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    • May 7, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Crandon Park Marina (Key Biscayne)

      Crandon Park Marina is located on the extreme northerly end of Key Biscayne. It is accessible from the AICW via a marked channel.
      Didn’t know about the cats and buzzards here. Interesting combination!

      On May 4 & 5 diesel price was $2.16 including tax. The rate for transient dckage was $1.25 per foot, plus tax. A $50.00 cash deposit for the gate key. Pumpout was a $5.00 token that you have to buy in the office. The fuel dock and marina offices are under construction and you have to walk to each trailer to pay the bills and the heads and showers were spartan. The feral cat population is dwindling, but they do get on the boats at night and there are still a couple of buzzards around, it seems the cats and the buzzards live harmoniously. Once you figure out the bus schedule, it is an easy trip to Winn Dixie, CVS, Post Office, etc on Key Biscayne. The best part of the marina is the chance to buy fresh fish off the back of the charter boats on the commericial dock – Mahi Mahi was $10.00 per pound and swordfish was $15.00. Lots of people on the piers on weekends, but quiet the the rest of the week. Be sure to organize your time in order to return the gate key when the office is open if you want to get an early start.


      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Crandon Park Marina

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    • May 6, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Galleon Marina – Key West

      GREAT report below from Captain Gary Riss, who is normally our correspondent for Western Florida. Obviously, Gary is off cruising the Keys, and we thank him most sincerely for this marina review.
      Note Gary also mention “Schooner Wharf Bar. That is also one of this writer’s favorite Key West haunts. This bar’s motto is “Where you can hang with the Big Dogs.” GREAT place, particularly for cruisers!

      Having spent the last 12 days weather bound by wind at the Galleon Marina in Key West, I think we qualify as fresh water conchs. If you have to be weather bound, there aren’t many better places!
      The dock hands at the Galleon are excellent at shoehorning large boats into small slips. Sometimes there is even room for fenders. Dock hands John, Fred, Susie, Heather and Mike have never met a stranger. They have unbelievable patience with even the inexperienced boater. They make the boat captain look like an old pro. The docks are all floating which makes for an easy exit from your boat. One should absolutely call for assistance when docking because they know all of the tricks for an easy docking experience. Don’t forget to ask for assistance when leaving because the wind and current can also present a challenge.
      One of our favorite places to spend the afternoon is the Schooner Wharf Bar. Michael McCloud performs most days and has a show not to be missed. His music is not exactly G rated, but gives you a good insight into the Key West lifestyle. An island cheeseburger is always welcome when accompanied by an adult beverage.
      Gary Riss
      M/V Far From Normal


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

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    • May 2, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Visiting Lignumvitae Key

      Lignumvitae Key sits just off the Inside/ICW route, between Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys, north of the long Indian Key bridge and causeway. This historic and ecologizal attraction makes for a great visit, but, as you will see, the state park operatings here are being cut back at the moment, and only three moorings are available.

      Subject: Lignumvitae Key
      Cruising News: Today we enjoyed an interesting and informative tour at Lignumvitae Key and would like to update you on the current status of this park. Tours have been cut back from 5 to 3 days a week – now only Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 10am and 2pm. We were told this is due to current economic conditions, that many of the Florida state parks are being cut back or closed, and to contact our legislators to help keep our parks open. We also noted only 3 moorings where there used to be 5 (there is also plenty of room to anchor). This is a great stop for anyone cruising through the Keys. We came up from Marathon on the bay side and never saw less than 6 feet.
      Pam and Frank
      aboard s/v Blackfoot


      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Lignumvitae Key Mooring Field

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    • Apr 29, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Anchorage Resort & Marina (Jewfish Creek, St. M. 1134)

      Anchorage Marina and Resort is located just across Jewfish Creek from Gilberts Marina. Didn’t know there was a good restaurant at hand. That’s something new!

