Bahia Honda vs. Pennecamp

[fishheadbarandgrill]

I need some help from any seasoned Florida Key's sailors.

Mid-June my wife and I will take our 26M to the Keys. I've been doing my research but would really appreciate some lessons learned. I seem to be narrowing my base area of operations for the week in and around either Bahia Honda or Pennecamp. We would like to have access to showers/services every other day.

Bahia Honda looks to give us access to the bay side of the Keys. Pennecamp looks to have all the services we need but no access to the bay side (not sure if that's important, just an observation.

This is our first trip so we're not looking to push the envelop (we want to want to come back).

Safe boat storage either on the trailer or in a slip is important because we need to leave (or would like to leave) the boat and drive to Key West at the end of the trip because we're participating in the FKCC swim around Key West, then drive back north, pick up the boat and head back to Charleston.

Bob

[vizwhiz]

I am not a huge Key's knowledge base, but lived in Miami and made the run to the Keys many times in the past...been down a few times since leaving.

From the boating perspective, the bay side of the Keys offers some ("some") weather/wave protection over the ocean side, depending on where you are and what the weather is doing - last time we were in Marathon, the seas were running 4 feet on the ocean side, and only 1-2-ish on the inside. If you are planning to spend your nights on the hook and not in a marina slip, that might influence your decision. If you are going to be in a relatively protected marina, probably doesn't make too much difference.

From memory, Bahia Honda gets a lot less people traffic than Pennekamp because it's a lot further down, but someone down there will have to verify what it's like now, as I haven't been down there on a regular basis in a while. (That means it's a lot closer to Key West too.)
They've improved the road going down to the Keys also, which might be having an impact as well (as in more people).

I think Ixneigh lives in Key Largo - he could probably tell you much better.

[fishheadbarandgrill]

Thanks Vizwiz. I last drove to Key West last summer. Lots of road improvements as you mentioned. Wish I had done some recon then...

Bob

[robbarnes1965]

Hi Bob,

I only have a limited knowledge based on a 4 day trip in Key Largo 2 weeks ago but we did sail and I would agree with the previous post about the bay side being more sheltered. The last 2 days saw 24kt winds and it kept most people looking for shelter. The ocean side would have been way worse. I would think most sailors would prefer the ocean side for draft but that's not a problem on the Mac. More windage and less ballast is. THe part of Marathon that has the most marinas is on the bay side so that might be a strong hint.

My advice would be to tow a sea kayak. We explored mangroves and some of the canals in Key Largo on the windy days. A big thrill for us was that the sea creatures were also going to those places for shelter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SK8yrk3SH0

-Rob

[DaveB]

Bob,
I have spent a few times at the Marina in Pennekamp and also Homestead Marina.
Slips at Pennekamp was around $32 a day. Launching at Homestead was $15 a day.
Love both areas for snorkling the Reefs.
Here is on trip but ck out other trips in Photos

http://s182.photobucket.com/albums/x25/ ... 1QQtppZZ16
We will also do another trip probably in mid June to Pennekamp, have AC aboard for elect. or big fans.
Dave

I need some help from any seasoned Florida Key's sailors.

Mid-June my wife and I will take our 26M to the Keys. I've been doing my research but would really appreciate some lessons learned. I seem to be narrowing my base area of operations for the week in and around either Bahia Honda or Pennecamp. We would like to have access to showers/services every other day.

Bahia Honda looks to give us access to the bay side of the Keys. Pennecamp looks to have all the services we need but no access to the bay side (not sure if that's important, just an observation.

This is our first trip so we're not looking to push the envelop (we want to want to come back).

Safe boat storage either on the trailer or in a slip is important because we need to leave (or would like to leave) the boat and drive to Key West at the end of the trip because we're participating in the FKCC swim around Key West, then drive back north, pick up the boat and head back to Charleston.

Bob

[fishheadbarandgrill]

Can you get to the bay side from the marina at Pennecamp?

Thanks,
Bob

[DaveB]

There is a bridge that is 13ft. clearance. you will need to lower mast to clear bridge to get to bay side.

Can you get to the bay side from the marina at Pennecamp?

