Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Jan 24, 2013by: Claiborne Young 1 Comment
Making a Dinghy Legal in Florida
A very interesting discussion has been taking place this week on the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (http://www.greatloop.org/) about the requirements for legally operating a dinghy in the Sunshine State. This is useful reading for all who cruise in Floridian waters.
Incidentally, the entire Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net bunch continues to highly recommend membership in the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association. What a GREAT bunch of fellow cruisers!
Our boat the “Ariverderci” she made it to Fort Myers beach from MN in Dec of 2012.
We will be getting back to her in Feb to continue on out Great loop Adventure.
We are having dinghy and davits attached to our swim deck while we are away. We did not really need one on the way down beacuse tieds were not a problem. We simply beached the boat and have done this for years.
Well that has changed. A dinghy should be a lot of fun put we sure do not want to break any laws while using it.
Can any one tell us if we need navigation lights on a motorized dinghy under 9′ long. I can’t find anything that say I do, but I want to be safe.
Also under Florida boating regs we found a web site that said boats under 16′ needed 3 Visual distress signals approved for night time use. Can some-one name 3 for me? Hand held VHF radio? Flash light? I don’t know if they qualify and that’s only two.
We will be looking for your ideas and suggestions on lights and visual distress signals for boats under 16′
Ariverderci
Under 16′ – For lighting, you only need one all-around light when operating sunset to sunrise, or in restricted visibility. For distress signals, nothing is required unless you are on coastal (not inland) waters
See this link:
http://myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/boat-safety-equipment/vessels-under-16-feet/
Don’t forget to register your dinghy with proper state, probably the same state as your primary boat.
Ron & Jan Matuska
Do not confuse the requirements for a NON-POWERED vessel with those of a vessel that is powered. Powered vessels REQUIRE navigation lights after dark. Non-powered vessels DO NOT (except for a lantern, flashlight, etc).Ã‚ A dinghy is a vessel!! Get out your navigation rules, dust them off and look throught them. Don’t stop reading when you find the answer you want, read the whole section, the rule may change when applied to your situation. Remember, Federal Laws can trump local laws.
Distress signals are described in the Navigation Rule book. Specifically, rule 37. Additionally look at annex IV to the Nav rules, you will find 15 or more. For lights, look at rule 23 and 25 and make sure you follow either international or inland rules as appropriate.
Larry Kreissler
I am a Coast Guard Auxiliary Vessel Inspector and would refer you to a few web pages for your information.
The first one is http://www.boat-ed.com/abc/instructors/. This website allows you to look at the different states and their laws. As there are surprising differences between states, you need to be aware of and comply
with different state laws as you proceed around the loop. This company is the publisher of the various state law books that are distributed by the states. Printed copies of these books are available from your nearest Coast Guard Auxiliary or US Power Squadron who also conduct Vessel Safety Checks.
I would strongly urge you to get a FREE Vessel Safety Check. Each examiner is qualified to perform the inspection and will issue you a decal if your vessel passes the exam. Some insurance companies might give you a discount on your insurance for passing the exam – check with them. To schedule a Vessel Safety Check with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, just go to http://www.cgaux.org/ and click on “Vessel Safety Check” in the left hand column. Here you will find a “virtual VSC” so you can make sure you have
all the required equipment. Once you have done this, you can schedule a VSC with a local examiner through this website. For the US Power Squadron, go to http://www.usps.org/ and follow a similar procedure. While passing the exam and display of the decal is not a get out of jail free card, you may still be boarded by the Coast Guard or local law enforcement to conduct a safety check as this is their probable cause for stopping you. If they are doing random boardings and see the decal, they may decide to bypass you and move on to someone who is not displaying the decal.
Different states will have their own web sites, so please also refer to those for hopefully, the most up to date information.
Visual Distress Signal carriage requirements depend on the body of water you
operate on and whether you operate only during daylight, or potentially could operate at night or in limited visibility conditions. Because of the wide variety of time of day, conditions, and locations where you may use
your dingy, I would equip it to the highest standard – coastal and night operations. This is completely different than daylight only – inland. Personally, I carry the Orion Skyblazer handheld flares in a pocket on my life jacket while aboard my dingy. They meet day and night requirements, coastal and inland requirements, are relatively cheap, and are very compact.
I have no pecuniary interest in making this recommendation – only one of a satisfied customer. Various localities may have additional requirements or restrictions. An example of this is the Corps of Engineers lakes in Georgia.
They discourage the use of the pistol type pyrotechnic launchers (notice I did not say guns) as they launch a flare high enough and with enough range that it could come down on shore and potentially start a forest fire. I
also have a B-1 fire extinguisher, a Danforth style anchor (made for PWC) and a screw type beach anchor along with 50 feet of anchor line, and a couple of dock lines.
Navigation lighting requirements are Federal and will apply to you regardless of your location. Various states may have additional requirements. On my dingy, I have removable navigation lights with bases that are glued to the tube on the bow, and glued and bolted to the top of the engine at the stern. While the anchors and anchor line are not part of the legally required equipment, it certainly makes my dingy more useful and safer. It is not difficult or expensive to make your dingy compliant and legally usable in all locations under all conditions.
Even if all of this was not required by various state and federal laws, you want to see and be seen, hear and be heard. This makes you safer on the water and greatly decreases the chances that you will have an accident.
Thanks for asking the question as I am sure there are others who will read this and take appropriate action to make their Loop safer and to be legal wherever they go.
Dave & Nan Ellen Fuller
As Dave pointed out, powered vessels REQUIRE navigation lights after dark. And like Dave, I too have removable navigation lights with bases that are glued to the tube on the bow, and bolted to the top of the engine at the stern.
Also, be sure to have on board a life jacket for each person on board. An inflatable vest in a pouch worn on the waist is a convenient choice. And a whistle or other audible device is needed too. And a daytime distress signal too. An anchor can save you from having a current sweep your dinghy into harms way, should your outboard conk out ‘” although it’s not required.
USCG and water cops with time on their hands find dinghies easy prey for these violations. And in some places you’re more likely to be cited after sunset.
Nighttime dingy transits in busy, confined areas like Key West can be rather dangerous if a dingy does not display the proper navigation lights. The on shore lights and other vessels hamper visibility, increasing the possibility that a dinghy can be run over by a larger vessel.
Len
The Fullers state that, `I have removable navigation lights with bases that are glued to the tube on the bow, and glued and bolted to the top of the engine at the stern.’ I see many all-round anchor/range lights on top of outboards which are clearly in violation of COLREGS. If that light cannot be seen all around, over the heads of passengers or the boat’s superstructure, it is illegal and unsafe.
