Florida Keys Ramp/Parking

C

conunuu

New member
Hey everyone,

We are heading to the keys next week for the month of July. Do you guys know a good spot to launch the boat with long term storage for the rig? We planed on launching somewhere around Key Largo and working our way leisurely down to Key West and back.

Thanks,

George
 
You may want to consider Plantation Yacht Harbor in Islamorada, part of Founders Park. Great facilities, wonderful park setting and room to store trailers. We stayed here for three months cruising up and down the Keys.
 
There is a decent ramp at John Pennekamp state park in Key Largo. You can check with the Pilot House Marina about rig storage it's only four miles away and also in Key Largo. While you in Key Largo try a seafood burrito at Evelyn's on the right side of the road if you headed south. The Fish House is another spot to try if you are looking for a decent restaurant on the left.
The Black Fin Resort in Marathon has a decent ramp and possible truck storage. It's not like it sounds it's a nice low key place. They have a decent ramp. You could run the trip the other way and just start and end in Key West. The Key West City marina at Garrison Bight has a beautiful ramp and extended parking/storage. Have fun and remember if the water looks brown you will run aground.
D.D.
 
I like your idea of starting around Key Largo. Summer in the Keys is not prime season, so expect it to be hot and humid, and not a lot of breeze... unless a whirlygirl moves in. If you have air conditioning on your boat, it will go a long ways towards comfort aboard. I see you are from Houston, so I know you are familiar with the heat. :wink:

If you start at Key Largo and there is an issue with a tropical storm or hurricane ('tis the season), you avoid much of the evacuation traffic, working its way up the Keys. It is nice to go down one side, and come back the other. If weather becomes a concern, you can always get to the other side.

I am a fan of Bahia Honda State Park, south of Islamorada. They have a marina (more like a sea wall to tie to) that is very protected. And, a sandy beach (not a lot of those in the Keys). There are plenty of places to anchor in the Keys. The Waterway Guide to the Florida Keys is a good cruising guide to have - it shows places on the water as well as places on land (like grocery stores, laundromats, etc). Plan a few days in Key West so you can "waste away." The touristy stuff, like the Conch Train is a good way to get an overview of KW. Eat at some of the restaurants (on the shady side of the street) with outside seating to watch the "Duval Crawl."

If you decide to head to Ft. Jefferson (the Dry Tortugas), be sure you have water, fuel, and stores with you, since there are no shore facilities there, other than the Fort (which is a National Park). Great snorkeling there. If you don't want to do it with your own boat, you can do a daytrip by seaplane or the FastCat.

Enjoy the trip, and post some updates and photos.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
Jim,

Thanks for the tips. We would love to visit the keys in a better season, but I'm a teacher, so summer is our chance for a long cruise. Next summer we are going to try for the Pacific Northwest and get a little break from the heat. I rigged up an air conditioner for the boat this week. Sadly, we don't have the opening front window and I haven't ordered one yet, so we purchased a portable ac that fits under the dinette table and vents out the port window.

I'll definetly post some pics when we get back. I need to see about getting an album.

George
 
You go when you can, George. We'll be looking forward to photos and updates. The water will be warm, but still cooler than body temp. A solar shower (maybe keep it out of the sun) is good for rinsing the salt off.

Next summer, when you go to the PNW, there will be scads of C-Brats to give you tips on their favorite places. And so far, the only time we needed a/c was on the road, traveling through Texas in May. :wink: On the other hand, we have used heat every single night up here so far.

Have fun in the Keys and keep us posted.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
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