Bareboat FL Keys - First Time

[svHyLyte]

For a good Charter Company in a good cruising ground in SW Florida see Sailing and cruising in Southwest Florida.

[Cheechako]

I dont want to hijack this thread, not sure if I should start another, but I do have that cruising guide for the Keys, but it seems one must know the Florida States rules on where to anchor, and those must be up to date at the time you go. Is this FIsh and Game in FLorida or somebody else? Do they put out notices regarding anchoring etc? How does one "do the right thing"?

[pete33458]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

I dont want to hijack this thread, not sure if I should start another, but I do have that cruising guide for the Keys, but it seems one must know the Florida States rules on where to anchor, and those must be up to date at the time you go. Is this FIsh and Game in FLorida or somebody else? Do they put out notices regarding anchoring etc? How does one "do the right thing"?

In my case, if it isn't coral, a channel, a mooring field, or something else that's obviously stupid, I drop the anchor. I can't recall ever being faced with anything other than too many choices when deciding where to anchor. The biggest problem is finding somewhere that you can get close enough to shore and still be afloat!

[forsailbyowner]

Fl yacht charters has boats in stock island fl near key west. The dry tortugas is an excellent week trip from there. Killer reefs , exploration opportunities unequalled fishing. Call vanessa Fl. Yacht charters 3059341718.

[osirissail]

Originally Posted by pete33458

In my case, if it isn't coral, a channel, a mooring field, or something else that's obviously stupid, I drop the anchor. . .

Better add to that list "Seagrass" in and around the Hawk Channel from Key Largo to Key West. Dropping your anchor in seagrass beds is the same as dropping it on a coral reef as far as the regulations are concerned. The same US$50K fine applies. There are just too many restrictions that can bite you in the wallet. If you are experienced with the Keys, then you know where to and where not to drop an anchor. But otherwise you are realling taking a chance. Of course established marinas, anchorages and mooring fields are safe bets. Outside those you really need local knowledge.

[pete33458]

Originally Posted by osirissail

Better add to that list "Seagrass" in and around the Hawk Channel from Key Largo to Key West. Dropping your anchor in seagrass beds is the same as dropping it on a coral reef as far as the regulations are concerned.

I actually wasn't aware of that, but I don't consider seagrass beds to be suitable options for anchoring anyway. Sandy (preferably) or rocky is what I look for, and there's enough of that to go around. pete

[osirissail]

The good news is that finally they have realized that a lot of the marine food stocks grow up in the seagrass beds and ripping them up or damaging them also removes the habitats for many sea creatures that later will eventually be on our dinner plates. The bad news is that this really restricts any anchoring near reefs for snorkeling/diving and you need to use the moorings.