Capt. Jim Acheson
As Dave pointed out, powered vessels REQUIRE navigation lights after dark. And like Dave, I too have removable navigation lights with bases that are glued to the tube on the bow, and bolted to the top of the engine at the stern.
Also, be sure to have on board a life jacket for each person on board. An inflatable vest in a pouch worn on the waist is a convenient choice. And a whistle or other audible device is needed too. And a daytime distress signal too. An anchor can save you from having a current sweep your dinghy into harms way, should your outboard conk out ‘” although it’s not required.
USCG and water cops with time on their hands find dinghies easy prey for these violations. And in some places you’re more likely to be cited after sunset.
Nighttime dingy transits in busy, confined areas like Key West can be rather dangerous if a dingy does not display the proper navigation lights. The on shore lights and other vessels hamper visibility, increasing the possibility that a dinghy can be run over by a larger vessel.
Len
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

USGC Jim - April 9, 2017 - 5:06 pm

Navigating a small dinghy at night requires ONLY a white all around light if the vessel is navigated at a speed of less than 7 knots and is less than 7 meters (22′) long-clearly in the rules-and don’t let some clammer cop tell you otherwise. I’ve always found that legit boarding officers in the USCG know the rules. Local cops are another story.
Reply to USGC
Jan 23, 2013by: Claiborne Young 2 Comments
Important – Florida Boat Registration Questions Answered
Recently, we published an article about the issue of whether Federally Documented vessels entering Florida need/must also be state registered in Florida, or some other state (see /?p=105475). In a follow-up reference to this article, as part of our SSECN Alert of 1/18/13, we posed two specific questions:
1. Are Federally Documented vessels which are NOT ALSO state registered, in violation of Florida state law, if said vessels stays in Floridian waters LESS THAN 90 DAYS?
2. Are owners of Federally Documented vessels, whose home port resides in a state that refuses to state register Federally Documented vessels, and, therefore, their vessels are not state registered, in violation of Florida state law.
Well, thanks to my friend, fellow nautical/cruising guide author, and frequent SSECN contributor, Captain John Kettlewell, these questions have been answered, though FEW will like the answers.
John took it upon himself to contact Captain Tom Shipp of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC). This is the principal state agency responsible for enforcing Florida boat registration regulations, so, if anyone should know the answers, it’s them. Here is what Captain Kettlewell discovered:
Claiborne:
Captain Tom Shipp of the Florida FWC has replied to my question about what reciprocity there is for a CG documented vessel from out of state that does not also have a state registration. As you know, quite a few states do not require CG documented vessels to also be registered with the state. Off hand, I believe this is the case in Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
In short, the answer is that every boat entering Florida waters must have a state registration even if it is CG documented. Parts of his message follow:
You are correct that the `grace period’ would not apply to those vessels. Although those other states may not require registration for documented vessels I would encourage each vessel owner to inquire of their individual home state if they could voluntarily register their vessel.
A vessel, federally documented or not, that is not covered by a registration from another state or by the USCG in a state without a federally approved numbering system, is not provided that 90 day reciprocity time and would need to register with DHSMV.
Captain Tom Shipp
FWC / DLE / Boating and Waterways
620 South Meridian Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600
Phone: (850) 617-9563
Fax: (850) 488-9284
e-mail: thomas.shipp@myfwc.com
—
John J. Kettlewell
So, to interpret a bit, the answers are, Federally Documented vessels which are NOT ALSO state registered are in violation of Florida state law, the second they pass into Florida. There is NO 90 day grace period.
And, even if your vessel’s home port is located in a state that refuses to state register Federally Documented vessels, you are still in violation of Florida state law as soon as you pass into Floridian waters. In this instance, you would probably have to pay to register your boat in Florida.
As I said, few will like these answers, but this is the information that has come to light. The entire cruising community owes a huge debt of gratitude to Captain Kettlewell for digging out this info!
MANY THANKS Captain John!
The idea that Maine would register my boat for me in the absence of a state system just so I could take it into Florida legally would be the best laugh of the week if it did not highlight the pathetic situation in Florida.
The lack of any common sense or hint of practical thinking on the part of boating policy makers in the state on nearly every issue affecting cruisers is beyond imagination. It makes me think there must be something in the water down there.
In the highly unlikely event that I ever take my boat into Florida again, I will be sure I have enough drinking water to last until I leave. I wouldn’t want to risk ending up so stupid.
Roger Long
Well isn’t this just great! I would like to see the law that this is based upon and the Florida FWC’s written interpretation of that law. I can’t imagine that this doesn’t interfere with another state’s right or the US government’s right to regulate commerce. Any Constitutional lawyers out there who would like to weigh-in on this subject?
Gregory Ward
In California they do not even have a form (and they have forms for everything) for registering a federal documented boat. We are planning on doing the loop in 2014 and this is something that I need resolved or at least a path to keep me legal.
Dave Dove
Claiborne answers: Captain Dave, well the easiest thing to do is to register your boat with the state of Florida. You can do this by getting in touch with the Florida DMV. See the note below for a fee schedule to do this. Yes, I know it rankles, to say the least, but, as I say, this is the path of least resistance.
Unfortunately, as I understand it, you must register your vessel initially in person, by going to a Florida county tax office. Here is a web site that pretty much covers the entire procedure:

http://www.dmv.org/fl-florida/boat-registration.php
If you click on the “county tax collector’s office link,” you can find the nearest office to where you are located. You can also follow another link, print out a Florida boat registration form, and take the completed for with you.
And, another good web site for Florida Boating and Registration Information:
http://www.flhsmv.gov/dmv/FFFVO.pdf
These are the current fees from the Florida DMV for boat registration if you stay beyond the 90 day `free’ period or have no state registration from another state:
Registration fees vary by the length of the vessel, as follows:
Class A-1 (vessels less than 12′ and all motorized canoes): $12.25Class
A-2 (12 feet to 15 feet): $23
Class 1 (16 feet to 25 feet): $35.50
Class 2 (26 feet to 39 feet): $85
Class 3 (40 feet to 64 feet): $134.50
Class 4 (65 feet to 109 feet): $159.50
Class 5 (110 feet or longer): $196.50
Please note that some counties may tack on additional fees.
Al
Some states, other than Florida, allow you to state register your boat even if it is documented’“in fact, some states, like Rhode Island, require it. It might be worth it for someone cruising to survey states on their route and determine which one might be easiest and cheapest to register in, but watch out for becoming liable for local property and excise taxes! Just for kicks, I looked up vessel registration information for North Carolina. If your boat is C.G. documented you can’t title it, and if you can’t title it you can’t register it with the state.
John Kettlewell
Well I will just keep my boat out of Fla. They don’t need the money I would have spent there this summer. I will stop short and spend the money in GA.
Capt. Bill Shearon
If I register in FL because I CAN’T in NC, do I have to pay sales tax to FL because NC did not charge any for used boat?
