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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 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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    • Jan 8, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

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

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

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


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

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    • Dec 12, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      A Detailed Look At Key West Bight Marinas

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

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


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


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


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


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

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    • Dec 8, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Key West Bight Marinas

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

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

      Responses follow:

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

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

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

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

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

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    • Aug 27, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Key West City Marina on Garrison Bight

      I copied the comment below from the AGLCA mailing list. As far as I can remember, this is the first comment from a fellow cruiser about Key West’s Garrison Bight Marina that has appeared here on the Net.

      There are two municipal marinas operated by the city. One is out front by Galleons and the other is around the bight behind the mooring field. We stayed in the second one [Key West City Marina on Garrison Bight]. We stayed the last two winters in this marina. We really enjoyed it but you must be able to get under an 18′ bridge. There are no amenities but its a third the cost of the other marinas. Its well located if you have a bike. Everything is about 4 to 5 blocks away. You must get a spot now if you hope to get in.
      SecondStar97

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Garrison Bight City Marina

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    • Aug 27, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Marathon to Key West Marina And Anchoring Advice

      There’s some real meat in Captain Doug’s message below. If you plan to cruise from Marathon to Key West anytime within the next year, don’t miss these ideas.

      We stayed at The Galleon in Key West and loved it for 4 days (@ $3.75 per ft.) and then switched to a mooring ball in the Key West mooring field, for $15 per day. What a difference! You can dinghy from the mooring field to the downtown dinghy docks easily, so if you don’t mind mooring instead of marinas, it’s fine. The only problem is if you get a NW wind, which will make the mooring field roll a lot.
      On Marathon, we loved the Marathon Cay Club because we had a slip at the end of the dock where you can watch the sun go down into the Atlantic every evening from your aft deck. It’s the first marina in from the ocean on the channel to Boot Key Harbor.
      Between Marathon and Key West, anchor in Newfound Harbor. It’s huge and well protected from all waves. If you scuba, go to Looe Key Reef there. It is really nice, and there’s a dive boat that goes through Newfound Harbor to the reef that’ll pick you up and drop you off at your anchored boat. Or just go out to the gov’t. mooring balls on the reef (carefully) in your own boat.
      Doug

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Galleon Marina

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Flemng Key West City Mooring Field

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Marathon Cay Club

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Anchorage Directory Listing For the Newfound Harbor Mid Anchorage

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    • Aug 27, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      A&B Marina (Key West Bight)

      I’ve always liked A&B Marina in Key West Bight as well. As you enteri the Bight, A&B is the second marina occupying the southwestern side of the harbor!

      I would highly recommend A&B Marina in the Key West bight. It is minutes by foot from Duvall Street & Mallory Square. We stayed 2 weeks there and hated to leave. Get your reservations in early. Most of the docks are transient but they fill up. Others will advise you on Marathon
      Jim & Judy Howenstine
      The Silver Foxes
      Mainship 400


      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For A&B Marina

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    • Jul 5, 2008by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Key West Marina Discussion

      I borrowed the thread of messages below from the Net’s “Ask Your Neighbor” page, and some of these postings were, in turn, borrowed from the AGLCA list. Anyway, I thought there was sooooo much good info contained herein, on both Key West Marinas and restaurants, I would repost here

      Can anyone suggest a marina in Key West? We will be there for about 10 days over Christmas/New Years. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

      There are a number of marinas in Key West Bright (Old Town area) and if my memory is correct they are on a first come first served. The marina’s are required to have 80-90% of there slip available for visitors. There is no time limit on your stay, so they may be filled. The harbor master has moorings available by Fleming Key.
      Good luck its a great place to be.
      Bob Haigh

      This past winter, we spent 5 weeks at A&B Marina in Key West Bight. It was wonderful, the staff, the location, and the price (for Key West in season). Staying at the Fleming mooring field only gives you good weather, not Key West and all its treasures. Most marinas are not first come first served but reservations well in advance.
      Tom Conrad

      The only marina in Key West that I know of that is first come first serve is Conch Harbor marina and even they will take a reservation 3 months in advance. All the rest are reservation based and fill up fast in season. The end of October is Fantasy Fest and trying to find a marina right in KeyWest during that time will be a challenge.
      Duane Jenkins

      Absolutely Reservations Required..and don’t forget to eat at the AB Lobster House the food is to die for. And on a side note the VFW is a block away the cheapest drinking in Key West 2.00 mixed drinks and 1.00 beers. But beware
      the pool table is rigged.

      The Commodore right next to A&B Lobster House is another excellent place to eat. They also have a cigar & wine room that overlooks the harbor. Also, “Damn Good Food” is close by and they deliver right to your boat. They have some of the best food on Key West and reasonably priced to boot. And note, the VFW has moved. They are no longer walking distance from Old Town Key West. They are located on Roosevelt over by the Key West Yacht Club.
      Duane Jenkins

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For A&B Marina

      Click Here For The Cruisers’ Net’s Florida Keys Marina Directory Listing For Conch Harbor Marina

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