Boot Key Harbor- Marathon Fl

Yacht A Fun, our Gemini catamaran sailboat, arrived in Boot Key Harbor on Thursday March 5th . Our first benefit was having our holding tank pumped. Other benefits have followed.

Mostly moorings, some anchorage

Mostly moorings, some anchorage

Comparing the Marathon City Marina complex to the Coconut Grove / Miami City Marina complex is pretty straight forward. The most significant difference we have experienced is the lack of wave action. Coconut Grove’s Dinner Key Mooring field has a long open fetch for Biscayne Bay wind action to create wave action. Boot Key is truly a harbor and so is very protected. Even during a squall, this past week, wave action and boat hull movement was minimal- though many folk’s personal items blew off their boats and through the harbor.

Marathon is a small town stretching down US #1 Hwy. Coconut Grove is a subset of Miami. The restaurant scene in Marathon is limited, but not inexpensive.

Breakfast, at one popular local’s spot, will easily set you back $14 for two: pancakes, sticks of bacon, slices of sausage, eggs; a serving of fruit, and a cup of coffee.

The Stuffed Pig

The Stuffed Pig

There are numerous close-by places to visit near Marathon, but the diversity pales to cultural and historical places at Coconut Grove.

What we have found that is emensly enjoyable in Marathon is the slow, peaceful, quiet flow of the days and their activities.

Having a vehicle here has enhanced our ability to zip about. CVS pharmacy is located 20 miles away. Key West is about 30 miles further.

Boot Key Harbor is pretty much defined by the draw bridge, that is always open, and the ring of land that completes the loop back to that bridge. One may also use Sisters Creek to come and go. The creek aids water flow for the harbor.

The marina facility building has a patio with canvas sails for sunscreens facing the harbor.

Patio faces harbor and tiki hut

Patio faces harbor and tiki hut

The interior public areas are open until 5:30PM  2a public facility

Nice Book Exchange

Nice Book Exchange

 

Washers and dryers are open 24 hours a day, as are showers which have magnetic coded locks for security (just remember to turn the knob inside to show that it’s occupied or you could get a visitor)

To keep the laundry reserved for Boot Key boaters, the machines only work on electronic cards issued to those paying to be on location

To keep the laundry reserved for Boot Key boaters, the machines only work on electronic cards issued to those paying to be on location

5 secure shower doors

In the building’s foreground is a tiki hut which provides an informal gathering spot and which has an area of grills for cooking.  6 tiki hut meeting spot

7 grill areaIMG_0769

Under the shade of a tree is a sitting area which is beside the rear parking lot and rack of boater’s bicycles

8 shade seating

One of multiple bike racks serving 200+ boats

One of multiple bike racks serving 200+ boats

Two areas of dinghy docks provide ample tie-ups

10 dinghy dock #1

11 dinghy dock #2

The canal is usually bustling with boaters

12 canal traffic

Pump out boats are based on the canal

Pump out is scheduled weekly, but can have extra trip for just $5

Pump out is scheduled weekly, but can have extra trip for just $5

A distance away from the pump out boats is the fresh water hose which one can use to fill jugs to be dinghy‘d back to your boat

RV / Marine quality water hose

RV / Marine quality water hose

Ice and beverages are available as a convenience

Bag, or block ice

Bag Ice , or Filtered Water

14 soda machine

Working on boat tasks can be aided by aspects of the facility

Lift costs $5 to have staff person raise your dinghy (without engine attached due to weight limit)

Lift costs $5 to have staff person raise your dinghy (without engine attached due to weight limit)

Storage bins can be rented

16 b storage bins

There's a fellow who does engine service on site, or you can work on your own

There’s a fellow who does engine service on site, or you can work on your own

 

There's more than one area in which to work on boat projects

There’s more than one area in which to work on boat projects

Used oil is disposed of on site

17 hazardous waste

Old items which still can be used are often left on top of the dumpster. Good items leave quickly as folks pass the location. Unwanted items are shoved into the dumpster each evening.

The end of the garbage dumpster serves as a place for items which can be reused

The end of the garbage dumpster serves as a place for items which can be reused

This landscape scene is between the primary building and the laundry / showers structure. 19 landscaping

Comments 1

  1. Enjoyed the details of the Marathon City Marina. I’ll be retiring in several years and am considering this area. I have always dreamed of living on a sailboat…in a warm area. Still hoping I’ll have enough money to live in a slip or along a dock instead of a mooring ball.

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