DK Leisure
This is another example of our elected officals at there best. What in the world are they thinking? Anchoring issues, no wake zones, manatee zones, long waits for bridges, high marina costs and now this.
We have taken our boat to FL for the last five winters. With the price of fuel, marinas and the extra maintenance it is not an inexpensive trip. For what it costs for a round trip between NC and Fl we can fly or drive and stay in a motel for less.
On the other hand, we have heat on the boat and can cruise from VA to GA in the colder months. During this time of year, the waters are not crowded, there are less crab trabs and marinas are cheap. Aside from the temperature, whats not to like?
The more I think about it, the more reasons that I can find to skip FL. I believe that our boat has seen its last trip to FL.
David Boxmeyer
One item of consideration’¦.if the boat entering the state of Florida is 30 years old or older, and meets the requirements, that boat may be eligible for registration as an `antique vessel’’¦. the registration fees are so low that you would pay for two years’¦just for the fun of it. Otherwise, look into the sojourners permit’¦.which is less expensive.
Rob Hobman
This is a stubid law, If every state on the east coast required this, traveling from maine to florida would require registering in 14 states. lets get real.
Ray
I very much hesitate to muddy the waters even more on this complex issue, as the premise of this posting is the message above from Captain Tom Shipp of the FWC. And, let’s remember that this is the principal agency empowered to enforce Florida boat registration laws. The infamous “Venice Water Nazi” was an FWC officer!
However, some SSECN readers are finding information which seems to contradict Captain Shipp’s statement. So, in the interest of trying to air as many views as possible, we have published these sorts of messages below.
At the suggestion of long-time contributor, Captain Jim Healy, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is going to seek a definitive answer on all these boat registration questions from the Florida Attorney General’s office. We will get a certified paper letter off to them very soon. Just don’t hold your breath for the speed of a reply!
This is confusing. I went to the http://www.dmv.org/fl-florida/boat-registration.php web site and exemptions are shown below:
`Exemptions
U.S. government-owned vessels.
Vessels used strictly as lifeboats.
Non-resident boats used on Florida’s waterways for 90 days or less.’
It makes no mention of an out-of-state registration requirement. This appears to be different from the information provided by Capt. Tom Shipp.
Richard Massey
To add fuel to the fire, I paid $23 for the tax collectors legal advise via their web page.
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2013 12:52 PM
To: Customer Support Internet E-Mail
Cc: WebMail
Subject: WEB: Property Taxes
I have a federal documented boat and California do not issue registrations for federal boats. I am going to be moving thru Florida waters for less than 90 days. Florida requires that all boats be registered Any idea of how to proceed to insure that I am in compliance with Florida law
Dear Mr. Dove,
Since you will be in Florida waters for less than 90 days, you are not required to obtain a Florida registration.
Sincerely,
Karen Taylor
Customer Support Department
Gentlemen, some of you are complaining about NOTHING!!
If you bring your boat to Florida’¦and are in FL waters for less than 90 days’¦then you do nothing. You are home free! In fact if you are constantly on the move’¦I doubt anyone would bother you.
The State of Florida is sensitive about boat registrations because `there is absolutely no property tax on boats, just as there is no income tax’ in FL. But if you are here for over 90 days’¦by state law you are required to register the vessel’¦or you can get a `sojourners permit’’¦.. http://www.leetc.com/vehiclevessel.asp?page_id=vesselsojourner

If you think Florida is bad’¦stay in GA or SC too long’¦and see what kind of tax bill you get from the state.
I hate to say it’¦but for people who own pricey boats, y’all complain a lot about nothing’¦.
Rob Homan
Cruising News:
I have a documented boat with a tax paid NY home port, I keep the boat in Maryland and are required to register the boat in MD With their DNC for a nominal fee. This registration does not issue the “bow numbers” but a 2 yr decal. Will this paid state registration make FL happy?
Bruce Stewart
Bruce Stewart, yes you are covered by that registration decal for up to 90 days in Florida.
John Kettlewell
Claiborne answers – Captain Stewart, I strongly believe that your Maryland registration, WILL satisfy the Florida requirements, even though you do not have a bow number. Now, you may certainly be stopped, and asked to prove your vessel is Maryland registered, but one the proper paperwork is produced, that should do it.
There’s a jumble of misinformation in the last few comments. First the dmv.org website is not an official Florida site. Reread what Captain Shipp of Florida’s FWC, the agency that enforces these laws, wrote: `A vessel, federally documented or not, that is not covered by a registration from another state or by the USCG in a state without a federally approved numbering system, is not provided that 90 day reciprocity time and would need to register with DHSMV.’
I have no idea what tax collector gave you the wrong advice, but the information is incorrect.
Documented vessels need to also be state registered in Florida. There is no 90-day grace period unless your boat is state registered some place.
John Kettlewell
A note on Florida’s exemption for documented vessels from a state without an approved numbering system ‘“ there are none! According to the USCG’s website, every state has an approved numbering system, so don’t bother trying to research if your state doesn’t have an approved numbering system. See Federal Register/Vol 77, No. 60/Wednesday, March 28, 2012/Rules and Regulations 18689, `Changes to Standard Numbering System, Vessel Identification System, and Boating Accident Report Database ‘“ IV. Background’.
Also, be aware that to qualify for Florida’s `antique vessel’ status your boat must have an engine which is of the same manufacture and model as the original engine. This disqualifies many 30 year and older boats!
Gregory Ward
So, let me get this straight? Under this interpretation, wouldn’t every single commercial vessel that is documented under federal law (and not registered in a state) also have to comply with this supposed regulation?
I’m betting that FWC is not boarding and writing up cruise ships, and tankers, that are porting in Florida to drop off or take on passengers that do not have their state registration.
I’d like to see a FL Attorney General’s opinion on this. I’ve seen too many non-lawyers put out really bad information to be convinced this is the law just based on one person who works for FWC’s opinion.
R. Holiman
I disagree with the statement `The easiest thing to do is to register your boat in Florida. No THE EASIEST THING TO DO IS TAKE A LEFT AT ST MARYS INLET. DO NOT GO INTO FLORIDA WATERS AND DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM FLORIDA. WHEN THEIR MARINE INDUSTRY STARTS TO FEEL THE HEAT, THEY MIGHT VOICE THEIR CONCERNS.
Bob Carter
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Comments from Cruisers (2)

David Burnham - May 16, 2020 - 7:01 am

With a million registered watercraft in the state of Florida, I doubt that ending your cruise in Georgia and not cruising Florida waters with your vessel will have ANY impact on the waterfront businesses in Florida. But one less wake on the waterways may be a blessing for the boaters.
