Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Sep 17, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Thoughts on Florida Keys Cruising
All I can say to Captain Pickelmann’s remarks below, is “HEAR, HEAR!!!!” See you at the Lorelei with a cold glass of Mount Gay rum in hand!
The Keys win in my book. Islamorada – lunch at Lorelei, stop in at Worldwide Sportsman. Marathon – lunch at Keys Fisheries. Key West – snorkel trip on a sailing catamaran, Conch Train tour of the city. Eat at the Raw Bar or A&B Lobster house or at Bagatelle or at Blue Heaven or at the Pier House or at Hog’s Breath Saloon or…. Have a drink at Sloppy Joe’s. Have a drink at capt Tony’s. Sunset at Mallory Square followed by a world-class pub crawl along Duval St. (Don’t forget bail money.)
There is a very real danger that you might never leave. It’s happened before!
Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
Morning Star
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Sep 17, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Florida Keys “No Anchorage Buffer Zones” Identified
As part of the discussion of new Florida Keys Anchorage regulations (see /?p=96458), we noted:
“3. In Marathon and Keys West, “no anchorage buffer zones” have been established around the city mooring fields.”
This factoid prompted the following, well considered question from Captain Peter TenHaagen:
Curious about the status of Sister Creek south of Boot Key Harbor as a legal anchorage spot?
Peter TenHaagen
That got us to thinking that we really should research the location and size of all the “no anchorage buffer zones” established by the new Florida Keys anchorage regulations. So, after some digging, below we have reproduced the wording from the actual ordinance:

So, to answer Captain TenHaagen’s question directly, it looks as if the waters of Sister Creek, are NOT included in the “No Anchor Buffer Zones,” as these are more than fifty feet from the Boot Key Harbor mooring fields.
And, finally, here is a very hard to read map, which, if you can see them, shows where the official mooring fields are located in Boot Key Harbor. This map does NOT show the “no anchorage buffer zones,” but clearly the waters of Sister Creek are more than 50 feet from the fields.
Notice, HOWEVER, the map does show that Sister Creek IS PART OF THE MANAGED ANCHORAGE AREA, so, conceivably, the creek’s waters could be further regulated in the future!

Not an expert on the area, but my recollection of Sister Creek is one of VERY limited swing room.
Bill Dixon
We anchor in Sister Creek Regularly to let the Boy Scouts on our Eco Adventure trips with Florida Seabase Kayak the amazing loop trail through Whiskey Creek. For a temporary anchorage it is fine, however you must be careful not to block the channel, there is a lot of boat traffic. There is also a strong tidal current.
Captain Harold Ochstein
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Sep 17, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
What Constitutes “Secure” Overboard Discharge Valves in the Florida Keys
As part of the discussion of new Florida Keys Anchorage regulations (see /?p=96458), I made the comment:
“. . . for many years now, all of the Florida Keys (Monroe County) waters have been a NO DISCHARGE ZONE. That means, among other things, that ALL vessels must regularly pump out their waste tanks, and Lectra San type devices are NOT acceptable. And, along with these long-time regulations, comes the possibility of legal boardings by any law enforcement agency to make sure that overboard discharge vales are PADLOCKED SHUT and all other MSD regulations are being observed!”
In response to these remarks, Captain John Cover chimed in with this well considered observation and question:
Claiborne:
In your comments you state law enforcement officials will be able to board vessels to insure overboard discharge valves are “padlocked shut”. I am not aware of a change in the Florida MSD regs that require “padlocking” as the only means of securing the valve. At last reading my impression is that the valve must be “secured”. I spoke to Lt. Dave Dupree (FWC Monroe County) a few years ago and he advised locking, wire ties, removal of the handle or similar solutions to prevent accidental discharge. Has there been a regulation change I am unaware of or is there one in the actual new proposed regulations?
Thanks,
John N. Cover,
s/v Shadow,
Hudson, Florida
My reply:
Captain John:
No, as far as I know there has not been a change in the “secured” requirements of overboard discharge valves. I used the term “padlocking” because my research has consistently shown that just chaining the overboard valves is NOT sufficient, and can result in ticketing. I suspect your research is also correct, in that wire ties and removal of the handle would also be considered “secured.” However, with that being said, what we have always done while cruising in the keys is chain and padlock our overboard discharge valves. This plan has passed multiple inspections over the years.