Thanks,
Bob

[sailwalsh]

I have trailered my x to Bahia honda many times for a week of sailing , scuba and snorking on the reefs. Have been to pennecamp several times but never stayed
Bahia honda slips are in a circular basin with easy access to hawk channel or bayside ( you must drop your mast to go under bridge to the bay).
I prefer sailing the ocean side in hawk channel, i like to sail out to the dive sites , looe reef or siesta one about 10 miles east the other about 10 miles west. there are
mooring balls to tie up to (free) at the best places on the reef. Bahia marina has 19 slips that are on a sea wall , very private and the parking for your tow vehicle and
trailer is only steps away , the beach on the otherside only steps away. The store/canteen only steps away, clean facilities and hot showers .I can't prove it but i believe
the insects are fewer at Bahia than Pennecamp. Pennecamp is deep into the mangrove /swamp, and the slip they offered at pennecamp was at a dock about 6ft off
the water, would be a climb to get aboard or off the boat. I will be glad to talk to you on the phone if you have more questions.
Paul Walsh in upstate SC 864-876-2860 up till 9 pm

[iredrider1177]

have stayed at both places many times, bahia honda, hands down. not that you could really go wrong at either place.

[fishheadbarandgrill]

Great stuff. My preference is Bahia Honda because it's closer to Key West for the swim. I read somewhere that you could access the bay side without lowering the mast but that must be through the 7 mile bridge back near Marathon.

Bob

[ferd johns]

That is correct. The Bahia Honda bridge has a maximum vertical clearance of a bit over 20' (not looking at the chart). You need to sail east oceanside from the Park marina several miles to Moser Cut under the Seven-Mile Bridge in order to get to the Bay without dropping the stick. But with a mast raising rig, it is easy to simply motor out of the marina with your stick down but at the ready. and raise it on the other side of the Bahia Honda bridge. The bridge is very close to the marina entrance.

Over the 19 years I have been going to Bahia Honda for a winter cruise, we have done both. Bahia Honda has been a fantastic place to sail in/out of. It has never been full (less than 4' controlling depth at the entrance helps), is beautiful, has a good ramp, and costs $2 per foot plus some tax. You can keep your vehicle and trailer there free as long as you pay dockage. If you go for a long cruise (we have done Key West, the Marquesas, the Dry Tortugas, and Florida Bay/Flamingo/bayside keys), you can store your trailer and vehicle in Marathon. I use Knight's Key RV Park storage @ $10 for both per day. Then you take the bus that runs up and down the Keys highway for $2(?) back to Bahia Honda, or if you don't like waiting, there are cabs. Don't miss eating at the Keys Fisheries in Marathon. And don't forget screens.

Ferd

[DaveB]

Pennikamp you have two poles aft and just step on the dock off the bow.Simple and easy and half the cost in Bahi Honda.
There is also many places to eat and if you are a Moose member ,just a short walk and great food at very low prices.
You do need noseam screens but that's everywere in the Keys.
I usually bring a 5000 btu air condition when I get a slip in the keys.
Dave

I have trailered my x to Bahia honda many times for a week of sailing , scuba and snorking on the reefs. Have been to pennecamp several times but never stayed
Bahia honda slips are in a circular basin with easy access to hawk channel or bayside ( you must drop your mast to go under bridge to the bay).
I prefer sailing the ocean side in hawk channel, i like to sail out to the dive sites , looe reef or siesta one about 10 miles east the other about 10 miles west. there are
mooring balls to tie up to (free) at the best places on the reef. Bahia marina has 19 slips that are on a sea wall , very private and the parking for your tow vehicle and
trailer is only steps away , the beach on the otherside only steps away. The store/canteen only steps away, clean facilities and hot showers .I can't prove it but i believe
the insects are fewer at Bahia than Pennecamp. Pennecamp is deep into the mangrove /swamp, and the slip they offered at pennecamp was at a dock about 6ft off
the water, would be a climb to get aboard or off the boat. I will be glad to talk to you on the phone if you have more questions.
Paul Walsh in upstate SC 864-876-2860 up till 9 pm

[fishheadbarandgrill]

Appreciate all the replies. We have reservations at Bahia Honda. When the wife called the staff pointed out the there was no alcohol allowed in the park. So now I'm a bit concerned that I won't be able to enjoy an adult beverage responsibly after a nice day of sailing and snorkeling. For those that have stayed at the marina, how strictly is this enforced?

Thanks,
Bob

[ferd johns]

I don't drink, but many of my shipmates have over the years. Never been an issue. Just be discreet. Mainly intended to keep day visitors (or cruisers) from getting rowdy, I think, but I have never seen anyone accosted while having a drink in their cockpit. Probably a good idea to use one of those insulated covers if you plan to have a beer. Unless something has changed radically since January, you should be fine.