Reply to David

Jon Coats - July 2, 2015 - 8:55 pm

Hey Folks, Come on down to Guatemala, No hurricanes, No problems. Florida has gone crazy. How the hell do they expect to attract visitors in sail and power yachts? As Forrest Gump said “stupid is as stupid does” times ten if it is a politician.
Reply to Jon
Jan 23, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Sunset Marina – Key West/Stock Island
Even though Sunset Marina is located on Stock Island, this facility lies within sight of the Fleming Key/Key West Mooring Field, and within a short automobile ride of downtown Key West. Thus, we usually think of Sunset Marina as being part of the Key West array of pleasure craft facilities, as opposed to the Stock Island marinas located a bit farther east, and on the ocean (Hawk Channel) side of the isle.
We stayed at Sunset Marina on the bayside of stock island for one year and were quite happy there, very nice clean modern floating docks, bathrooms / showers OK, very quiet at night, very clean and reasonable rates. Draw back was that in our slow moving sailboat it took a long time to get to a reef on the ocean side, Had to go around Key West to the west to get to the ocean. Navigation entering the marina is tricky but once we did it a few times it was easy. Also don’t mind the Sheriffs headquarters/jail and juvi detention center next door. These are new modern county buildings and don’t bother the eye. There was a homeless shelter on the grounds of the Sheriff’s HQ which caused the homeless folks to gather up the road from the marina which there were complaints about but they never bothered us, but I believe that shelter has been closed down as of this time but have to confirm.
Jules Robinson
Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Sunset Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sunset Marina
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Jan 22, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 34.5748,-77.38389999
Question about Depths in New River, off the AICW Statute Mile 246, Sneads Ferry, NC

View In Chartview

New River Channel - Click for Chartview
The Waterway at New River Inlet was dredged in late 2012 and is currently shoal-free, but Capt. Ledoux is referring to the New River channel from New River Inlet/AICW intersection westward to Stones Bay near Sneads Ferry. If you’ve checked depths through this area recently, let us hear from you.
Has anyone recently made the run on the New River between day marks 13 through 18 on the New River? It was dredged a couple of years ago, but was shoaling in. I have not been up there since this past fall. Shrimpers were having trouble getting up to the fish houses in Sneads Ferry. Also between 28 and 29 tend to be shallow. Would be interested to know if anyone has been through these areas and how the current depths are.
Lance Ledoux
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of New River Channel
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Jan 22, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Map Depicts Two Small Anchoring Areas on Manatee Pocked (near Statute Mile 988)
As part of the controversial Stuart/Martin County anchorage regulations, associated with this community/county’s participation in the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program, anchorage is now prohibited in popular Manatee Pocket (off the St. Lucie River between the AICW intersection and downtown Stuart, FL), except in two small areas.
We sincerely thank Captain Jessica Meinardi, as well as Captains Fred and Elaine DeFoor for sending us the map below which shows where the two patches in the Pocket where anchoring is still possible.
Claiborne, this is the anchoring areas (or non-anchoring areas) in Stuart, Fl and Manatee Pocket. Thanks for asking and including this in your site. We have always enjoyed reading your Guides and articles.
Fred and Elaine DeFoor
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Manatee Pocket
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Jan 22, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
GREAT Advice About Cruising Western Florida’s Big Bend Region
I have lost count of the number of times I’ve said this, but it bears repeating. If you get a dozen veteran cruisers together, you will get at least twenty different opinions about how best to cross Western Florida’s waterwayless “Big Bend” region. For those who have never cruised these waters, the Western Florida’s ICW’s northern terminus is at Anclote Key, while the Northern Gulf ICW does not begin its east to west trek until one reaches Dog Island and the charming village of Carrabelle.
In between is better than a hundred miles of coastline, with a LARGE shelf of shallow water jutting for miles out into the Gulf of Mexico. These shallows are pierced at fairly regular intervals by man-made channels, leading to the Big Bend rivers such as the Crystal, the Withlacoochee, the Suwanee and the Steinhatchee. Some of these entrance passages are fairly reliable, while others are not.
So, rather than follow the Big Bend coastline, staying several miles offshore, some mariners choose to cut the corner, and head (northbound) directly for Dog Island or Panama City.
Whichever route you choose, there ARE challanges. Some day I must relate the story of the most disastrous yacht deliver in which I ever participated, all of which took place in the Big Bend region. But that’s another story for another day.
For now, let’s all give a good listen to the excellent advice offered by veteran cruiser Captain Bob Duthie below. His words are well worth your time!
I enjoyed reading this post as it sounded similar to our experience crossing the gulf. The unforecasted winds in the gulf on our trip blew up at night unlike what we were used to everywhere else where the winds tend to die down at night. On our crossing the night winds came from the north-east. There are a few things that might make a more comfortable crossing compared to the course that Muddy Waters took. We did the crossing in a 36 Grand Banks with no stabilizers. We had 4 adults aboard and changed the watch after dark every hour. The autopilot did all the steering and we planned a straight line course without any deviations.
1. Leave from Carrabelle and go staight to Tarpon Springs which is 168 miles vs 180 miles for Appalcahcola to Clearwater. This means less time on the gulf.
2. Stay 50 miles from shore in deep water to avoid all the crab pots that are found 20 miles from shore. Don’t follow the Big Bend.
3. With north-east or north-west winds you will be rolling uncomfortably. Since you are 50 miles out, you can turn to the east so the winds are now on the bow/stern or one quarter. This reduces or eliminates the rolling.
Slow down from 8 mph to 5 mph since you don’t want to get too close to shore at night and the slower speed makes it easier to take the waves. The up and down motion is much easier for people and all the stuff inside than rolling. The autopilot also can maintain a straight course.
4. I estimated the highest wave at 8 ft when the bow platform was buried once into a wave with green water coming over and along the decks.
5. At 5:00AM the sun came up and the wind died down. At about 10 miles off Cedar Key we changed course and headed for Tarpon Springs. The strings of crab pots were now easy to see.
6. Overall it took us 24 hours vs a planned 18 hours and we went 25 miles further due to the change in course.
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Jan 21, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Florida Waterfront Homeowner Speaks Out
Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net has received hundreds of complaints about derelict/abandoned boats in all the states along the Intracoastal Waterway and especially in Florida. While we firmly stand by Florida anchoring rights, there is also a real problem with abandoned vessels and “live aboard hulks” (i. e. “boats” people are living on, but which will never move again, unless it’s straight down to the bottom) in the Sunshine State, not only for responsible cruisers, but for coastal homeowners as well.