The US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) lists several specifically acceptable means (not an exhaustive list if you read the language carefully) of securing an overboard discharge in a No Discharge Zone (NDZ) such as the Florida Keys. The applicable CFR can be found under:
Title 33: Navigation and Navigable Waters
PART 159’”MARINE SANITATION DEVICES
Subpart A’”General
Browse Previous
Â§ 159.7 Requirements for vessel operators.
You can find the complete CFR language online at: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov
`Secured’ also can be realized for those vessels with `key operated flushing to holding tanks’ if the key is removed from the system and stored safely away from the head.
Capt. Ken Wright
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Sep 15, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
VERY IMPORTANT – New Florida Keys Anchoring Regulations Approved
On Wednesday, September 5, 2012 the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the Monroe County anchorage regulations associated with the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program. While the final version must still be approved by the Monroe County Board of Commissioners, that final nod would seem to be a mere formality. We conclude that, after all the many public forums, voluminous comments published here on the Cruisers’ Net and on other nautical forums, and a lot of GOOD work by our very special Florida Keys correspondent (and founder of BARR – Boaters’ Action Rights and Responsibilities), Captain Charmaine Smith Ladd, we have a new set of Florida Keys anchorage regulations which will almost certainly be in effect by the winter 2012 – 2013 cruising season! HOWEVER, as you will see, this is not nearly as onerous as it initially sounds!
Click Here To Learn MUCH MORE About the New Florida Keys Anchorage Regulations
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Aug 28, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
More on Opposition to Mooring Pilot Program for Sunset Cove Anchorage, Keys Inside Route, Buttonwood Sound – Key Largo, FL

Sunset Cove - Click for Chartview
Sunset Cove is one of the most popular anchorages in the northern Florid Keys. This haven is located on the waters of southeastern Buttonwood Sound, in charted Sunset Cove, near statute Mile 1143 off the Florida Keys Inside Route.
The excellent report below, written by Florida Keys Keynoter reporter Kevin Wadlow appeared on KeysNet.com and is reprinted here with his permission. KeysNet website is http://www.keysnet.com and is a good source of local perspective on all things in the Keys.
KEY LARGO
Boaters Oppose State Pilot for Sunset Cove
A managed anchoring area proposed for Key Largo’s Sunset Cove fails to meet requirements for a state pilot program, says a staff report to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Monroe County’s draft ordinance to create several new managed anchoring zones reaches the FWC board at its Sept. 5 meeting in Tampa.
FWC Division of Law Enforcement staff who reviewed the county plan endorsed it, “contingent upon the Sunset Cove Managed Anchorage Zone provision being removed.”
A pilot program for five Florida coastal areas was enacted in 2009 to “explore potential options for regulating the anchoring or mooring of non-liveaboard vessels outside the marked boundaries of public mooring fields.”
Sunset Cove lies about 50 miles from the nearest existing mooring field, FWC staff said.
“Staff understands the Sunset Cove provision was originally added to the ordinance due to the amount of public comment received from residents” in a June 2011 meeting,” the report says. “Unfortunately, Sunset Cove is 45 to 50 miles from the Marathon mooring field… These were the mooring fields identified as part of Monroe County’s original application package for the pilot program.”
“There is also strong opposition from the boater groups on this provision,” the report says.
The FWC board members must approve local ordinances created under the pilot program. The board can amend or overrule its staff recommendation.
Monroe County officials only recently received the FWC staff report, said local Marine Resources Administrator Rich Jones.
The Keys ordinance also designates managed anchoring zones in the Lower Keys at Boca Chica Basin, Cow Key Channel and Key West Harbor; and in Marathon’s Boot Key Harbor and Sister Creek.
“Monroe County did something unique” by requiring proof of monthly sewage pumpouts for boats in the managed zones, FWC staff noted. A photo used in the state report to illustrate septic problems shows a toilet seat positioned over an open hole in a boat’s deck, with ocean water visible below.
Monroe County rules also would bar boats from the managed areas if they “exhibit pre-derelict vessel conditions” such as being unable to navigate, or appear to be in imminent danger of sinking. Of 39 comments received by the FWC on the Monroe County anchoring law, 18 were logged as “negative” with 12 being “positive.”
Kevin Wadlow
Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Sunset Cove
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sunset Cove Anchorage
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Aug 19, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Florida Keys Inside Route Discussion
Over the week of August 13-18, several posts appeared on the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) Mail List concerning the general cruising characteristics of the Florida Keys Inside route. Those messages are reproduced below. Incidentally, the entire SSECN staff highly recommends the T&T list if you own one of these roomy, fuel efficient vessels.
