Visit Logged
  •  Chart View
    • At Current Location
    • At Selected Location
    • Enter A Location
    • Enter Latitude and Longitude
  •  Fuel Prices
    • Lowest Diesel Prices Anywhere
    • Lowest Gas Prices Anywhere
    • Virgina to North Carolina
    • North Carolina
    • South Carolina
    • Georgia
    • Eastern Florida
    • St. Johns River
    • Florida Keys
    • Okeechobee Waterway
    • Western Florida
  • Select Region
    • All Regions
    • VA to NC Line
    • North Carolina
    • South Carolina
    • Georgia
    • Eastern Florida
    • Western Florida
    • Florida Keys
    • Okeechobee Waterway
    • Northern Gulf
    • Bahamas
    • New York
    • Ohio
    • Pennsylvania
    • Washington
    • Puerto Rico
    • Minnesota
    • Maryland
    • Tennessee
    Order by:
    • Jan 20, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Inside Route Depth Queston

      I copied the question below from the Net's "Ask Your Neighbor" page. Thought Captain Clayton might find more of an audience here. Please send any response to his question to CruisingWriter@CruisersNet.net or click the "Contribue Cruising News" link found near the top, center of this, and most Net pages.

      Subject: inside ICW vs. Hawks Channel 5.4' draft
      Cruising News: I am planning a trip from key west up the keys for a week at end of Feb. and staying at various marinas along the way.  My boat draws 5.0' to 5.4' depending on fuel, etc.  it appears there are sections of the inland ICW that are too shallow, but are there any section along the way I could use, or should I stay outside the entire way?
      Also, i am planning on making it to Duck Key, possibly Islamorada and stayinng at Marathon Marina, Hawks Cay and Holiday Isle or Caloosa Cove, any suggestions on other marinas we could visit instead that can handle the draft?
      Thanks
      Clayton

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jan 15, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Sister Creek – Boot Key Harbor (Marathon) Depths

      I copied Captain Sam’s question below from the Net’s “Ask Your Neighbor” page. I thought he might get a quicker answer if I put his text here as well.

      Subject: Entering Boot Dey Harbor with 6′ draft Cruising News:
      I have been told that Boot Key Harbor can be entered through Sister Creek at high tide with 6′ draft. (mast is too high for main channel passage under 65′ power cable clearance) Has anyone had that experience with 6′ draft?
      Sam
      Catalina 50

      Perusing your website saw the question about Sister’s Creek with a 6′ draft. I draw 5’8 and would not dare try to navigate Sister’s Creek even at high tide. You COULD but I wouldn’t recommend it unless with the benefit of an unusually super lunar tide.
      Sam didn’t say what his mast height is, but this may be of help: What a number of sailors do to remedy the problem of the often drooping communications line (not a power line) is to have someone
      up the mast who can push it up out of the way as your vessel passes beneath it. It’s worked for dozens of taller masts over the years. We have very large
      schooners that come in here for the Boy Scout trips… tall masts.
      I’d also suggest he call the bridgetender, particularly “Lee of s/v Mariah,” who is forever gracious and quite knowledgeable. He would know the mast heights that have used the method I mention successfully.
      Hugs,
      Charmaine
      Aboard s/v September Sea


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

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jan 12, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Marathon – Book Key Harbor – Still Cruiser Friendly

      On 1/9/09, as part of a Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Alert, I asked for info about an ordinance which was proposed some months ago in Marathon, to address the very real problem of abandoned vessels. The trouble was that, as originally written, it would have been a technical violation to leave your boat at all.
      Fortunately, as you will see below this entire proposal was dropped, or perhaps was never a real issue in the first place. Clearly, Marathon and the Boot Key Harbor Mooring Field are still VERY cruiser friendly!

