Anchorages in the Keys

[temegl]

We are on a Jeanneau 44i that draws 6'8". We are currently in the Miami area and looking to head to Bimini on Tuesday. We would prefer to go further south into the Keys to gain an edge on the Gulf Stream but having trouble locating a good anchorage in the Keys where we can leave from that can handle our draft. Any suggestions would be welcome.

[wayne.b]

Originally Posted by temegl

We are on a Jeanneau 44i that draws 6'8". We are currently in the Miami area and looking to head to Bimini on Tuesday. We would prefer to go further south into the Keys to gain an edge on the Gulf Stream but having trouble locating a good anchorage in the Keys where we can leave from that can handle our draft. Any suggestions would be welcome.

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Depending on wind direction we have frequently anchored just east or west of Rodriguez Key. From there you are well positioned to cut through the reef west of Mosquito Bank in the morning and head out into the Gulf Stream.

[temegl]

Is there a problem with finding space in that anchorage? Also do you have any experience with going out the Biscayne Channel and or is there another channel you can recommend further south out of Biscayne Bay as I believe we will want to head down the Hawk Channel. Again we draw 6'8". And thanks for the info.

[wayne.b]

Originally Posted by temegl

Is there a problem with finding space in that anchorage? Also do you have any experience with going out the Biscayne Channel and or is there another channel you can recommend further south out of Biscayne Bay as I believe we will want to head down the Hawk Channel. Again we draw 6'8". And thanks for the info.

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We've never had a problem finding space there. Sometimes we're the only boat.

Biscayne Channel is your best bet - just watch the chart and markers closely. That will put you right into Hawk Channel. Everything south of there like Angelfish Creek is too thin for your draft.

[temegl]

Thanks again for the info. We went out the Biscayne Channel from No Name Harbor and although we had one area where there was less than a foot of water under the keel it went smoothly. We will try to sail down the Hawk Channel to Rodriguez tomorrow and hopefully on to Bimini on Tuesday. It all depends on getting our batteries replaced tomorrow morning at Norseman Ship yard. We are hoping to be out of here before noon. We look forward to anchoring at Rodriguez. Any idea how long it would take to get there from the Miami River. We probably can average about 6 knots.

[tinkrman69]

I've made Bimini many times from Biscayne at 5 knots on south to southwest winds. it's an easy run, why go to rodrequeze and add 2 or more days to your trip. with the weather of late you could get stuck down there for a couple days and fairly rough at that. It's been a few years since I've been in Bimini and have heard they've dredged, but 6'8" draft? it's a little skinny there for that. Be careful and plan to arrive in good light. 7 to 8 foot on the charts doesn't account for the hight of coral heads.

[emcmia]

Originally Posted by temegl

Thanks again for the info. We went out the Biscayne Channel from No Name Harbor and although we had one area where there was less than a foot of water under the keel it went smoothly. We will try to sail down the Hawk Channel to Rodriguez tomorrow and hopefully on to Bimini on Tuesday. It all depends on getting our batteries replaced tomorrow morning at Norseman Ship yard. We are hoping to be out of here before noon. We look forward to anchoring at Rodriguez. Any idea how long it would take to get there from the Miami River. We probably can average about 6 knots.

Temegl - I'm docked 100 meters up river from Norseman and routinely travel Hawks Channel south to Key West. Pending bridge schedules and averaging 8 kts, it's about 6 hours from my dock to Rodriquez Key; another hour+ will get you to Tavernier Key.