Just to add my 23 cents worth, I have always considered a 5-foot draft to be the cutoff for safe cruising of the Florida Keys inside route. On numerous occasions, I have sounded 5-feet directly between the markers in the Key Largo region, particularly where the main channel passes the marked entrance to Tavernier Creek.
If your vessel draws 5-feet or preferably less, don’t let these soundings discourage you. Some of the most wonderful anchorages, not to mention the views, you will ever enjoy lie off the FLK inside route!
Looking for info on the practicability of taking the inside route from Miami to Marathon.
I draw 5 feet. What is the opinion of the boaters that have done this route. Is it doable?
Thanks
Larry
Larry,
We’ve done the inside route and we draw 4’9″. Never had a problem, but then we watch the water, not a screen. It is marked adequately. Neither Jill or I can recall anyplace where another 3″ would have made a difference. There is a tide down there, though I doubt it is much more than 2 feet. If those 3″ might make a difference, plan to transient at high tide during a new or full moon, might want to consider spring tides too.
Rudy
Briney Bug- Panama City, Fl
Larry,
I have gone the inside route from Miami to Marathon a number of times, both in Pooh (draft 4’8″) and my previous sailboat with 5′ draft. Should be little problem. Not to say the water isn’t skinny; we often are reading
depths of 5.0 to 5.2 feet on parts of this route (shallowest is just north of Islamorada), but haven’t touched bottom.
Steamboat Pass, just south of Islamorada used to be a problem, but this has been dredged and is now good for around 6 feet (deep water ;-).
Mark Richter
Sorry Larry, but I disagree. I carry 5′ draft and have soft grounded in the center of the channel on two different trips on the inside route several years apart. I won’t try it a third time.
Paul
Time of year can make quite a difference. In the winter, northers will blow water out of Florida Bay. But don’t let that discourage you. It’s wonderful cruising!
Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
Morning Star
The trick is to wear polarized sun glasses, use you eyes.
The water is usually clear, and it looks scary shallow, it is, but with 5 ft u can make it.
The channels are well marked. The tide is about 6 inches in the upper keys,wind can effect water levels more than the tide.
Go for it!
See you in paradise!
Capt. Sterling
I don’t know where Mr. Kennedy traveled in the ICW on the inside, we have found the inner passage from Miami to Spanish Key to be a chalky green only rarely clear. We obey the day markers backed up by GPS. If your draft is 6-plus you are cruising for a bruising. If you need Sea Tow they are not allowed to move you until the environmental police arrive. The fines are prodigious..
We have made the trip back and forth seven times.at different times of the year. Mr. Kennedy obviously has had a different experience.
One thing is beyond dispute If you need Sea Tow you are in bad trouble
Peter Denton
Susie Q
42′ Draft 4′
Now that I know that Captain Sterling runs a tourist boat in the Keys, I must defer to his greater experience. I guess I was there at the wrong time. But it remains true that if you are passing over water that is 4,5or 6 feet it is impossible to tell the difference even if the water is crystal clear. Several of the passes are that shallow. Call me naive but I advise extreme caution. Remember you do not have advantage of some one who has local Knowledge.
Peter Denton
Susie Q
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Aug 13, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Mangrove Marina, FL Keys Inside Route, near Statute Mile 1150
Mangrove Marina is currently one of only three marinas (the other being Plantation Key Yacht Harbor) which offers plentiful transient dockage along the Florida Keys inside route, from south of Jewfish Creek to Islamorada. There is also a full service repair yard here. If your vessel can stand some 4 1/2 foot MLW depths, what’s not to like!
Great new look at the marina great tiki hut happy hour bbq very helpful staff and great prices close to shops.
Roger Lougheed
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Mangrove Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Mangrove Marina
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Aug 3, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Sunset Cove Anchorage, Fl. Keys Inside Route, Buttonwood Sound – Key Largo, FL

Sunset Cove - Click for Chartview
Sunset Cove Anchorage is located on the waters of southeastern Buttonwood Sound, in charted Sunset Cove, near statute Mile 1143 off the Florida Keys Inside Route. And, as Andree points out, Buttonwood Sound lies west of US #1 Highway Marker 99.
Buttonwood sound is at MM 99.
