Where to anchor my barge/house boat (Key West, FL)

[Montanan]

Originally Posted by billknny

Does no one else smell a TROLL???? Don't you see this post was custom designed just to rankle?

Is your radar or AIS indicating:

https://media.tenor.com/images/9b806...7ee4/tenor.gif

[Tampabayfireman]

Originally Posted by dwedeking2

It's $350 a month. Not sure what the size limitations are.

There is a limit in the mooring field of documented length of 50 ft.

[Amapola]

You're joking, right?

[Tingum]

Originally Posted by Cadence

I'm sorry!
This sounds like a pipe dream.

His first post. Wonder what’s in the pipe?

[motion30]

If you wish to be legal ,you will need to install an outboard motor and controls. And get it registered . The FWC Is hard on unregistered and unpowered vessels and they are working on new guidelines to determined an at risk vessel

[Tampabayfireman]

Originally Posted by Amapola

You're joking, right?

Nope. If you wish to put a vessel in the mooring field, has to be 50 ft in length or less, have a functional propulsion system, a valid waste/toilet system.

In the houseboat row area, the limitations are the slip size and how deep your pockets are.

If you go the self anchor out route, please pick somewhere else. We have enough oversized vessels with no clue how to anchor in the waters of key west that break loose with every storm.

[Catter]

The mooring field has a 50ft max on boats. You must have a running motor and functioning head with holding tank to anchor. Also need anchor light and pumpout fitting. There is a State run pumpout boat. Good luck but sounds like an expensive endeavor.

[femurphy77]

Having lived in Key West for a few years back in my younger days I thoroughly enjoy reading any thread related to KW. Especially the funny ones!!

[tombeau]

Hi Gunner95 and welcome to the forum. Just a quick Q. What are you using for/where did you get a 60'x20' floating platform, or are you building that part also? Thanks in advance for sharing info.

[GrowleyMonster]

What are you building your barge out of? 55gal drums won't cut it. Pine lumber, treated or not, won't cut it. A proper steel barge that big will be expensive to build and maintain. Fiberglass, just expensive to build. Glass on plywood? Pretty iffy at that size. Only takes one breach of the fiberglass to admit water into the wood. Basically whatever you build is going to be somewhat temporary, or else expensive, when there are plenty of old boats around that you can have for cheap or for free. Why build?



What size anchor chain? How much? Won't be cheap. Anchor? You need a big one. Too big to handle without a windlass. Sand bottom, current, occasional hurricanes you know, so keep that in mind as you shop for anchors.



If you just build a frame out of 2x10 and deck it with plywood and tuck a bunch of drums under it, it should make the trip, and last long enough to shove high and hard into the mangroves somewhere... right where the mosquitos and GNATS want you. A free and secure mooring, slip, or even anchorage is gonna be tough to swing with a slap dash shanty boat that size.



You are going to have to register or document your "vessel". No way around it. You will likely need some sort of inspection as a homebuilt boat.



Need a dinghy.



Electrical system? Please don't tell me you will use a gasoline portable generator and extension cord. Or do. Whatever.


Build a trimaran type hull and stick an old Chevy 350 V8 in there with a heat exchanger (can't use a radiator) and adequate blowers for fumes, and marine grade carburetor(s) and electrical components, and you can probably push along down the ICW at about 2GPH and make the trip on less than 1000 gallons of gasoline. Maybe. Outboards on the ama transoms for maneuvering could be as small as maybe 10hp. Running lights. Radios. Horn. Bell. Flares fire extinguishers and other safety equipment. Blowers. Bilge pumps. Head. Sewage tank. Water tanks. Fuel tanks. Electrical panels and breakers. Zincs. Bottom paint. Did I mention safety equipment? You can find the requirements in the CFR and if you don't know how to find stuff in the CFR don't start this project. If you do not have a perfect understanding of the Rules of the Road, don't try to motor to FL or anywhere at all come to think of it.


Insurance. Insurance. Insurance.


What is your escape plan for abandoning the derelict when you find things aren't going according to plan? They will come after you. And you will pay.



This is either a troll or a very bad idea. But by all means, go for it and let us know how it all works out for you. Come to New Orleans and I will give you a boat. Push it up into the swamp somewhere and live the good life HAHAHAHA!


Don't take this the wrong way. I don't mean to encourage you to do pursue an unrealistic goal. But your story and plenty of pics would make a great post a year or two from now. If you are for real.


These threads sure are fun.

[GrowleyMonster]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4PpDLaRaVU

[captivacapt]

Best bet is pay for the mooring field and you won't get harassed. Invest in a fiberglass runabout, 12 ft. plus, and an outboard that will put the boat on plane. This will allow you to go on diving trips and watch sunset. Have fun

[LLCoolDave]

The OP hasn't been back to CF since the morning he posted. Just so you guys don't waste your time.

[femurphy77]

Originally Posted by LLCoolDave

The OP hasn't been back to CF since the morning he posted. Just so you guys don't waste your time.

Just like other forums I'm on, once there's blood in the water a feeding frenzy isn't far behind. Don't be a party pooper!

[captlloyd]

Originally Posted by femurphy77

Just like other forums I'm on, once there's blood in the water a feeding frenzy isn't far behind. Don't be a party pooper!

I consider your post hyperbole. The original posters ideas were very un feasible to say the least, people were responding to that.