Sail the Seven Seas

25 Responses to “Small Boat Sailing Florida Keys Solo Pt. 1”

1. SailingandSuch on August 15th, 2013 at 12:20 pm Said:

   Thanks Steven! It was a trip I’ll never forget.

2. Steven King on August 15th, 2013 at 1:14 pm Said:

   nice video Brother.

3. SailingandSuch on August 15th, 2013 at 1:36 pm Said:

   Pyrocrig, I launched it at ramp with my truck, no problem. There are ramps all over the Keys,you just have find a place to store your truck and trailer. Some marinas have a place to store them some don’t. I figured a campground would have ample space, and they did.  Trailer-sailing is GREAT! I love it! Best of all I don’t waste money on a slip fee when I don’t use my boat for a long time.

4. Pyrocrig on August 15th, 2013 at 2:34 pm Said:

   Did they hoist launch your boat or ramp? I have a 20′ O’day I trailer all over Michigan, and would love a Florida Key cruise. Trailer-sailing … ahhhh … freedom!

5. Mark Stephen on August 15th, 2013 at 3:33 pm Said:

   damn much quicker going by air

6. SailingandSuch on August 15th, 2013 at 4:20 pm Said:

   Not sure, a long time lol  I’d guess 2-3 weeks maybe? Depends on weather too.

7. Mark Stephen on August 15th, 2013 at 4:31 pm Said:

   how long would it take from the uk to florida or new york?

8. SailingandSuch on August 15th, 2013 at 5:17 pm Said:

   Wow, that’s freezing….. Glad they help man, and I’m dreaming of warmer weather here too and it’s going to be in the 70’s the rest of the week. Cat 22’s are super nice boats, hope you find one you can take down to the Keys soon.

9. 46ace on August 15th, 2013 at 5:34 pm Said:

   Dude…; Its February 2013; 10 degrees outside, Snowed AGAIN last night… These keys videos help me get through another Wisconsin winter; thanks for posting. Love the keys…Been looking at catalina 22’s around here.

10. SailingandSuch on August 15th, 2013 at 6:19 pm Said:

    Very cool, good luck on that Venture 25. If you have any questions shoot me an email at sailingandsuch-at-gmail
    I used to have a Macgregor 25 which I’m pretty sure is the same thing or almost the same. Also SailboatOwners is a really good forum for questions and learning alike.

11. SailingandSuch on August 15th, 2013 at 7:06 pm Said:

    Coupon Key?  Wow! I almost anchored right over there by you one night. I sailed into the Bight there but decided to turn back head down towards Saddlebunch Harbor. You live in one of the three buildings on that island? I see you can rent the places there, do you work for the company or something? How neat….

12. SailingandSuch on August 15th, 2013 at 7:26 pm Said:

    There probably is, but I’m not sure what it is. Google it and you should be able to find it pretty easily.

13. backyardcapitalist on August 15th, 2013 at 8:14 pm Said:

    I had a 17 venture with a swing keel. I have sailed a 31 pearson..17 is too small for me these days but you’re right about the draft

14. backyardcapitalist on August 15th, 2013 at 8:43 pm Said:

    Thanks for getting back to me, I checked the Florida state license folks, 49 bucks a person per year. That works for me. Crabs etc included. Is there a season for the shellfish?

15. SailingandSuch on August 15th, 2013 at 9:24 pm Said:

    Private island there? What like Shark Key or something? Yes, lucky you!

16. SailingandSuch on August 15th, 2013 at 10:21 pm Said:

    Yes, you can fish and eat all the fish you want! As long as you don’t catch over the legal limit and the fish is of legal size.

17. SailingandSuch on August 15th, 2013 at 10:32 pm Said:

    My boat? It’s only 17′! The Catalina 28 will be great down there. Try not to go with something that has to deep of a draft. I wouldn’t want to do it with more than 4′, although my boat is only 1’9″ with the board up.

18. backyardcapitalist on August 15th, 2013 at 11:23 pm Said:

    How big is your boat? I was thinking about a 30 ft cat but do I really need to spend all that? I would think a 28 catalina would be more than enough.

19. backyardcapitalist on August 15th, 2013 at 11:25 pm Said:

    Your da Man! I plan on coming down there soon. 2 questions for you if you dont mind. Can you freely fish off of your boat? Seems like there would be some regs involved. Can you feed yourself off of the water? You got the right idea.

20. SailingandSuch on August 16th, 2013 at 12:18 am Said:

    I do have one of those solar yard lights zip tied to my backstay just above the cockpit for light in the cockpit all night in case I have to get up in an emergency or to check something. Plus, like you said it make’s the boat more visible. The kayaker helmet is pretty funny indeed but like you said it works. Something to consider, thanks for the comments!

21. SailingandSuch on August 16th, 2013 at 12:47 am Said:

    Hey, that’s a pretty cool idea for fishing. I may have to try that one! Thanks!

22. rusty keller on August 16th, 2013 at 1:40 am Said:

    I wish I were doing what you’re doing. Go buy a couple of those small solar power yard, or walkway lights sold at Walmart. If you are going somewhere for the day and might have to paddle back after dark, they will help you find your boat. I wear a kayaker helmet with a white all around camping LED light mounted on top for night paddling. Looks a bit goofy, but works, and as far as the Coast Guard is concerned, it makes night paddling legal.

23. rusty keller on August 16th, 2013 at 2:33 am Said:

    Nice cruise. For fishing at anchor, forget the fishing pole. Get a piece of wood, or a small kitchen cutting board and cut it down to 5in by 10in. Cut both ends into a v shape. Cut a long hand hold along one side. Drill a small hole in the middle. Tie the end of about 50ft of 10lb or 20lb test fishing line in the hole. Wrap the rest around it end to end. Tie on a jig, and fish off the side of the boat. Get a cast net to catch bait. That’s old school fishing using what’s called a hand line. Fun.

24. SailingandSuch on August 16th, 2013 at 3:28 am Said:

    Thank you very much, yours are quite interesting too!

25. John Ahern on August 16th, 2013 at 3:41 am Said:

    Love the videos