Florida – East Coast Pilot Notes
Stock Island Channel 32 Key West Main Ship Channel KW
24 28.4N, 81 44.5W Fl R 2.5s 5M 24 27.7N, 81 48W Mo (A) W 6M Red/White
TR on dolphin. 19ft. stripes w/ red spherical topmark.
Hawk Channel:
Marathon: 24 42N, 81 06W
(see chart on next spread)
Soldier Key to Key West
Pilotage: Marathon is one of the few shel-
tered harbors on the Hawk Channel side of
Pilotage: Most boats bound between
the Keys. Nearby Moser Channel is one of
Miami and Key West may use this channel
only two channels through the Keys where
inside the reefs, avoiding the adverse current
high-level bridges allow masted vessels ac-
of the Gulf Stream and finding comparatively
cess to Florida Bay. The channel is a possible
smooth water in all winds, except when
route for vessels drawing less than 8ft headed
passing the large openings between the reefs
N to the west coast of Florida.
in S winds. These openings are principally
Coast Guard: Station on the Florida Bay
between Alligator Reef Light and American
side of Vaca Key, E of Knight Key Channel.
Shoal Light. Power-driven vessels or sailing
Dockage/Moorings: Many marinas line
vessels with a following wind may run the
the shores of Boot Key Harbor.
courses through this channel without dif-
Anchorage: Good anchorage in Boot Key
ficulty. Sailing vessels drawing more than 7ft
Harbor.
are advised not to try to beat through with-
Fuel: Many fuel docks.
out a pilot or guide.
Supplies: Extensive. Best port in Keys for
The current in Hawk Channel usually sets
taking on provisions.
fair with the channel, except alongside the
Services: Extensive. Haulout facilities.
open area between Hawk Channel and Bis-
cayne Bay where a fairly strong crosscurrent
Key West: 24 34N 81 48W
exists, particularly on an ebb tide.
(see chart on next spread)
Do not attempt passage at night without
Pilotage: Three channels approach Key
local knowledge. Vessels may anchor at night
West from the S, SW, and NW. The S chan-
where the bottom is soft. The holding ground
nel is the Main Ship Channel, frequented by
is poor where the bottom is hard. Tows and
cruise ships. This is the most direct route for
other small vessels use the channel.
boats arriving from the upper keys.
Port of Entry: U.S. Customs 305-296-5411.
Key Largo: 25 06N, 80 26W
Waypoints
Pilotage: From offshore, use caution tran-
siting through the reefs. Pay close attention
Key West Main Ship Channel KW
to nav aids everywhere in the Keys. Reefs are
24 27.7N, 81 48W Mo (A) W 6M Red/White
extensive.
stripes w/ red spherical topmark.
Maneuver at slow speeds in the inner wa-
terways and alongside marinas where un-
Key West Northwest Channel Entrance Lighted Bell Buoy
marked shoaling may occur.
1
Dockage/Moorings: The marinas are in a 24 38.8N, 81 54.0W Fl G 2.5s 4M Green
series of canals northwest of Mosquito Bank
on Key Largo. Approach depths are 4-5ft.
Coast Guard: Station located at Pier D2, N
Anchorage: Good anchorage in the lee of
of main waterfront.
Rodriguez Key.
Dockage/Moorings: Numerous marinas at
Fuel: At marina up the canal.
Truman Annex, Key West Bight and Garrison
Supplies: Most marine supplies and other
Bight. Deeper draft facilities on Stock Island.
provisions.
Anchorage: The harbor is subject to strong
Services: Most repairs and good haulout
reversing currents and is crowded with
facilities.
moorings. Use caution anchoring anywhere.
Holding ground around Wisteria Island is
reported to be poor. Preferred anchorage is
along the west side of Fleming Key. A public
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