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.
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.
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.
The interior public areas are open until 5:30PM
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)
In the building’s foreground is a tiki hut which provides an informal gathering spot and which has an area of grills for cooking.
Under the shade of a tree is a sitting area which is beside the rear parking lot and rack of boater’s bicycles
Two areas of dinghy docks provide ample tie-ups
The canal is usually bustling with boaters
Pump out boats are based on the canal
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
Ice and beverages are available as a convenience
Working on boat tasks can be aided by aspects of the facility
Storage bins can be rented
Used oil is disposed of on site
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.
This landscape scene is between the primary building and the laundry / showers structure.
Comments 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.