Local Knowledge - Marathon/Boot Key Harbor Anchorage
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Boot Key Harbor has a mud & sand bottom and capacity for 300+ boats. The City of Marathon is currently gaining control over the harbor bottom and completing Monroe County's original plans for installing a mooring field in the harbor. According to news sources and county employees, the first phase of the mooring field project, which includes 25 moorings, will be installed by the end of June 2001.
Official access to shore can be found in two locations: the Florida Keys Marina (800 35th St.), which has a dinghy dock, showers, restrooms, laundry, parking, and a book exchange, as well as a large workshop where you can do dinghy repairs. The second place to come ashore is in Sombrero Key Marina's Dockside Lounge (35 Sombrero Blvd.). At Dockside you will find ample dinghy dockage, laundry, mail, restaurant, bar, telephones, restrooms, and lots of local flavor. |
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lease respect private property, especially when looking for a spot to tie up your dinghy. Many homes have docks but are not keen on strangers tying up and trespassing on their property. West Marine (2055 Overseas Hwy.) has a dinghy dock, but it is only for patrons of the store. There is a sign that clearly states that patrons may tie up for one hour, and not go anywhere else but West Marine. Anyone who leaves their dinghy there and goes elsewhere will have their dinghy impounded and fined $50 per day. Marine supplies can also be bought at Boater's World, 5001 Overseas Hwy.) |
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The dinghy dock at West Marine|
The closest place to get groceries is Publix supermarket, right across the street from the Winner docks at Sombrero Marina. Also a short walk past Publix, up Overseas Highway, is a Winn Dixie and a Kmart. Fuel can be bought at the entrance to the harbor at Burdines Waterfront (1200 Oceanview Ave.), which is also famous for its inexpensive and savory French fries, and at Poncho's, right next door. You can also purchase ice and bait at these two locations. Liquid Propane Gas can be bought at Home Depot, on Overseas Hwy. and at the Chevron, also on Overseas Hwy. Internet access is available for free at the Monroe County Library, 3251 Overseas Hwy. Computer terminals can be used for 30 minute intervals. The library's hours are: 10 am to 6 pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 10 am to 8 pm on Monday and Wednesday. Closed Sunday. |
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Cold Water Affecting Fishing Destinations in South Florida Some fishing guides must adjust their fishing destinations to take advantage of the fish that can handle the colder temperatures. |
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Heading South for the Winter Heading south for the winter is looking better than ever. With fuel prices to heat homes steadily going up, and the “global climate change” keeping the trend of temperatures steadily going down, getting colder with each season, heading to Ft. Lauderdale, Miami or even farther, the Florida Keys looks and sounds better than ever. Bringing [...] |
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Yacht Charters The season is coming and the weather is right in south Florida for sailing, fishing, diving or just any kind of watersports you are looking to splash into. The weather got cold really early up north in the U.S. bringing the “snowbirds” down a little sooner, and we are also getting prepared for the tourists [...] |
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Safest Sailing Catamaran For Sale on the High Seas The Seacat 34 is one of the safest and best sailing yachts ever built in the whole world. Click on the following to see this yacht: Seacat 34. This little ship is a production boat built in France with marine grade 6000 series aluminium. This yacht, Fellowship, has stood the test of time and endurance. Many [...] |
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Fishing in South Florida One of my favorite aspects about Florida is that some water sports activity or another is always “in season.” Check it out here: Miami watersports or Ft Lauderdale watersports. Most water sports are always “in season” in Florida for me, at least mid Florida and south to the Keys. And then the Bahamas are just [...] |
