Boot Key Harbor, located in Marathon in the Florida Keys, is a major stopping point for cruisers. And with good reason. It offers great protection in the winter winds, is much cheaper than marinas in the Keys, and has lots of social activities and stores within walking distance.
But there are a few questions that new arrivals always seem to have – and that most cruising guides don’t address fully (or have outdated info on). So while I can’t address every question you may have, here’s some info that you should have BEFORE you get here.
IMPORTANT: I’m giving information to the best of my knowledge; my information may be incorrect or things may change at any time. If you have any questions, call the Marathon City Marina office at 305-289-8877.
Shoals
Boot Key Harbor has three major shoal areas. And markings are poor. Every week, we see boats go aground on the sea grass beds. Not only is this bad for your boat, authorities can fine you $1000 for each square foot of sea grass you disturb.. Should you go aground, the first thing to check is the tide. If it’s low tide, it’s generally best to just wait – the tide will float you off without further damage to your boat or the sea grass bed.
These numbers 1, 2, and 3 mark these areas on the picture below. Widely spaced spar buoys exist in the vicinity of each of these – see the notes below.
1 – this is the big sea grass bed — locals call it “the flats.” Do not try to cross it in any sort of motorized boat. At low tide, even rowing dinghies may hit their oars; sailing dinghies will hit centerboards. See notes under DINGHIES for information on the dinghy channel across it.
2 – When proceeding down the channel from Green 19 to Green 21 (or vice versa), there are three spar buoys just to the east of mooring ball Q10 and then nothing between there and Green 21. However, the shoal area extends all the way from Q10 to Green 21 and across to where boats are moored. Draw an imaginary line from Green 19 to Green 21 and stay on the channel side of it. There is a tiny mangrove island in the vicinity of Green 21 – you must go SOUTH of it.
3 – this is a small area and hence easier to spot the markers. At low tide, you cannot even dinghy over it.
Dinghying in Boot Key Harbor
All of Boot Key Harbor is either an “Idle Speed-No Wake” or “Slow Speed-No Wake” zone. Until you’ve been here long enough to get a cruiser’s guide from the office and figure out which is where, treat all areas as idle zones. In particular, the dinghy channel, the areas around the dinghy docks and the channel beside the office are IDLE/NO WAKE zones.
Dinghies must have lights at night in compliance with state law. Motorized dinghies that can go more than 7 knots must have red/green bow lights and a white stern light. Dinghies with speeds under 7 knots must only have a white all-around light. If you have a rowing dinghy, you can check the laws to see if you must have a light. But I advise you to have one to avoid being hit. I’m serious.
If you leave your dinghy tied up astern of the “big boat” overnight, the dinghy must have an “anchor light” on it.
You must also comply with all laws regarding PFDs, fire extinguishers, sound devices and so on. Both FWC and the Coast Guard frequently patrol the area and stop boats for safety checks.
Dinghy Channel
There is a dinghy channel along the north edge of the shoal area I’ve called number 1. Several sets of PVC stakes (go between the two in each set) and solar light mark the areas. The markers have been recently improved.. I’ve highlighted this on the map below. Boats larger than dinghies cannot use this channel.
Yellow Markers
Around the edge of the mooring field, you’ll see yellow buoys labeled with letters. These have NOTHING to do with the mooring ball letters. They mark the edges of the mooring field, which has legal implications but don’t mean a thing for finding your mooring ball.
Mooring Field Map
It can be hard to figure out where your mooring ball is. The marina staff will try to give you an idea, but it’s best if you print out a copy of the map above and have it at the helm (just print this page if you want to). The row letters are a little hard to see on the map, but they’re there, in black, at each end of each row.
Getting a Mooring Ball
The marina assigns mooring balls first come, first served although there may also consider boat length and draft. There are no reservations.