We are homeowners (and boat owners) on the ICW who are frustrated by the derelict boats now moored (apparently permanently) in front of our homes. A good blow will push them into our docks, inflicting damage they obviously will not pay for. We are sure they are not in compliance with sanitation regulations. We fear that the inability of cities to regulate these vessels is an unintended consequence of the state law protecting responsible boaters’ rights while cruising. We feel trapped and unable to do much of anything to protect OUR rights. Would appreciate perspectives on how state laws might be modified so that local jurisdictions can deal with vagrant boats moored in their waterways.
Cynthia McCague
Cynthia, I do sympathize with you but there are already many laws currently to deal with these issues. The problem becomes, your local law enforcement won’t take the time to enforce those laws. Ask the homeowners at Key Biscayne. They forced the FWC and local Sheriff to inspect these boats for safety and sanitation compliance. The boaters are required to fix any problem in a short period of time or face fines. You will find that they quickly move on and no new ordinances or regulations are required and the conscientious boaters will not suffer. If the solution sounds too simple, it’s because it is. But you will need to make the effort to insist that your local agencies respond and do the job they are paid to do. It doesn’t mean harassing boaters, it means dealing with the direct cause of your issues. Use the current laws and regulation rather than looking for something new. I hope this helps,
Chuck Baier
Just to throw in an additional editorial comment, we could not possibly agree more with the thoughts expressed in Captain Baier’s note above. Check out my earlier editorial, “Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Anchoring Rights Editorial Reprise” at /?p=4958.
Cynthia, Chuck’s answer is correct. I would like to add that the answer is not to outlaw or prohibit anchoring, because that just chases away legitimate transient boaters, like myself, who prefer to anchor. I visit your towns, spend money, and move on. There are plenty of laws already on the books that regulate vessels and their operation. The answer is not to regulate or prohibit anchoring. As I frequently repeat, it would be like closing down a park because some homeless people sleep on the park benches. Public waterways must remain open for the responsible use and enjoyment of all.
John Kettlewell
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Jan 20, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Update on Vertical Clearance(s!!) of Broadway Bridge, Daytona Beach, Statute Mile 830.5
Broadway Bridge - Click for Chartview
Even with these reassurances from the Florida Department of Transportation, Cruisers’ Net still must relate the experiences of our readers (see link below). Let’s hope that more cruisers are able to find the 67ft clearance! Let us hear from you! Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net wants to thank John Kremski and Mike Lieberum for their work in resolving the chart and tide gauge discrepancies of the past. The Broadway Bridge (E International Speedway Blvd) crosses the ICW at Statute Mile 830.5, south-southeast of unlighted daybeacons #33 and #34.
Good Morning John,
I have received revised drawings for this particular bridge and yes they did confirm that one corner of this bridge is at 63 feet MHW. Due to the slope of this bridge this is the lowest corner. The other three points of the fender measure at 65 ft MHW and the bridge has 67 ft at the center.
With this new information provided, I will request that NOAA update the Chart and Coast Pilot.
Sincerely,
Michael Lieberum
Seventh Coast Guard District
Bridge Branch
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Broadway Bridge
Click Here To Read An Earlier Navigation Alert Posting on Broadway Bridge
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Jan 20, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments 34.2153,-77.81339999
Shoaling in Motts Channel, Wrightsville Beach, NC, AICW Statute Mile 283.3, 1/12/14

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Motts Channel - Click for Chartview
The Motts Channel cuts into the southeastern/eastern flank of the AICW, a short hop south and southwest of the Wrightsville Beach Bascule Bridge, just past the host of marina facilities which congregate south of this span. The Motts passage serves at least two important purposes for cruisers.
First, it provides access from the AICW to cruiser friendly Seapath Yacht Club (Marina), and secondly, it is the most direct route to the very popular anchorages on Banks Channel. Over the years, the west end of the Motts Channel, near markers #25 and #23, has shoaled and periodic dredging has been required. Judging from Capt. Mike’s report, dredging is once again needed.
Cruising News:
January 12 came down Motts channel [traveling west] from Banks channel to icw and hit pretty hard mid channel 2 hours before low tide approx 100 feet from actual intersection. My intent was to catch Wrightsville Beach Bridge, and continue north to my slip. I have traveled at all tides for 6 years with 4 foot draft through same spot and never came close to grounding. Fyi stay close to green marker when approaching this spot.
Capt Mike
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Seapath Yacht Club
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Motts Channel
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Jan 18, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
“Druggies” Using Crab Pots In the Gulf of Mexico??????
OK, folks, everyone has to take a look at this series of messages just copied from the AGLCA forum. All I can add is that this reminds me very much of the lyrics of one of my favorite 1960’s songs:
“It’s a strange, strong world we live in, Master Jack!”
Memsahib was stopped by Homeland Security for a routine document check about 10 miles south of Tarpon Springs. The Coasties didn’t even come aboard — we just handed them our papers and that was it. But it was a nice day and they hung around talking about the boat and the trip. etc.
One of my comments was that I couldn’t understand the economics of the stone crab business because on our Gulf crossing we started seeing pots 32-35 miles out of Tarpon in 50 feet of water. How could anyone afford to fish those traps? The boss security guy became very, very interested and asked if they were rows or singles (singles and pairs), whether there was evidence of any otherpot lines in the area (no), whether we saw any suspicious boats (no — just that night’s Looper Flotilla). Seems that planes are dropping drugs way out and marking them with crab pot floats so nobody thinks anything about it.
Thanks to a rendezvous with Catmandu to dodge pots, we were exactly on the rhumb line to Buoy R4, so I was able to give them a pretty accurate description of where the pots were, but I didn’t have my tracking feature turned on, so couldn’t give them a GPS fix.
I would strongly suggest that if any future crossers see single spots way out in deep water, that they plug in a waypoint and phone it in when you land. Also, that’s another good reason to reach Crabland well after dawn,
since running into a black Cigarette boat full of drug fishermen wouldn’t be any more fun than snagging a pot line.
Paul
For what’s it worth, when we came across last week, the crab pots appeared to be in straight lines, typical of normal fishing style. When we saw a single, we sometimes had to really look for its mates but normally saw them. Also, we observed typical lobster boats working those traps. That said, everyone should stay alert to suspecious activity. Cruisers are the best eyes and ears for Homeland Security and they know it.
Stay safe,
Tom
Tom’s right, what appear to be isolated pots could well be in lines so far apart that they are hard to spot. Still, I felt badly that I couldn’t give them a good fix, and hope any ohters spotting really dodgy ones will do so.
Paul
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Jan 18, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Confirmation of Completed Dredging at Browns Inlet/AICW Intersection, Statute Mile 237
Back on 11/13/12, the SSECN published an article (now deleted, as its info is outdated) reporting that dredging had begun at the AICW/Brown Inlet Intersection Problem Stretch, south of Swansboro, NC. As many of you know, this “Problem Stretch” was perhaps the #1 headache for cruisers during the fall, 2012 transient season.