      Marathon does not have any regulation regarding leaving your boat. I am currently on a mooring ball in Boot Key Harbor and the marina staff is doing everything possible to make everyone feel welcome. There was a proposal last fall about leaving your boat but it was quickly dropped and there is no discussion about a new ordinance.
      Captain Harv
      S/V Camelot

      Hi Claiborne,
      We were just in marathon for a weekend jaunt, they have really cleaned up the mooring field, alot! Saw very few “junker” boats,, even in the anchoring area.
      Happy new year!
      See you on the Waterways!
      Capt. Sterling

      Hey there,
      There never was anything on the table here in Boot Key Habor that proposed to make it a crime to simply leave your boat. The confusion is that there are two different entities making revisions on separate matters: 1) the City of Marathon, and 2) the FWC.
      The FWC revisions are to make it easier for municipalities to prevent and control the problem of derelict boats. Any city or municipality can choose to enforce those prohibitions (if and when passed) or decline and/or set up their own set of rules to use.
      All the powers that be in Marathon do not want to prohibit anchoring inside Boot Key Harbor. They have stressed this time and again that liveaboards are not in threat of losing their right to anchor here. They have made that CRYSTAL CLEAR in every way.
      What they do want to control is the problem with boats left unattended and literally abandoned. This Harbor had plenty of those years ago and I’ve watched those pests be towed off, put in the queue, and then destroyed. What a breath of fresh air that has been!
      To keep that problem from occuring again, the City Marina wants boaters to let them know IN WRITING when they are leaving their boats for longer than x” period of time (quite reasonable) and who to contact in case of emergency. That has previously been an unwritten courtesy that any sensible boater has done in the past without urging.
      One must admit that it does make it pretty apparent who is aboard and who is not. The Harbor was never intended to be wet storage for absentee owners who come here very eight
      months. There have been owners who rent boats and are never here and then abandon them when they end up in the mangroves after a big blow. It’s how the icky stuff gets started.
      Too, boats that do not navigate do not have to register with the State of Florida. Makes no sense to me. That is exactly the true origin of the derelict boat problem. Anyone can tow whatever in here and plunk it down anchored to an engine block and leave to never return. There is no way of bringing that owner to court for costs incurred due to his vessel because there is no registration to track. That’s LEGAL. Unreal.
      The derelict boat problem for Boot Key Harbor is not even really inside the Harbor at all (at least not as of today). The problem lies in the specific area immediately west of the bascule bridge.
      So the bad press Marathon has been getting is all for naught. There is no truth to it at all. You will not find more compassionate and caring advocates for boaters, liveaboards, and full-time cruisers than those in the employ of the City of Marathon Marina and Boot Key Harbor.
      Hope this clears up the matter for ya.
      Big Hugs,
      Charmaine Smith Ladd
      Aboard s/v September Sea

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

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jan 8, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Anchoring Not Allowed Within 500 Yards of Fleming Key (Key West)

      I certainly hope the info in Captain Ned’s note below does not preclude anchoring adjacent to Christmas Tree Island. This is indeed one of the few good places to anchor in Key West. Of course, I’m sure the large, city sponsored mooring field east of Fleming Key is still in full operation.

      Subject: No Anchoring Flemming Key , Key West
      Cruising News: The Navy is not allowing anchoring within 400 yards of Fleming Key. This was one of the few spots to anchor at Key West.
      Ned Young
      SV Dreamweaver


      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Fleming Key/Man of War Harbor Anchorage

      Be the first to comment!

    • Jan 5, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Cruising to the Dry Tortugas

      I copied the question and answer below from the Net's "Ask Your Neighbor" page. I suspect it will find a wider audience here.
      By the way, this string originally appeared on the MTOA List-serve.

      Any pointers, advice, warnings, based on the vast experience of the group,  about Dry Tortugas. Place to anchor, etc. We have enough supplies (and space for garbage) to survive without replenishments for some time. Would like to  visit, because it's there.
      Thanks,
      Raoul

      All seven islands are a national park. You can anchor with ample holding and depth at the fort. Don't want anything to do with it in bad wx. Have fun
      More information google US National parks. go to Florida, and click on the tortugas…there are overhead pictures of all of the islands, channels and anchorages. Along with what areas are restricted etc…
      Carl Hibbard

      Richard and I have been there four times and it is one of our favorite places. There is an anchorage area with very good holding. When you check in with the Park Rangers inquire about the landing pattern of the twin engine plane that brings out tourists from Key West. The fort is fabulous and very interesting. The snorkling and diving is incredible. There is a reef on the back side of Loggerhead Key, it has the light house on it, that is a great snorkling area. If memory serves it is shaped like Africa! We took soda and beer in cans so we could crush them and did not use any paper products like plates or cups. Really cuts down on the garbage situation. Also, make sure your overboard sewage discharge is closed and locked. Best park is NO BUGS!!! There is a bird sanctuary there that takes care of that. Also, commercial boats anchor there and for a six pack you can get some fresh fish or lobster (when in season). It is also a jumping off place for folks headed to Mexico, South and Central America. Met some great people on their way back. Have fun!!
      Richard and Judy Klawe

