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FL Keys Marinas On Outside Recommendations?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Jeff Steiner, Jan 15, 2021.

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  1. Jeff Steiner, Jan 15, 2021
    #1
    Jeff Steiner

    Jeff Steiner New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2018
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    Location:
    Charlotte, NC
    Looking to cruise on the outside down to Key West from Miami. Other than Ocean Reef, any recommendations of marinas with deep water approaches (we draw 5' on our 62' Neptunus) on the outside in Key Largo and/or Islamorada. Seems that there's not much until you get to Marathon. Interested to learn if there are any cool places for larger boats. Anyone been into Hawks Cay Marina? Enough water to get in? Thanks for your input!
  2. motoryachtlover, Jan 15, 2021
    #2
    motoryachtlover

    motoryachtlover Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 29, 2007
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    Location:
    smithfield, VA
    We took a keys cruise last summer. I draw 5’ and am maybe too conservative. But I timed the tides and had no issues going into Postcard Inn in Islamorada. I really liked the place. It is resorty so don’t know if you like that, but you got a few restaurants on site, a nice pool, a small beach with water toys. Also they will put you in a slip with an awesome view of the ocean if you go stern in. Call ahead as they don’t have a lot of slips. Marathon is coming around. You have Marathon marina which I like and Faro Blanco is nice as well. Faro Blanco is on the gulf side but not far at all from the bridge. Key Largo is OK if you have a fast dinghy. Not that many choices other than Marina Del Mar and maybe Ocean Divers. I have a 54 and Marina Del Mar’s slips were doable but undersized. Check with them before you go in there. There is Pilot house in Key largo but I have not taken the big boat in there. Hawks I have not been to in my boat. It was in a state of decline and supposedly is coming around. There is a hump in the channel going in there that you need to be aware of. If you don’t have a dog or kids on board give Little Palm a try. I cruise with a dog so we anchored out somewhat near Little Palm and we had an island to go to and had a great time. Once again we timed the tide in and out but no issues. Enjoy.
  3. Pascal, Jan 15, 2021
    #3
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Location:
    Miami, FL
    I haven’t been in Hawks Cay in a few years. Last time was with a 70 footer and 6 1/4 draft. We couldn’t get to the main basin because there is 5 1/2 MLW hump by the dolphin lagoon but where able to go into the basin before the dolphin lagoon.

    marathon ocean side isn’t worth a stop unless you like trailer parks... haven’t been to Faro Blanco since they reopened.

    the key have very limited options for larger boats.

    Inside Plantation Yacht Harbor is nice and can handle 5’ without issues. Unless the wind is blowing strong from the N for a few days and water level in Florida Bay are lower.
  4. KoffeeCruising, Jan 15, 2021
    #4
    KoffeeCruising

    KoffeeCruising Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2018
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    Location:
    Fl
    I’ve been to Faro Blanco twice - good restaurant and other places to eat nearby... just try not to look at all the muffler shops and ratty buildings on US1. Easy to get there under bridge or from inside.

    Only problem I had was one time was put on the outside face dock with bow pointing at their breakwater -and the wind shifter overnight pinned us there... VERY VERY nerve racking departing: but had I docked with my bow been pointed out it would have been easier.. it was my rookie mistake.

    You known the old saying...

    Q:Where does good judgment come from?
    A:Experience
    Q: Where does experience come from?
    A: Bad judgement
  5. Pascal, Jan 15, 2021
    #5
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Whenever I m pinned on a dock, I always split the gears to pivot the stern out leaning on a piling at the bow till the boat is at 45 degree angle then back out. If no piling then I place a couple of big ball fenders and pivot on them. The key is to wait till you re at a significant angle (35 to 45 degree before backing out. Anything else, especially trying to leave now first is a recipe for disaster
  6. Capt J, Jan 15, 2021
    #6
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Location:
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    You can get into Ocean Reef no problem as long as you know a member. The canal that goes to Pilot House Marina in Key Largo you can get into as well as the one where the Holiday Inn is in Key Largo, both are narrow and tight but can safely be done. Post Card inn you're going to need mid tide or better. Hawks Cay you can get into, I've run a 75' in and out of there. You have 5'3 at MLW right in front of the dolphin pens, but 6' or better everywhere else. Faro Blanco is nice and a slight detour. Getting in and out of Marathon also no problem. Burdines has a decent restaurant, not much else.
  7. Scott M, Jan 16, 2021
    #7
    Scott M

    Scott M Member

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    Location:
    Annapolis, MD
    We just spent Christmas at Hawks Cay. I draw less than you, but saw 6ft the whole way in/out. I do not recall whether it was high or low tide at the time. They only have one slip...maybe two that can accommodate you. Great place to stay/visit.
  8. ocgrant, Jan 16, 2021
    #8
    ocgrant

    ocgrant New Member

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    Ft Lauderdale
    Yes the vibe at Post card is super cool... I had a Sea Ray L65 right next to me on the inside and the was a 65 Viking on the outside that both arrived at the same time...High Tide. As everyone says the tides are critical. I draft 3 1/2 and came in mid tied and had 3 feet under me the whole channel.
  9. Pascal, Jan 16, 2021
    #9
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Problem is that the tides in the key run only 1 to 1.5 foot at the most.