You cannot request a mooring until you are in the mooring field area. This is east of the “bridge to nowhere” shown on most charts as a bascule bridge to Boot Key at the west end of the harbor. Note: the lift section has been removed so it’s permanently open. The city has also removed the power line so there is unlimited air draft. If entering from Sister’s Creek, you must be out of the creek and in the mooring field channel. Call “Marathon City Marina” on channel 16 or call on the telephone – 305-289-8877.
Once the mooring field is full (2015, it filled up about December 1; it’s been getting earlier every year and it stays full generally until mid-February at least), boats go on a waiting list. You have to be in one of the nearby anchorages to go on the waiting list (there are several anchoring areas near the mooring field).
Anchor Lights
There’s been a lot of discussion this winter about what boats do and don’t have to have anchor lights. If you are at anchor, it’s simple: you must have an anchor light on at night.
In the past, all boats in the mooring field were also required to have their anchor lights on. I’ve since heard that only those on mooring balls bordering the channels must display anchor lights. But as enforcement of such laws can change, I’d have one on no matter where you’re located (we do). Use one with a photocell that turns on automatically at sunset and you don’t even have to think about it – we use and love a Davis Mega Light as it puts the light down closer to the water where dinghies are more likely to see it.
The latest interpretation that I’ve heard is that dinghies left in the water overnight must have an anchor light on in addition to the one on the “big boat.” Those on davits or on deck do not (this rule seems to change periodically, too).
Anchoring Out and Dinghy Docks
You can anchor in a wide spot in Sister’s Creek (the south entrance to the harbor) with your stern tied off to the mangroves, or anchor either side of the bridge to nowhere at the west end of the harbor (the west entrance nearest the 7 Mile Bridge). When the waiting list is long, both areas will be crowded.
Sister’s Creek has some shallow spots and boats drawing over 5 feet should check charts carefully or talk to someone with local knowledge. We have never anchored there. But I’ve heard that the four large radio towers put out strong electrical interference that can cause anomalies in instruments. Some people say it has damaged their electronics.
Anchoring near the bridge to nowhere has its own challenges. Holding can be poor, so make sure to back down hard and test your set – it’s much better to find you’re not holding immediately than in the middle of a squall at 2 AM. The power line next to the bridge still shows on some charts. But the city removed it several years ago.
There are no free dinghy docks in the harbor; it is free to beach your dinghy at Sombrero Beach at the south end of Sister’s Creek but there are no stores or services there. It’s one of the few beaches in all the Keys that’s dog-friendly however.
You can pay to use City Marina’s dinghy dock, dumpster, showers, laundry (extra fee), water (extra fee), pump out and community room. That fee is currently $22/day, $85/week or $225/month. For weekly and monthly stays, you also get a vehicle parking space and can have mail and packages shipped to you at the marina address.
Burdine’s (outside the harbor on the west end) charges $8 per day (I don’t know what they include). And Dockside (at the far east end of the harbor) charges $5. Both of these restaurants let you tie up for free while you are eating or drinking there.
Very few businesses outside of those two restaurants and local marinas have dinghy docks. Older cruising guides say that West Marine does. That information is outdated and it does not. None of the local grocery stores have a nearby dinghy dock.
Laundry
Laundry is expensive at $3 load for the washer and $3 for the dryer at City Marina. Both water and electricity are expensive in the Keys. A very nice alternative if you have a car is the Marathon Laundromat (the only public laundromat in Marathon and newly open in Spring 2016) — rates are similar but there are extra large washers and dryers, air conditioning, fast free wifi and it’s much less crowded.
Keys Prices
Just about everything is more expensive in the Keys, from groceries to eating out to boat supplies. Fuel costs more and water isn’t free. You can find bargains on some things, but expect your cost of living to go up in general.
Cruiser’s Net
The cruiser’s VHF net is on every day at 9AM local time on channel 68. Anything else you need to know, just ask on the net!
It is what’s called a “controlled net” which means that when the net controller reaches the section that your question falls into, first just say your boat name (the equivalent of raising your hand). When net control “recognizes” you (that is, calls your name), ask your question. To respond to someone, again first say your boat name, and then wait to be called on.