      Raoul,
      As others have said, it is a GREAT place to visit. As in don't miss it.
      I am amazed at the vast majority of visitors ( boaters) to Fla who never go there and very few on the Great Circle Cruise.
      You do not need a permit to visit the Fort area. The notices for a permit that you will see apply to the out lying areas
      During out stay two boat loads of Cubans made it to the island. We got some pictures of their homemade boat, 16 in a very small boat. Two groups in one nt, the weather was bad which enabled them to sneak in.  The other grp brt in by a smuggler.
      Make sure that your holding tank is empty before you set out as there as there are no services at all.
      CCC

      Claiborne:
      You might want to kick in  just go to US national parks on your computer.  Click Florida click the island of Tortuga and you have all of the information available, where, permits, fees etc.
      Color pictures of the entire area, and all the buoys shown, anchorages etc.
      Carl Hibbard 

      There are some good anchorages a few hundred yards ESE of the fort with easy access to the docks and land. Be alert for the Barracudas that hang out near the anchorages.
      John Harris

      Be the first to comment!

    • Dec 16, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Florida Keys Cruising – Inside/ICW vs Hawk Channel

      Just hours away from the Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas and Sanibel! Below, you will find a very interesting and informative discussion, which I copied from the Trawlers and Trawlering list, concerning the relative attributes of cruising the Florida Keys by way of the Inside/ICW route, vs Hawk Channel. There are many good points to consider.

      I'm planning a Christmas trip from the Miami area down the Keys probably to Boot Key and back; I have only previously run the Hawk Channel route. Can any listees provide some guidance on depth issues in ICW along this route, and mention any areas less than 5' ( I draw 4'  with twins) so a bit of a margin is nice. Does the Ceasar Creek route provide 5' on the bay side in and out? What tide range can be expected? If a strong norther sets in, how does that effect the water levels? FYI, I need 19' air draft for any bridges.  Appreciate any advise on list or direct.
      Tom

      Tom,
      We were based out of the Keys for 10 years. I would suggest you use the Hawk Channel route since there are no advantages to the Bayside route of the ICW and even with 4 foot draft you are probably going to run aground and this could be on coral and not just sand. December as with most winter months will give you the strong winds from the north, another reason to use Oceanside. The tides are normally 2 to 3 feet but winds and celestial influences can not be overlooked. Hawks channel has plenty of water and not much to worry about and can even be sailed at night if you know the area.
      Chuck

      I disagree, i think the bay side as a lot to offer and with 4' draft you will have plenty of water to enjoy the many anchorages, remote spots and the sheltered water of Florida Bay.
      I've done the route many times with my 4' draft hatt., the ICW is very well marked and foolproof.  no way to run aground there!  It's really mostly 6'  deep except a couple of 5'+ spots north of Key Largo. one at the entrance to Dusenberry Creek, another one of R58 off Rock Harbor, and another one just east of Cross Bank, but again, all over 5'.   Earlier this year, I took a larger boat down with a 5' draft and it was a little closer, we churned the bottom a few times but never touched.
      The only reason I'd consider taking Hawk Channel is if you're running on plane as rolling wont' be an issue…  if you're going to do it slow, enjoy the bay.
      And while indeed northerly winds can lower the water a bit,  the tides on the bay side are minimal, under 1'.  2 to 3' tides are outside, not inside.
      Pascal

      I have made the trip many times with 4 ft plus draft. It will get skinny,  but, you can make it . It's just pretty scarry at first because you can see the bottom, and it get skinny down by islamorada. You will make it fine.
      See you in  Paradise!
      Capt. Sterling

      Skinwalker with its 4.5 foot draft and crew has traveled both sides of the Keys in the winter enough to far prefer the inside with its clear protective water and anchorages.  We do watch our depths through the few coral cuts on the inside ICW route, but even those are usually, but not always non-events for some; yet we have never had a problem or run aground in the channel.  I suggest your decision be developed on what you wish to experience.  On the inside are wonderful blissful anchorages that provide access to the edge of the Everglades by dinghy or Tour, with hundreds of small Mangrove Islands, creeks and even a few Mangrove tunnels, all  pregnant with wild life.  There is also direct access, to a number of wonderfully funky, Keys, tiki bars with a fauna all there own.  I could start naming them up and down the interior of the Keys, but they are so much more fun when one discovers them on their own. If you like exploring the water and its edges–you will like doing it from the inside of the Keys.
      Bones
      aka Wayne & Lynn Flatt
      MV Skinwalker

      Be the first to comment!