      Subject: Anchorage Resort & Marina
      Cruising News: On our way south to Key West,we stopped overnight at the Anchorage. While somewhat isolated, we highly recommend it for a stopover. Clean, friendly with all the hook-ups (cable, free WIFI) and an excellent restaurant (Marley’s). Try the ceviche which apparently comes out a little different every time and was delicious.
      Eric Norlin


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

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    • Apr 26, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Channel 5 Depths

      I think Captain ran into some unusually low water levels (see below), due to wind tides. However, caution is advised in the areas he notes.

      Hello,
      Your keys guide is being put to good use on my trip. The wind is howling and it's nice to have a reference to figure out where we can hide.
      FYI, we touched the bottom (5' 1" draft) in the middle of the channel approaching Channel 5 from Hawk. We were probably 100-150 left of the first red, right on the line on my chartplotter. The tide was -0.2' at  the time.
      Then, in on the way to Matecumbe Bight, we were in 5.4' to 5.9' of water most of the way, where the chart said 7'. Combination of the low tide and 25 knot winds I suppose, so didn't surprise me as much as the Channel 5 depth did.
      Thanks,
      Chris
      S/V Mayari

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    • Apr 24, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Anchoring In Boot Key Harbor

      Another GREAT report from our Florida Keys correspondent, Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd!

      Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
      Boot Key Harbor Anchorage

      Boot Key Harbor
      24°42’23.58’³ N 81°5’33.05″
      Marathon, FL Keys
      by Charmaine Smith Ladd
      Boot Key Harbor (BKH) offers the very best protection in all of the Florida Keys for boats looking to get out of weather. The Harbor is accessed from the Atlantic by way of two inlets. The west inlet has a controlling depth of 6 feet. The south inlet, Sister’s Creek, has a controlling depth of just a couple of inches over four feet.
      Since the completion of the 226-ball mooring field in
      Boot Key Harbor, many have erroneously made the conclusion that anchorage is no longer available.
      Nothing could be further from the truth.
      As you pass the permanently upright bascule bridge and enter the Harbor, you will find the anchorage area begins immediately to your right (south). The water is relatively much shallower prior to reaching red marker 16. Deeper water (minimum 7-8+ ft.) is found just south of the western inlet channel between red markers 16 and 18. The anchorage here is approximately 350 yards in length (west to east) and about 100 yards wide (south to north). Shallower draft vessels can anchor beyond the 100 yards nearer to the southern line of mangroves.
      There is also a much smaller, much shallower anchorage located at the opposite (east) end of Boot Key Harbor. This anchorage is ideal for multihull vessels and drafts of no more than 3-1/2 feet. There are some deeper spots in the area, but those are usually taken.
      Dinghy dockage is offered by the Marathon City Marina at $13/day, $43/week, or $127.50/month.
      The dinghy fees include trash disposal, the use of the new bathhouse and adjoining laundry facilities, access to potable water (.05 cents/gallon), and weekly pumpout.
      If you are anchoring and don’t need shore access often enough to warrant the City Marina dinghy fees,
      you can dinghy to the far eastern end of the Harbor to Hurricane Hole Marina. There they offer a daily dinghy dockage rate of only $5.00 and are in close proximity to Publix grocery and other frequented stores. This is strictly a daily rate and offered as a courtesy as their closeness to stores is unsurpassed.
      So come on down to beautiful Boot Key Harbor where the protection from winds is as good as it gets, the atmosphere relaxed and laid back, and the people (boaters and landlubbers alike) are arguably the friendliest in all of mainland Florida and the Florida Keys.
      Charmaine Smith Ladd,
      SSECN’s Regional Correspondent for the Florida Keys,
      bringing you “The Low Down from Down Low.”


      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Boot Key Harbor Mooring Field and Anchorage

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    • Apr 20, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      No Overnight Tie Up at No-Name Harbor (Key Biscayne, hard by Miami)

      First, No-Name Harbor is located at the extreme southern end of Key Biscayne, and is part of the Bill Boggs Florida State Park. The harbor is a wonderfully sheltered anchorage, and the fee for staying at anchor overnight is very reasonable.
      When I first read Captains Bobbi and Warren’s message below, I did a double-take. I thought it reported that overnight stays were no longer allowed at No-Name Harbor. But then, I read more carefully and understood that it’s just vessels tied to the seawall that are no longer permitted. OVERNIGHT ANCHORAGE IN NO-NAME HARBOR IS STILL VERY MUCH IN THE OFFING, AS LONG AS THE FEE IS PAID!

