Maro Island to Marathon

F

flrockytop

New member
Saw a post a few weks ago about getting to the keys by launching at Marco. I can't find the post now but sounds like a plan to me. Thinking about leaving Pensacola Jan 1 and heading south. I like the idea of launching at Marco. Has anyone found a suitable place to leave the tow vehicle in Marco? In my case a 30 foot RV.

Roger
 
flrockytop":dqf2zrem said:
Saw a post a few weks ago about getting to the keys by launching at Marco. I can't find the post now but sounds like a plan to me. Thinking about leaving Pensacola Jan 1 and heading south. I like the idea of launching at Marco. Has anyone found a suitable place to leave the tow vehicle in Marco? In my case a 30 foot RV.

Roger
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That was me. I've been talking to Roger about possible places to launch and store in the Naples area. I'll get there about Jan 15 -- because of Lori's health we can't do long drives, so after we pick up the boat at Brent & Dixie's on NY Day it will take us longer than average to get to FL. Then we are going to stop at Wefings for a de-winterization and checkout before heading down to Naples. We will stay in the Keys probably at least a month, and then head home, slowly following the Gulf Coast to Texas. Hope to stop at Camp Thataway and Port Isabel, among other Brat-friendly destinations.

I have lots of good info on cruising the Keys, but very little on cruising the Ten Thousand Islands area (as I understand it, this is the part of the Everglades that is not part of the national park.) Bob, others, any insights to share?

Warren
 
A bit off-subject but hopefully not too far; refers to my earlier post on another thread. Cost of the launch ramp/parking for tow vehicle and trailer at Flamingo (in Everglades NP) is a camping permit covering the period of use. This could be $10/day if you're young but for old geezers like me with a pass (formerly Golden Eagle Pass) is a buck a day. Fuel is available there again; charges are again being made for the slips. Security for parked vehicles and trailers should be decent in view of the out-of-the-way location and the fact that Rangers patrol. I failed to learn whether term limits on camping would apply as well to vehicle parking. Specifics on the launch ramp/parking didn't seem available on the Internet; the phone # is 239-695-2945.
 
Spike38":1src9t0j said:
A bit off-subject but hopefully not too far; refers to my earlier post on another thread. Cost of the launch ramp/parking for tow vehicle and trailer at Flamingo (in Everglades NP) is a camping permit covering the period of use. This could be $10/day if you're young but for old geezers like me with a pass (formerly Golden Eagle Pass) is a buck a day. Fuel is available there again; charges are again being made for the slips. Security for parked vehicles and trailers should be decent in view of the out-of-the-way location and the fact that Rangers patrol. I failed to learn whether term limits on camping would apply as well to vehicle parking. Specifics on the launch ramp/parking didn't seem available on the Internet; the phone # is 239-695-2945.
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That's a great idea, thanks. I was hoping someone would be able to provide some insights into whether cruising from Naples south is a good idea or not. I've heard the bugs are really bad in the NP, but in January? From the map it looks like there are quite a few campgrounds on the coast, presumably marine campgrounds since there are no roads. I'm sure my guidebooks can enlighten me about the facilities.

If I don't put in at Naples I might as well drive the rig to one of the Middle Keys, as Brent has done.

Warren
 
January 2007 we launched at Punta Gorda at a free city launching ramp that was all new in 2007. We stored the truck and trailer at Crystal Cay Storage and taxied back and forth. There was a good car wash a couple of blocks away to rinse the trailer and then the boat. We went back by the launch ramp again this year and it is still a great ramp with a good dock to tie to while you go to store the RV.

We went south from Charlotte Harbor to Fort Myers, then Naples, Marco, and through the ten thousand islands. We stayed a week in Flamingo and then crossed Florida Bay to Marathon. There are no services between Goodland and Flamingo--not even in Everglade City. You can buy grocerys but no fuel. There are lots of no-see-ums and mosquitos in the Ten Thousand Islands and the Everglades. There is a nice shelling beach at the point before you turn up into Everglade City. There is lots of cuts and channels in the Ten Thousand Islands that are good for fishing--grouper and snapper mostly. There is also some very shallow water so watch your depth. There was fuel at Flamingo two years ago and the marina slips had power and water. The run from Flamingo to Marathon is in relatively shallow water so you have to stay in channel and there are a million crab pots, so pick a day with flat water so you can see where you are going. Currently marina fuel in Marathon is $2.90 a gallon. Moorage rates vary according to where you stay. Boot Key Harbor is $265/month and you dingy to shore--price includes dingy dock and showers and once a week pump out. Slips at other marinas are about $2.50/ft./night plus power.

