater Sound. There are several good places to drop the hook in Tarpon Basin. An earlier listing here on the Cruisers’ Net relates the location of a recently available dinghy dock on these waters.

      We anchored here March 10. It was easy to get in following the curve of `no wake’ markers that lead to the anchorage. Nice quiet spot. Didn’t go ashore but would be interested directions to the `mangrove tunnel’ dinghy side trip.
      Jean Thomason (DOVEKIE)

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

      Click Here To View An Earlier Posting Concerning the Presence of a Dinghy Dock in Tarpon Basin

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    • Mar 22, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Caesar Creek – Rubicon Key – Reid Key Anchorage (Biscayne Bay, near St. M. 1115.5)

      The “comment above” Captain Jean refers to below can be seen by following the link below her message to the Cruisers’ Net’s “Florida Keys Anchorage Directory” listing for this anchor down spot. Then, click on the red outlined link near the bottom of the listing to read comments from our fellow cruisers concerning this haven.
      To be sure, the anchorage between Rubicon and Reid Keys is very nice, BUT depths and markings entering Caesar Creek from Biscayne Bay are both on the very thin side. Take extra care if you make the attempt!

      Contrary to the comment above, we have anchored here several times, the latest being 3-6-10. Mosquitoes have never been a problem if there is even a modest breeze. It is a beautiful remote-feeling spot and well-protected. Getting in to the dock at Adams key can be a trick as the current is swift but that is an option if one wants to walk around. Many boats go through Caesar Creek but their wakes don’t reach the anchorage between Reid and Rubicon Keys.
      Jean Thomason (DOVEKIE)

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The Caesar Creek – Rubicon Key – Reid Key Anchorage

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    • Mar 22, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Boca Chita Key Marina and Visitors Center (Biscayne Bay, near St. M. 1106)

      Boca Chita Key Marina and Visitor’s Center is found in Biscayne Bay, and is part of Biscayne Bay National Park. The “marina” part of the operation is truly bare bones, and finding good entrance depths can be tricky. And, as Captain Jean notes below, this place can get crowded on weekends. At other times it’s idyllic, and well sheltered.

      One of our favorite places in the keys and our first stop south of Miami. Stopped there again March 7-9, 2010. We tried to get in on Saturday March 6 but the basin was crowded with boats rafted two and three deep. So after a night anchored out near Adams Key, we returned to Boca Chita Sunday afternoon when the crowd begins to leave. Heard that the Rangers had payed an early morning visit and everyone without a receipt for payment got a ticket (and one boat docked in the `no docking’ zone got a fine of $750 for that and other violations). The regs don’t seem to be enforced often but when they are there’s no fooling around! Note that the senior age pass rate is only &10.00. The toilets are salt water flush and have been recently refurbished. There is a resident volunteer who works on keeping everything looking good. While the weekends are crowded, we have enjoyed joining in with Cuban families who gather to party there- a cross-cultural experience and interesting to hear their stories and viewpoints.
      Jean Thomason (DOVEKIE)

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

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    • Mar 22, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Lignumvitae Key Mooring Field and Visitor’s Center

      Lignumvitae Key, named for a very slow growing tree which can be found here, lies on the long gap between Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys. There is a visitor’s dock and visitors center near the eastern banks, while a small mooring field will be discovered off the isle’s northwestern banks.

      Lignumvitae House and Tour continue to be only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. One can visit and walk around the house area only on Mondays and Thursdays. The outside of the dock is available to tie up but watch the depth ‘“ I think it was under five feet. We tied to a mooring ball on 3-11-2010 ‘“ there are only two left.
      Jean Thomason (DOVEKIE)

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

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    • Mar 22, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Bahia Honda State Park Marina (west of Marthon and Moser Channel)

      Due to a low bridge, it is only possible for cruising size craft to access both the Bahia Honda State Park Marina, and the nearby anchorage, from the Hawk Channel side. Even then, you must run through a removed section of the old bridge that still stretches from Bahia Honda to Pine Island.