    • Dec 12, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      A Detailed Look At Key West Bight Marinas

      Our thanks to Captain Rich for this very detailed look at the marina choices in Key West Bight. Looks right on the proverbial money to me!

      Claiborne,
      As promised, below is my recap of the current state of the marinas in Key West Bight Harbor. All are great places to stay but as you will see, they each are unique in their own way, so depending on the configuration of your vessel and what you plan on doing while visiting, then the choice for which marina to use varies. Again, I’ve stayed at them all and like them all. If you want amenities then Conch Harbor or The Galleon are the clear choice. And if you want the funky laid back feel of Key West, then the Key West Bight Marina is the choice. If you twisted my arm and yelled, “Tell me your favorite!” I’d say A&B … but that’s me and right now I’m writing this from my boat, Dancing Bear, in slip A10 at the Key West Bight Marina. I guess I’m just feeling “Key West funky” this week.
      Conch Harbor Marina
      Dockage, Diesel, Gas, Restaurant & Bar, Pool, Rest Room, Showers, and Laundry for marina customers.
      Fixed docks, most with a 12′ finger, a few with a full length finger peer. `Stern to’ docking necessary so succumb to the over the bow pulpit two step dance. RIB inflatable `tug’ can be arranged to help with maneuvering. Main peer is privately owned, slips are privately owned `condo style’ and leased through the management company, there is a secure gate at the top of the dock that is locked at night, so your fishing gear, bicycles, etc are secure while you sleep.
      Current rates for boats under 65′ is $3.50/ft per day, or $60/ft. per month.
      Key West Bight Marina
      City of Key West owned marina with Dockage, Diesel, Gas, Rest Rooms, Showers, and Laundry for marina customers.
      Four docking peers (A, C, D, and E ‘¦ B dock is the commercial dock that holds the fuel dock, and the ferry to the Dry Tortugas. Full-length finger peers between slips on the A dock only. No finger peers on the other docks, so unless you get one of the very few `tie along-side’ spots, you’d better bring a gangway.
      Key West Bight Maria controls the public dinghy dock for those visitors who choose to anchor out. Current rates are $6.00/day, $26.50 per week, $80.00 per month and a 13 ft maximum length for the dinghy.
      Current rates for slip dockage is $2.75/ft. per day or $44.00 /ft per month. There are higher rates during designated special events (Memorial Day, 4th of July, October Fantasy Fest, November Power Boat Races, Christmas/New Years, and KW Race Week in January.)
      A&B Marina Marina
      Dockage, Diesel, Gas, Rest Room, Showers, and Laundry for marina customers. Public restaurants, and a great martini bar at the top of the pier.
      One long floating pier with a single T-head at the end where the fuel dock resides. There are no finger peers between slips, so bow or stern mooring and egress is required. Slips are privately owned `condo style’ and leased through the management company; there isn’t a secure gate at the top of the dock, only a rope barrier and a sign asking the public not to pass.
      Current rates are $3.00/ft per day, or $30/ft. per month. Availability is always the issue at this great marina.
      The Galleon Marina
      Dockage, Diesel, Gas, Restaurant & Bar, Pool, Rest Room, Showers, Gym, and Laundry for marina customers.
      Floating docks, all with a full-length finger peers. The Galleon is a time-share resort and marina customers have full use of the resort facilities. Like the other 3 privately owned marinas, the slips can be purchased `condo’ style and leased out through the management company. Like Conch Harbor, the facility is secure at night. The docks at the Galleon stretch along the full length of the harbor’s breakwater thus, depending on the slip you are assigned, your walk from the boat to the shore could be long if you are lugging `boat stuff.’
      Current rates are $3.50/ft per day, or $60/ft. per month.
      All the best,
      Capt. Rich
      M/V Dancing Bear


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


      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For A&B Marina


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


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

      Be the first to comment!

    • Dec 9, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Shallow Spots on Inside, Florida Bay Channel – Key Largo to Tavernier

      Key Lime Sailing Club in Key Largo, 305-451-3438, www.keylimesailingclub.com Captain Pascal's posting below was actually in response to a question I had asked in my "Florida Keys Wish List" about whether others had found shallow water at the intersection of the Inside Route/ICW and Tavernier Creek. Pascal details some other skinny spots to watch out for!