      Subject: TOW AWAY ZONE IN NO NAME HARBOR
      Cruising News: No Name Harbor at Biggs State Park in Key Biscayne is now enforcing the “no overnight mooring” policy that has been in effect but largely ignored. There are now “Tow Away Zone” signs and any illegally moored vessel (i.e. those staying overnight at the wall or those not paying the fee) will be towed by SeaTow “at the owners expense”. Rangers may ask to see your receipt from the envelope used to pay fees. A ranger will also make patrols at No Name after dusk to ensure boats have vacated. To recap the rules: you can tie your boat up at the seawall during the day for $2 or anchor overnight for $15/night. You cannot stay overnight at the wall. The pump out is free.
      Bobbi and Warren
      s/v Grand Eagle


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

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    • Apr 17, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Cruising the Florida Keys In A Deeper Draft Vessel

      Below, Cruisers Net visitors will discover a SUPERB article about cruising the Florida Key, and particularly the waters around Marathon, in deeper draft vessels, author by Captain Charmine Smith Ladd, our regular Florida Keys correspondent!

      April 15th 2009
      The Florida Keys & Deeper Drafts
      by Charmaine Smith Ladd

      Often, I’m asked about deeper drafts and the problems encountered when navigating the waters of the Florida Keys.
      There are actually many sailboats with drafts of 7’+ in the Florida Keys. They come and go as their lesser draft counterparts, they simply watch the tides and their charts. Most of us do that anyway.
      Getting in and out of Boot Key Harbor has been an issue for any draft over 5-1/2′ since Hurricane Wilma silted much of the entrance channel. A decent sized engine can power right through it, the bottom is very soft.
      The controlling depth of Boot Key Harbor is at least 8-11′ in the mooring areas. If you draw over 6′ it would be wise to let the Marathon City Marina know you need plenty of water. When coming into the
      Harbor with a deeper draft, don’t use the dogleg of the channel inside the Harbor. It can get quite shallow in that part of the channel as water often blows out of it. Instead, stay heading east (straight ahead) after clearing the bascule bridge (the bridge is permanently locked in the open position at all times now) and go through the middle of the mooring field.
      If you are going to either B-Dock of The Sombrero Dockside Marina or over to Sombrero Lighthouse Marina, pay close attention to the area immediately north of The Sombrero Dockside’s dining area. It can get very skinny there. Make sure you’ve got a nice high tide when navigating through there with a deeper draft. Once again, it’s mainly silt…but it sure is disheartening to hear the low water alarm blaring. LOL
      Beware of the grassbeds which are clearly marked but have overgrown those markers in the silted in areas we again owe to Hurricane Wilma. Give the grassbeds wide respect.
      All marinas inside Boot Key Harbor have plenty of water at their slips for deeper draft vessels. No worries there.
      September Sea draws 5’8 and we’ve lived and sailed down here in the Keys for seven years. We go in and outside of Boot KeyHarbor often and enjoy the beautiful sailing and cruising areas all along the Keys.
      When we first arrived, we were told so often by others to stay away from Bayside as it would be too shallow for us. As I type this, I’m anchored on Bayside (predominately 8-9-10 ft. water depths) loving the solitude away from the daily routine hustle surrounding marinas and harbors.
      There is no problem with a 6-1/2 ft. draft or even deeper when in the Keys or southern Florida. Sure, there are many marina areas in the Keys on Bayside you won’t be able to get into, but you do have lots of other options. Check your charts and you’ll see there is plenty of water as well as other facilities that can handle your draft. Simply pay attention and avoid the areas and places too shallow for your vessel.
      So don’t be shy! Come on down here to the Keys and enjoy the turquoise waters of the Caribbean right here in the good ole US of A.
      Charmaine Smith Ladd, SSECN’s Regional Correspondent for the Florida Keys, bringing you “The Low Down from Down Low.”

