We're taking a trip from Sarasota ( actually Venice ) down to Key West and "the first mate" would not like to sail thru the night. The total trip looks to be about 185 miles. We've travelled down as far as Captiva Is. My question to the list is: Can one put in from the Gulf BEFORE reaching Marco Island? Is there any place that one can get in with a 41/2 foot draft? It looks to be about 100 miles from Venice to Marco Is. I'd appreciate any advice from anybody who's done this trip. Also down in Key West does anyone recommend a particular marina? Steve J. "Carried Away" B321