Lorelei Cabana Bar and Marina lies perched on the northwesterly shores of Upper Matecumbe Key, hard by the southeastern corner of the popular Islamorada anchorage. This review comes from our friends at Trawlers and Trawlering.
Our favorite bar/restaurant in the keys is the Lorelei in Islamorada. It includes a small marina, and the local anchorage is 300 yds away. They have the best happy hour specials we have found, and there is nearly always live entertainment at the tiki bar from around 5PM on. There’s a nice small grocery a few blocks south, and the local public library another couple blocks south. Mark Richter
Home to a very popular, busy anchorage and mooring field (usually has a waiting list), Boot Key Harbor lies in the heart of Marathon and north of Vaca Key. This review comes from our friends at the “T&T” (Trawlers and Trawlering) nautical mailing list.
Boot Key harbor in Marathon has a few hundred mooring balls at a reasonable rate that includes dinghy dockage, showers, car parking and laundry access. The harbor has better breezes than on the mainland or in canals. There are many restaurants nearby, Sunset Grill facing west adjacent to the 7 Mile Bridge being our favorite. There are many other favorites too with great Happy Hour specials such as Lazy Days. The popular Salty’s however recently burned to the ground. There is a local theatrical group and movie theatre plus Publix, Winn-Dixie and Kmart are nearby. Next door is the city park with ball fields, tennis courts and amphitheater. During the winter months there are numerous flea markets, festivals and other special event. Its 50 miles to Key West by city bus, inexpensive. Rick aboard “Dark Star”, 44′ Marine Trader DC
One of the most important personal marina visits on my Western Florida speaking/research tour of 2/9/14 to 2/16/14, was to call at Boca Grande Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, on lovely Gasparilla Island. I knew this facility has just dredged, and sported entirely new docks. And so, it was with more than a little pleasant anticipation that I drove my “land yacht” across the causeway and down the length of the island, on my way to Boca Grande Marina. The reality I discovered upon seeing the new iteration of this fine facility was NOT disappointing. The new, modern, composite decked docks represent a huge improvement over the old, tired, wooden decked piers. And, tied up in the marina’s wet slips, I discovered a whole host of friends from Isles Yacht Club, where I had just spoken the previous evening. Everyone agreed that Boca Grande Marina was now a facility “worth visiting again.” I also had lunch at the on-site Eagle Grill, located on the second floor of the building overlooking the harbor. My grouper sandwich was yummy, and the view was all that might be asked. The interior furnishings were what could only be described as “sumptuous.” All in all, a GREAT spot for a memorable lunch or dinner. Downstairs, cruisers will discover an open air dining choice, known as Miller’s Dockside, recalling the original name of this marina, back in the “bad old days,” thankfully, now long in the past. I did not get the chance to sample the cuisine downstairs, but if it’s anything like the upstairs bill of fare, you will want to make the acquaintance of this dining attraction as well. As usual, I’ve wandered a bit from my subject, which is to describe Boca Grande Marina’s entrance channel, and the good effects on this passage brought about by the recent dredging. Prior to the dredging project, the problem with accessing Boca Grande Marina was that, for years, a long, long shoal had been building farther and farther to the west from Boca Grande Bayou’s southside entrance point, south of marker #7. While, due to permitting restrictions, the marina was not allowed to entirely remove this shoal, the dredging did drive it back to the east. That represents a considerably improvement, but Dockmaster Garrett Lown still suggests cruisers observe the following procedure: After passing marker #7 to its northern side, proceed on to the west for a boat length or so, and only then turn to the south, heavily favoring the westerly shores. This procedure will cause your vessel to pass west of the shoal, and hard by the private homes and docks which flank the bayou’s western shoreline. I also observed two green, spar type, floating buoys outlining the western and northwestern edge of the entrance shoal. DO NOT APPROACH THESE SPAR BUOYS CLOSELY. They are founded in the edge of the shallow water. The marina staff also suggests that you give them a call on VHF channel 16 prior to running the entrance channel, and they will be glad to update you on any recent changes to the above procedure. So, now you know how to safely visit one of the most improved marinas on the Western Florida coastline, and some of the reasons to choose a visit to this facility. There are LOTS more attractions in the nearby village of Boca Grande, all within walking distance, but that’s another story for another day!
