Last summer, I was asked what summer was like in the Florida Keys. I wanted to wait until we had been through one to answer.
The first question is always whether it’s unbearably hot. Can you survive without air conditioning?
Well, yes, it is hot. But we and many other boats do survive without air conditioning. Other friends simply can’t stand it and figure out a way to have air conditioning. A lot depends on your own heat tolerance.
- We use fans and 4-way wind scoops to provide ventilation.
- Having plenty of power generation is key for being able to run fans.
- We’re on a mooring ball, not in a marina. Being in a marina generally is hotter as airflow is restricted by buildings and trees.
- We cover our largest windows with Reflectix.
- Last summer we kept a small drink cooler and bought a bag of ice every day so that we had truly cold drinks. This year, we bought an Engel Refrigerator/Freezer that keeps drinks icy cold (we could also use it as a freezer and make ice).
- We drink a lot of water. Cold water.
- Unlike many boats, we do not use a large sunscreen over the boat, preferring to have the breeze come in the hatches.
- We’ve been known to choose a lunch spot that has air conditioning to get a bit of relief. Or make a trip to Home Depot or Publix. But really, not that often.
- If there is little to no wind, no-see-ums and mosquitoes can be a problem.
- If you truly can’t stand to be sweaty, you’re going to hate it.
Favorite products mentioned above (all on Amazon except where noted):
- Endless Breeze 12v Box Fan
- Caframo 12v fan
- 4-way wind scoop (from Cruising Solutions)
- Engel 12v Refrigerator/Freezer
- Reflectix
Almost everyone in marinas uses air conditioning — that’s one of the big draws of going to a marina! But I do know a few boats that use air conditioning at anchor or on a mooring ball, with either a very large battery bank and even larger solar installation (and generally only running the AC at night to sleep) or running a generator (note that some places regulate the hours that generators can run, making it problematical to run them overnight).
The second question is the hurricane risk. As Irma proved last year, yes, there is a hurricane risk. But I’ll argue that there is a hurricane/storm risk from the southern Caribbean to Nova Scotia. Insurance companies can say that some places have a higher risk than others across a broad group of boaters and year after year. They pretty well know that some of their insureds are going to be hit by a storm and have damages.
But for an individual boater, the risk is different. It’s more an all-or-nothing deal: you’re either hit by a storm or you’re not. For those of us who simply cannot go far enough to totally get out of hurricane waters, the decision of where to spend hurricane season is different. Anywhere that I could go, there is a significant risk.
I choose to stay in the Keys as there are numerous good hurricane holes surrounded by mangroves that you can tie your boat into. There is good emergency management. They have an evacuation plan and public transportation (we have a vehicle but it’s always possible it wouldn’t work just then and I want to know there are options).
Summer in the Keys isn’t for everyone, but the water turns gorgeously clear and it’s much less crowded. Those who like it, love it. Those who don’t like it, hate it!
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Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
MJ Gillis says
We’re in Key Largo now, having just motored all day from Key Biscayne. No wind, flat flat water outside. On the hook last night and it was nice. But I’m maxed on the heat from the long day so marina tonight to run our portable AC. We do go back and forth though.
Lori russell says
Hi Carolyn, My husband and I just chartered our first bareboat in the Keys the beginning of August.. Any advice on secluded anchorages and must sees while we are there. What guide books or websites do you recommend for navigation and places to sail. I have looked on amazon but all the reviews seem to think they are outdated.
I must tell you that I met you at the annapolis boat show last fall. It was great to talk to you and have my book signed. You are my first go-to when I have questions !
Carolyn Shearlock says
Active Captain has always had the best info, by far. Some nice places are Bahia Honda, between the bridges (enter from south) or the north side of Bahia Honda, just east of bridge (great dog beach). Newfound Harbor has great protection (and can be sailed into if you have an engine problem). Tarpon Belly Key area is beautiful (nothing there though). Key Largo – Tarpon Basin has a good dinghy dock at the govt. center. Marathon – Boot Key Harbor is good for groceries and repairs, etc. Not as much a tourist stop. Key West anchorage or mooring field for everything that Key West is.