      Hey Charmaine’¦ how about Bowlegs Cut, Steamboat Channel, and the other rumored `shallow spots’ on the inside route? I’m interested in taking the inside route all the way from Miami, but I keep hearing that depths are less than 4′ in some of these notorious spots. Comments ???
      Rapid Roy

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    • Apr 13, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Boca Chita Key (Biscayne Bay, south of Miami)

      Boca Chita Key is part of the Biscayne Bay National Park, and a small marina/harbor is maintined here by the Park Service. I’ve always found the depths rather shallow here, but note that Captain Pascal below says 5 feet can be maintained. Also, and this is not the first posting we’ve had here on the Net about this subject, Boca Chita Key is definitely NOT pet friendly.

      Subject: Boca chita, FL Keys/ Biscayne Bay
      Cruising News: I see the note about no dogs (and no cats… actually the signs say no pets) at Boca Chita… the rangers have always enforced this. If they see a pet on a boat, they will have you leave, right away. I’ve heard that people who argued or delayed leaving have been fined.
      You can safely take in 5′ draft at MLW, just stay bewteen the 3 sets of buoys. The shallowest part, just over 5′ MLW, is just east of the final pair (between the last pair and the harbor entrance).
      Mosquitoes make the place unbearable in summer though…
      Pascal


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

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    • Apr 2, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Places To Eat And Things to Do In Marathon

      Marathon does have a LOT to offer. In addition to what Sue and Bob talk about below, don't miss the Wooden Spoon for breakfast!

      We love Marathon. We spent about a month there every year. If you like crab, try the all-you-can-eat Golden Crab at Keys Fisheries. It is located on the Gulf side, across the street from the City Marina
      and down the street aside the Pink Pig. If you like movies, try the local theater; it is different (in a good way) than any theater we have ever been in.
      Great lay-back little town with a lot of cruises.
      Sue and Bob
      Our Independence

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    • Apr 2, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Good Times in Marathon/Book Key Harbor Mooring Field (and city marina)

      Even more GOOD reasons to reserved a mooring in Marathon’s Boot Key Harbor!

      Today we are moored at the Marathon City Marina? (along with about 200 other boats). Mooring balls are $20.00 per night and $100.00 per week.? They had a pot luck tonight and we met lots of other boaters. Some live here and lots are on their way to/from the Bahamas. We plan to stay here several days. Restock the boat and get ready to head up to Pelican Bay and then on to the [MTOA]rendezvous. There is a dingy dock farther into the harbor (not the one here at the marina) which is $5.00, but it is right next to Publix, WalMart, CVS, etc. I am in WalMart withdrawel!
      Ben and Barbara Falmlen
      Two Cats Too

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Boot Key Harbor Mooring Field and Anchorage


      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Boot Key Harbor City Marina

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    • Apr 2, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Bahia Honda State Park Marina and Anchorage

      After leaving Marathon by way of Moser Channel, and then Hawk Channel, cruisers can cut through a removed section of the old bridge between Bahia Honda Key and Big Pine Key, and anchor off the start park. As you will see from some of the subsequent messages below, this is not a very protected haven. The adjacent state park marina is mostly pointed towards small powercraft, but I guess cruising vessels in the 30 to 38 foot range might be able to berth here.
      We came into Bahia Honda this morning after leaving Newfound Harbor.? Atlantic was a little rough and rolling.? We went into the marina at the state park and tied up for most of the day.? There is a 2.50 per foot charge if you stay the night, but we were told we could anchor just outside the marina entrance between the 2 bridges (the old railroad bridge and the highway bridge).? It is great and well protected and FREE!? We will leave in the morning and are headed to Marathon…watch out Marathon…here we come!
      Ben and Barbara Falmlen
      Two Cats Too

      I may have spoken too soon about the anchorage at Bahia Honda.? About 1 a.m. when the tide was shifting, the boat started to rock and roll and oh, what a night!? I was scared to death we would drag anchor into one of the bridges.? It didn’t happen, but it was?NOT a peaceful night.? I would not recommend it.? Even with a Bahama anchor.
      Ben and Barbara Falmlen
      Two Cats Too

