Looking for some insights

[Guystapo]

Hello Gang ..I have been sailing on lakes and very little coastal just in my area forever. I plan on taking a trip to The Keys in Jan of 25 down the west coast of Florida but I have no experience with radio and checking into marinas proceedures and etiquette etc. I have some navigational skills and should be ok there but I am looking for pointers, or videos to help. Any ideas would be greatful ..Thank You

[OldManMirage]

Lots of videos on Youtube, just watch a couple and you'll get it down pretty quick.

Here's one that covers some basics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8lamSDaEbo&t=15s

Keep in mind you can also use your cell phone to call marina's ahead of time.

[barnakiel]

Remember you must release that button to hear their answer.


b.

[Guystapo]

I guess I should have clarified better ..I do know how to use a a radio but was looking for proceedures for coming into a marina for the first time ..thanksg like that?

[wholybee]

Originally Posted by Guystapo

I guess I should have clarified better ..I do know how to use a a radio but was looking for proceedures for coming into a marina for the first time ..thanksg like that?

I usually call ahead (like a week or two) and ask the marina what they want. Typically you hail them on the radio and they direct you to an available slip. Sometimes a cell phone is easier than the radio.

Navionics is a good resource for stuff like this. Practically every marina has an entry with some information, phone number, channel to hail on, etc. Along with user comments.

[Leadfree]

Some marinas want reservations, some want you to call/hail when you are nearing the marina. You should be doing that research before you make way, so you don't arrive somewhere and have nowhere to go.

ActiveCaptain, Waterway Guide, cruising guides are the resources for planning.

When you get within range of the marina, hail them. You can call by phone. When you hail on Channel 16, they will likely direct you to another channel to discuss your needs. Regardless how you contact, tell the marina your boat type, size, beam, draft and for how long you'd like berthing. They will respond with more questions, directions or maybe someone will meet you to take your lines. If you don't feel confident about docking, ask if they have a person to help if they don't offer. If you aren't sure about the approach, ask them. If the marina isn't helpful, choose another.

Always, always have a Plan B. Plenty anchorage options, so you don't have to stay in marinas every time

[ChrisJHC]

In these parts, you can usually book in on-line and they’ll respond with your pen number.
Then have a look at the marina map to see whether you’ll be docking port-to or starboard-to.
They’ll almost certainly want to see a copy of your registration and insurance.

Oh, and one more tip - try to get in during business hours so there’s someone in the office if there are any issues.

[GordMay]

VHF Channel 68 is generally used for calling marinas, and for recreational vessel communication; but, with mobile phones now ubiquitous, I'd [mostly] just telephone.

[Tin Tin]

Channel 9 usually gets you the bridge opener on the ICW.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Guystapo

Hello Gang ..I have been sailing on lakes and very little coastal just in my area forever. I plan on taking a trip to The Keys in Jan of 25 down the west coast of Florida but I have no experience with radio and checking into marinas proceedures and etiquette etc. I have some navigational skills and should be ok there but I am looking for pointers, or videos to help. Any ideas would be greatful ..Thank You

https://www.thevirtualsailingschool.....php/vhfradio/

[leecea]

From what I've read on this forum, marinas in FL during the winter are pretty well booked so I would imagine you'd have to plan ahead and make bookings for yourself.

The comment about looking at marina maps is important, but if you have spotty internet access underway, you should do that ahead of time.

Do you have experience entering slips forward and/or backwards? Will you be single handing? Usually a marina can send someone to the dock to catch lines, but you'll need to check when you're on approach.

Will you also be looking for fuel and pump-out facilities? That's another thing to think about.

[Amapola]

If you plan to stay in a marina or on a mooring in the keys, you should be making contact immediately. Most fill up a year in advance.