Hawks Cay (Duck Key) Anchorages

F

footloose

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Joined
Dec 10, 2001
RO Number
6963
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Can anyone recommend well protected anchorages for on a few nights on the hook - I only need 3 feet of draft. As close to the Hawks Cay marina as possible.

Thanks!
 
WHat type of draft? imported, domestic, light, amber, dark?
 
quote:
Originally posted by Shadowcruzr

WHat type of draft? imported, domestic, light, amber, dark?

Click to expand...

Ha ha ha! You guys never cease to amaze me.
 
footloose,

About 5 miles south of Duck key, on the ocean side is Boot Key Harbor. Marathon Boat yard is located in this area as well. This is just on the south/east side of US#1 and just before the 7 mile bridge. There are anchorages that are well protected inside this area. Otherwise, depending on the weather, you could anchor on the gulf side just north/west of where the former Faro Blanco is located. Water depth is 7' plus, with pretty good holding. Also just north of the cut that goes from the gulf to the ocean in mid Marathon is another semi protected area with 7' plus depth and good holding. Have fun!
 
good one Shadow - ya got me LOL

Thanks Steve - I only need 2 feet of water (hard to believe for 42 footer)
 
Just couldnt pass that one up...the door was swinging way too wide...
 
There is a guide book that lisys all the good anchoages in the Keys. A friend in Tampa has a copy. WHich doesnt do you any good, but it does let you know that they are out there. When are you going? I will be in Key West this weekend with him and can take some notes from his book.
 
i have an older Keys cruising guides, there aren't many "designated" anchorages near duck key.

the closest woudl be Long Key bight, closer than marathon... it's about 4' and pretty nice/natural.

depending on the wind, you can anchor close to duck key around Toms Harbor channel on the north side, or just off little channel key. you shoudl have decent protection from E thru SW winds. with northerly wind you can anchor n the south side of grassy key

basically anchoring in the keys is just a matter of reading your charts depending on the wind. there are dozens of places you can anchor out of the way.
 
thanks guys - while on the subject, if there is no "anchor" on the chart does that mean you can't overnight legally?

If one is not in a channel or in the way of any navigational paths, can one anchor the vessel with a bimini anchor (2 out) and take the dink in for a day or evenning of sitseeing? Assuming their is 360-degree light up at night.....is it allowed?

What are the rules?
 
Google Boot Key Harbor (don't want to post the URL) and select Cruising guides from the home page. Lots of stuff. You'll spend hours.
Chris
(wish I was there!)
 
you can anchor anywhere out of any channels not specifically prohibited such as in protected grass or coral.
 
In the vicinity of bay sideMM1180 are several places I would consider anchoring depending on forecast wind direction. Look at the area between channel key and conch key bank or the area inside grassy key bank or even toms channel if that doesent look traveled. There is even that charted 7’ area right next to the highway at toms harbor. You might sneak way in and be out of any traffic near the bridge area though highway noise might be a bother. The trick is to have lots of options depending on wind, weather, forecast etc. Arrive early and scope out your options. Banks that near dry offer protection in other than high tide periods
 
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