FL keys mooring recommendations please

[Kamalolo]

We have a 50ft stevens hylas with a 6ft draft. We're a family of 5 including our dog... any pointers of the best mooring for our needs greatly appreciated.
Florida Keys area

[tomfl]

Originally Posted by Kamalolo

We have a 50ft stevens hylas with a 6ft draft. We're a family of 5 including our dog... any pointers of the best mooring for our needs greatly appreciated.
Florida Keys area

Might want to provide more detail on your needs.

[Kamalolo]

Originally Posted by tomfl

Might want to provide more detail on your needs.

Not much....just a 6ft draft....a place we can easily take our dingy to run the kids and dog....

[GeneM]

6ft is pretty deep for the keys. Garrison Bight mooring field just outside of Key West might be best. I draw 3 1/2 ft and it was tight at some marinas up toward key largo. Maybe hang on some snorkeling buoys in deep water overnight with a big boat like yours.

[Kamalolo]

Originally Posted by GeneM

6ft is pretty deep for the keys. Garrison Bight mooring field just outside of Key West might be best. I draw 3 1/2 ft and it was tight at some marinas up toward key largo. Maybe hang on some snorkeling buoys in deep water overnight with a big boat like yours.

Thank you. Our draft is our biggest problem finding a spot

[s/v Moondancer]

We draw 7-6 with a mast height of 76 ft...we just get as close as we can and anchor...Never found a mooring I could use except for the dive-boat moorings on the outer reefs. You just need a bigger outboard.

[Kamalolo]

Originally Posted by s/v Moondancer

We draw 7-6 with a mast height of 76 ft...we just get as close as we can and anchor...Never found a mooring I could use except for the dive-boat moorings on the outer reefs. You just need a bigger outboard.

Thank you

[Seighlor]

I've moored at Marathon a couple times w/6'4" draft and no problem.

[gwbull]

Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL. Marathon City Marina. Well engineered moorings and good facilities dockside. Approx $20/day, $340/mo. Limited number of moorings for boats your size but draft not a problem. Active 9am vhf net on ch68 will answer ANY questions. Nice community of cruisers. Some cool local anchorages not far away.

[Scout 30]

I've tried to find some info for max draft at Boot Key Harbor but wasn't able to. That's clearly the best place to get a mooring if you can get in.

[sailorman7225]

Boot Key does not take reservations for moorings. It's first come first served. It's not unusual to see a couple boats anchored outside waiting for a mooring to open up.

[Kamalolo]

Originally Posted by gwbull

Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL. Marathon City Marina. Well engineered moorings and good facilities dockside. Approx $20/day, $340/mo. Limited number of moorings for boats your size but draft not a problem. Active 9am vhf net on ch68 will answer ANY questions. Nice community of cruisers. Some cool local anchorages not far away.

Thanks for the info

[Captain Bill]

The biggest problem you will have getting in is that the sisters creek entrance is only passable with 6 feet of draft at high tide, and the west entrance while having enough water has an air draft limit of 65 feet due to power lines.

[captlloyd]

Originally Posted by Scout 30

I've tried to find some info for max draft at Boot Key Harbor but wasn't able to. That's clearly the best place to get a mooring if you can get in.

That is what cruisingguide.com, activecaptain.com, marinas.com are for. They usually provide approach depth, dockside depth. If they do not, they almost always provide a web-site and phone number for the marina. Let your fingers do the walking.

[Scout 30]

Originally Posted by captlloyd

That is what cruisingguide.com, activecaptain.com, marinas.com are for. They usually provide approach depth, dockside depth. If they do not, they almost always provide a web-site and phone number for the marina. Let your fingers do the walking.

Good point. I was just Googling...