Key West Liveaboards

[DDabs]

I had posted this in the Locations and Regulations sub-forum, but thought I'd repost here.

I'm looking for marinas in Key West for a 40-50 ft. Monohull. From what I've found so far, the rates seem extremely high, which is understandable since Key West is very touristy. Some are $40-50 per foot per month... Is this the best that I am going to find? I want to be as close to downtown as possible, and definitely on Key West, not another key. Would I be better off just living in a mooring field? Thanks alot.

-Dave

[scallywag]

Dave,
Why do you want to be in Key West during hurricane season? Many marinas require owners to remove their boats before a hurricane. It does not matter if it is at a slip or on a mooring. Where would you go? My insurance rates are high because of keeping my boat in Florida waters.

John

[DDabs]

I wasn't really thinking about hurricane season. Good point. I want to live in Key West for a while. I have been a Florida resident most of my life, and I'm trying to get out of Orlando and start my life at sea. I figured Key West would be a nice city to start living aboard since I'll still be in Florida.

[Teknav]

Try Marathon Key and its neighboring "coves". Have fun! Mauritz

[skipmac]

Have not been there in a long time but the last I checked the cheapest marina in Key West was the city marina. If you lease the dock (not sure what the minimum time would be, one year?) I think it's about $12-$15/ft/month if they have space.

Don't look for cheap in Key West. Like asking how to find a cheap apartment on the east side in Manhattan.

[scallywag]

St. Johns River is a nice location. You can always leave in November for the Keys. Of course, the rates will be higher in the winter.

[foreigner]

There's a 50' slip at Oceanside Marina, Key West, for rent at $725/mo. at Craigslist, Florida Keys, Boats, By Owner. You will not find cheaper than that.

[endoftheroad]

Cheap yes but what a horrible mess you have to ride through in killer heat to gt to kw.
plus the exposure to the atlantic.
extremely hot in the mooring field with a silly long dinghy ride exposed to the sun.
start your sea life after hurricane season and then stay in the mooring field so you dont have to live in dirty drug infested stock island.

[sailr69]

try garrison bight

[keyspc]

It's been known for people to buy boats just for the lease in garrison bight! lease rights start at 20K and up.

Key West Boat Slips: Make Reservations for Key West Boat Slip Rentals
35’ Minimum = $2257.50

The real Key West is long gone.

[Ninetoes]

If you are retired military, the marina at the Naval Air Station Key West, Boca Chica, 305-293-2402, rents for $10 a foot, but there is a 2 year waiting list,...

Not sure if this helps.

[Group9]

Stay in Marathon, buy cheap beater car, and drive to Key West whenever you feel the need.

[Bambaclot]

Stock island village marina is about $800 a month for a 40 footer. Its gated with a patrolman. Under construction but they have a great gym so far. Wifi, laundry, and a pool coming soon.

Stock island has a bad rep but we've been there for the last year and haven't had a problem. You're more likely to get jumped on Duval Street. Besides there are two cop cars permanently on duty for stock island which is only like a couple square blocks. You drive through and drive back. Its worth it for a good dock and reasonable rates.

[sanssouci]

Have you considered Similar Sound?

[Cayo Hueso]

If you're on a budget, swing on the hook off Wisteria and pay the $80 a month for the dinghy dock. Five minutes ride to Key West Bight and you're in the center of it all.

Garrison Bight is the next best bet, but there's a wait list for liveaboards - and it's not cheap.

Stock Island is your next best bet - but - with construction all over both Stock Island and Key West, you're looking at a half hour to 45 minutes to get from Stock Island to Old Town. My shop is on Stock Island and I live in Old Town, best commute is at dawn and it takes 15 minutes outbound against traffic.

Marathon? Fuggedaboutit. Hour and a half, maybe two hours during high season. It's 54 miles from mid Marathon to Key West at 30 MPH with gawkers taking pix on every bridge. No - I'm not making this up.

Oceanside Marina is the most reasonable (right now) but it is a bit removed. NAS Boca Chica is the absolute best deal, but you have to have put your time in the service to get a spot there.

Nope - best deal is the hook about a quarter-mile off Mallory Square. Yes - it has its issues, but a good portion of the hospitality staff of Key West lives there and for good reason.