      I came really close to writing when you made the posting yesterday evening. But I figured it was too late and the anchorage would probably be OK.
      It’s interesting to note that the Bahia Honda anchorage was given 2 out of 5 stars in ActiveCaptain. That’s pretty poor for an anchorage
      Jeffrey Siegel
      M/V aCappella

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

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    • Apr 2, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Anchorage on Newfound Harbor (off Hawk Channel, between Marathon and Key West)

      Morgan Stinemetz and I recommend several anchorages available to cruisers in Newfound Harbor. This nautral haven sits hard by Little Torch Key, Ramrod Key and Big Pine Key. Captains Ben and Barabara are also right to warn of shallows surrounding the channel. This would be a good spot to try out that new Garmin GPS chartplotter.
      By the way, “Fat Alberts” are what the locals call US Navy spy radar balloons that are put up on long, long tethers from nearby Cudjoe Key. The only trouble is that these 14 million dollar units regularly break free. When this happens, the Navy scrambles F-14’s from Boca Chita Key, and shoots the balloons down with million dollar missils, so their equipment will not fall into Cuban hand.s. Your tax dollars are work in the Florida Keys.

      Last night we stayed in Newfound Harbor. It is a very protected anchorage and there were 7 other boats in there with us. Just be careful and watch your depth finder. There are some shallow places. There were several sailboats and they draw much more than we do (about 3.5 ft.).
      It as a great, close by, anchorage after diving/snorkeling off Looe Key. Just look for the weather/radar blimp (called Fat Albert) you can’t miss it.
      Ben and Barbara Falmlen
      Two Cats Too

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Newfound Harbor Southerly Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Newfound Harbor Mid-Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Newfound Harbor Westerly Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Newfound Harbor Northerly Anchorage

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    • Mar 30, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Happy Times at Marathon’s Boot Key Harbor

      Captain David’s message below is a wonderful testament to what has gone RIGHT in Marathon and Boot Key Harbor for the cruising community.

      I moored at Marathon for two weeks a month or so ago. Marathon’s mooring field is a tribute to what can be done with dedicated people and supportive politicians (well except for the bath house!!!).
      I anchored there ten years ago and it was a much, much different story. The anchorage was filled with derilect boats and liveaboards who didn’t know what a pump out was.
      Now the derilects are gone (well mostly- if you pay your mooring fees, you can keep any kind of boat there) and the harbor water quality almost sparkles. The City Marina sponsors weekly get togethers and the morning vhf net is helpful and full of activities.
      Interestingly, perhaps 1/3 of the boats there are full time long term Marathon liveaboards and many have jobs that they dinghy and bicycle to. Another third or so are cruisers there for the winter as a destination. They take their boats back home (or put them on the hard) at the end of the season and head back north. And another third (maybe much less) were like me- just passing through.
      Marathon is a very cruiser friendly place. The only other place that comes close is Vero Beach.
      David


      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Boot Key Harbor Mooring Field and Anchroage

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    • Mar 20, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Boca Chita Key – NO DOG Policy

      The harbor and no frills marina at Boca Chita Key, is part of Bicayne Bay National Park. Entrance depths can be slim, and now we learn from Captain Laura that no dogs are allowed, even aboard!

      For cruisers with pets, Boca Chita has a no dogs policy’”even onboard your boat.
      Thanks for all your help.
      Laura Bender


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

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    • Mar 20, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Mysterious Rock On Angelfish Creek Channel

      Angeflish Creek is the first serous crossover stream, cruising south from Miami to Jewfish Creek, that cruisers might use to transit for the Inside to the Hawk Channel route, or the other way around. For years, there has been discussion here on the Cruisers' Net "Florida Keys" section about a mysterios underwater "rock" on the Hawk Channel end of the Angelfish Creek channel.
      Below, as you will read, Captain Steve seems to have discovered the "rock," the hard way. Others have not found this obstruction, and earlier questioned its existence. I don't think there's any question in Captain Steve's mind, and we should all go to proverbial school on his misfortune. Hope Steve does have the opportunity to perform his "snorked research," and the "rock" can be located once and for all!

