Sailing the Keys

[capn_billl]

I'm going over the charts for Miami to Key West.

This is my first trip, and the chart looks like a rocky road.

If I go too far offshore, I'm going upstream.

Whats the best path?

Anyone done this? recently?

Anyone going to the Keys in the next month?

[sailorboy1]

Just came north to Bimini from Marathon and have been through the Hawk Channel now a few times.

It really makes difference whether due to draft you have to do the east side Hawk Channel or can also do the Gulf side.

The other part is whether you want to go fast or slow. Take a look at Active Captain and you will be able to see options. My first trip down straight from Lake Worth to Marathon, which took about 29 hours.

[carlosproa]

What is your draft?
Do Miami to Rodriguez key if the winds are right or if you want to enjoy and have enough draft go Miami to pumpkin key, go they the bay - more dun

[pete33458]

Can't count the times I've made this trip. Wind is generally in your favor (prevailing ESE/SE). The current is generally around 1kt or less against you (check the pilot charts), but if you stay on the western side of Hawk Channel you really won't even detect it. The only real hazards are lobster traps, the occasional ATON, and boaters that don't belong on the open water.

You also have the intracoastal option if you don't mind motoring through long narrow channels. But overall this is a very simple trip. Let me know if you have other questions. Pete

[wsmurdoch]

But don't count on a short term marina berth...

https://www.ci.marathon.fl.us/sites/...2_covid-19.pdf

...and lots else is closed.

[capn_billl]

I was going to anchor out anyway. Marinas are full, and expensive.

[Dive_Buddha]

I live in Key Largo and sail the keys all the time. You’re draft is going to be the deciding factor. It’s easy though. Shoal draft or up to 6’ you can do the inside of hawks channel. Once you’re round Elliot key you can stay inside. Look for the submerged cable line on your chart. It’s going to be a straight dotted line. You just follow that. That’s what everyone takes. It’s like an expressway. You can even see it on google earth. Good stops for the night is Rodriguez key and Tavernier key. If you have a deep draft then stay on the outside right at the edge of the ledge. This will be a line you can see when it goes from rather shallow water and drips quickly to over 100’.

[GreenWave]

Originally Posted by wsmurdoch

But don't count on a short term marina berth...

https://www.ci.marathon.fl.us/sites/...2_covid-19.pdf

...and lots else is closed.

Was planning on coming through Marathon on way fromCharleston to Galveston next week. Will any place be open to get fuel, water, food? I can anchor and dinghy if needed.

[dwedeking2]

gas stations and grocery stores are open.

couple years back on my down I beached here and walked into town. it's a bit of a hike

Dropped pin
Near Monroe County, FL
https://maps.app.goo.gl/75qqRGdtbuaAYmxR7

[pete33458]

I live here and I haven't been able to buy bottled water in weeks. Zero. Food is available but very limited variety (little meat or dairy). Gasoline/diesel no problem as of now...

[dwedeking2]

key west was better at the grocery today. eggs and meat a little better than earlier in the week. note - I got there at 8 30 am

[Dive_Buddha]

You can get into marinas but just to fuel and then you’ll have to leave. All the marinas are not letting anyone stay. So you won’t be able to park and get provisions.

[Happydrv]

I draw 7' and the only time we were worried was going into No Name and following the meandering channel. All else was a breeze, next stop was Rodriguez Key then Boot Key Harbor then Key West.
We anchored off Boot Key Harbor entrance and there is a mooring field in Key West, but might be full...? Or closed. They say ALL the Keys are now closed as of yesterday.
Good luck!

[Dive_Buddha]

The keys are closed. You can go into marinas to fuel and then you have to leave. All marinas, Ramps, docks and hotels are closed.