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    • Jul 18, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Harbor Channel Southern Anchorage (“Back Route” from Marathon to Key West)

      The Harbour Channel, Southern Anchorage is one of many possible overnight havens lying along the so-called Back Route from Marathon (and Moser Channel) to Key West. This anchorage lies near the point where the marked cut rounds Harbory Key Bank Light, and then skips along its way off the Keys’ northerly banks as you cruise to Key West.
      Personally, I would only try to enter the Harbor Channel by using a GPS chartplotter. There’s a lot of unmarked shallow water nearby!
      More about this anchorage at /89-harbor-channel-southern-anchorage-2

      June 2009. More sheltered than one might think due to shallows. Holding good after trying a couple of spots. Enjoyed 41 mph breeze in middle of thunderstorm at night with no problem. Fair amount of current. Lots of grass collected in sea strainers for generator and air conditioning requiring cleaning once per day. Plenty of room. No issues for 52 foot cruiser with 5 foot draft. One of the better anchorages if you follow the ICW route on the Florida Bay side of the Keys from Marathon to Key West. No problem carring 5 foot draft on that route.
      Hank Haeseker


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

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    • Jul 18, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Bahia Honda Key Anchorage (off Hawk Channel, southwest of Moser Channel and Marathon)

      The anchorge hard by Bahia Honda State Park, lies northeast of the low-level fixed bridge. You can dinghy under the bridge, and find your way to the small, basin-line harbor which serves Bahia Honda State Park. Don’t get caught here in strong northern, northeastern or northwestern winds.
      More on this anchorage at: /75-bahia-honda-key-anchorage-2

      June 2009, anchored here two nights. Found fair holding in gras and shallow sand over rock. Good in S, SE, E winds. Exposed in other wind directions. Current not bad. Short ride in dinghy into Bahia Honda Park. As Floridians, we were not impressed with the beach at the park
      Hank Haeseker


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

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    • Jul 18, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Boot Key Harbor Mooring Field

      Below Captain Haeseker gives a good account of the facilities, including those just added, avaiable to those who make use of the city of Marathon owned, Boot Key Harbor Mooring Field. Hank also make a pretty good case for staying here!
      More on this facility at:       /74-boot-key-harbor-mooring-field-2

      June 2009, found city-run mooring field to be well operated by very friendly people. Near new showers and restrooms. Laundry facilities ok. Good dinghy dock. Water available at the city dock. You can dinghy to the ENE in long canal to a private dock next to the Publix. Owner will charge $5 to tie up. Otherwise it is a long walk or a short taxi ride. You can also dinghy to the West Marine via canal near bridge that leads to boat yard. No charge to land at designated dock in the boat yard. Good place to be in a blow as moorings are sturdy and well spaced. Pump-out boat is included in price of mooring.
      Hank Haeseker


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

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    • Jul 18, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Matecumbe Bight Anchorage (Inside Route, southwest of Peterson Key Bank)

      Matecumbe Bight is a large, somewhat open anchorage that nestles up to the northwestern shores of Matecumbe Key, on the large bubble, south-southeast of the ICW’s unlighted daybeacon #97. I would not want to be caught here in strong northern or northwestern winds.
      More info on this anchorage at: /56-matecumbe-bight-anchorage-2

      June 2009, found good holding and depths as shown on chart.
      Hank Haeseker


      Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Matecume Bight

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    • Jun 20, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      New Powerline Anchoring Law ???

      Is anyone else aware of the “new law” described below by Captain George below.?If so, please share what you know by sending e-mail to me at CruisingWriter@CruisersNet.net.

      Subject: Power Line Anchoring Law
      Cruising News: We anchored in Newfound Harbor off Little Torch Key (Near marker #8) In the morning a local sailor in a catboat told us that a new Florida law forbids anchoring within one mile of power lines and carries a $300 fine. We wonder if other readers are aware of such a law?
      George

      Subject: Power Line Anchoring Law – Newfound Harbor
      We were anchored(3 sailboats cruising together) in Newfound Harbor by the R 8 from April 10 to 14,2009. At 11:00 AM on the 14th an FWC Officer approached us with blue lights flashing to inform us that we were illegally anchored. He stated a new law had been passed, because an anchored sailboat drug and had hit the power lines during a storm. He showed us a brochure describing the situation but couldn’t give it to us because he only had one copy. He was friendly in an “official” way and said he had seen us since we anchored but was too busy to come sooner. But since a storm was coming he told us where we could anchor legally.
      The dividing line for masted boats is marked with white PVC poles between Big Pine Key & Little Torch Key.
      Hope this helps.
      Ray H Daugherty
      Who’da Guessed

