Need Advice on Marathon, FL

Aug 15, 2012
8
MACGREGOR 26D Wheatly ON Canada
The wife and I will be taking our M26D to Marathon in the Florida Keys the 2nd week in February to get out of our Canadian winter for a while. Perhaps for 2 weeks. I've got Claiborne S. Young's (RIP) "Cruising the Florida Keys" book, but would like recommendations on any marinas that have decent ramps and would be able to accommodate the truck and trailer. Price is a bit of a consideration.

The plan would include some cruising and anchoring out, as well as time at marinas.

Thank you in advance.
 

Sumner

.
Jan 31, 2009
5,254
Macgregor & Endeavour 26S and 37 Utah's Canyon Country
If you go into Marathon you will be required to have a pump-out capable head. This can be a MSD porta-pottie that can be pumped out. You can stay a couple days, at least in the past, by signing a statement saying you will install one there. We signed, didn't install, and left before the required date.

We really enjoyed staying over on the gull side there at Fanny Keys (next picture)...



....better but not a lot of places to get ashore there. There was a marina there that might be an option to use possibly. We took the dinghy to....



... Keys Fisher a few times to eat, get fuel and as a place we could leave the dinghy and either walk or take a cheap cab to other places. That worked well for us.

The trip along with anchorage GPS locations can be found here (Florida Spring 2011 trip)....

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor-trips-1/macgregor-trips-1-index.html

We really liked the upper keys a lot on the Gulf side and I'll go back there for sure. That info is in the trip report also.

Have fun,

Sumner

[FONT=Arial, sans-serif]============================

Our Endeavour 37

Our MacGregor 26-S Pages

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Mac-Venture Links
[/FONT]
 
Dec 14, 2008
92
Tartan 30 Bayfield, WI
Have you looked a little further down the Keys? I took my Mac 26C to Bahia Honda Key a few times. They have a very nice ramp... you can stay in the marina (running water) or anchor just outside the marina in a semi protected cove in between the 2 bridges.
Bahia Honda has some of the best beaches in the Keys. You have to do a little driving to find supplies (grocery, gas, etc...)
 
Sep 20, 2011
60
Catalina 22 Deltona-Lake Monroe
If you go into Marathon you will be required to have a pump-out capable head. This can be a MSD porta-pottie that can be pumped out. You can stay a couple days, at least in the past, by signing a statement saying you will install one there. We signed, didn't install, and left before the required date.

From http://www.dep.state.fl.us/cleanmarina/files/cleanboatinghabitsbooklet.pdf

For small boats, encourage the use of “port-o-potties” or portable toilets.
Use waste receiving facilities at boat ramps, if available.
The Florida statute provides thaton boats other than houseboats, the toilet may be portable or
permanent.
While no
case law exists construing the definition of “installed toilet”, the Coast Guard’s web page on marine sanitation devices and commentators suggest that portable toilets are not installed toilets.Thus, the Coast Guard states that “porta potties” and portable toilets are not regulated by federal law


EDIT: The guy was right. Under 26', not a houseboat, a type III porta potty is legal under Federal, State, and USCG law.
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5213/msd.asp - updated 19-31-2014
"No person may operate any Vessel having an installed toilet facility unless it is equipped with an installed and operable MSD of a type approved by the U.S. Coast Guard to meet the requirements of 33 CFR Part 159.
Approved MSDs: § 159.53 General requirements. A device must: "Be designed to prevent the overboard discharge of treated or untreated sewage or any waste derived from sewage (Type III)."

In short, anyone telling you you have to INSTALL anything other than a simple porta potty on small craft is full of beans. Sounds like a marina trying to make a buck.
 
Last edited:
Mar 1, 2012
2,182
1961 Rhodes Meridian 25 Texas coast
It's a Boot Key Harbor rule. We were given 7 days to comply or leave. I picked it as a good time to install an MSD and pump out capabilities, I've never been sorry.


And as I said in another thread- I was iin Boot Key Harbor for several weeks back in 1981 with FAR fewer boats, and ZERO pump out facilities, and it was a stinky mess. FAR nicer now
 
Nov 26, 2008
1,970
Endeavour 42 Cruisin
All of the Keys are a National Marine Sanctuary and NDZ, no discharge zone. It is my understanding that pumpouts are required everywhere in the keys every 10 days. The pumpout facility will give you a receipt to show to the potty cops.
 
Mar 1, 2012
2,182
1961 Rhodes Meridian 25 Texas coast
All of the Keys are a National Marine Sanctuary and NDZ, no discharge zone. It is my understanding that pumpouts are required everywhere in the keys every 10 days. The pumpout facility will give you a receipt to show to the potty cops.
A having cruised down through the Keys when there were NO pumpout facilities,, and then again just a while ago, I'm delighted at the rules. Hey- It's the water WE enjoy. I have no problem at all with keeping it cleaner.
 

Sailm8

.
Feb 21, 2008
1,750
Hunter 29.5 Punta Gorda
You might consider the upper keys as an alternative. I have a friend who just left Boot key because it is full with a long waiting list. Tarpon Basin (Key Largo bay side) was a real nice anchorage.
 
Sep 20, 2011
60
Catalina 22 Deltona-Lake Monroe
It's a Boot Key Harbor rule. We were given 7 days to comply or leave. I picked it as a good time to install an MSD and pump out capabilities, I've never been sorry.

Who exactly was it that made that demand? Federal law forbids states or counties from passing laws that over rule Federal. And who would force you to leave? Not the USCG, you have not violated their laws.

I'm not trying to be an A-H, but am aware of many city law enforcement agencies that overstep their powers and ignore your rights. Happens all the time. Not much can be done about it at the time though. REALLY curious what they are demanding you have. There is, I found, a standard porta potty with an output that can connect to a pump hose but can't then be used to pour. Is that what they wanted?
 