a month or so ago i took a dingy ride into this marina, had to push a boat off the bar coming into #7, watch you stern coming in. I have heard the the dockage price is a little steep other then that it looked nice from the water. nick chavasse sv war depart
Claiborne, Your praise of Boca Grande Marina was well placed. We love it. However, Millers Dockside Grill is great. However, I don’t look at the old Miller’s Marina as the `bad old days’. It was just different. We loved it, too. It was a happening place with fishing boats coming and going. I have saved one of the `T’ shirts from the 25th anniversary tarpon tournament for a souvenir. Don on Moonstruck
Claiborne replies: Captain Don, my reference to the “bad old days,” was not meant to cast light on the old, informal marina as a whole, but rather at what I considered to be very indifferent management in those days. Again, those times are now only a distant memory. The present dockmasters couldn’t be better!
The boater’s praise of Boca Grande Marina prompted me to view it on Google Earth where it appears to have a soft and shallow bottom in the current view presented…:D
The North Lake Worth anchorage dinghy landing is simply a small beach just north of Little Lake Worth bridge.
Good news! we anchored at this location, took [our] dinghy to the bridge and walked to all the local stores. No problems. It should be mentioned the landing for dinks is a high crime area and [we] highly recommended to locking your dinghy. I never had any problems [over] the years, but do not take a chance. No one has come to collect at anchor. A great area to rest. Plan B
I’ve anchored in North Lake Worth at least a couple of dozen times and have never heard of anyone trying to charge a fee for anchoring. It is good to hear that the dinghy landing near the bridge is once again available. This is a prime spot for those stocking up and making general preparations for a crossing over to the northern Bahamas’“just don’t listen to all the amateur meteorologists on the VHF. Judge for yourself when the weather is right for you to go. John Kettlewell
Loggerhead Club Marina lies west and a bit south of the AICW’s marker #122 in Vero Beach, FL. Our thanks to Skipper Mo for this thorough report!
Greetings, I have a report on the Vero Loggerhead. We are in the `Loggerhead Club’ for a month and Vero was a spotless very well run marina. Steve, the Dockmaster/Manager runs a super marina. Publix and a CVS, Walgreens, Brooklyn Water Bagel, Asian House and a nail salon and barber and hair salon are all an easy 3/4 bike ride. The biking is fantastic in the Great Harbor Development (which is where the marina is located). The pool is immaculate and the boaters lounge and bathrooms are spotless. Great washer dryers at $1.25 a load. Those are the BIG pluses. The only drawbacks ‘“ to get to restaurants you really need a vehicle. You can bike to the Riverside which is about 4.5 miles away but it’s not a friendly ride ‘“ some side walked and a lot not, so you are on a highway. The marina is so nice, many folks wondered why they didn’t have a little tiki bar set up (to overcome the restaurant issue) and a spa. There is room for it for sure. The owners should consider this ‘“ it’s not a huge investment and will make it a more fun spot to stay a full season. Again, spotless, well run marina with a staff that is fantastic! We’ll be back! Mo s/v Mi Amante
SSECN is grateful to Skipper Steinbrunner for the kind words as well as the location of another source of LPG/Propane. Bimini Basin anchorage is found in the charted lake-like body of water, lying just west of the `Cape Coral’ designation on Chart 11427.
Quick note to say `Thanks’ for the LPG/Propane availability feature on this website (we use it all the time), and to pass on an addition. From the Bimini Basin anchorage on Cape Coral near Ft Myers, Lee County Plumbing Supply at 532 SE 46th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL, 239-542-4618 does propane refills. It’s less than half a mile walk from the anchorage which has a dinghy dock available at the park. Thanks again for all you do to make this cruising life easier, safer and a lot more fun. Lori Steinbrunner
Burdine’s Waterfront Marina overlooks the Boot Key westerly approach channel’s northerly banks, just a quick hop east from Pancho’s Fuel Dock.
