Opinions on route from Marathon to Key Biscayne please.

[Geek_Guy]

We are moving our boat from Marathon in the Keys up toward Miami this week. Hoping for some ideas on whether to go inside or outside. We draw 4' 8" and would like to stop at marinas for the night. Seems that there are no options for the outside for 5 feet of water till Biscayne bay. Inside has Plantation Harbor, but there is discussion that the channel is iffy in a couple places. Also see discussion that S or SE wind could drop the depth in the channel even further.

Anyone have ideas please?

[Cheechako]

Not sure how far the trip is, but outside with the Stream you might be doing 10 knots! Can you make Biscayne?

[jkishel]

A 4’ 8” draft is right around the maximum draft for the inside route. You’ll need to pick your way through several channels and passes that may require motoring. This will give you the opportunity to stop overnight at a marina at Gilbert’s or the Anchorage in Blackwater Sound. From there it is an easy day to Dinner Key with several channels to negotiate. You can also anchor out virtually anywhere along the way it’s desired.

Hawk’s Channel, outside, offers an easier, faster route with no danger of going aground. Overnight at anchor at Rodriguez Key off Key Largo, then sail up to Biscayne Channel the next day. You can also duck into Biscayne Bay from Hawk’s Channel through Angelfish Creek, no problem with 4’ 8” draft.

[carlosproa]

This week? So after the storm passes? Is not too far. In one go you can go inside and anchor in front of Jimmy Johnson Big Chill restaurant in Key Largo, then continue all the way to key Biscayne pass the bridge and to the Miami River to get haul out. You will have to use the engine half the time.
Or
You can from the outside in one go and enter via no name harbour in key Biscayne, etc. You will have the winds with you.

[SVSOLITAIRE]

Rodriguez on the outside.
Marathon-Rodriguez-key biscayne

[twig]

I went thru on inside in April with a 5.5 draft sailboat in fair weather and bumped in one spot on the whole trip. It’s very doable.

[mnh]

We've only done the outside route in Hawks Channel. We draw 4.5, and did want want to bother with timing tides and nail biting through shallows. The above suggestions of Marathon- Rodriguez to No Name worked well for us. If there is a big East component the wind, try Tavenier Key (just South/West of Rodriguez) instead of Rodriguez. You an anchor just above a sand bar that break the waves up coming in from the East.. See Active Captain for that particular anchorage spot...

[JasonS]

We spent the entire winter in the Keys. You’ll be fine with your draft. If you’re not in a rush, enjoy the anchorages on the inside. One fixed bridge at Gilbert’s is 65’ air draft. Stop at Lorelei’s in Islamorada or Ligumvitae Key, Blackwater sound Key Largo, Long Arsenicker Key,, Elliott Key, Dinner Key, etc. if you want a fast trip, you can do the outside in a day or overnight at Rodriguez Key in Key Largo.

[Geek_Guy]

Thanks all for the information.

We decided to go out. All out past the reefs. Surely made some good time but did pay some price on comfort. I was aware of North winds and the Gulf Stream North, but didn't think about East winds and the Gulf Stream in the middle keys. Since the Stream is going mostly East there having a 15 Knot East wind made for a very choppy and uncomfortable ride. We made it and did get several hours of 8 knot speed.