I was anchored there for a few years. The dinghy dock was right off Bay side resort but now year 2012 there has been a fence put across the path, part of the `dock’ was the resort’s property. You can still dinghy there , it is a small
space though off the dead end street. Snooks burned down since than and was rebuilt it is now reopened. It is a nice quiet anchorage, first row seat to fabulous sunsets and Snooks’ nice live band music.
Sunset Cove falls under the new anchoring regulations that are part of the Monroe County Pilot Program. The main one folks there will have to deal with is proof of pumpout. Save your receipts and keep a pumpout log.
John Kettlewell
Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Sunset Cove
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sunset Cove Anchorage
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Aug 1, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Advice on Anchor Choice for Thursday Cove Anchorage, AICW Statute Mile 1132

Thursday Cove Anchorage - Click for Chartview
This neat little anchorage lies just off the Florida Keys Inside/ICW route, immediately north of Jewfish Creek. You don’t want to be caught here with fresh northerly winds, as we were one inky black night. You can’t take my word for it – it’s a really bad idea! HOWEVER, during southerlies, this is a GREAT spot that we really like!
I found here bad holding in mangrove mud mixed with leaves. Perhaps you can do better with a plow anchor.
Charles
Bottom is mostly turtle grass, which is difficult for most anchors to penetrate. I agree that this is NOT the place to be in any kind of a norther.
Julie Stocksdale

Pumpkin Key - Click for Chartview
Nearby is Pumpkin Island that may be a better alternative.
Always FOR SAILtoo
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For Thursday Cove Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Thursday Cove Anchorage
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Key Anchorage Directory Listing For Pumpkin Key
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pumpkin Key Anchorage
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Jul 28, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise For Mangrove Marina (FL Keys Inside Route, near Statute Mile 1150)
Mangrove Marina is currently one of only two marinas (the other being Plantation Key Yacht Harbor) which offers plentiful transient dockage along the Florida Keys inside route, from south of Jewfish Creek to Islamorada. There is also a full service repair yard here. If your vessel can stand some 4 1/2 foot MLW depths, what’s not to like!
My wife and I have lived here three years. It is a great Marina, close to shopping, hospital and other amenities.
Great staff and enjoyable people.
Jeff Hughes
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Mangrove Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Mangrove Marina
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Jul 17, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Shoaling Reported On Yacht Channel Near Sprigger Bank, north of Long Key Viaduct
Sprigger Bank is located on the eastern edge of Florida Bay, next to the border of the Everglades National Park and is almost due north of the Long Key Bridge. Its northern tip is marker by flashing green marker #5. Yacht Channel is southwest of Arsenic Bank and is marked by flashing red marker #2 and flashing green marker #1. Sprigger Bank is northwest of Yacht Channel.
Cruising News:
In transiting from Channel 5 to Cape Sable on July 15th, we passed northbound through the Yacht Channel without incident and then ran along just inside the park boundary towards Sprigger bank. We found 4-1/2 foot water that was charted at 7, so we moved further east from the boundary where we found 5 to 6. It didn’t seem like a wind-driven tide because elsewhere on our travels in that area depths were running about a foot over what was charted. Feedback from others recently taking this route would be helpful.
John Byrne
Noticed 5 1/2 on Sun 08 Jul 12 about 2:00 pm. Sorry cannot give tide at that time.
GP Shepard
We traveled through this route in May of this year and also saw shallow depths (5′ and less). This has been the case every time we have used this route.We do stay away from the marks. Since we draw 5′, we have decided that it must be ‘˜grass’ causing invalid readings.
Jackie
I draw almost 5′ and regularly see 6′ between Yacht Channel and Springer [sic] Bank. My waypoint for this transit is 1 mile to the NE of the Springer Light. WPT SpringerBank ‘“ N24 55.299 W80 55.797
Rick J
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sprigger Bank and Yacht Channel
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Jul 17, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Shell Key Anchorage and Mooring Field, off of Florida Bay
Shell Key Anchorage and Mooring Field is a series of 5 five mooring buoys off the Shell Key’s northwesterly shoreline, maintained by the State of Florida.
We had good holding here in 5-15 knots from ESE through SW. Nice quiet anchorage that was almost bug-free too.
John Byrne
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For Shell Key Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Shell Key
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Jul 17, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good Report from Pilot House Marina, Key Largo, FL – off Hawk Channel
SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Pilot House Marina, is accessed from the Hawk Channel side of the Key Largo. The entrance canal cuts west towards charted “Lake Largo,” and Pilot House guards the intersection of the canal and lake.