      I read in your 2005 keys guide about the phantom rock on the east side (hawks Channel) side of angel creek
      I will verify that the rock is there as I bent a prop on it a year ago. I still can not tell you exactly where it is because when I hit it I wasn’t looking for it… so it happened so fast that I wasn’t cognizant of just where it was. However I can say that I think it is just to the north of the last westerly buoy that marks the channel on that side
      I draw 5-1/2 feet so I only go through there now at mid to high tide. I have been through there three times since and always hold my breath when I go through
      If you have any additional information on this rock, please let me know
      We are members at the Ocean Reef Club and keep our boat in Lauderdale so when the wind is up we take the ICW down past Miami and then across Biscayne Bay through Angelfish Creek to the Hawk Channel side to Ocean Reef
      Please e-mail me if you ever get a bead on this rock
      I plan to try and take the tender out form ocean reef and snorkel the area and see if I can find it. If I do find it I will get the GPS coordinates and send it to you
      Thanks
      Steve

      Subject: Angel Fish Creek "ROCK"
      Cruising News: We came to the Bahamas on March 17th and used Angel Fish Creek Cut to get to Bimini. We had spent the night at Pumpkin Key and at 7 AM went to sea via that cut. We were concerned with the west side depth since all charts show very little water just at the west entrance which turn out to be no problem and soon after that we had depths of 7 feet and more.
      The problem we had was the same rock stated by Capt Steve. We were in the middle of the channel which is well marked and as we approached between the two last sets of red and green markers on the east side of Angel Fish Creek cut we "FOUND" the rock or something very solid. There were two hits, telling me that there are at least two obstructions next to each other closer to the north side of the channel. We draw only 3 feet and it was low tide at that momentn(7am March 17th, 2009) , but just before we hit we had at least 5/6 feet of water!
      We are never again using this cut!!! until some government body fixes or remove this obstructions.
      Please be aware. We were lucky. we just had a scrape on the keel of out power cat and were able to proceed to the Bahamas. Had our boat been a little deeper, we could have sunk right there!
      Take care.
      Captain George

      Last year (Nov 07) we used angel fish creek as a crossover to Hawk Channel from Bayside—never again.  We are in a 48 Krogen whaleback (5’ draft) and maybe we were carrying 5’6”—Anyway, coming out right at high water, we were outbound just before the red and green (last ones before Hawk) and in the middle and struck hard rock bottom.  You don’t get stuck unless you stop and with our full keel and protected wheel (single engine) we plowed on scraping the paint off the bottom of our keel but getting to deeper water.  The swell either helped or hurt depending on your point of view but we made it to deeper water and will not go that way again.
      Steve and Teresa Hutchins
      Sea Quill

      Cruising News: I wrote to you 2 years about the presence of the rock.  It is actually more of an area of rocks.  I paid for my initial knowledge like many.  Also a member of Ocean Reef Club and Anglers Club we are there a lot.  I have sounded the channel with our tender and have snorkled the Creek.  It is tough spot.  The normal tide at that point is 2.7 ft but varies.  I will pass there with my 5.5 draft at high tide only!  This is not like grounding in GA or SC, this is ROCK.  I have been it the dock masters office one holiday weekend when the Miami crowed arrives Friday afternoon at low tide.  3 boats + 6 props ruined.  What proof do you need?  The worst spot is between the second 2 markers inside on the east end.  Just abeam 3/3A.  There is a little snake creek that spurs off to the north but shoals at the east end.  As it has been said many times before "Local Knowledge Required".  Use the Stiltsville channel 20 miles north.  The folks in the know do.
      Ed Potter
      "Alfie"
      55 Fleming

      And, here's a fellow cruiser who made multiple transits through Angelfish Creek, and never found the "rock." Note Steve's very apt comments about movement of the channel markers!