Brent
 
I'm now leaning toward driving to the Keys. Reading this NPS page has me thinking that I would be better off venturing into the Everglades from the Keys rather than having to transit the Park to get to the Keys. Sorta like not sending a novice boater through Cattle Pass without some experience under their belts. Maybe I'll put in at Punta Gorda and explore a bit of that area and then decide whether to trailer to the Keys.

Warren
 
Doryman":jn9lwgyb said:
I'm now leaning toward driving to the Keys. Reading this NPS page has me thinking that I would be better off venturing into the Everglades from the Keys rather than having to transit the Park to get to the Keys. Sorta like not sending a novice boater through Cattle Pass without some experience under their belts. Maybe I'll put in at Punta Gorda and explore a bit of that area and then decide whether to trailer to the Keys.

Warren
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Looking at the NOAA Chart it looks like there is decent water if you leave the pass gong into Flamingo and go west pass the middle ground then set a course to Marathon. The chart shows at least 7 ft of water. I think that the problem comes if you were to try and navigate in and around the many keys to the south and east of Flamingo.

Roger
 
flrockytop":1il2wn3g said:
Looking at the NOAA Chart it looks like there is decent water if you leave the pass gong into Flamingo and go west pass the middle ground then set a course to Marathon. The chart shows at least 7 ft of water. I think that the problem comes if you were to try and navigate in and around the many keys to the south and east of Flamingo.
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I see what you mean. But if I want to launch in Naples or Marco Island yet also avoid the 10,000 islands by staying outside the park boundaries until I get to Flamingo -- is that too exposed?

I will call the number you gave me for Flamingo and investigate the option of storing truck & trailer there. Maybe it will make more sense to drive there. It just seems like Brent had to jump through a lot of hoops to find both a good place to launch and a good place to store his rig in the Keys and I would like to simplify things a bit. Plus, I would like to see some of the Everglades if I can do so without a flats boat.

Warren
 
If you want to try the Punta Gorda area remember we've got a dock available with power and water, transportation if needed. But note also that P.G. is 16 or so nm from the ICW and the better cruising locales. Charlotte Harbor's OK but has few good anchorages. I'm no authority by any means but am surprised by Discovery's discovery of biting insects in the Ten Thousand Islands and Flamingo in the winter of '07. That's not at all the rule (though it's always well to be prepared), plus the relatively chilly weather so far this season should also keep them to a minimum. Given reasonable sea conditions (meaning no strong cold fronts) there's really no reason to avoid the Ten Thousand Islands if they're of interest or to stay outside Park bounaries (I follow down just inside them). Stops to consider might be a meal at the Rod and Gun Club in Everglades City (though overnight dock fees have gone skyward) and Little Shark River (memorable). Exploration should be more possible in a C-Dory than in any boat I've taken down that way. But again my experience here is limited - no expert!
 
Doryman":1lvi9a36 said:
flrockytop":1lvi9a36 said:
Looking at the NOAA Chart it looks like there is decent water if you leave the pass gong into Flamingo and go west pass the middle ground then set a course to Marathon. The chart shows at least 7 ft of water. I think that the problem comes if you were to try and navigate in and around the many keys to the south and east of Flamingo.
Click to expand...

I see what you mean. But if I want to launch in Naples or Marco Island yet also avoid the 10,000 islands by staying outside the park boundaries until I get to Flamingo -- is that too exposed?

I will call the number you gave me for Flamingo and investigate the option of storing truck & trailer there. Maybe it will make more sense to drive there. It just seems like Brent had to jump through a lot of hoops to find both a good place to launch and a good place to store his rig in the Keys and I would like to simplify things a bit. Plus, I would like to see some of the Everglades if I can do so without a flats boat.

Warren
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I called about launching at Flamingo. I was told there was plenty of parking. I was also quoted $16 a night for camping. At this point I think will put in at Flamingo on Jan 2 or 3. I am going to take the kayak so might do some shinny water exploring with it.

Roger
 
Our experience with the ten thousand islands, the everglades and the keys, were for biting insects-no-seeums (major problem) and mosquitos (minor) to appear every evening with the setting sun. We are in Marathon- Vaca Key, now and every evening we retreat indoors (the camper or the boat) to avoid being eaten up.