This is really a great spot, with MANY improvements having been made over the past year or two. The SSECN is very proud to have these good people as a sponsor!
The “I Love Lucy” is presently in Key Largo. We have great diving and snorkeling. We are at the pilot house marina, and they are very [cruiser] friendly,having a [cruisers’] lounge with a book exchange and large screen tv.
Ed & Lucy Guillard
Both Ed and Lucy of `I Love Lucy’ are wonderful people to be around. They are always positive and enjoying life. This is one of the reasons we at the Pilot House love `Cruisers’ in general and why we strive to make Cruisers comfortable during your stay at Pilot House Marina, in the heart of Downtown Key Largo’¦the Dive and Fishing Capitol of the World. Our latest improvement for Cruisers’¦.A covered outdoor lounge for potlucks, socializing or just plain lounging around! Warm Regards’¦.Don Brown
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Pilot House Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pilot House Marina
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Jul 7, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Anchoring in Rodriguez Key Anchorage (Hawk Channel – Key Largo)
Rodriguez Key Anchorage lies to the north of Rodriguez Key, off Hawk Channel, and northwest of marker #37. This is one of the only anchor down spots on the Hawk Channel side of the Florida Keys north and east of Channel Five.
My wife and I have spent 6 nights at anchor behind Rodriquez Key over the last 4 cruising seasons as we moved from and to Marathon in the Keys. The main issue for us was the sea grass and how it made anchoring difficult. We learned from experience that the best practice was to find a large area of sand drop the anchor and pay out the chain to the desired amount. Once done we backed down and set the anchor. Our usual practice in other anchorages was to begin backing down as the anchor touched bottom. At Rodriquez, that technique only gathered a large amount of grass and an anchor not setting. We had more than a few nights with 15kn of wind and we never dragged.
If you have a dog to walk, It is a long ride to the NW for a place for puppy relief.
John
what an informative post -. thank you
s/v ZIG-ZAG
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For Rodriguez Key Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Rodriguez Key Anchorage
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Jun 25, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Public Meeting
The FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission) has scheduled a public meeting, to be held in Tallahassee, FL (see below), on 7/11/12, to consider the Monroe County (Florida Keys) proposed anchorage regulations, as part of the Keys participation in the Florida Pilot Mooring Field Program. ALL cruisers who can possibly attend this event, PLEASE do so!
Hello,
We are scheduling a public meeting to discuss the Monroe County Anchoring and Mooring Ordinance for Wednesday, July 11th, at the FWC Bryant Building in Room 272 [in Tallahassee, Florida – editor]. We have scheduled the meeting for 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Attached is the FAW notice, that will be published next week, that has the address and time of the public meeting. There will be representatives from Monroe County ready to answer questions from any organizations or individuals that would like to know more about the ordinance.
We are planning on being able to take the Monroe proposed ordinance to the September 5-6th FWC Commission Meeting in Tampa. To accomplish this we will need to coordinate the review, conduct the public meeting, and have a 2 week internet posting of the ordinance to collect public comment. I anticipate posting the proposed ordinance on our FWC website the first full week of July. I will send out notification of that posting when it goes live on the internet. I have attached the current Monroe Co. ordinance language for your review prior to the public meeting and internet posting. Thank you.
Tom
Captain Tom Shipp
FWC / DLE / Boating and Waterways
Note that the proposed ordinance requires proof of pumpout, which I believe is a gross overreach. The anchoring and mooring pilot program law states that it is to regulate anchoring, not pollution controls or equipment onboard. These things are already covered by federal and state regulations. Once again, the anchoring and mooring pilot program is leading to further complication on the water, and a hodge-podge of laws in Florida that few transient boaters will even be aware of.
John Kettlewell
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Jun 13, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
A Pleasant Night at Rodriguez Key Anchorage (Hawk Channel – Key Largo)
Rodriguez Key Anchorage lies to the north of Rodriguez Key, off Hawk Channel, and northwest of marker #37. This is one of the only anchor down spots on the Hawk Channel side of the Florida Keys north and east of Channel Five.
On 6/4/2012, we spent the night behind Rodriguez Key. It was a pleasant experience, we found plenty of water getting in there, you just have to pay attention to your chart and the shoaling off the southeastern tip of the island. The shoals are actually very well marked with floating buoys, but be careful because they extend out quite a bit further. It’s easy to see the color change in the water if you come in during daylight hours. We got there just before dark and found several boats already on the anchor, but there was still plenty of room and we dropped the hook in about 7′ of water. The wind kicked up out of the southwest during the night, but we were reasonably well protected. Not sure I’d want to be there in a howling northeaster!