      Another one of our favorite places in the Keys. After the concession upped the dockage fees a few years ago, there are usually few boats in the basin. We especially enjoy riding bikes to Sandspur Beach, the nature trail there, watching the sun set from the old bridge and spending some beach time. There is also a small nature center and ranger programs during the week. There are usually boaters who have trailered in their boats and who thus have vehicles, who are willing to give one a ride to the Winn Dixie in Big Pine (we have made the trip by bike but not recommended). The tide is about two feet so boats with a draft of 4-5 feet can get into the basin close to high tide ‘“ once in the depths are fine.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Bahia Honda State Park Marina

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For Bahia Honda State Park Anchorage

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    • Mar 22, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Pumpin Key Anchorage (Card Sound, near Statute Mile 1122.5)

      There are several spots where it can be pleasant to drop the hook around privately owned Pumpkin Key. Just pick the side that gives you lee from the prevailing winds. Do NOT try going ashore at Pumpkin Key or the adjacent ocean side banks. Both are private property!

      Just spent 2 nights here and the holding was excellent, scenery great, except for all the Do Not Trespass signs on the island, and very quiet. We stayed about 300 yards off the shore of the island. Great place to drop the hook. Last year we stayed on the opposite side and also had a great experience. Left this morning by going out of Angelfish Creek to Hawk Channel and never saw less than 7.7 feet, 3 hours before high tide.
      Larry Morrow

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

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    • Mar 19, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Marathon Turtle Hospital – Captain Jane Reports

      No Ordinary Motel: A visit to the Turtle Hospital, only a fifteen minute walk from Marathon City Marina.

      The former Hidden Harbor motel rooms housed guests again during the recent cold snaps -- 178 cold stunned sea turtles received a warm welcome

      If it looks like a motel, that’s because it was and sort of still is… The Turtle Hospital is located in the former Hidden Harbor motel, but the residents now are mostly rescued sea turtles. During this winter’s record cold snaps, during three of the coldest days, the Turtle Hospital admitted 178 cold stunned turtles (Loggerheads, Greens and Hawksbills). Eight of the cold stunned sea turtles stayed in kiddy pools in the motel rooms. Rescue, rehab and release is the motto of the Turtle Hospital, a one of a kind institution and the largest sea turtle rescue operation in the United States.
      The tour we took with a veterinary technician who works for the hospital was fascinating, eye opening, mind opening and touching. The normal patient load of over 50 sea turtles makes this the largest such facility in the United States. Come fifteen minutes before your tour to sign in and go through the informative displays. I recommend the trivia questions. My favorite question was how long can a sea turtle hold its breath? Another question revealed that sea turtles, which are reptiles, were originally land-based creatures that evolved into sea-based creatures.
      The Hidden Harbor motel’s former glory, if it had any, is now dim and its swimming pool, thanks to a healthy crack is now a tidal pool and houses a variety of rescued sea turtles and minnows that come in and out with the tide. Until recently, some tarpon lived in the pool as permanent residents, but they died from the recent cold weather.
      This is a great opportunity to learn about sea turtles, ecology and be reminded just how our human carelessness with waste can harm creatures we do not often see. Many of the turtles are

      A current guest at the motel.

      wounded by boat propellers that gash them as the boat runs them over at excessive speed in the grassy flats, by fishing line, by swallowing children’s balloons, fish hooks, plastic gloves, and other bits of our trash that make it into the water.
      Sea turtles, all five varieties that can be found in US waters, are endangered creatures. If you find one floating at the surface and it doesn’t skitter away from your boat or dive down quickly, call the Turtle hospital and tell them what you see and where. WIthout their instructions to do so, it is against the law to touch the sea turtles.
      The tour costs $15 for adult

      s, $7.50 for children and is worth every penny, if not more. The tours and gift shop sales (they have great T shirts in a large variety of colors with the hospital logo on the back) are the principal means of support. When

      the motel was still viable, the motel provided a significant portion of the funding, but several years ago, a hurricane damaged the motel beyond the organization’s means to return it to motel condition standards. The veterinarians volunteer their time and the paid staff is skeletal. By the way, the T-shirts have a a striking graphic of the hospital logo — they make great gifts that support a worthy Keys organization.
      Tours are offered seven days a week, except holidays. Call (305) 743-2442 for tour reservations. Log on at http://turtlehospital.org for more information.
      The Turtle Hospital, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is only a fifteen minute walk from City Marina. You won’t be sorry, except for the state of turtles world wide, but you will feel good knowing people are helping the turtles and that you, by your very presence and interest, helped, too.

