GL: Marathon-Biscayne Bay Inside

[Steve Schrimsher]

Hi Bill,



I talked to TowboatUS Islamorada about going from Marathon to Miami on the
inside with our 48 draft and they advised that it could be done but we
would probably plow through some of the shallower spots especially toward
the NE end and that I would have a very tired sphincter muscle.  Upon
hearing this and after talking to other locals, we decided go up Hawk
Channel.  Note that you can leave Boot Key Harbor via Sister Creek and save
over 5 miles versus going out the west end of the harbor.  We didnt see
less than 6 =  at mid-tide going out Sister Creek.  Hawk Channel is easy to
navigate and the crab pots quickly diminish to near zero as you move toward
Miami.  It was smooth riding with 1-2 seas and NE winds about 10-15 kts.
We anchored the first night at Rodriquez Key (mm 1146 on the ocean side near
Key Largo) along with one other trawler and 5 sailboats.  It was a decent
anchorage and you can tuck in on whichever side you need to for a lee from
whatever wind direction you have.  The second day, we went outside all the
way to Ft. Lauderdale and were glad we did as most of the way from Miami to
Ft. Lauderdale is a manatee zone on the inside with numerous bridges that
have restricted openings.  Also, if there is a cruise ship entering or
leaving the Port of Miami, the Coast Guard closes the port to boat traffic
until the ships are clear.  We heard this happen twice as we were traveling
up on the outside to FLL.  We met one couple on a sailboat who had to wait
nearly 2 hours until the port reopened.  Since you arent as fast as we are,
you could tuck into the anchorage by No Name Harbor on the second night and
go on to FLL on the third day.



We had an easy crossing to West End on Christmas Day.  We left the FLL sea
buoy at 7 AM and were in West End and cleared Customs by 4 PM.  We are
currently at the Green Turtle Club and are headed to our mooring at Hopetown
today before a strong front hits here tomorrow with winds up to gale force
predicted.



Pick your weather and have a good crossing.



Steve Schrimsher

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M/V SALTY TURTLE