Online Classifieds...
Hi Peter, I have a few different things to pass about sailing a 23 in this area. Among other things, it's difficult to find a ramp in this area where one can launch a 23. Here's my short list: --Sea Horse Marina, on Stock Island, Atlantic side access. They only have a $5.00 ramp fee, but they have the steepest and deepest ramp in town that isn't owned by the Navy. The drawback to this ramp is the shallow channel you have to pass through to get to the open water; parking can sometimes be a problem, and there's a nasty 90-degree turn that you have to back around to get to the ramp. That, and there are a few potholes in the ramp. Even with all these drawbacks, this is my personal favorite. -- Lighthouse Key Marina, Stock Island, Atlantic side access. I've never actually launched here, but they have a great ramp, an easy channel, and plenty of parking. Drawback? The $15/day ramp fee. (Yes, per day- if you launch on Monday and recover on Tuesday, it's $30.) -- Garrison Bight Marina- ONLY if you are comfortable with raising/lowering your mast on the water- There's a bridge with 14' clearance between the ramp and the rest of the world. Otherwise, it's a $4.00 ramp fee and a $6.00 parking fee (I think those are the current prices). This is also about a 90-minute sail from the KW harbor, and another 20 minutes to the open water. -- Simonton Street Beach/boat ramp. Again, I've never launched here, but the ramp looks just long enough and deep enough to handle the H23, and it goes right into Key West Harbor (1 1/2 blocks from Mallory Square). Unfortunately, the only parking there is metered, $1.00/hr, and you're limited to 12 hours (That's a lot of quarters!). Also, towing a big trailer through the downtown streets makes me a little nervous... As for condo or townhouse rentals, How much are you willing to spend? ;o) Seriously, most of the rentals are 2 bedroom condos, and they get more expensive as you get closer to Mallory Square. If ocean view, beach access, decent parking (not for boat, more on that in a moment), and central location on the island are what you're looking for, I think I'd recommend 1800 Atlantic. (If you have a map, it's at the end of S. Roosevelt Blvd/A1A on the south side of the island.) Not walking distance from downtown, but not as expensive as downtown, either. The name of the Key West paper is the Key West Citizen, and they have an on-line version with classifieds at http://www.keysnews.com. You can also try the Miami Herald- They publish a 'Keys Edition', with classifieds. Parking for your boat will be a problem anywhere on the island; I keep mine in an unimproved, city-owned lot adjacent to my apartment building. If you wanted to park yours next to mine, I don't think anyone will mind- It's not a pretty place to leave it, but I've been parking mine there for over a year and no one seems interested in vandalizing, stealing, or robbing from it. If there are any other questions or concerns, I'd be happy to answer them. Also, if you're interested in getting together for a day on the water, I'm sure I can arrange it! Drop me a message at jonbastien@yahoo.com or leave a note for me here... --Jon Bastien H23 '2 Sheets to the Wind' H25 'Adagio'