The skinny water in west Florida is near shore. Even traveling along the three mile line offshore, usually has you in 15' of water or less. The entire Florida Bay is about 12' deep or so. Its not a reason to avoid the area, you just need to always keep the water depth in mind.

Brent
 
Discovery":2dv3qith said:
We are in Marathon- Vaca Key, now and every evening we retreat indoors (the camper or the boat) to avoid being eaten up.


Brent
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Brent, now much longer are you going to be there? We plan on being around Key Colony Beach from around Jan 3-7, with no plans after that. We have some friends that are renting two condo units. Both units have a boat slip on the canal.

Roger
 
Roger,

We are at the Knights Key RV park. On Knights Key, at the west end of Marathon. Just before the seven mile bridge. We loaded Discovery yesterday for bottom cleaning. We still have Kurbit in the water, in a slip (side tie) here at the RV park.

We are planning to stay until the 12th, then go back to the Florida panhandle for a few days- Kurbit needs boat and RV repairs-then on to Texas until March. Sorry we will not still be here in Jan. when you arrive. Look up George and Penny (Wanderer) they have a condo in Key Colony.

Brent
 
Discovery":2wm1g493 said:
Roger,

We are at the Knights Key RV park. On Knights Key, at the west end of Marathon. Just before the seven mile bridge. We loaded Discovery yesterday for bottom cleaning. We still have Kurbit in the water, in a slip (side tie) here at the RV park.

We are planning to stay until the 12th, then go back to the Florida panhandle for a few days- Kurbit needs boat and RV repairs-then on to Texas until March. Sorry we will not still be here in Jan. when you arrive. Look up George and Penny (Wanderer) they have a condo in Key Colony.

Brent
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OK, sorry you will be gone, maybe next time. How's the fishing been? You should have a sailfish ans wahoo by now. The reports I've gotten is that this has been one of the best years so far. They are nearly jumping in the boat. If close by would you take a look at the boat ramp at the Jolly Roger Travel Park and see what you think. I think they are at mile 59. Where are you going to be here in the panhandle for the repairs?

Roger
 
Brent and Roger, you guys are killing me here...I have GOT to get retired one of these days so I can be out there with you! Oh well, see you both at Lake Powell next year?
 
Doryman":13xh7w9f said:
Maybe I'll put in at Punta Gorda and explore a bit of that area and then decide whether to trailer to the Keys.

Warren
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I see you have already been offered a dock in our area, and you're still welcome to park the trailer and tow vehicle at my place if you come to Punta Gorda.
 
Roger,

The ramp at the Jolly Roger is small and shallow, and often plugged with sea grass. It would be fine for a CD22 on the high of the tide. Its open to north winds. I'm not sure if a 30' RV would be the best choice of a launch vehicle there. At the west end of the marathon airport, on Aviation Blvd. there is an excellent city ramp at Dodge Lake. It's new, wide, long and deep. That's where we launched and loaded, no problem.

The fishing has depended on the wind. If you can get out to the gulf stream you can catch fish. We have caught Dolphin Fish, King Mack's, various Grouper and snapper, and I had a 4.' plus Wahoo on for a few jumps.

We are going back to Wefings to have Kurbits twin Honda 40's serviced. Then to Gulf Breeze to get their RV done at the Camping World service place. That will be on the 15th. Then back to Wefings to pick up the boat, probably on the 16th. Then on toward Corpus Christi, Texas. We hope to get there before Christmas.

Brent
 
Brent,

Thanks for the information on the ramp. Mary Jo is not wanting to put in at Flamingo. Not that she cares about launching there but does not want to to without the rv. So I made reservations for Jolly Roger. Once we get the boat launched we can keep it at our friends condo where we will be spending most of our time anyway. I picked Jolly Roger because they had a Passport America rate of $33. They also have free wifii. The lady told me about the city dock and that sounds like the way to go. OK on the fishing. We may break down and do a charter for one day. I never caught any kind of bill fish and would like to do that.

I have been trying to get to Apalachicola for a month to go grouper fishing but the weather just has not been cooperating. I just looked at the forcast out through the 16 and it still looks like no fun. Maybe we can track you down while your in Gulf Breeze and have lunch or something.

I did get to fish a little today in the bay and caught my normal 35lbs of white trout. I then took them to the fish market and traded them for 5lbs of steamed shrimp. That made a good dinner.


Pat,
You don't need to be retired. Just get on the airplane and "COME ON DOWN' there are plenty of boats down here that we can get you in for a few days. If nothing else you and Baxter can charge ahead in my kayak...

Roger
 
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