Sep 20, 2011
60
Catalina 22 Deltona-Lake Monroe
You might consider the upper keys as an alternative. I have a friend who just left Boot key because it is full with a long waiting list. Tarpon Basin (Key Largo bay side) was a real nice anchorage.
More good advise from you. All things considered, that's where I'll be.

You are a very helpful sailor, again, I owe you one. :)
 
Oct 6, 2009
129
Newport Newport 28 MKII Jacksonville, FL
Second Bahia Honda State Park. Great ramp and plenty of room to store the trailer and tow vehicle. Amazing beaches and good fishing. We spent two weeks in the marina there, doing day sails to islands and snorkeling spots. Very protected. Watching the sunset from the top of the bridge was amazing. I think it was about 40 minutes to Key West from the park.
 
May 4, 2005
4,062
Macgregor 26d Ft Lauderdale, Fl
Grassy key marina, (grassy key), and sea bird marina (long key) both have good steep ramps and trailer/truck parking. (both north of marathon).
(grassy key has a power line in front of the ramp, so you have to step mast after that.)

Trailer parking is an issue most places you launch. many ramps are day ramps, where nothing can be left overnight.

south dade marina in very upper keys might be a starting point, head south and take the bus back.

Watch the weather. if the front comes thru its good idea to be able to find shelter, where you can stay a few days.
 

pateco

.
Aug 12, 2014
2,207
Hunter 31 (1983) Pompano Beach FL
I can't trailer my boat, but Long Key is one of my favorite spots in the keys, and the Seabird looks good. Long Key is located between IslaMorada and Marathon, and if you need to spend the night off the boat, I recommend the Zane Gray Suites at Limetree Bay. They are on the water on Long Key with dock space available.

http://www.limetreebayresort.com/zane-greyinmastersuite.html
 
Mar 1, 2012
2,182
1961 Rhodes Meridian 25 Texas coast
It's a Boot Key Harbor rule. We were given 7 days to comply or leave. I picked it as a good time to install an MSD and pump out capabilities, I've never been sorry.

Who exactly was it that made that demand? Federal law forbids states or counties from passing laws that over rule Federal. And who would force you to leave? Not the USCG, you have not violated their laws.

I'm not trying to be an A-H, but am aware of many city law enforcement agencies that overstep their powers and ignore your rights. Happens all the time. Not much can be done about it at the time though. REALLY curious what they are demanding you have. There is, I found, a standard porta potty with an output that can connect to a pump hose but can't then be used to pour. Is that what they wanted?
See response #7 above. And yes, an MSD is a standard porta potti, with a fitting so a pumpout can be added. But that fitting is removeable so a pour spout can be used.

And when you go to the Bahamas, you'll need it because with the exception of Nassau I found zero pumpout facilities. Which I found strange since the waters there are what they sell as an attraction.
 
Jan 22, 2008
1,483
Hunter 37 C sloop Punta Gorda FL
You might consider the upper keys as an alternative. I have a friend who just left Boot key because it is full with a long waiting list. Tarpon Basin (Key Largo bay side) was a real nice anchorage.
Don 't be telling everybody this or Tarpon Basis will have a waiting list also.
 
Sep 20, 2011
60
Catalina 22 Deltona-Lake Monroe
See response #7 above. And yes, an MSD is a standard porta potti, with a fitting so a pumpout can be added. But that fitting is removeable so a pour spout can be used.

And when you go to the Bahamas, you'll need it because with the exception of Nassau I found zero pumpout facilities. Which I found strange since the waters there are what they sell as an attraction.
You are correct, I did find the dual outlet model, but it makes no difference down there. As I posted yesterday, I called the contractor that maintains the free pump out vessels and services for Monroe County, and he explained that they would not hook up to ANY portable devise. I told him it would be easy for me to briung out to the cockpit so that it could be connected. He reiterated that NO, it must be a through hull, plumbed type 2 or 1 MSD or they won't touch it. It would be convenient yes, but frightfully expensive to install on a Cat 22 or other small craft. The second issue is that once installed, the system now falls under the USCG regulations, unlike a non connected portable, they inspect and certify the system carefully, as they consider it to be more likely to leak raw sewage than a self contained. Bad news for many. It would be great to be able to use the stations rather than only state parks, - anchor, carry, dump, clean, etc. As for the earlier accounts of Boot Key policy, as soon as I began to explain what had been said here, he interrupted and finished my sentence with a sarcastic "Boot Key Harbor". Apparently they are well known to the locals, he a 19 year live-aboard resident, for policy that is native only to them. It is all unfortunate news for many, especially since a recent audit found that the contractor received TWICE the amount per pump out last year than the contract originally called for. One would think that for $46 a pop, they would be more accommodating to the boaters that bring down $$$ for the area. Like the contents under discussion, it STINKS!
 
Jan 22, 2008
8,050
Beneteau 323 Annapolis MD
...they would not hook up to ANY portable device. /// it must be a through hull, /// once installed, the system now falls under the USCG regulations, unlike a non connected portable, /// they consider it to be more likely to leak raw sewage ...quote]

In Annapolis, the pumpout boat will not come to a boat unless it is docked or moored/anchored. ///.../// Once potti is installed, the Coasties are concerned with the unit pumping overbaord. Lacking a thru-hull to pump into the water, I don't think they'd be concerned. Besides, as you say, they can only be concerned if, indeed, it is installed to be able to pump out. One once pumped out, however, there is nothing to say you can't un-plumb it if connections allow and if it's worth your effort to be able to still take it ashore when possible.