Sailing to Key west from Miami vis Hank Channel

[larryklaas]

Sorry for the type...should be "reading" rather than "reaching" charts in above post.

[tomfl]

Did mean City Marina. There are lots of balls there and they are fairly cheap. You have the use of restrooms, showers, and a floating dock to come ashore in a dinky. You can also anchor out if you wanna just find a safe place. It would be wise to check with those around you if you anchor for local information.

Just be careful of the lobster pots. Navigation is very straight forward. Just keep the land to starboard going down and to port coming back.

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by Alecadi

I think it is a typo and wanted to say City Marina

Thanks, I see tomfl confirmed this. I should have figured it out!

'thinking of other anchorages along Hawk's Channel; we've done well at Rodrieguez Key, Tavernier and Newfound Harbor, but you can't tuck in far enough to be protected from all wind directions in these places, especially with a 6' draft.

[FSMike]

Originally Posted by tomfl

----
You may or may not be able to use Newfound Harbor, sailboats are suppose to keep out but some go in.
----

Why are sailboats supposed to keep out of Newfound Harbor?

[pete33458]

No, you can go out at Angelfish at high tide. Controlling depth there is a matter of dispute, I have been through there hundreds of times with a 5' draft, including MLW, without ever touching, but I believe the controlling depth to be no more than a few inches more than 5' at MLW. Nonetheless, that means you only need 1 additional foot, even with our marginal South Florida tides you're going to get that on the average day. Very important note: you'll have plenty of water all the way through Angelfish Ck, the controlling depth is a very short stretch (a few yards!) just inside #2.

As far as Hawk Chanel at night goes, there are very few lighted marks in that region, and as soon as you turn S coming out of Angelfish you will be in an area with a lot of reefs (Basin Hill Shoals). You will need either GPS to navigate, or a crack crew... If you follow the submerged cable you'll be fine. Prevailing winds USUALLY allow you to do this. pete

[tomfl]

Originally Posted by FSMike

Why are sailboats supposed to keep out of Newfound Harbor?

There is a telephone/power line that crosses Newfound Harbor and it has been hit by some sailboat masts. I know some folks have taken their sailboats inside.

Here is a link with more details

Cruiser's Net » Archive » Newfound Harbor Northern Anchorage Off-Limits to Masted Vessels, west of Hawk Channel, Outside Route Statute Mile 1207

[Scott Berg]

I'd head out under the Powell Bridge, exist via Stiltsville (always worth the trip for the view), first night at Rodriguez, second in Marathon, next day Key West. We made the trip both ways last winter with no problems save for being stuck in Key West for a few extra days waiting out major easterlies. Worse places to be stuck! The Hawk Channel is a must heading West to keep out of the stream but on the way back to Miami there's better fishing outside the reefs if that's in issue for you...

[FSMike]

tomfl -
Thanks for the link.

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by tomfl

There is a telephone/power line that crosses Newfound Harbor and it has been hit by some sailboat masts. I know some folks have taken their sailboats inside. .................

Thanks for this important information. This restricted area is just a portion of Newfound Harbor. I've never gone into the area that tomfl cites, between Little Torch and Big Pine Keys even before the restriction, though it does appear to be among the best proteted part of Newfound Harbor, but that restricted space is only part of Newfound Harbor. It's not protected from the SW, but we sometimes anchor between Ramrod Key and Picnic Island or tuck in just off the channel not far up from Munson Key. It's still far better for protection from the NE than places like Rodrieguez Key.

[MartinBoyer]

Allo

I have a sailboat 35 feet with a 6 feet draft. On my way to Key West from the Hawk Channel does anyone knows if I can pass through the Channel Five bridge to go anker inside. If yes what would be the best place Matecumbe Bight, Fiesta Key or Jewfish Hole? many thanks

[MartinBoyer]

Does anyone anchor at Indian key Anchorage?

[MartinBoyer]

Any recommendation on where to anchor in Marathon?

[Horror Hotel]

You should get "The Great Book of Anchorages" it will give you many options. Or just pick a spot, as long as your not aground or in a shipping channel, it's legit. Have a bright anchor light and explore.

[FSMike]

Also get a copy of Skipper Bob's Anchorage Guide, the Waterway Guide, and check out ActiveCaptain.com and CruisersNet.net on the internet.

[Peter1949]

Martin
There is always a lot of boats anchored of the south entrance to boot key harbor/marathon during the winter months.
The city Marina has about 200 moorings call ahead to see if any available but you cannot reserve them except in person.
Long key bight is another place a lot of boats stay for the night depending on wind direction and draft.
Bahia Honda has a small anchorage also and a small Marina you can dinghy in for ice wifi and a gift shop.they also have places to tie up but not for your 6 ft. Draft