      I just returned form the Keys and made four passages through angelfish creek without incident
      The winds were high, in excess of 25 knots all week, so I was not able to snorkel and look for the infamous rock
      However, the channel has been remarked with pole markers. The mouth of the channel is now very narrow so I think that since the markers have been moved together and my original thought was that the rock was just north of the mouth of the channel that the rock issue may be eliminated if you approach from the southeast stay within the narrow entrance markers
      Steve

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    • Mar 20, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Land Access in the Florida Keys

      Below is a copied discussion from the Net's "Ask Your Neighbor" page, which, in turn was copied from the AGLCA list.
      This discussion contains a lot of truth, and a lot of good advice. Too bad though that Captains Joe and Mary Beth didn't read the posting below about the new dinghy dock on Tarpon Basin. That would be a good alternative.

      Is there any dock that is available in the Keys to pick up a passenger without major charges? Are there any public accesses that can be used to bring a dingy without substantial charges? I feel that we must be the first to come to the Florida Keys on a limited budget.
      We have enjoyed lovely anchorages and much appreciated free mooring balls. The state and national parks are beautiful. However getting to shore to enjoy the communities seems to be a challenge. Access for those with mobility impairments is especially difficult.
      Since coming to the Keys we have found charges for each bag of trash placed in a dumpster and for filling water tanks. If those charges are modest it certainly is not a problem. However, renting a marina slip seems required to gain access to land. We are spending enough time that we do not always need to buy more fuel so our access to marina docks are limited.
      Any suggestions on useful access points would be appreciated.
      Eddy
      aboard Seldom's Escape

      We have found the mooring fields in Florida to be incredible, and not that expensive.  We stayed two months in Marathon at City Marina, and have stayed at Key West Mooring field before, and now after our trip to the Dry Tortugas.  Secure dingy docks, free pump outs, and good transportation (buses).
      Just my .02, YMMV
      Joe & Mary Beth Amelia

      You have found the problem for transients in the Keys. Land is precious, landing opportunities are mostly at the cuts where the water is deeper.  Municipalities are not oriented to transient services.
      Marathon is the big exception and Plantation also has a good municipal marina.
      If you just want to pick someone up I would give a call to a likely spot and get their reply.  Plantation Yacht Harbor on the bay side will let you do a touch and go I believe.
      We live at Key Biscayne which is north of the Keys proper but you can land at Crandon Marina and No Name Harbor.  You cannot linger at the marinas of course because they have to keep customer access.
      Greg and Susan Han

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    • Mar 19, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff 1 Comment

      New Key Largo Dinghy Dock on Tarpon Basin (off Inside/ICW Route, near Statute Mile 1140)

      There are any number of good anchorages off the Inside/ICW route in Tarpon Basin. So, it’s really great that it looks as if a dinghy dock is now available here. If anyone hears that this dock has become “official” ( see below), PLEASE e-mail me at CruisingWriter@CruisersNet.net.

      Subject: Dinghy Dock Key Largo
      Cruising News: The new Government center on Tarpon Basin is open and some cruisers have been using the docks for
      shore access! Don’t know if it’s official yet, however, it is a place to go ashore bayside Key Largo in Tarpon Basin, walkable to the Hardware store (north) and Pulix Groceries (south) Will keep you informed of any changes I hear about this.
      Capt. Sterling

      A pump-out boat comes to Tarpon Basin once a week. They had some problems with the boat March 2009, but were supposed to go by every thursday. Try them on Ch 16.
      Stein A. Holtbakk

      Soon after posting the message above, I received the note below from Admiral Laua:

      Hi, Claiborne,
      We just negotiated our way into Tarpon Basin, uneventfully, thanks to your explicit directions in your guide. We’re anchored at almost the exact coordinates that you gave near the microwave tower. I’ve called 5 different city/county phone numbers trying to find where the dinghy dock is at the new government building and nobody has a clue. Google mapped the building and it’s inland on the highway and that’s a long way to drag a dink. We’re really eager to go ashore and hope you or Capt. Sterling can offer some help.
      Many thanks,
      Laura Bender

      So, I forwarded Laura’s note to Capt. Sterling, and he soon replied:

      Sure Claiborne,
      Just south of the Microwave tower you will see a canal, next to that a hotel. Just south of the hotel is the Government center basin. Its on active captain at Tarpon Basin at 25 07 279 North/80 25 108 West
      See you on the Waterways!
      Capt. Sterling
      MV Sterling Lady

