Anchorage v slips

[rjgmt1]

I wanted to explore the cost and convenience of anchorage verses renting a slip. I hope to go to Key West next winter and was expecting anchorage would be low cost, going ashore maybe three times per week.

[skipmac]

Anchoring, free. Slip in a marina depends on where you are. Down the keys maybe $45-$75/night.

BUT, also depending on where you are there may be a charge to use the dinghy dock. In some harbors the cost to use the dinghy dock is about the same as the cost to use a mooing which includes free use of the dinghy dock.

[Dulcesuenos]

Mooring balls cheapest way to go but need a good dinghy and weather gear">foul weather gear. Some may say rocky and rolly out there but i have seen the marinas pretty rolly too for monos on a windy day. You may dind a deal at a marina from a private owner or if you can fit. If budget isnt a cincern id do marina instead

[daddle]

Slip: Rats, riff-raff, and fun dock parties.
Anchorage or mooring: Often idyllic, sometimes lonely.

[boatpoker]

[QUOTE=skipmac;1115329]Anchoring, free. Slip in a marina depends on where you are. Down the keys maybe $45-$75/night. QUOTE]

Last time I was there (2005) thats about what you'd pay for an 18' boat

[RabidRabbit]

Key West dinghy dock is $80 a month, just dock, water, and trash. A slip for a 30somthing boat is $1200-1400 a month. Cheaper if you go farther from the fun stuff. This is one place where really good ground tackle is needed/ a better nights sleep. Dont let the locals convince you to use 2 anchors. Many non-travling boaters here will string several tiny anchors together and call it a mooring. Real cruisers only need 1 hook. Any quality 60-80 lb anchor with proper scope (8:1) will work.