Tugnuts in Florida January and February

[forfun1960]

January and February will be trailering our R-23 from Illinois to Florida right after Christmas cruising all around Florida. Putting in and starting in the St. Johns river, up to Jacksonville down the Inter-coastal eastern side of Florida to the Keys, and up the Gulf Coast side to Tampa.

Wondering how many other Tugnuts will be in Florida and the possibilities of our paths crossing?

Donnie Wilson

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Hi Donnie. If this is your first boating trip to Florida you’re in for a fun time. As far as the number of Ranger Tugs cruising in Florida I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. There is a Rendezvous the first part of February in Punta Gorda, where there typically will be 30 boats in attendance. If it’s not to late you might look into that, there was an update post today on Tugnuts. Enjoy your time south.

Jim F

 

[BB marine]

We cruised to Florida this fall. The boat is now in Cape Coral stored for the Holidays. We will back to cruising the Florida waters from the end of January to ???? Our plan seems to change as we go (weather and time) so to say where and when does't seem to work. Our Goal is Rendezvous, then cruise to the Keys. Hang out around Marathon until the end of March. Then cruise back to Gulf Shores Alabama to fill in some of the Gap we missed (Great Loop). Maybe we will see you on the water!

 

[Dab3750]

We live in Punta Gorda just north of Burnt Store where the rendezvous will be held. We plan to head for the keys in January. We may be able to meet up along the way. We don’t do hard schedules but plan to be back for the rendezvous.

 

[Matty]

If you have not been there St Augustine is a must overnight stop. Oldest city in the US and great restaurants. We go annually and are planning a couple nights there in January. City marina is great and you can walk to everything.

We are located in New Smyrna which is also a good Anchorage and overnight stop.

St John's is very scenic. Especially if you like seeing gators. We used to do it all the time with our deck boat but have not done it since changing boats.
We have not done the keys but planning a trip there some time in the future. Sounds like a great trip you are planning.

 

[forfun1960]

Thanks, Matty for the info.

We have visited St. Augustine by car many times and always dreamed of visiting by water will definitely do a stopover there. Good to hear your recommendations about the City Marina. Such awesome place to walk around plus we carry electric scooters in the boat too. So love cruising these types of areas.

And New Smyrna is the same as we have driven the beaches there as well. On the hit list for stopover.

Did the St. Johns river last year for full week so much to see, yes lots of wildlife? For anyone's information to cruise the St. Johns river, the ramp at Ed Stone Boat Ramp is very big, deep, and will allow extended free parking or truck and trailer. They just ask you to park along the back part in the grass. We will be leaving our rig there.

heres is the link if you are interested in learning more about Ed Stone.
https://www.volusia.org/services/commun ... -park.stml

 

[bill46]

We are in Palm Coast 2.6 miles up canal.
Might meet St. Augustine to Daytona.
Can advise on marinas in N FL.
Bill & Pat

 

[RichardK]

We live in the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo. Let us know when you or any TugNut comes by that way. We generally cruise the Upper Keys and up to Miami in the winter, but will be going to Key West with our yacht club in January. Near us, probably the most popular anchorage is Elliot Key. It is totally isolated and protected with lots of boats. There are lonelier spots also.

A few of our favorite marinas north to south in our area are Bill Bird Marina in North Miami Beach(near Bal Harbor shopping center), Miami Beach Marina in South Beach, Pilot House Marina in Key Largo and PostCard Marina Islamorada. In Islamorada they have free transportation anywhere on the island from a FreeBee van (get the app). Islamorada has some of the best restaurants in the Keys.

Merry Christmas and a Happier New Year,

Richard & Patty