      And, a return message from Admiral Laura:
      Active Image
      Hi, Claiborne
      I emailed Capt. Sterling, also, and he responded right away with an email and phone call. He told us about a mangrove tunnel nearby that is a dinghy or kayak trip. We’re looking forward to that’”he said it’s magnificent. The dinghy dock’s right under our nose. Am attaching a picture because I thought it was a firefighter training tower. On one side is a dolphin rehab and the other, a hotel. It’s about a ½ mile walk south to a strip center with numerous retail-Publix, Radio Shack, Kmart, Payless Shoes, Bealls, Dollar General, Quizno’s, and even the public library.
      Thanks for all your help.
      Laura Bender

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

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

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

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Martin Dahm -  April 6, 2019 - 2:33 pm

        My wife and I just spent 3 weeks anchored in Tarpon Basin at Key Largo. Nice well protected anchorage with good holding. We have been using the fixed dinghy dock at the Murray E. Nelson Government and Cultural Center (home of the Monroe County Planning Office) to access shore and though it can be a bit crowded at times it has worked out fine. However, yesterday when we returned from running errands we noticed signs had been posted prohibiting overnight parking in the parking lot without a county permit and signs on the dock prohibiting dinghies from tying up to the dock, trees or mooring within 25 feet. The prohibitions are to take effect April 15, 2019.

        As far as I know, this was the only publicly accessible dinghy dock in Tarpon Basin. You can still dock by Sundowner's in Blackwater Sound, but that's a long dinghy ride from Tarpon Basin. In future years, we'll end up anchoring in Blackwater Sound and just not spend much time or money in Key Largo.

        Reply to Martin
    • Mar 16, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Little Crawl Key Anchorage No More! (off Hawk Channel, west of Duck Key)

      Wow, here’s some worthwhile news and no mistake. The so-called, Little Crawl Key Anchorage, has never been the easiest to enter, but based on Captain Dave’s report below, it’s now not even worth considering as an anchorage. I’m removing it from the Net’s “Florida Keys Anchorage Directory,” and everyone else should just cross it off their list as well.

      Subject: Little Crawl Key Anchorage
      Cruising News: Earlier this week, we were enroute from Key West to Miami via Hawk Channel and decided to anchor for the night in the ancorage at Little Crawl Key.
      The first hint that things were not going to go well was that the markers that we saw out the windshield were not even close to the way they were shown on the chart plotter. We found the entrance markers and proceeded inbound, very slowly. Our boat draws 44 inches and in the middle of the channel, right between the number 1 and 2 markers we touched bottom. It was too narrow to quit so we continued down the winding channel.
      As we approached the entrance to the lagoon we could see that it was shoaled almost completely across the entrance channel. To top things off there was a fellow standing in the middle of the channel in water up to his knees.
      With great dificulty, we managed to turn around and get out of that place. I strongly recommend that no one in anything other than a kayack try and get into this place.
      Dave Boxmeyer

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    • Mar 11, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Results of Recent Potty Parol – Boat Sweep in the Florida Keys

      Subject: Liveaboard harrasment
      Cruising News: From FWC site at:  http://www.myfwc.com/About/LE/About_LE_Weekly.htm
      MONROE COUNTY
      Lieutenant Elizabeth Riesz headed an interagency task force that checked live-aboard compliance throughout the Keys. Law Enforcement personnel and assets from FWC, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Environmental Protection, U. S. Customs and Boarder Patrol, and U. S. Coast Guard participated. Officers patrolled areas of high density live-aboards and checked safety equipment, vessel registration, nighttime anchor lighting, and marine sanitation devices within the No Discharge Zone of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The next “Operation Live-Aboard” is scheduled for February 2010.
      Islamorada
      Marathon
      Key West
      Total
      Vessel Inspections
      29
      30
      70
      129
      Uniform Boating Citations
      8
      3
      6
      17
      Written Warnings
      12
      20
      51
      83
      Verbal Warnings
      9
      11
      25
      45
      Officers Participating
      22
      9
      14
      45
      Patrol Vessels Utilized
      5
      3
      5
      13
      Boating Safety Hours
      25
      15
      25
      65

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