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    • Mar 18, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Harbour Cay Club (Marathon, Northern Shore)

      The Harbor Cay Club is a great find in Marathon. Having been here, I know this is actually a private club, but one that choose to accept visiting cruisers, an unusual but welcome arrangement. Harbor Cay Club is located on the northern shores of Marathon. Click the link below to our Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing for this facility to check out its exact location. See you there!

      We have discovered an unbelievable “secret paradise” here in marathon called Harbour Cay Club. They are a private club owned by the boat/slip owners but they rent any absent owner slips to loopers etc. by the week or longer. The facilities and grounds are excellent. every slip is a lay along with W-E-Cable TV & pumpout, Laundromat,clubhouse, bike rack, tiki hut and the most fantastic unobstructed sunsets you can imagine.Very quiet and relaxing Short walk to many restaurants & bars (mm47.5) super markets and K-mart about 2 miles, easy bike ride.Very friendly and helpful liveaboard boat/slip owners.they usually have slips for rent.When we arrived we found 6 other loopers here. we like it so well we have decided to stay an extra week!
      Call Dock Captain ED SKINNER 410-570-5089 for reservations.
      Jeff & Cheri Conniff
      aboard Annie Lee III.

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Harbour Cay Club

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    • Mar 18, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Southwestern Florida Crab Pot Discussion

      For the last week or so, there has been a lively discussion on the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) list about crab pots and fish traps as navigational hazards while navigating the waters of southwestern Florida, between Marco Island and the Florida Keys. I’ve copied some of this discussion below.
      As usual, with a copied discussion with this many contributions, it is impractical to obtain individual permissions, so I’ve just used first names.

      Sunday we arrived Marathon, FL from Little Shark River after navigating the minefield of crab trap floats through much of Florida Bay There was even a string right down Moser Channel to the Seven Mile Bridge. After a couple of hours of dodging traps I remembered a land clearing project I visited in Africa in the 70s. They were clearing light trees and shrub growth using a piece of ship anchor chain about 100 feet long with a Caterpillar D-8 ate each end. The Cats would move along in the same direction and the chain stretched out between them would knock down anything standing between them. How about a couple of trawlers with a chain between them clearing the way through the traps?
      Please no flames, I know the crabbers are out there working hard making a living for their families while we are just playing. I wouldn’t do this and am not advocating anyone doing it either, just recounting a memory and one the evil thoughts that came to mind as I dodged the traps for a couple of hours. Driving around Marathon I see several storage areas where I’d guess many thousands of traps are neatly stacked. Like an old Cajun friend of mine used to say “A crab don’t stand a chance around here!”
      It was a beautiful day, sunny, light winds, maybe 2′ seas and finally warm, and that made it all well worth while.We found water depths at least 8′ leaving Little Shark and most of the way down to Marathon where we are at Marathon Marina and Boatyard which is quite nice.
      Steve

      Serious question with probably an easy and obvious answer that I don’t know:
      If crab pots are in a charted channel, can they be moved/removed by a pleasure cruiser because they constitute a “hazard to navigation?”
      Wade

      I don’t know the legal answer but I suspect that an angry waterman, who thinks you are intruding on his source of income, could be a real problem that might be more difficult to deal with than the “authorities”.
      Frank

      You could probably legally move them but:
      1. There are so many of them that it would become your life’s work…at least until the season closes in May.
      2. You’d likely get shot at.
      Regards,
      Randy