      Here is the definitive to the question of a “new powerline anchoring law,” provided by Captian Lee Oldershaw, of the Sailing Association of Marco Island:

      Subject: Newfound Harbor Anchoring restrictions
      Cruising News: Newfound Harbor is the only area in the state where the FWC regulates anchoring of tall masted vessels because of the mutual danger to powerlines and vessels there.
      Lee

      68D-24.144 Monroe County Boating Restricted Areas.
      (1) For the purpose of regulating the anchoring of vessels in and adjacent to the Newfound Harbor Channel (also known as Pine Channel) within Monroe County, the following boating restricted area is established:
      Newfound Harbor Channel (Pine Channel) ‘“ Anchoring of all sailboats and other vessels with masts is prohibited in Newfound Harbor Channel (Pine Channel), shoreline to shoreline, between Big Pine Key and Little Torch Key, from the centerline of U.S. Highway 1 south to a line drawn from the southernmost point on Little Torch Key to the southernmost point on Big Pine Key (a distance approximately 6,000 feet south of the centerline of U.S. Highway 1). If the overhead power lines are removed, the zone established in this paragraph shall no longer be in force or effect.

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    • Jun 3, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Marathon Marina and Boatyard

      Marathon Marina is the first facility you will encounter, as you cruise from the Moser Channel towards Boot Key Harbor. There was a much earlier posting here on the Net’s “Florida Keys” section about this facility changing its name to “Marathon Cay Club.” Before posting Captains Joe and Sarah’s message below, I called, and found that the name, “Marathon Cay Club” is now defunct, and the name Marathon Marina has been, for the moment, re-instituted. I was also informed that a change in ownership may be in the works for the near future. Stay tuned!

      We spent 11 days at the Marathon Marina at the entrance to Boot Key Harbor between 24 February and 5 March. The marina is pricey at $2.50 per foot and the monthly rate would have been a better arrangement for a stay of more than 10 days. The facilities are a bit run down and in need of some maintenance. For example, nearest power pedestal to our slip didn’t work…shower doors didn’t close…hole in the wall in one shower…rusty nails to hang towels and clothes on instead of clothes hooks…paper towel holders in heads went unfilled for a couple of days, etc.
      The showers, laundry, and heads were closed one day for plumbing problems and there was water backing up from a drain in the floor. We were told the parts for the water pump were back ordered. On the other hand, except for the one day, we didn’t have to wait in line for a shower like the folks on the moorings in Boot Key Harbor.
      There were no trash receptacles near the slips. Trash overflowed the one dumpster in the adjacent boatyard before it was picked up.
      The marina staff was very friendly and helpful…lent us two 30 amp power cords since the nearest working power pedestal was more than 50 feet away…had answers or a recommendation to most of our questions. Free, good quality coffee in the office was a nice plus every morning at eight. The unobstructed view to the west was appreciated and we enjoyed the benefits of the west wind and a personal “sunset celebration” each evening.
      Joe Machado and Sarah Eichler
      S/V Windreka
      Whitby 42 #309


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

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    • May 28, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      New “Dive Site” Established 7 Miles From Key West

      New FL Keys Dive Site:
      The Sinking of the Vandenberg
      Location: 24.27 N, 81.44 W
      by Charmaine Smith Ladd
      A decade-long project in the making by Artificial Reefs of the Keys (ARK) finally became a reality this morning.  At 10:21 a.m., approximately seven miles off Key West ((between Western Sambo and Sand Keys & South of Hawks Channel marker 32), the 522 ft. USS Gen. Hoyt Vandenberg officially became the second largest artificial reef. 
      Following two explosions via well-placed detonators the retired U.S. Naval vessel sank in about two minutes and settled perfectly upright, its keel down about 140 feet on the bottom of the Atlantic. Much of the structure can be reached at only 40-50 ft. below the surface.
      The massive Vandenberg will be a most wonderful addition to the fabulous dive sites of the Florida Keys.  In as soon as a week the new dive site will be open to all. 
      Valeo Films via Keys News offers this video clip of the sinking of the Vandenberg:
      Charmaine Smith Ladd, SSECN's Regional Correspondent for the Florida Keys, bringing you "The Low Down from Down Low."