This dredging project was slated for completion by 12/16/12. Now, thanks to the report by Captain Raymond Smith below, we know this project has indeed been completed, and, at least for the moment, depths are not a problem on these waters.
HOWEVER, if past experience is any guide, and it usually is, shallow depths will make a reappearance at this intersection sometime by mid to late 2013. Stay tuned for further developments!
Cruised through Browns Inlet problem area today on a rising tide. No problem, just follow the markers. 14 feet of water. Not bad!!!
Raymond W. Smith
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For the AICW/Browns Inlet Intersection
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Jan 15, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
A New Wrinkle in the Florida Sojouners Permit/FL Registration Discussion
(Editor’s Note as of 1/23/13 – Two of the prinipal questions posed in the article below have been answered in a later published posting here on the SSECN. See /?p=106014. We are leaving this older article in place for awhile, as it contains additional information, particularly in regards to “antique” Florida boat registration).
Recently, we published yet another discussion of the Florida Sojourners Permit here on the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net (see /?p=104513). As part of our introductory remarks, one of the reasons we cited for obtaining such a permit was:
“1. If your vessel is registered in another state besides Florida, you can operate in Floridian water for up to 90 days without a problem. HOWEVER, if your vessel is Federally Documented, and NOT ALSO state registered, you MUST register it with the state of Florida, or you may be ticketed immediately upon entering Floridian waters. Or, put another way, Federally Documented vessels MUST ALSO be state registered (either with Florida or another state), or you face the possibility of a ticket.
By the way, it’s this onerous feature of Florida state law that used to allow the “Venice Water Nazi” to ticket boats coming and going in the city of Venice.”
Well, a new wrinkle has surfaced since we published this report, which originally appeared on the SailBoatOwners.com forum. One of this list’s enterprising members unearthed the Florida statute that controls this situation, and here it is:
328.58’ƒReciprocity of nonresident or alien vessels.’”The owner of any vessel already covered by a registration number in full force and effect which has been awarded by:
(1)’ƒAnother state pursuant to a federally approved numbering system of another state;
(2)’ƒThe United States Coast Guard in a state without a federally approved numbering system; or
(3)’ƒThe United States Coast Guard for a federally documented vessel with a valid registration in full force and effect from another state,
shall record the number with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles prior to operating, using, or storing the vessel on the waters of this state in excess of the 90-day reciprocity period provided for in this chapter. Such recordation shall be pursuant to the procedure required for the award of an original registration number, except that no additional or substitute registration number shall be issued if the vessel owner maintains the previously awarded registration number in full force and effect.
History.’”s. 1, ch. 59-399; s. 1, ch. 65-361; s. 6, ch. 84-184; s. 57, ch. 96-413; s. 16, ch. 99-289; s. 25, ch. 2009-86.
Note.’”Former s. 371.081; s. 327.16.
Now, IF YOU READ THIS CAREFULLY, it would appear that if you have a Federally documented vessel, and IF your vessel’s home port is in a state that refuses to state register Federally documented vessels, your vessel is excused from the requirement of having to have some sort of state registration while navigating in Floridian waters.
It is a fact that certain states do indeed refuse to state register Federally documented vessels. The state of Maine is an example.
So, consider this message which first called our attention to this possible exception:
I repeated your information about not having a state registration for a documented vessel being a ticketable offence in Florida on my blog and got shot down. You should check this post which has the cite:

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=148671&#post990299
The specific wording is:
328.58’ƒReciprocity of nonresident or alien vessels.Â—The owner of any vessel already covered by a registration number in full force and effect which has been awarded by:
(1)’ƒAnother state pursuant to a federally approved numbering system of another state;
(2)’ƒThe United States Coast Guard in a state without a federally approved numbering system; or
Italics added.
I know this doesn’t mean that know nothing jackboots aren’t issuing tickets in ignorance of their own laws but it does mean cruisers with documented vessel have a leg to stand on if they are from a state like Maine.
I still wouldn’t take this as absolute gospel without a lawyer. For example, Maine does have a number system for non-documented vessels and I assume it it federally approved. The state does not have registration for documented vessels other than local excise tax and a decal. I’ll bet you could spend five figures arguing this in court in FL if you decided to contest a ticket.
It’s getting so you can’t cruise intra-state without a lawyer on retainer.
Roger Long
S/V Strider
So, what does all this mean? If you have a Federally documented vessel, whose home port is located in a state that does not allow state registration of said vessel, does that indeed mean you can legally operate in Florida waters for up to 90 days WITHOUT your vessel being registered in any state???? Quite frankly, we do NOT yet have a definitive answer to that, but we are working on it!
Any of you out there who are attorneys, particularly if you practice in Florida, we would WELCOME your input!!! Please follow the “Click Here to Submit Cruising News” link on the upper right of this, and all (except Chart View) SSECN pages, and share your information.
One final point, even if this is a correct interpretation of Florida state law, that does not mean that some on-the-water “county mountie” who barely knows that the bow is the pointy end of the boat, may not write you a ticket anyway if your vessel is not state registered.
As noted above, we’ll keep working on this thorny “only in Florida” problem!
And, just in case you didn’t think this is a MURKY issue, we received these thoughts from fellow nautical author, and long time Florida cruiser, Captain John Kettlewell:
Claiborne:
Florida has always interpreted this as requiring your boat to have a “registration” in some state, whether or not it is “documented.” In 328.58 the sentence labeled (2) refers to the practice in the past that the Coast Guard provided state registration numbers and services in a couple of states that had no state registration program. I am not certain if any states still do not have a “registration” program, but it used to be this way in New Hampshire and Alaska, for example. The sentence labeled (3) is the one that pertains to most documented boats, and states clearly that even if you have CG documentation you must have a state registration to operated in Florida. The Venice “water Nazi” used to be quite explicit about these when he ticketed someone. The confusion comes because the terms “registration” and “documentation” mean different things.
John J. Kettlewell
Meanwhile, here is some seemingly contradictory info from Captain Ted Guy, maritime lawyer in Stuart, Florida, and past president of the Treasure Coast Marine Industries Association:
For LESS than 90 days, no Documented vessel requires paying Florida tax or “registration”.
W.E. Ted Guy, Jr.
Ted, my understanding has been that law enforcement understands the law to mean even a documented vessel must have a state registration from some state to operate on Florida waters for those 90 days, even if your home state does not require you to register a documented vessel.
John Kettlewell
Are there any vessels that are `grandfathered’ from this regulation? For instance, a documented 1965 vessel that has been in Florida since 1970 and continuously operated in Florida waters.
sv Karen from Chicago
Karen, there is no `grandfathering,’ but if your boat is 30 years old it qualifies as an antique vessel and it is very cheap to register it in Florida’“something like $5 per year in most counties. Here is a link to information on that: http://www.flhsmv.gov/dmv/forms/BTR/87243.pdf
John Kettlewell
Here is a VERY GOOD question. Anyone got an answer?