      It's also a little skinny (5' MLW) at the entrance to dusenberry, bet 40 and 41, and further down near 58, also 5' MLW). remember that in florida bay water level can be lower when windy.
      Pascal

      Be the first to comment!

    • Dec 9, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Sunset Cove Anchorage (Buttonwood Sound – Key Largo)

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      14. Who has anchored in Sunset Cove, off Buttonwood Sound (near Statute Mile 1143)? Did you find yourself amidst a whole collection of fellow cruising craft? Did you find anywhere to land a dinghy ashore?

      Responses follow:

      Sunset Cove gets shallow near shore and if you don’t get close you get the wakes from the ICW
      Pascal

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

      Be the first to comment!

    • Dec 9, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Sands Key Anchorages (Biscayne Bay)

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      3. Has anyone anchored off Biscayne Bay’s Sands Key (near Statute Mile 1110)? What depths did you find? Would you recommend this anchorage to your fellow cruisers?

      Responses follow:

      You can anchor in 7 or 8′ of water on the north side of Sand Key, north of the sandbar off the cut. There is a little canal in the bend going to a pond, worth a trip with the dink.
      The best anchorage in the area is still Eliott Key, though, I rarely anchor off sandkey. The water is clear, you can dinghy to the beach near the north.
      There is a small marina halfway down, by the rangers building, small boats though (under 30). no services, but a boardwalk/trail crossing to the ocean side.
      Pascal

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

      Be the first to comment!

    • Dec 9, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Soldier Key Anchorage (Biscayne Bay)

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      1. Has anyone tried to anchor off Soldier Key? Did you find the entrance channel unmarked and tricky?

      Responses follow:

      You can anchor on the bay to the west… i’ve never dare trying to get close!
      Pascal

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

      Be the first to comment!

    • Dec 9, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Key West To the Dry Tortugas

      Just hours away from the Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas and Sanibel! On 12/4/08, as part of a "Florida Keys Wish List," I posed the following question:

      50. Who has taken their own vessel to the Dry Tortugas, Garden Key and Fort Jefferson. Please describe your cruising experience. Would you recommend this passage to other cruisers? If so, what would be your minimum vessel size recommendations.

      Responses follow:

      Claiborne,
      Enjoyed reading your wish list. I wish we had cruised the Keys more recently than the winter of 2004-5, so we could help answer some of your questions. The hurricanes of 2005 obviously changed a lot of things that we aren't aware of right now.
      However, I doubt if the passage from Key West to Dry Tortugas has changed much, and we did that in our 35 foot trawler back in January  2005. We had a good weather window, and stayed anchored off the fort for 3 nights before returning to Key West (stopping at Marquesa Key both ways). The trip out was a piece of cake – relatively calm winds and seas. The return was a bit of a ride for the first 30 miles and we had to "tack" across 5-6 foot waves with a period of about 12 seconds, and reduce speed to around 5 knots or so until we got within the reefs which helped dampen the seas a bit. This was better than waiting another day when the forecast was for really rough weather!
      We'd do it again in a heart beat. It is an idyllic place and unique from every perspective. The staff at Fort Jefferson is superbly friendly and helpful. Water wasn't much of a problem, although we did consciously conserve (washed dishes once a day, were careful when brushing teeth and washing, took showers on the day-cats, etc). When we returned after six days out, we had used less than 40 gallons of water.
      I think one could make the trip in a smaller trawler (certainly a smaller sailboat) with a good weather window. You could always stay anchored at Fort Jefferson until a front passed (usually 3-4 days) if
      you got caught. All the local fishermen come into the anchorage at night, and stay there during bad weather in relatively small boats.
      The depth in the anchorage was about 20 feet, if I recall, so scope is important. Once set, our SuperMax held well, but there is some grass on the bottom that caused a problem for a couple of other boats that were there at the same time.
      Bob McLeran and Judy Young  

      Be the first to comment!

    • Dec 9, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Fleming Key Mooring Field (Key West)

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      48. The city of Key West maintains a huge mooring field north of Fleming Key, administered by the city marina on Garrison Bight. Any of you who have stayed in the Key West mooring field recently, please share your experience. Did you get your holding tanks pumped out regularly? Were you able to dinghy ashore at Garrison Bight? Key West Bight?