Marathon is a fun place, with lots to do and pretty much all the stores and services you could need. Enjoy your stay!
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Carolyn Shearlock says
Thank you!
Carolyn Shearlock says
Currently $300 a month, plus tax. Includes one pumpout a week. Water costs 5 cents a gallon; honor system. Trash/recycling included, as is one vehicle parking space. No time limits.
Full price list and more info here: http://www.ci.marathon.fl.us/government/departments/marina-and-ports/pricing/
Carolyn Shearlock says
Sorry you feel that way. It can be problematic for a quick stop but it’s great for a longer stop.
Carolyn Shearlock says
Yes, I use it all the time. It’s very nice, airconditioned and good, fast, free wifi. The only downside is you need a car or $5 taxi to get there — it’s a little over a mile from City Marina with no dinghy access.
Carolyn Shearlock says
It depends on your heat tolerance. We did it and survived, but yes, it was pretty darn hot. August and early September are worst. Wind scoops and swimming help a lot.
Carolyn Shearlock says
No, the channels have all been cleaned out and the mooring field area is cleaned out two. The only thing that I’ll say is that if you see a “floating fender” or a floating fender that’s painted red, assume that it’s marking a recently-discovered bit of debris and stay clear — and don’t pick it up as being trash! They are pretty rare — I haven’t seen any in weeks — but do beware.
The Boat Galley says
Boats with that draft HAVE come in, but you really have to play the tide (and then watch the 65′ power wire). If you are thinking of coming in, contact SeaTow or TowBoatUS to get exact info.
Dan Kral says
Great overview Carolyn, thank you! There is one area of inconsistency, however, and that is regarding the 65 foot powerline over the bridge. Above you mention that it has been removed but you also mention above to be cautious of it. I’m assuming it has been removed?
Thanks again!
Dan and Rachel
SV Nepenthe
Carolyn Shearlock says
It HAS been removed. I’ll edit the article to make that clear.
Carolyn Shearlock says
I live there, I don’t find it horrible. The dinghy dock is expensive for one day, but land is VERY expensive in the Keys. The monthly rate is the lowest you’ll find anywhere in the Keys. And the Coast Guard can board you anytime, anywhere to check your safety gear (flares).
Finally, many of my readers are European and I have to comply with a European law (GDPR) that requires informed consent where you are asked to give your email. So yes, there really is a law.
T says
Question: I cannot seem to find an answer…
I have to replace my engine on my sailboat. Can I be towed to a mooring ball in Boot Key Harbor while my engine is being replaced? Paying appropriate fees of course.
Carolyn Shearlock says
Call the marina office to confirm current regulations, but we rebuilt our engine while on a mooring ball here in 2015.
Carolyn Shearlock says
Go straight towards mooring U2 — you’ll see some small markers for the shoal marked as #3 and just avoid that area. Once you get close to U2, turn west and head towards “the bridge to nowhere” — a bridge with the center section removed. From there, follow the channel markers out. Once out of that channel, you’ll need to watch your charts as there are shoals between there and 7 Mile Bridge.
Carolyn Shearlock says
I don’t know of Marty — we’ve been here since 2014. Yes, the hospital was destroyed in Irma. There’s now temporary buildings housing an emergency room and construction is underway on a new hospital. Sounds like you had a wonderful time here!
Carolyn Shearlock says
No, Joe. I don’t delete comments. My husband was in the hospital when you wrote your note and I simply didn’t get it approved immediately.
Carolyn Shearlock says
Sorry you had such a bad feeling about BKH. We’ve used it as our home port for 8 years and like it here. The marina staff is part of city government and is limited in what they can do in certain circumstances. However, I’ll say we’ve had ZERO problems here and the community spirit is incredible when someone is in trouble — even when it’s their first day here.
Capt litt says
I agree 100%
Carolyn Shearlock says
Here’s the post on how to tie up to a mooring ball, which specifically shows the BKH preferred way: https://theboatgalley.com/connecting-to-a-mooring-ball/