Would someone please define `90-day period’.
Is it 90 consecutive days?
Is it 90 days in a calendar year (1/1 ‘“ 12/31)?
Is it 90 days in a 365 day period?
Is it 90 days, period.
Jeff Graham
Now, here’s a really GOOD idea. We’ll get right on it!
Claiborne,
Perhaps you, or Larry, could write on SEECN letterhead to the Florida Attorney General and ask for a legal `opinion’ that applies to USCG Documented Vessels from states that do not register vessels. I know in NY an Attorney General’s `opinion’ carries the force of law in any NYS court of competent jurisdiction. It would be `enlightening’ to see what Pam Bondi has to say about this, and her opinion would bind courts and future administrations in the absence of intervening legislative action. The request must be rather specifically worded. Perhaps Ted Guy could help craft it.
Whatdya think?
Jim
Another twist. I live in a state which requires surrender of federal documentation if you wish to register a federally documented vessel in that state. However, they did not require me to surrender mine when I registered my boat. Therefore I have a current state registration and a current federal documentation. I guess I get to pay double in Florida?!
Reggie
Claiborne answers – No, Reggie, I think you are OK. If your vessel is state registered in any state, then you are compliant with Florida state law, at least for stays less than 90 days! A stay of more than 90 days means you will have to acquire a Sojourners Permit!
Reggie,
Could it be that you’d surrender your USCG COD (a US Government Certificate of Title) if you wanted to `TITLE’ it in your home state? Titling and registration are *not* the same thing, legally, although they are often done together, and some states will process them together. This is a case where boats are very different from cars, and the automobile model does *not* apply to boats. You can not `Title’ a car with any US government agency, such as we do with the Coast Guard for boats. Because of a quirk in that process, I actually wound up with both a State of Maryland Certificate of Title and a USCG COD for Sanctuary.
Jim Healy, aboard Sanctuary
I printed out and read through the antique exception. If I understand it correctly, the vessel must first be registered in Florida, and then the registratio can be changed to antique.
Reggie
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Jan 13, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Dredging Completed in New River Problem Stretch, AICW Statute Mile 246
The Waterway classically shoals either immediately north or south of the four-way intersection with New River and New River Inlet. Dredging at this intersection was begun in November of 2012 and was to have been completed by February of 2013. However, as Capt. Young reports, the work has been completed. Good news indeed!
Went through New River near Camp LeJeune on Monday. Never saw less than 12…dredging is done.
Steve Young SV Crossroads
Cruised through the New River Inlet problem area today on a rising tide. Follow the narks, no problem Plenty of water. 14 to 16 feet.
Raymond W. Smith
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For New River/New River Inlet
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Jan 13, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Current Depth in Lake Okeechobee
Here’s a good online source for checking Lake Okeechobee depths. This is a direct live feed showing the current water levels of Lake Okeechobee as shown on the US Army Corp of Engineers Website. This current Water level is always updating with live water level conditions for Lake Okeechobee. Roland Martin Marina is found on a small canal in Clewiston, Florida.
Cruising News:
Lake is about 15’…..check here for current depths…http://www.rolandmartinmarina.com/water_levels.php
Mike Dickens, Paradise Yachts
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Jan 13, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Alligator River Bridge (AICW Statute Mile 84) Will Not Open in Heavy Fog
Alligator River Bridge - Click for Chartview
AICW cruising veterans have long known the decrepit Alligator River Swing Bridge (closed vertical clearance – 14 feet), will not open in high winds due to the possibility of mechanical injury to the bridge mechanism. Now, we hear this same, troublesome span may not open in heavy fog!!!
Cruisers from Maine who are used to traveling in fog should be aware that the Alligator River Bridge will not open in reduced visibility as they are afraid cars won’t see the stop lights. There are no set standards. According to the bridge tender, it is up to his discretion. I can see cars half a mile down the bridge from where I am now anchored in the middle of nowhere. With the current weather report, I could be here all day and night.
Roger Long S/V Strider
Kudos to the bridge tender. We have watched semi’s and others gun it to get across the ARB swing span after the lights have turned red. The tender is responsible for all the users, even the irresponsible ones.
Chris
Click Here To View the North Carolina Bridge Directory Listing For the Alligator River Bridge
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Jan 11, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report and Comments on Bradenton Beach Anchorage (Western Florida ICW, Statute Mile 87)
The anchorage under discussion below lies just south of the Cortez Bridge, west of the ICW.
Two important notes need to be considered when evaluating this anchor down spot. First, successful entry can be very tricky for first-timers, AND the city of Bradenton Beach has twice tried to regulate this anchorage, first by creating a mooring field, and later by city registration of boats. Both attempts failed, but who knows what may happen here in the future!
I am writing this as I am anchored here today (the first time in four years). I have always found this to be a great anchorage due to the fact that it has just about everything for onshore that a cruising sailor would want. A beach, a fair number of good places to eat and drink, a free trolley to take you up and down the beach to get to West Marine and the grocery stores and other places to eat and drink (circle K convenience store is just a block away).
I have never had a problem navigating the pier entrance (draw 4 feet) but the first time I grounded when I tried to enter the anchorage directly off the ICW and hit the shoal. So go in as directed.
There are still some derelict boats, one is sunk. It is somewhat noisy mostly from the road traffic going over the bridge or pier fisherman. The anchorage is shallow and the charts do a fairly accurate job of showing the depth. Holding is mud and I have dragged a little bit is a 20 knot blow. As for the the winds out of the south east, this is a lot better than jewfish key anchorage. However, any winds coming from the south or northeast, above 20 knots, I would find another anchorage.
For the politics here, I had a conversation with a local town rep and they said the problem was not the cruising sailors, it was some of the local anchored live aboards that were creating some police issues and had some assorted conflicts amongst each other as well as some theft. The town was trying reduce those issues by putting in a mooring field’¦. . However, the town cannot do it as this is part of the ICW.
As far as I am concerned, people need a place to live and in this economy, this offers an economic refuge in relative paradise. But, people have to be responsible for their selves and their assets and respectful of others and the environment too. Unfortunately, because some people do not follow this, that cruisers and local live aboards suffer from this tide of regulation.
Brad
Yep, and complain about the junk boats and their owners and you will be labelled `politicaly incorrect’ keep going, all of the rights of the hard working will be gifted to the non caring, layabout drug smoking forgiven , who will, take away all your fun and enjoyment. Proof of the pudding’¦
Dennis McMurtry
As a local, I regularly traverse this section of the ICW heading to/from Tampa Bay or the Manatee River. Seems that after the creation of the Marina Jack mooring field, some members of that `Floating Junk Flotilla’ moved North. Cortez folks may be more tolerant, probably not over time.
