Heading to the Keys and Then Bahamas

[Bobby P.]

Hey Ya'll,

We plan to head down (towing) to the Keys mid- December and spend 2 weeks in Islamorada. We are traveling from Baltimore. Following that, we plan to tow back to Ft. Lauderdale (around 1st of the year, give or take), launch again, and head to the Bahamas for a few weeks. If anyone knows us, we are pretty staunch at self-isolating on the boat. We've been boatsolating on and off since the whole COVID thing started, so we are good at that. We take things seriously, to protect ourselves and others.

Does anyone know a decent place to launch the boat (R31CB) and store the trailer around Islamorada?

Also, any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Bobby

 

[Jrando305]

You can try Mangrove marina in Tavernier. Have a forklift to launch your boat and trailer storage,

 

[ohioan55]

There's a ramp at Angler House Marina and they may have storage available (305-664-5247). Islamorada Marina may have storage available as well. If you get a chance, have breakfast for me at Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar (and a drink in the evening).

 

[baz]

Bobby: I don't have an answer for you.... but your itinerary sounds wonderful and exotic. Enjoy it.... and stay safe. 🙂

 

[Bobby P.]

Thanks for the intel! I'll be making some calls.

I've brought my fresh catch to Lorelei more than once. About $10 per person, they cook and give you a side. Awesome sunset place.

Bobby

 

[Bobby P.]

Just got off the phone with Brian at Angler House in Islamorada.

$50 to launch
$25 per day, $100 per week, to store the trailer. Same price if I leave the boat on the trailer for a week or so if I need to.

Sound pretty good. Thanks for the info.

Bobby

 

[Bobby P.]

Just want to update this thread with some homework results if we do indeed pull this trip off...

Islamorada (Around December 14th):
Brian at Angler House Marina in Islamorada.
$50 to launch
$25 per day, $100 per week, to store the trailer. Same price if I leave the boat on the trailer for a week or so if I need to.

To stage for Bahamas (Around December 28th)
Fort Lauderdale (actually, Miami):
Bill Birds Marina (State Park). Has boat launch, etc. and Slip fee is $64 per day if you want a slip.
https://www.miamidade.gov/parks/bill-bird.asp

ANYONE considering Bahamas should read restrictions carefully. COVID testing required and don't expect to do much off your boat (which we don't).

We are still looking for a place in Southeast Fl to store the boat in case plans change or if we decide to leave it down there for a few months. Anyone with knowledge please share.

Best,
Bobby



Bobby

 

[CaspersCruiser]

Thanks for the update for us note takers. Sorry, I don’t have any suggestions for SE Florida storage. If you get desperate, in SW Florida, there is Safe Cove at Port Charlotte. I have seen it personally.

https://www.safecoveinc.com/

 

[Bobby P.]

Made it! First stop, Islamorada.

Towed from Baltimore to Islamorada. Two days on the road and 1 night at a rest area. Launched at Angler House Marina and left the trailer there.

Caught a bunch of snapper and some amazing rudder fish over the last few days. Had a fish fry last night.

Laying in sun and social isolating off Snake river in Islamorada...

I'm told that our friends Baltimore are bracing for a snowstorm!

Hope everyone is doing well.

Bobby

 

[Pddayo]

Sounds excellent...Enjoy! Very Jealous.

 

[Bobby P.]

Hello Folks,

Ten days in Islamorada and now getting ready to cross over to the Bahamas. Found a place to store the truck and trailer here, so we will motor to just south of Miami and then make the crossing to Bimini. Anyone want to join in (with a social distance, of course!).

Happy Holidays!

Bobby and May

 

[Jrando305]

Hope y ou have been watching the weather cause it’s gonna be real sporty in the Gulf Stream for the next several days..looks like you might have a decent window Sunday/ Monday. I’ve made the crossing dozens of times and I will tell you it’s not pleasant in a 3-5 ft beam sea and it’s gonna be every bit of that. Shortest route is government cut to Bimini
Safe travels

 

[serpa4]

Hope y ou have been watching the weather cause it’s gonna be real sporty in the Gulf Stream for the next several days..looks like you might have a decent window Sunday/ Monday. I’ve made the crossing dozens of times and I will tell you it’s not pleasant in a 3-5 ft beam sea and it’s gonna be every bit of that. Shortest route is government cut to Bimini
Safe travels

What is government cut?

I see on windy.com that the weather is bad on Fri/Sat/Sunday and good monday.
What are you using to see the weather and waves? Thanks.

 

[Jrando305]

I use the app Windfinder, it’s pretty good, I always figure in an extra 20% because that’s what experience has taught me, especially with wave height. With the wind direction for the next few days being what it is the Gulfstream will be nasty, been there done that! Government cut is the cut between fisher island and Miami Beach, used to get in and out of the protected bay side of Miami

 

[knotflying]

Word of caution. Any winds with a northerly component in them should be avoided when considering crossing the gulf stream. The wind pushing against the current will make for a terrible agonizing ride.

 

[Katmat]

Word of caution. Any winds with a northerly component in them should be avoided when considering crossing the gulf stream. The wind pushing against the current will make for a terrible agonizing ride.

And from what I have read, After the north winds change, you need to give it a day or so to calm down.

 

[Bobby P.]

Looks like we will sit tight for a few days and see what the weather does.
We are using the Windfinder app, ailing with a few others.
We do plan to wait a day after the wind dies down.

What to do now... Explore the mangroves, catch fish, have a beer... I think I like being stuck in the Keys.

Thanks everyone for your input.

Bobby

 

[serpa4]

Please post pictures and details. I'm highly considering a trip this summer.

 

[knotflying]

Also, Did anyone look at the Covid requirements to enter the Bahamas. Between finding a weather window and the requirements for pre-testing it may be near impossible to get the timing right to enter. You will have a better chance for good winds near the end of March.

 

[Bobby P.]

Just north of Islamorada. Winds are certainly up. Mostly from the north and steady at 15-20. Interestingly, the gulf side is totally navigable of any discomfort for the 31cb. Each night we tuck in behind a new Key to stay out of the hard wind. Lots of dolphin play around here. We will work our way north to Biscayne Bay and hope for a weather window. If not, we will head back south and work down toward Marathon and Big Pine Keys. All good!

Fair winds (we hope)!
Bobby