David Ogle
S/V Double Decker
35′ Cheoy Lee Robert Perry Sloop
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For Rodriguez Key Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Rodriguez Key Anchorage
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Jun 13, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
A Scratchy Night in Boca Chita Key, Statute Mile 1106
Boca Chita Key is a smallish island surrounded by the waters of Biscayne Bay, south of Miami. It is part of Biscayne Bay National Park, and the Park Service maintains a small harbor and “marina” here. Services are minimal, and we have never been able to find more than 4 1/2 feet at MLW, while making our way to the dockage basin. On the other hand, many, including yours truly, find a visit to Boca Chita to be quite charming, particularly on weekdays.
Beautiful spot. Carried 5’6’³ at high tide with no concerns. HOWEVER don’t bother going if winds are out of west, if it rained in the last few days or if it’s summer’”mosquitos thick enough to block the ports!! Could not go outsude even with full suit of long clothes and every repelent know to man.!!! These vampires are after a meal and you are the invited main course!
JiM Lady Lady
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Boca Chita Key
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boca Chita Key
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Jun 9, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Burdine’s Waterfront Marina, Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL
Burdine’s Waterfront Marina overlooks the Boot Key westerly approach channel’s northerly banks, just a quick hop east from Pancho’s Fuel Dock.
Burdine’s Marina in Marathon is nice, friendly people, and a great Tiki Bar/Restaurant.
The reef just outside Marathon has mooring balls and is great snorkeling.
Ken & Pat Goewey
Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Burdines Waterfront Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Burdine’s Waterfront Marina
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Jun 1, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Coconut Grove Sailing Club, AICW Statute Mile 1094.5
The Coconut Grove Sailing Club mooring field overlooks the Dinner Key – Coconut Grove waterfront south of Dinner Key Marina. This fine facility is a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Fantastic club mooring field. Felt very lucky to be here and not in the overcrowded Dinner Key Marina or in the City mooring field in the road stead. Not much of an evening breeze in the summer and it did get HOT!
Heads are ok -it is a small boat sailing club with lots of kids and lots of use! For what you pay it’s WELL worth it.
JiM Lady Lady
Click Here To Read An Earlier Article on Dinner Key
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Coconut Grove Sailing Club
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Coconut Grove Sailing Club
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May 23, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Wisteria Island (Christmas Tree Island) Anchorages
The discussion below is copied from the Cruisers’ Forum, and relates to the several anchorage opportunities adjoining an island which lies withing dinghy distance of Key West Bight. The charts name this isle, Wisteria Island, but all the locals refer to it as Christmas Tree Island.
We are currently behind Wisteria Island. The whole area is surrounded with boats. North of the Island east and west. The cityKWB marina maintains dinghy dock for 26 a week or 80 a month. Just pick a spot with enough swing, lotta boats.
forsailbyowner
Anchoring on the south side of wisteria (christmas tree) island will give you some shelter from the north but it’s rolly from wakes (especially in the early morn. when the charter boats go out). Holding is fair but use caution. It’s a short dink ride across the channel to the harbor where the dink dock is (payment enforcement haphazard… meaning you never know so just pay). note: going back across the channel in a northerly blow can be extremely rough and wet.
Also remember that K.W. has been pirate country for centuries… and still is. Use common sense and you will have a great time.
Cheers,
MM
Just off of Christmas tree is the place to be. It’s convenient to the municipal docks & out of the way. There are areas where there is 8-10 inches of sand over limestone, and you will think you are dug in well but will drag like a mother in the first squall, so make certain you’re dug in.
Also, an open hatch is considered an invitation. A closed hatch with a big lock will generally be left alone.
Starfish
Just take care that your anchor does not get stuck in the many custom made moorings around the island. I picked up an engine block once trying to haul anchor. Many derelict boats with questionable ground tackle all over.
Be careful of the shoal in the middle that looks like a great empty anchor spot.
However once you navigate all the above it is a great spot very close to KW and a much better location than the city mooring field. Never had issues with `piracy’ in the many years I have gone there. Might be dumb luck though but I do lock up when I leave the boat.
Patrick
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Wisteria Island (Christmas Tree Island) Eastern Anchorage
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Wisteria Island (Christmas Tree Island) Northwesterly Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Wisteria/Christmas Tree Island
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