Blake Whitney
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the Bradenton Beach Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Bradenton Beach Anchorage
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Jan 10, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Thoughts on Miamarina (Miami, FL, Statute Mile 1089)
Miamarina lies in the heart of downtown Miami, and right in the middle of a shopping complex. Honestly, we don’t even list this facility on the SSECN’s “Eastern Florida Marina Directory” as, several years ago, my experience was that transients were a very low priority here, and the crowds milling around the docks were, to say the least, disconcerting.
However, after reading the accounts below, copied from the AGLCA Forum, I think this facility deserves another visit on our part. HAS ANYONE STAYED AT MIAMARINA WITHIN THE LAST YEAR. If so, PLEASE, follow the “Click Here to Submit Cruising News” link, found on the upper right of this, and all (except Chart View) SSECN pages, and share your experience.
Many thanks in advance!
We’re currently enjoying our stay at Boot Key Harbor City Marina, and are contemplating going to Miamarina at Bayside. I’ve been told that it’s a great place to visit with all the shops and live music, but it’s also impossible to get to sleep with all the mayhem and music going on. Does anyone have any feedback/advice please?
Boot key’s facilities are excellent in case anyone’s wondering, although getting your clothes washed is almost a 6-7 hr. affair at the least, with the waits for open machines. Any quick thoughts are welcome.
Dave Carter
I personally love Miamarina at Bayside in downtown Miami although it is not for everyone. After the remoteness of the Florida Keys it is quite a shock to the senses to be thrust into a major metropolitan area. I like to sit in our cockpit with a beverage and absorb the live music. I never have trouble sleeping. The marina surrounded by restaurants and shops is adjacent to Hard Rock Cafe. A boat tour of the homes of the rich and famous that leaves from the marina every thirty minutes is worth a trip.
Alan Lloyd
Author, Great Loop Navigation Notes
http://Www.NavigationNotes.com
My wife and I stayed at Miamarina a few years ago and had a very nice stay. I would not hesitate to go back. You can walk a few blocks to the tram stop jump on and ride for free all over Miami. Our sleep was never disturbed by
noise.
Randy Stacy
We stay there at this moment (from Jan. 11th to Jan 20th). The marina people are nice and friendly, only the old guy who tried to help us getting in a slip did not speak any english at all. He stood on the dock and did not know what to do. The sanitary area is old, dirty and damaged, absolutely not to recommend!! The noise level is not as bad as expected. The big advantage and this is the only reason we stay there is the direct access to downtown. The internet connection is very poor and our Verizon Mifi is blocked by some heavy interference. Good to know a Starbucks is on the premisses.
In total ‘“ the marina is lousy and expensive but the location is good.
Manfred
from SV Balimara
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Jan 10, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments 24.5726,-81.74159999
Thoughts on Stock Island Marinas, just East of Key West

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Stock Island - Click for Chartview
Here is a very interesting message copied from the AGLCA Forum, concerning marina recommendation on Stock Island. Those who have already visited Key West know that Stock Island is the next body of land east (think of that as “north”) of Key West. By auto, it is only a 4 miles or so drive to downtown Key West, but Stock Island is too far from Key West Bight or Garrison Bight for a dinghy ride, and it’s a bit far for walking as well, though city bus service is available.
The dockage rates here are certainly more reasonably than those found at the marinas in Key West proper, so the Stock Island facilities are well worthy of consideration!
We’ve stayed on Stock Island several times and know of Stock Island Marina Village. This particular marina area is a little rustic and very eclectic. There is a bar/restaurant on sight, the Fish Buster fish market near and a short walk to West Marine, several more restaurants and the bus stop for catching a ride into Key West. We would stay here as long as we did not get a slip up close to the bar area as it can get a little noisy from the music and bar patrons.
If you like things a little quieter and you do not want to be in downtown Key West, try Sunset Marina or Key West Yacht Harbor on Stock Island.
If you’re only going to be in Key West for a few days I think you’d get more from your visit it you stayed at one of the downtown marinas.
Jim & Lisa Favors
We stayed at Sunset Marina on the bayside of stock island for one year and were quite happy there, very nice clean modern floating docks, bathrooms / showers OK, very quiet at night, very clean and reasonable rates. Draw back was that in our slow moving sailboat it took a long time to get to a reef on the ocean side, Had to go around Key West to the west to get to the ocean. Navigation entering the marina is tricky but once we did it a few times it was easy. Also don’t mind the Sheriffs headquarters/jail and juvi detention center next door. These are new modern county buildings and don’t bother the eye. There was a homeless shelter on the grounds of the Sherriff’s HQ which caused the homeless folks to gather up the road from the marina which there were complaints about but they never bothered us, but I believe that shelter has been closed down as of this time but have to confirm.
To reduce time to get out to the ocean we moved to Key West Harbor yacht club on the ocean side of stock island, this only after finding out rates had been reduced to the same as Sunset Marina. This is a high end resort style marina with a fine restaurant, bar, pool, brick paver parking lots, nice new docks, and condos for short term rent. Also very clean and quiet at night. Second story restaurant has spectacular view of the Atlantic and best bathrooms/showers of any marina I have stayed at.
I would highly recommend both of these marinas and a cab ride to Duval street was 20.00 one way and there is also a bus or you can rent bikes nearby. We chose stock island because annual slip rates are 50% or less of what they are in Key west bite and these two marinas were as good or better than any in Key West Bite.
Jules Robinson
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Stock Island
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Sunset Marina
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Key West Yacht Club
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Jan 9, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
GREAT Video of the Winning Entry in the 2012 Key Largo Boat Christmas Boat Parade
Our good friend, Captain Sterling has done it again!!!!!! Really, fellow cruisers, do NOT miss this one!!!
Click her to see our winning entry
_FRIGHT B4 CHRISTMAS 2012 – YouTube_
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY4gFOO0H3Y
See you in Paradise!
Capt. Sterling
SterlingLadyIII
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Jan 9, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
More Praise for Port St. Joe Marina (Florida Panhandle Between Apalachicola and Panama City)
Port St. Joe Marina - Click for Chartview
The praise just keeps pouring into the SSECN concerning this wonderful facility. It is accessed via the Gulf County Canal, which departs the Northern Gulf ICW between Apalachicola and Panama City, and runs south to St. Joseph Bay. Port St. Joe Marina lies hard by the town of, what else, Port St. Joe. And, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Our stay at Port St Joe Marina was ideal. Everyone was so helpful. This is certainly a good stop for getting ready for your crossing. Please see previous tome on that subject.
Tom
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