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    • May 15, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Good Food at Hungry Tarpon – Robbie’s Marina

      Robbies Marina is located on the western side of the long causeway/bridge, joining Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys, in Islanmorada. It’s not the easiest place to get to by water, but you can always anchor up around Lignumvitae Key, and then dinghy into Robbies.
      For years, the attraction at Robbies has been to purchase a bucket of bait fish, and then feed the beautiful tarpon which hang around the docks, waiting for a free meal. Now, it looks as if there’s a reason for famished cruisers to pay a call at this facility.

      Subject: Robbie’s marina
      Cruising News: We just came back from a week’s trip to the upper keys. We sailed down from Miami and had a great time. Your latest cruising guide was a big help. We had now issues with water depth, we draw 4.5′. One thing I would like to mention is that after taking the dinghy out to Indian Key we stopped in to visit Robbie’s for some beer and a little gas. We decided to stay a while and eat dinner at the Hungry Tarpon. I was not expecting too much based on the write-up in the current cruising guide, but we were very pleased with our dinners and the experience. The recently new chef, Joseph Sassine is delightful and a master chef. I would highly recommend it for food and atmosphere.
      Bill R.

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    • May 7, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Fiesta Key Marina (Inside Route, hard by Channel Five)

      Another great article from our regular Florida Keys correspondent, Charmaine Smith Ladd. Who knew this small facility had so much to offer?

      May 6th, 2009
      Fiesta Key Marina, RV Park & Campground
      MM 70, Long Key
      Florida Keys
      24° 51.061 N 80° 47.749W
      by Charmaine Smith Ladd
      On Long Key, amidst 28 acres of lush tropical trees and foliage, is a little known place (formerly a KOA Campground) called Fiesta Key. You would think yourself in the Bahamas as you look around at the quaint, brightly colored island setting with the laid-back charm.
      Touting a small marina (jet ski rentals too) and ship’s store, an Olympic-sized fresh-water swimming pool, hot tubs, motel rooms, waterfront bar and grill, internet access, two complete laundry facilities and much, much more, Fiesta Key is a great place to go for a not-so-far-away getaway.
      The marina is for very small boats only. However, immediately west of Fiesta Key, one can anchor at semi-protected Jewfish Hole. A fair-weather anchorage in the winter, Jewfish Hole offers good year-round protection from the East and Northeast (via the shallows outlining Fiesta Key).
      The good folks at Fiesta Key are quite hospitable. They were so nice to us as they allowed us to dispose of our trash, gave us access to potable water, and were extremely gracious in every way. Our dinner there was very reasonably priced, delicious and served with a smile. The people working at Fiesta Key like their jobs and it shows!
      Just let them know you’re anchored out and what you need. Their fees are nominal and their warmth genuine.
      Having access to the amenities of Fiesta Key and knowing that its staff is both friendly and helpful sure gives a new twist to the anchoring out experience. When is the last time you anchored out and were able to get all your laundry done all the while with an ice cold beer in hand and an eye on the Marlins game?
      Fiesta Key is a wonderful escape from the hustle of marina and mooring life to a quiet anchorage with all the anchoring space for as much solitude one could ever want…yet also offers you a taste of the nightlife, dinner out, and all the social minglings if you so desire. It’s all there for you at Jewfish Hole Anchorage and Fiesta Key Marina, RV Park, and Campground.
      Charmaine Smith Ladd, SSECN’s Regional
      Correspondent for the Florida Keys,
      bringing you “The Low Down from Down Low.”


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

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    • May 7, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Crandon Park Marina (Key Biscayne)

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

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


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

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    • May 6, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Galleon Marina – Key West

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

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


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

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    • May 2, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Visiting Lignumvitae Key

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

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


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

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    • Apr 29, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

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

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

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


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

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    • Apr 26, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Channel 5 Depths

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

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

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    • Apr 24, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Anchoring In Boot Key Harbor

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

      Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
      Boot Key Harbor Anchorage

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


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

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    • Apr 20, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

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

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

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


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

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    • Apr 17, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Cruising the Florida Keys In A Deeper Draft Vessel

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

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

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

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

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    • Apr 13, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Boca Chita Key (Biscayne Bay, south of Miami)

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

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


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

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    • Apr 2, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Places To Eat And Things to Do In Marathon

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

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

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    • Apr 2, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

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

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

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

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


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

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