Please make your cruiser’s aware that B100 biodiesel is available at Burdines in the Florida Keys. It is locally produced, not imported from Miami. Nancy Lillie Marathon BioDiesel, Inc 305-522-9136 888-842-9315 Fax
The Punta Gorda pumpout boat has been in operation since November of 2013 and has definitely been good news for cruisers visiting SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Punta Gorda, on Western Florida’s Charlotte Harbor/Peace River.To see the schedule and locations, go to: http://www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us/leis/boating.html
Question: What days of the week is the pump out boat operating? I would like to get a pump out. Answer: The pump out boat is available on Monday’s and Thursday’s, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Contact Laishley Marina at 941-575-0142 for more information. You can hail them on VHF16/19. The marina suggests calling ahead and scheduling the pump out so they can be of the best service to you. The resident who took this photo said the staff who run the pump out boat gave them a reward card that is good at the following businesses: Burnt Store Marina, Fishermen’s Village Marina, Laishley Marina, Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club, Isles Yacht Club, West Marine-Punta Gorda, Porto Bello Restaurant, Village Fish Market and King Fisher Fleet. For more information about the marine disposal, click here Steve Johnson
There are two possible routes for cruising the Florida Keys, the offshore Hawk Channel passage, and the “Inside Route.” Hawk Channel features more, but not all, marinas, while the Inside Route offers the greatest bonanza of wonderful anchorages to be found anywhere in the Southeast. Trouble is that I have personally sounded 5 feet at low tide directly between the markers in places on the FL Keys inside route. Mind you, only in places, but nevertheless, this is a real concern for those piloting vessels that draw more than 4 feet. Skipper Zimmers expressed his concern in the question below and received several answers via the AGLCA Forum.
We are in Marathon and arrived here from Key Biscayne via Hawk Channel. We want to return on the ” inside” via the ICW from Marathon to Biscayne Bay. We have a Nordic Tug with a 4.5 foot draft. Is the ICW deep enough for that draft?? Thanks, Herb Zimmers aboard GiddyAp
We draft 4 feet and have done it several times. Never had a problem. Steve and Gina Smith M/V Island Time
Herb, You should have no problem. Just pay attention to your charts and stay in the channels through the cuts. Those are the places you can get into trouble if you get distracted. Chuck Baier
Try to go on a rising tide Mike and Rosie
I carry a five foot draft and the last time I went the inside route, I ran hard aground right around marker `60’³ on a low tide. I could see I was scraping the bottom for a mile for finally stopping. I used my dingy to heel me over and got loose and never touched bottom again. On a high tide, I wouldn’t have touched anywhere. R. Holiman
We did the inside from Biscayne Bay to Marathon. We draw 4 ft and at low tide we had some mud in our wake near R80 to Steamboat channel. What was more of a problem was the crab pots and now some are marked with green, brown and blue floats. Our friend had his boat hauled yesterday and the props were wrapped with a bushel basket full of ropes. I may have been out of the channel sometimes but it seems the pots are in the ICW with no regard for boats. May be the prop shops are paying the crabbers to place the green floats in the ICW:) Sonny Reeves
We just arrived in Marathon from Key Biscayne. Our Cabo Rico draws 4’10’³. Although we encountered some less than 5′ depths, we made it through with no drama. We did time our passages through channels with the tides. Beth
The heartland USA waters which are the subject of the article below are well outside the geographic focus of the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net, but so many of our readers and contributors are interested in cruising the “Great Loop, and are members of the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association Forum (http://www.greatloop.org/), we wanted to share this disturging news from Skipper Mike Ahart of Waterway Guide http://www.waterwayguide.com/
On February 5th, legislation was introduced to congress that would authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to permanently close the waterway between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River system to prevent Asian carp and other destructive species from reaching Lake Michigan. The act would effectively close America’s Great Loop Route if no other alternatives were implemented. The “Defending Against Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2014” (H.R. 4001), introduced by Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI), would “authorize the Secretary of the Army to carry out certain activities to prevent the interbasin transfer of aquatic invasive species between the Great Lakes and Mississippi River, and for other purposes.” The three-page bill was assigned to a congressional committee, which will consider it before possibly sending it on to the House or Senate as a whole, according to the bill overview. The bill would require that hydrologic separation of the two water systems be designed “not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,” and that construction would commence “not later than 180 days after the date on which design activities undertaken…are completed.” The recently passed waterway bill, Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013 (WRRDA), had no mention of measures to stop the spread of Asian carp, which had been outlined specifically in the U.S. Senate version. If a permanent barrier is put in place, existing transfer ports would be modified to accommodate commercial shipping (cargo is usually off-loaded from freighters to barges already); however, smaller shipping vessels and pleasure craft would be severely impacted unless and until systems are built allowing those to be lifted, ramped or railed from the Great Lakes system to the river system — about 41,000 non-cargo vessels transit the locks per year, according to the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interbasin Study. (Transfer costs, vessel size and weight limits, and other details have been discussed, but no guidelines have yet been developed, as far as I have determined.) Here’s the link, if you want to read more: http://www.waterwayguide.com/newsupdate.php?area=11&id=3382
