Naples to Key West

M

Mike1970

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Apr 26, 2014
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33606
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Planning to make a run from Naples to Key West for the first time. We'll be in a 35 ft Cruiser GPS, no Radar, and should be able to cruise at 20-25 knots, seas permitting. Looking at an approximate 4 hour travel time. Any advice from those of you who have made the run to key West? Input will be greatly appreciated. Mike
 
Last time I did it was 3 years ago. From Sanibel Island to Key West was more like a 8 hour run. Unless you have a high tolerance for bouncing it will take an exceptional day to be able to run anywhere near 20-25 knots. Certainly, there are days when it can be done but I wouldn't count on it.

also, strongly recommend installing a Radar. TSTMS can blow up very quickly.

Bob
 
I make the run from Marco to Marathon every year and to Key West frequently. I usually go in late May or early June and often find the water like glass. I'd plan on a 6 to 8 hour trip depending on exactly where your end points are.
 
Port Boca Grande, 180 degrees

leave at 6 AM

Arrive at 2 PM

avg about 19-21 kts

generally speaking, the earlier, the smoother.

RWS
 
Pretty straightforward run. Watch for crap traps.

Where are you staying in Key West?
 
Thanks for all of the helpful feedback. Will be using the Galleon Marina and staying at the Pier House.
 
I make it in five hours from Naples at 20 to 21 kts.
Don't cut the marks entering the Northwest channel as there are submerged jetties.
 
quote:
Originally posted by captddis

I make it in five hours from Naples at 20 to 21 kts.
Don't cut the marks entering the Northwest channel as there are submerged jetties.

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Thanks for the feedback, I've been warned about the jetties, are they marked or just outside the channel?
 
quote:
Originally posted by Doc

Pretty straightforward run. Watch for crap traps.

Where are you staying in Key West?

Will be a staying at the Pier House. Are the Jetties marked as you approach Key West or are they just outside the channel, and require caution to stay in the channel?

Click to expand...
 
Yes her in FL we try to trap our crap. We use the pickled lips of politicians as bait. While the season is long and the bait is good, sadly the catch remains small year after year.

Now the run from Naples to Key West is very straight forward as others have pointed out. Go early for the best weather for the most part and the jetties are well marked. As is the run into the harbour from there. There can be a lot of traffic in and around the basin so keep your head on a swivel and you should be fine.
 
Made the trip many times. As others have said leave early on a day with a good forecast it is a long run to do on a bumpy day.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Capt. Bill1

Yes her in FL we try to trap our crap. We use the pickled lips of politicians as bait. While the season is long and the bait is good, sadly the catch remains small year after year.

Now the run from Naples to Key West is very straight forward as others have pointed out. Go early for the best weather for the most part and the jetties are well marked. As is the run into the harbour from there. There can be a lot of traffic in and around the basin so keep your head on a swivel and you should be fine.

Thanks Captain!

Click to expand...
 
I'm in key west now. About to leave the house and go tourist watching
 
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