KEY WEST 2024

[gulfcoast john]

Key West 2024

Hi Friends,

We trailered down to Key West from PNS starting Jan 19, and plan to load up March 2 or so to trailer to the Hontoon Hoot, launching at Deland Ed Stone County Park as usual. Hope to see you there! Be sure to drop by if you’re in the Key West area, and you certainly should be if you think Pensacola winters are too cold.







There are many magnificent yachts here, in addition to ours.






There were 2 CD25 (including one Looper boat) and a CD22 Jan 31 at Bahia Honda State Park Marina. We had the truck, so assisted with laundry and provision runs from our slip at Perry Resort Marina in Key West.

Bahia Honda is $2.00/ft, 30 ft min, 14 day max, and takes reservations. There is a launch ramp, and free ice. You should try it!
https://bahiahondapark.com/boat-slip-rentals.html

Caladesi Island State Park marina also has $2/ft rates (without the usual Florida 40 foot minimum), shore power, great Gulf walking beach, but only cold outside ‘beach’ showers, 14 day max, takes reservations.

Every day we have to make important decisions… the beach (choose three), or the pool? (choose from two, both heated). Walk along the seawall (choose from two) or the gym? (choose among three).

Even the most luxe south FL/keys 5 star resorts have 30 day transient rates that are not unreasonable for what you get. Pink Shell resort marina, Ft Myers Beach, transient rate drops from $3.75/ft per night (no 40 ft min) to $1.75 per night for > 30 days. Cheaper than any city or state park marina in FL, esp with metered power rather than the usual $7.50/day.

Do the math. You can likely do it, and afford it if you plan ahead (many S FL marinas are reserved 6-12 months in advance, though many can find space for a C-Dory). If you leverage Caladesi + Bahia Honda for 30 days + 30d at a resort marina, you can have two months on your boat in S FL in winter if you want to.

Safe Travels!
John

[FLTripper]

Thanks for the info, I'm planning to take my 19 down to the Keys this summer. I'll be at the Hontoon gathering and I'd love to pick your brain on some must do's in the Keys

[gulfcoast john]

See you there!

Hunky Dory crew reports an additional $2.50 fee for staying on your boat overnight at Bahia Honda state park marina.

I forgot about John Pennekamp state park marina: also a good deal

https://pennekamppark.com/power-boat-rentals/

Plan away!
Cheers,
John

[gulfcoast john]

82 degrees and sunny again today, 43% humidity...another pool day!

Thankfully the Coleman 15k BTU rooftop AC is blasting out cool air.

Docktails on B Dock:



Come on down,

Safe Travels!

John

[gulfcoast john]

We had a great time in Key West! We pulled out today and head up to Hontoon after a night at a suite onboard NAS Trumbo Point. It's all doable and you should do it!

John

[ken35216]

Great info and you have inspired me!