Boot Key Harbor, Marathon City Marina

[svnisus]

We will be heading to the Keys in the next couple of weeks and are trying to get some info on the area---the previous posts are fairly old and I was wondering if someone had a bit more up-to-date information on marinas, costs, attiitude etc.etc.
Thanks!

Also, any good anchorages on Hawks Channel? We draw almost 6.

[Panama Dave]

We traveled the Hawk Channel on the way to the Bahamas from Texas and on the way back. In our opinion Boot Key Harbor is to be avoided if possible (crowded, derelict boats, expensive). Good anchorages on the Hawk channel are Biscayne Bay, Bahia Honda, Channel 5, Key West, West side of Marquesas Keys & Dry Tortugas. There are other places to anchor with little protection from the prevailing E-NE winds. Have you considered going to the Bahamas instead?
Dave

[salty_dog_68]

I hope this is not to late...I know of a few good anchorages from accessible from hawk Chanel.

1. Key Largo - North side of Rodriguez Key

2. Tavernier - South side of Indian Key

3. Long Key - go thru Channel 5 bridge to the inside and anchor at Jewfish Hole** it is named on the charts and is a great anchorage with protection and inside/outside access

4. Boot Key Harbor - it is a shock to pay 25cents/gal or more for tap water and it is crowded and dilapidated but marathon is still a good place to stop. If you don't want to deal with the "issues" of mooring "in" boot key harbor a lot of people are now anchoring just outside the entrance of BKH.

5. Newfound Harbor is also a good place to anchor from Hawk Channel.

[allegedly]

right on the money salty dog 68

[High Cotton]

There is a bar/restaurant located inside BKH with a few slips up on the right......stayed there several days last year..... had fun, very convenient to West Marine (by dink)......... depth is not a problem....... a number of restaurants/businesses nearby.