I currently have my family on the Loop. We are on the adventure of a lifetime in our 30′ Sailboat. This is no doubt in my mind that closing the loop would destroy an economy that depends on the river traffic and Loopers to make a living. If the loop were closed and traffic was no longer allowed to transit the area, it would hurt the barge traffic as well. The whole proposition of closing the loop completely sounds extreme, tragic, and a job killer. In this economy, it would kill people who lose their businesses. Can we beg Politicians who can’t seem to create jobs to at least stop destroying them for once? Terry Day
We have previously published several strings of messages about the Florida Pilot Mooring Field program. Some hate it, some like it, and some are not sure exactly what to think, and just want additional information. Linked below you will discover a series of messages which recently appeared on the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) mailing list. As you will see, again, there is a wide range of opinions, but we found some of these notes extremely well thought-through, and definitely thought provoking. Note that some of these contributors are referring to the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission) report on Florida Mooring Fields, which was recently published, and about which we will have more to say editorially soon! This series of messages is sooooo lengthy, instead of pasting them all below, we invite you to visit:
This just in from our good friend, Skipper Susan Landry, co-author of “The Great Book of Anchorages” series (http://www.tgboa.com/), including their new volume on Bahamian Anchorages! Excellent books – REALLY! Anyway, the first link below to the “wind map” will be of use to virtually every coastal cruiser, while the “current map” will be more valuable to blue-water mariners!
A while back we shared the Earth map with almost real time wind flow,
From our friends at the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association Forum, (http://www.greatloop.org/), comes this excellent review of the Murphy Creek anchorages. This stream breaks off from the St. Johns, hard by Dunns Creek, several miles south of Palatka, and eventually loops around and rejoins the St. Johns south of marker #26. We have always suggested entering Murphy Creek by way of Dunns Creek, as the former stream’s westerly mouth channel is somewhat constricted. But, hey, looks like Captains Elaine and Russ were able to successfully navigate both entrances in their 37 foot trawler. Of course, note they have a shoal draft of only 3 feet!
We have a 37′ trawler 3′ draft, 16′ beam. Murphy Creek is one of our favorite anchorages. We have traveled the entire Creek entering both the north & south and exiting both as well. The North entrance is shallower at times but stick to the chart. I have some amazing pictures from our times on anchor. Its a quiet peaceful anchor spot. We spent several months last year traveling the entire St. Johns after purchasing our boat. Its a great river. Elaine & Russ Sturm Twelve Stones
We were there in November 2013. It is fine as an anchorage with no depth problems as long as you stay in the marked channel. We cruised the entire length of it and never saw less than 7 feet at any time. We did not stop here, but had it planned as an alternate if the weather turned bad. You will see wildlife here, but nothing like what you will see further south. If you are interested in our trip down the St. Johns, our blog is at http://www.wacithree.blogspot.com. The wildlife gets better and better the further south you go and reaches its peak in the Blue Springs area near DeLand and Hontoon Island State Park. Be sure your dinghy is ready to explore areas your boat will not be able to navigate and you will see a part of Florida that few cruisers have a chance to see. The St. Johns has been the highlight of our Loop so far. Check our blog for details. Dave & Nan Ellen Fuller Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Murphy Creek Eastern Anchorage
Despite being charted at 40ft MHW vertical clearance, and prompted by IBTS’s query below, two of the Main Street bridge tenders have verified that the distance from the span to the water at Mean High Water is 38ft. Correct your charts! Also, please note the restrictions currently in place that require advanced notice for an opening, /?p=134950
Largo Sound in John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park lies between Key Largo and El Radabob Key off Hawk Channel. The Sound is accessed through narrow South Sound Creek (which also allows access to the marina associated with the Park) at the tip of Lower South Sound Point. Like Captain Manning, we have always found less than ideal depths upon entering the Sound, but for boats that draw LESS THAN 4 1/2 feet, this mooring field is an interesting alternative!
We stayed 4 nights Feb. 2014. Depth at the docks is 19′, approach 6.5 ft in on the channel. Mooring we found 4’6’³ at the outer mouth of the channel as you enter the lagoon during low tide. Don’t cut the marks, leave 100 yards or so before turning toward the mooing balls. If you enter and leave at high tide you will have 5’6’³ ft. depth. We never saw anything below that in the mooring field. Paul Manning
Much discussion has taken place regarding Marker #32 at statute Mile 690 in St. Andrew Sound, most of which has involved alternate routes to avoid Marker #32. Below, John Hersey, ARGUS Project Leader for SURVICE Engineering Company offers two ARGUS perspectives of the waters surrounding Marker #32.