      Responses follow:

      The mooring field at Fleming Key is a great place except in a north or north east wind. You can take your dink around to either Key West Marina. There is a facility charge in addition to use the docks at the Key west Bight, but itʼs worth the price.
      Bob & Toni Dorman

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

      Be the first to comment!

    • Dec 9, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Saddlebunch Harbor Anchorage (off Hawk Channel Between Marathon and Key West)

      On 12/4/08,as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      44. The other anchor down spot you might select between Marathon and Key West is Saddlebunch Harbor. Can someone who has been here recently please give us your impressions of this anchorage?

      Responses follow:

      Saddlebunch Harbor is one of our favorites. Itʼs especially great if you enjoy watching F18s take off over your mast. Four or five boats fit in, the entrance channel is well marked, but itʼs best to have someone on the bow at the outer marker
      Bob & Toni Dorman

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

      Be the first to comment!

    • Dec 8, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Gilberts Marina (Jewfish Creek)

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following quesiton:

      10. Gilberts Marina is located on the western shores of Jewfish Creek. For many, this is their first stop in the Florida Keys. Who has docked here recently? What did you find? Was the adjacent restaurant operating, and did you eat there? How was the food?

      Responses follow:

      I docked at Gilberts about six weeks ago. $2/ft./night. Docks are rundown and restrooms are shared with bar patrons (enough said). Still a fun atmosphere.
      Dick Bodner

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

      Be the first to comment!

    • Dec 8, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Anchorage Resort & Yacht Club (Jewfish Creek)

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      11. Just across from Gilberts, on the opposite shore, cruisers will find Anchorage Resort and Yacht Club. Has anyone docked here recently? What was your experience.

      Responses follow:

      Hi,
      I docked my 29 ft. Prairie at Anchorage Resort last month. There was plenty of space and the rate was $2.50/ft. Amenities are a swimming pool and a hot tub. One restroom for the entire marina but since there were few boats there it was not a problem. I found it clean.
      The restaurant next door, Marley’s Seafood Grill is great! Order the CalaMarley appetizer (calamari). It’s just like you get on the Costa del Sol in Spain. Also their “Jalea” dinner is excellent and huge (one is enough for two hungry people) It has an assortment of fried (in a special batter) seafood, including calamari and dolphin and shrimp etc. and some fried yucca strips…… mouthwatering!
      The draw bridge over Jewfish Creek has been removed so it’s a bit of a walk over the new elevated roadway to walk to Gilbert’s. Gilberts has a band on Sunday and Karaoke on Tuesday. A real, laid-back Keys atmosphere.
      Dick Bodner
      Prairie 29 Trawler, Private Island

      Stayed at Anchorage last year around Early March. Were on their cement face dock by pool. Quiet. No complaints – nice people, seems like marina was a sideline – the guy helping us with lines was the hotel maintenance guy I believe. However, the restaurant right next store is fantastic – we had dinner there one night and lunch when passing by car. Marley’s is the name.
      Capt. John Wild

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

      Be the first to comment!

    • Dec 8, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Key West Bight Marinas

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      46. There are many, good marina facilities in Key West Bight. Can someone please comment on as many of these marinas as possible: Galleon Marina, A&B Marina, Key West City Marina, Conch House Marina!

      Responses follow:

