Moving a Boat to Key West

[psjanker]

Well after several years on a waiting list I have signed for a slip and will be moving my Cape Dory south in the near future. Its very likely that I will be using the ditch and I am looking for suggestions as to where I could stop and keep my boat so as to divide the trip into doable blocks. I figure I would do several consecutive weekend trips starting in the northern Chesapeake Bay and once I am in striking distance finish the trip with a two week push. I am good with the Bay down to Norfolk since I figure I would go from Edgewood to Solomon Island and then to Norfolk for the first legs but south of that is where I am looking for advise.

Looking for suitable marinas to include military recreational sites (retired military). First hand knowledge about cutting across Florida vs. going outside Miami as well as how far south I need to get before committing to the last push is appreciated.

V/r

Pete

[Bill Goldsmith]

I can say that if you take the waterway, Indiantown marina is a good place to stay. That's where I found my CD32, although I had it trucked home to NY rather than sail. I have heard but have no personal experience that taking the waterway from Stuart to Cape Coral and then doing a straight shot in good weather from Sanibel to Key West is preferable to going around the bottom, but would be interested in others' views as well.

[Sea Hunt Video]

Peter:

If you decide to sail down through Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Key Largo, etc. to Key West I can recommend two (2) locations in the Miami area.

1. https://www.cgsc.org/moorings/

The Coconut Grove Sailing Club offers short term mooring rentals. I am a member of the sailing club. It is a nice place to stay for a few days. We have many sailors en route to the Bahamas and elsewhere who spend a few days resupplying, etc. while at the sailing club.

You should contact the dockmaster's office to confirm if moorings are available during your anticipated trip. It is probably too early to make any reservations given your jumping off point.

2. http://www.miamigov.com/marinas/pages/m ... marina.asp

Dinner Key Marina is just north of the sailing club. It has both dock space for transients as well as moorings.

If your travel plans bring you the Miami area, if I can assist with anything please do not hesitate to contact me.

[John Stone]

I keep my boat in NC at Handcock Marina at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. We are on the Neuse River about 10nm west of Oriental, NC which you will pass on the ICW as you make your way down towards Beaufort NC. Cherry Point has a PX and Comissary but it’s too far to walk to from the marina. The marina has a head/bathhouse but no laundry facilities. Up the road, on base, about 2 miles is the base RV park and they have a washing machine/dryer. It’s a very safe marina/hurricane hole. Let me know if you need more info.

[psjanker]

Bill

I was not able to locate Indiantown marina....where about is it? I think that outside or inside in terms of the Florida leg will be based upon weather and how close in the Gulf Stream is flowing.

Roberto

We will need to consider setting up a Conch Republic Cape Dory chapter/fleet.


John

I think Cherry Point is on my short list for a jumping off point. Is there a web site for particulars?


Currently at the boat....fixing water pump, installing a thru hull, gav’ing anchor, and prep’ing hull for bottom paint. Roberto, am I ok with another coat of Micron?



V/r

Pete

[John Stone]

On the road. Yes. Google Handcock Marina Cherry Point.

[mgphl52]

You can also add a little excursion by going thru Lake Okeechobee and going to the Conch Republic from the west...

[John Stone]

Pete
Attached is link to MCCS website regarding marina at Cherry Point.
https://mccscherrypoint.com/recreation- ... c-camping/

If you think you might want to overnight there I can PM you the phone number/email of the dock master. He will give you all the particulars.

[psjanker]

Regarding cutting across Florida via the lake, is any time saved? My take from a distance standpoint is that it appears to be a wash. Seems like using the lake might work well based upon weather (travel inside while weather is bad outside). Anyone have personal experience?

Pete

[Bill Goldsmith]

Bill

I was not able to locate Indiantown marina....where about is it? I think that outside or inside in terms of the Florida leg will be based upon weather and how close in the Gulf Stream is flowing

Indiantown marina is about half way between Stuart FL and Lake Okeechobee.
http://www.indiantownmarina.com/

It's in the most unusual place. First time I approached was by car to look at a boat for sale. It's way inland from Stuart, and you turn a corner and all the sudden you see a bunch of sailboat masts. Its a full service marina and they have lots of services, although it's been many years since I was there.

[psjanker]

Well things change. Rather than taking Dakota Lee down the ditch I have decided to ship her. Cost is $3200 door to door plus costs of loading and unloading along with pulling and stepping the mast. Plan is to avoid 4 weeks in the ditch and to instead spend a week heading to the Dry Tortogas or someplace similar.

I am concerned with the spreaders, specifically about the difficulty of removing and reinstalling. Anyone have any first hand experience and suggestions?

Anything I should consider doing in terms of parts replacement other than worn lines and such?

V/r

Pete