This story of a vessel fire in Carrabelle, FL was posted by Captain Janice Marois on her blog, http://janice142.com/, where she was anchored. Initially very frightening, once the fire location was determined and contained, Captain Marois was able to calmly relate and photograph the episode. For photos and the complete story, go to:
The SSECN has imposed a “Navigation Alert” for the intersection of the AICW and Mason Inlet since August 5, 2013, and a warning has appeared concerning these waters in a USCG Local Notice to Mariners (see /?p=120325). We have had also several additional reports of shoaling on these troubled waters since our Nav. Alert was issued (see /?p=127818). Below, Captain Sonia and crew confirm the need for extreme caution in any passage through the Waterway/Mason Inlet intersection.
We grounded there with a 5,5ft draft. While our rudder was free, our keel was stuck and our depth sounder showed 5 ft. We could however not move. We were towed by Seatow and fell onto our side and was towed for about 60 feet on our side before stabilizing. Our rudder was bent and our boat twisted, which resulted in serious damage. As we understood from both Seatow and Boatus, the barges create pockets with walls over an extended area. Be very careful and pass within 20 feet of the docks [red side]. Sonia
Not having been there I can’t speak for this particular grounding, but in many similar situations I have seen and been involved in on the ICW the best course of action when aground is to put an anchor out towards deep water and wait for tidal help before trying to get off. Near Mason Inlet there is usually at least 3 or 4 feet of tide. Many times I have pulled my own boat off of groundings with no damage by doing this. Often you can pull the bow around towards deeper water as the tide helps and then winch yourself in the right direction. Generally, within the ICW you are sheltered from wave action and there is no great danger in simply waiting. On the other hand, trying to tow a boat off that is hard aground often leads to damage. Of course if the boat hit near high tide and/or you are in an exposed location that would alter your choices. John Kettlewell
We came through this area, southbound about one hour after low water on 1/23/2014. We were aware that this was a problem area and were moving very slowly. As we proceeded the depth started to decrease very rapidly. We kept moving towards the red side and finally found enough water, we draw about 3 1/2 feet, to get thru. We did kiss the bottom once. This is not the place to be at low water. David Boxmeyer
These reviews of Spoon River restaurant come to us from our friends at Cruisers Forum (http://www.cruisersforum.com/). Spoon River Restaurant has only been in business a little over a year and is open seven days a week. They are located just off the waterfront and are listed as: Spoon River Artworks and Market 263 Pamlico St, Belhaven, NC ‘Ž (252) 945-3899 And their Facebook address is: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spoon-River-Artworks-and-Market/471584979558789
My wife and I just had dinner at Spoon River restaurant in Belhaven, NC. It was one of the top 5 meals I have ever had a chance to sit down to. To put things into perspective, I regularly eat at the finest chophouses and seafood restaurants in the world entertaining clients and enjoying the fruits of our sales channels…. on the company dime… DC, NY, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Philly, DC, London, MX City, Paris, Nairobi, Dar Es Salaam, Dubai, etc… So, we spare no expense. I am a snob and this makes me highly qualified in this regard The encore to this awesome meal was the pricing which BLEW us away. For 2 person meal that would have easily cost us 250 in DC, including a very good bottle of wine, full meals, and deserts that were so big we could not finish them…. 75. So, we highly recommend the unexpected pleasure in Belhaven. Zboss
We live nearby and can second that report. We had lunch there this fall and were quite impressed both with the food, and with the reasonable prices. My only suggestion would be for an improvement in the wait staff. The young gentleman that served us could certainly have been more attentive. Still highly recommended! redsky49
We had three meals at Spoon River (northbound in the spring and back in the fall) and we are just constantly amazed by the quality, presentation and service they provide. Small town, BIG surprise. We will be back. Win Benbow
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Comments from Cruisers (1)
Carol Whitehead- July 19, 2015 - 4:31 pm
We had dinner at Spoon River last night and it was undoubtedly the best meal we have ever enjoyed. The menu choices and the food are excellent. The waitstaff are excellent and well trained. All in all a very pleasant evening. I would give them five stars!
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Mason Inlet
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