      Claiborne,
      Your request was very timely as I arrived in Key West just yesterday on my boat Dancing Bear and am staying at the Key West Bight Marina for a week. Over the years I have stayed at all 4 marina here in the harbor; Conch Harbor Marina, Key West Bight Marina, A&B Marina, and the Galleon Marina. All are great, all are different, and it depends on your personal taste for nearby locations, your vessel type, and the general atmosphere you enjoy.
      Conch Harbor Marina and Key West Bight Marina both have fixed docks, so the freeboard on your vessel might be one the the determining factors in choosing to stay at one of these marinas. Key West has a average tidal swing of about 2 feet, so getting on and off your boat might be an issue at a fixed dock. The slips at Key West Bight Marina all have full length finger peers one side, where as, the majority of slips at Conch Harbor only have finger peers that come out about 25% of the overall length of the slip. This makes backing into the slip almost a must, unless you like climbing over the bow pulpit. For those single screw vessels, sans bow thruster, the dock staff are great in assisting with a push from a RIB they have standing by if you wish however. Just call and arrange with the dock master. A nice amenity that Conch Harbor has over all but the Galleon Marina is use of pool that is on the property. Neither the Key West Bight Marina or A&B have this amenity.
      A&B and Galleon marina’s both have floating docks so vessel freeboard should never be an issue, unless yours is very high and you left the boarding ladder at home. A&B does not have any finger peers so backing in is a must and you tie off from 2 outer pilings and from the one main dock. (There is a t-head at the end of the main dock, and if available, 2 – 3 slip spaces would have a floating dock along side.) In December of 2007 we stayed at A&B and found it fabulous. The dock hands are great with assisting you. Just know that you really need good boat handling skills, because you’ll be maneuvering in pretty tight spaces. Keep those side fenders out when entering or leaving because the vessels are berthed, rail to rail. The Galleon Marina is the largest and all slips have a floating finger peer along side. Because the marina stretches along the full length of the break wall from the harbor entrance, and then up to the Galleon Resort, your walk to and from your slip can be pretty long.
      As I said earlier, only the Galleon and Conch Harbor have a swimming pool for slip renters and both of these marinas have the “pay for the day” wireless internet service. However, I have found the coverage area for these two internet services, reaches both the Key West Bight and A&B.
      This is just a “top of mind” dump of what I will write this week for you. I will gather more information on current rates and other amenities I have forgotten about right now as I write this on Sunday morning. I was also at the Dry Tortugas in September (chased out be TS Fay, and will provide an update on it.
      All the best,
      Capt. Rich
      M/V Dancing Bear

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

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For A&B Marina

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

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

      Be the first to comment!

    • Dec 8, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Marathon Marina Recommendations

      I copied the question and answer below from the AGLCA list. As usal, Captain Alan gives superb advice!

      Does anyone have a favorite marina in Marathon to stay for 2 or 3 days?
      Bob Koerner

      My favorite is Marathon Marina. This is the first marina entering on Boot Key Channel. It is before the bridge. Best views of the sunset. Stayed here a couple of times. The bus to Key West stops at the end of the road. I have also used the bus to go to Boaters World, etc. Its only two stops but for $1 its cheaper than a taxi. Bus runs on a 1.5 hour schedule.
      Alan Lloyd


      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Marathon Marina & Boatyard

      Be the first to comment!

    • Dec 5, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Lignumvitae Key State Park Mooring Field

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      Does anyone know if the mooring field off the northwestern side of Lignumvitae Key (off the Inside/ICW route, near #91A) has been re-established since the 2005 hurricane season? If so, have you moored here? Did you find enough shelter for a comfortable overnight stay? Did you go ashore and take a tour of the Florida state park on Lignumvitae Key? Did you enjoy your visit ashore?

      Responses follow:

      Lingumvitae Mooring. Weʼve stopped here twice. With a south wind it was peaceful, with a north east it was very bouncy. A few moorings are sheltered around the south west side but theyʼve always been taken.
      Bob and Toni Dorman

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

      Be the first to comment!

    • Dec 5, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      John C. Pennekamp State Park Marina and Largo Sound Mooring Field

      On 12/4/08, as part of a “Florida Keys Wish List,” I posed the following question:

      Turning now, for the first time, to the outside/Hawk Channel route, has anyone run the channel and canal leading to John C. Pennekamp Park Marina? Were you able to find an overnight transient slip here? Please describe the services you encountered, and the general condition of the marina. Conversely, did you pick up a mooring in Largo Sound? This mooring field is also managed by the Pennekamp Park. What depths did you find in the mooring field? How about shelter from inclement weather? Would you recommend this mooring field to fellow cruisers?

      Responses follow:

      John Pennekamp park. Weʼve stayed at the marina and on a mooring. The marina is really for commercial tourist boats and not well suited for pleasure craft. The Lagoon entrance is shallow, maybe 4 feet, the moorings limited (get reservations) and have little protection from strong northerlies. To enjoy the park you must dinghy around back to the marina. Restaurants and Publix are within walking distance.
      Bob and Toni Dorman

      I called John Pennecamp Park Marina to ask about a slip. They said that the channel in was only 4.5 feet deep at high tide and that the bottom was rocky. Definitely not for me — I draw 5.5
      Dick Mills
      SV Tarwathie

      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For John C. Pennekamp State Park Marina

      Be the first to comment!


    Social Media Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com