      On my trips down the gulf past Flamingo, I usually run inside the Park boundary, it’s shallower but doable, and less traps
      It is illegal to trap in the Everglades National park, but on SEVERAL of these occasions, I was inside the park boundary south bound, watching trappers working their line inside the park boundary.
      Guess those park rangers have better things to do.
      See you in Paradise!
      Capt Sterling

      I had a fin keeled sailboat with completely exposed prop that twice got a pot line wrapped on it.
      When I changed boats I knew I needed a full keel boat with a protected propeller.
      We bought the boat in Charlotte Harbor and motor sailed it non stop to Marathon. And I was so happy watching the pots go by under the moon light at 3:00 am in Florida Bay. I didn’t try to avoid a single one.
      That problem is solved, for me anyway.
      Jules Robinson

      Coming to Marathon from the East, we observed hundreds of traps and every trap was right in the charted channel. The water depth is the same north of the channel so we dodged the traps by moving a hundred yards north where no waterman bothered to drop a trap. Needless to say, I couldn’t set the autohelm.
      I hope that prudent mariners will resist the temptation to mount spurs on their prop shafts. The spurs cut any lines that might wrap the prop but these spurs also might leave behind un-bouyed traps that will roam the waters for years attracting and killing thousands of crabs as they move.
      The watermen of Florida don’t capture and kill the stone crab; they just remove one claw and return the creature to the sea to grow another claw. (am I correct?)
      Let’s do all we can to preserve these tasty little critters and let the watermen continue to make a living even if they can’t tell a channel from open water.
      Foxglove

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    • Mar 18, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Boca Chita Key Marina and Visitors’ Center (Biscayne Bay, south of Miami, near St. M. 1106)

      It’s interesting to see the wide ranging opinions that have been expressed here on the Cruisers’ Net about stopping in Boca Chita Key Marina. This facility is part of Biscayne Bay National Park, and is maintained by the US Park Service. I know from our visits it’s a pretty, well sheltered harbor, but entrance channel depths are somewhat suspect! This is a case of some really like it, and some do not. Give this harbor a try and let us know your opinion.

      I have never gone into Boca Chita as we have a dog. I went in today for a looksee and was blown away. Everyone has told me that it is special, it truly is. If this was a commercial place with power and water it would be a bargain at $3 per foot, a great place.
      Charles Hardin

      As Charles says, Boca Chita is an amazingly peaceful place to tie to a sturdy concrete wall in an absolutely non-commercial area. It is truly lovely in the right conditions, and is a good place to wait out
      a heavy blow (not hurricane) in not-so-quiet conditions.
      However, from about Thursday evening or Friday morning until about Monday morning during the warm times, the “locals” (that’s the nicest word I can use) take the place over to the point of paying you to
      leave so a buddy can come in and tie up. At other times, it is Paradise.
      Maybe that’s why the “locals” like it.
      Actually, it is easy to raft off from a friend if it is crowded.
      Bill Donovan

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    • Mar 15, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Garrison Bight – Fleming Key Mooring Field (Key West)

      The Fleming Key mooring field is administered by the Key West city marina in Garrison Bight. It is HUGE, and seemingly very well run. This is a GREAT spot so park your craft while visiting fascinating Key West! Follow the link below to the Net’s “Florida Keys Anchorage Directory” to check out this field’s location in Key West.

      We have been tied to a mooring ball for 5 days at the Garrison Bight Field. Its been great. The fee is $16.59 per night and monthly breakeven is 17 nights. Fee includes showers, laundry facilities and dinghy dock parking at the Garrison Bight. A mile walk to Winn Dixie, mile to the Beach. We take the dingy around to the Key West Bight to see that side of island and the famous attractions.
      Protection is reasonable with the most exposure from the north, but we did just fine with N15-20.
      You need to put your own line on the mooring. This is difficult for our trawler with a high bow. Usually someone sees a new boat coming in and goes out to help with a dinghy. We had a buddy boat when we arrived and used one of the dinks to get both.
      Skooch
      42 Hatteras LRC

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For The Garrison Bight – Fleming Key Mooring Field

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