Where to Go from Miami for Four Days with 5.5' Draft

[b-rad]

Looking to take a long weekend trip on the boat leaving from miami to go where? Where would you recomend for a 4 day round trip, and what route would you advise.
Im thinking of just going to john pennekamp and hanging out there but am open to any suggestions.

[s/v Jedi]

Bimini?

cheers,
Nick.

[Ita]

Lake Boca?

[pete33458]

You'll be limited by your draft in that area. You can indeed stay out in the open with no problem, I'm not sure which of the Pennekamp moorings (if any) are overnight (check with the park service), but you can anchor. The problem, of course, is in the event that you have adverse weather or high winds. Your only options for getting inside south from Miami in that time frame are Angelfish Creek and Port Largo, and in both cases you will want to be on the high tide. Controlling depth at Angelfish Creek is around 5.5' mlw right at #2; controlling depth at Port Largo is also around 5.5" mlw between #6-#8. Within 2 days north of Miami there's really not much to do other than to keep sailing (no offense...I live here too!). pete

[Lost Horizons]

Bimini can be done in four days in a perfect weather, but you may get delayed there unexpectedly. Instead, I would go South, stop at the reefs for a swim, and anchor near Rodriguez Key if the wind allows. Otherwise (with E-SE wind above 10-15 kn), continue to Long Key and anchor in the Bay. It is a full day sail from Angelfish creek to Long Key Bridge, so you won't have time for a swim, or will have to go under the bridge after dark, which is not a big deal, the channel there is well marked.

[CSY Man]

Agree with the above:
Bimini with good weather.
To Rodriquez and back, or if the conditions are lumpy on the outside,
sail Biscayne bay, it it like sailing in a bath tub: Never gets rough even in 30 knot gales.

I have been down to Key Largo on the inside with a 5'6" draft.

We usually anchor at Coon Point on the West side of Elliot Key.

[ActiveCaptain]

We draw 6' and just left the Miami area. Here are some of my thoughts.

- I wouldn't go to the Bahamas. First, you'll possibly get there and then have very difficult weather waiting to get back. Most people have been waiting for weeks for good passage times this Winter. Second, entry into the Bahamas will cost $300 (figuring the size of your boat). That's a lot to spend for a couple of days of actually being there.

- I'd go hang out at Miami Beach, either side of the Venetian Causeway. We just spent 2 weeks there. There's really nice shopping and a lot to do. Plus you can get there within a couple of hours easily.


It's a wonderful area to play in this time of year. Try to get 6 days!

[makolab]

I am also in Miami and I agree with Activecaptain on your long weekend. All of those stops are nice. I spend many nights over by Elliott Key (south of Miami) on the hook and its gorgeous out there. I dont think that you can fit in the slips there but if you have a dinghy then you take it to the island and you can explore. There is a path behind the ranger station that takes you to the ocean side of the island. There are also beautiful sunsets and bright stars at night. Just north is Boca Chita (?) with a protected harbor but you must pay over night fees to stay at both places. If you continue south, there is the Anchorage Resort and Gilberts which are fun places especially on the weekends but I dont know the best route for you because of your draft. Also, make sure you contact them to see if they can accomodate your size vessel. There is plenty to do from Miami down to Key Largo and if you have 4 days, you can make a great trip in a short distance.

[Lost Horizons]

As far as I remember, the bridge clearance there is 32 feet, which may be too low for the OP's sailboat.

[ActiveCaptain]

I think it's the Tuttle Bridge which is the problem there - it's 56 feet and that might be a problem depends on where you're starting.

[b-rad]

Im thinking key largo is going to be my best bet.Bimini in 4 days for my first time across seems a little rushed and then with the nasty weather in the stream this time of year..... I had considered boca chita but Think Im too deep for the channel. Also considered Gilberts/ancorage area but besides the bar dont think theres much to do right there. I may just do the port largo and get a slip at marina del mar and play tourist there, Ive done the port largo channel and never had less then 6ft .
I guess I should call pennekamp and ask them if I can make it into their slips.
Thanks for the input guys.

[Ita]

I went to Boca Chita, my boat draft 4' 6"

[makolab]

I have seen some REALLY big boats at Boca Chita. Dont think it would be to much of a problem. The issue here is what do you want to do? Nature? Tourist? Water stuff? Bars and music? You can always take a taxi from anywhere there is land. I would trek south. Its a good bet. In fact, y'all inspired me to talk to my wife and we are leaving Friday night to Elliott/Boca Chita area and then heading south to explore. Gotta make sure Tow Boat is paid up......