Run to Marathon and Blackfin resort

[madhatter1]

We are putting together a Keys trip. The plan is to stay at the Blackfin. We are heading from St Pete and will stop in Ft Myers. Then will head out early and want to go down the coast to Marco and stay to the west around the shoal area and head to East Cape. From there head to Knights Key through the shallow water. Any advise on this would be appreciated. I am concerned with unmarked skinny water and what happens if the wind kicks up. We checked out the blackfin and only question on that is what is if there is any difficulty navigating the gulf side of Marathon. The Blackfin is about 2 miles in from the pass. Thanks.

 

[Bill Allen]

We're sitting right now at Pancho's fuel dock. I came down that way and had no problems plenty places to anchor. A few skinny places but overall I prefer it over Hawks channel. Don't know anything about the water at blackfin but plenty here. I like it here although a comerical dock easy walk to a couple restraunts although I have a car here if you would need anything. Bill

 

[captddis]

Mike,
I will be happy to show yout the route. Either Cape Romano to Bullard bank or take the Yacht channel. The Yacht channel will be no problem for your boat, but you really need to pay attention.

 

[madhatter1]

bill, are you full time in the keys? our plans are to stay put and
use bikes and local transportation in Marathon but a little back up goes a long way in an emergency. Dave, would like to go over the charts with you and can appreciate the experience. just remember the work we are doing on the boat is only for trips to
Gators and Egmont. No jinx.

 

[Bill Allen]

I'm only here for the winter. Getting around in marathon isn't a big deal 5 dollars gets you a cab ride anywhere in Marathon. You'll be closer to the food stores then we are so no biggie there. It's really no problem whats so ever getting around here without a car. You'll also be near home chepo for those things you wind up needing. I didn't read your original post quite clearly, I came down from Miami on the gulf side. My buddy sitting next to me came down from New Orleans area and his info may help you more then mine. email him if you'd like "Larry N. Brown" <cigano55@hotmail.com>, I'll let him know he may get an email from you. Mention scuba Bill in the header and he'll know what it's about. Quite a few hatts moving in and out of the harbor saw a candian 58 lrc come in boot key yesterday and a few others come in and out. You'll have a good time, just remeber Marathons a fishing and diving town with a drinking problem. Bill