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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Vacation Plans (the Keys)

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Tray
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Namibia
224 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/20/2002 : 17:43:09

I'm kicking around the idea of loading Weeny Bean onto her trailer and heading south to the Keys, launching somewhere, and spending a week's vacation sailing around.

Has anyone else done it, been there? Where is a good spot to put in and leave a trailer and vehicle for a week? Anything else I should consider?

I've been to Key West in a car, but never by boat.

Thanks,

Tray
C-250WB #554
"Weeny Bean"

Edited by - on

albert
Captain

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USA
262 Posts

Response Posted - 05/21/2002 : 21:52:40

Abacus is in Barnes Sound which is West of Key Largo. I'm familiar with the Key Largo area, but haven't had time to go too far South on a longer journey. I've done some cruising on the Intra(inter?)coastal which has been enjoyable.

On the ocean side of Key Largo you've got John Pennekamp state park. Execellent for snorkling/scuba diving. Water temperature is about 81F.

I would recommend that you review one of the Florida Keys guides that you can find at West Marine.

You can navigate the keys on the ocean side following Hawks channel which runs parallel to shore. Sailing on the bay/intercoastal requires more tacking/motor sailing but is 'safer'.

Couple of words of caution. As we approach summer in Florida we begin our rainy/THUNDERSTORM season. Most of the times the storms appear around 3pm and last about 1 to 2 hours. Needless to say you've got to be careful with lightning. You can plan to be at a safe anchorage. These storms are created over the mainland. I would ASSUME that there's less thunderstorm activity the further south that you go, but be careful. If you see the dark clouds forming don't ignore them.

Second word--mosquitos and no see ums. They come out at dawn and dusk. Don't anchor too close to land as they live in the mangroves. Windier days have less activity.

You could launch at my marina. They've also got showers. They don't have a ramp but would be able to hoist her into the water. I don't know what they would charge--I would guess between 50 to 80 for both in and out. The marina is gated and safe. I've had no problems in the 2 years that I've been there. I don't have their number with me. Call information and ask for Manatee Bay Marine in Key Largo Florida.

Another cruise to consider is putting into Key West and sailing to Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas. You have a 70 mile stretch of open water, but with a good weather window its worth the trip. If the weather isn't accommodating you can take a ferry -- $110 per person to Dry Tortugas. Beautiful beaches there. BTW the beaches in the keys aren't very good. For beachs go to Miami Beach or to Dry Tortugas. You can also anchor off of Elliot Key (North of Key Largo) for clear water swimming (beach isn't too great here either) or look for sand bars to anchor and swim.

Wind..in the summer the wind dies down during the day. Make sure you have a light air sail in your inventory or gas in your iron genny.

Albert Iturrey
al@comhertz.com
<i>Abacus'</i>: http://www.comhertz.com/abacus

Edited by - on

Rick Heaverly 86 C25 5382
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Belize
206 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2002 : 06:44:59

Albert,

You say it rains from 3pm to 5pm? Isn't that happy hour anyway?

Rick Heaverly

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2002 : 21:18:22

Last Feb. I trailed my C22 down to the Keys. You can put in at Pennekamp and leave your vehicle there as long as you are paying a slip or mooring fee.

Matecumbe Marina is the best place I found. It is really laid back but lacking in facilities except a ramp and showers. They charge 10 for launching and 5 per day for parking truck and trailer. !.50 per foot per night if you stay at marina.

Finding a place to leave your vehicle in the keys is a real pain.

Good Luck

Sailynn

Edited by - on

Ben - FL
Admiral

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880 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2002 : 11:22:35

Hey Tray!

I've been wanting to do the same thing. I figure it would be a good shake down trip before doing the Bahamas.

Last time I was in the Keys it was lobster season. My friends had rented a house and boat on canal at Little Torch Key. There was a small marina and ramp there, but I don't recall the name of it.

I've been to [url="http://www.dep.state.fl.us/parks/district5/johnpennekamp/index.asp"]Pennekamp[/url] also, but not sailing. But it looks like it would be great place to start out.

If I'm not mistaken, you cannot stay on the moorings at the reefs overnight. But you probably would not want to. Rather come back to a sheltered anchorage somewhere.

I've got a chart kit of the Florida Keys that my friend Paul with the O'day gave us as a wedding present. It's by the BBA (Better Boating Asso., Inc.)

BTW, I spent Friday and Saturday nights on Chick-a-pea going to the Bonnie Raitt free concert at Metropolitan Park. Had a great time. Wonderful night sailing under moderate winds and full moon. It cost you five dollars to park your car there but boat slips are free for 72 hours.

Safe voyages,
Ben, FL s/v Chick-a-pea C250wk

Edited by - ben - fl on 05/27/2002 11:23:42

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2002 : 19:34:14

John Pennekamp park has overnight moorings in a protected sound. This is different from the reefs

There are more moorings located off of Ligumvitae key which is a state preserve. It is located off Mile marker 80 if you are looking at a road map.

Frank

Frank

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Tray
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Namibia
224 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2002 : 21:04:47

Ben,

I've got to find out more about the St. Johns now that I've relocated to Florida. Sounds like a great time. We opted for daysailing around Amelia since the forecast was (incorrectly) gloomy.

I'll get in touch once we move into the new house in June.

Tray
C-250WB #554
"Weeny Bean"

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.