12' jon boat in Florida Keys

[plasticmaster]

I'll be camping in a travel trailer at Bahia Honda State Park this summer. I'll be bringing my 12' aluminum Jon boat with me. It has a 6HP outboard. This boat and motor is easy to carry in the back of my truck and easy to launch from most any shoreline. I don't necessarily need a boat ramp to launch it. I've never been to the keys. What are my options as far as boating goes? I enjoy fishing and snorkeling. I would love to be able to cruise around in my boat, fish, and snorkel. Are there any protected waters nearby that would suit my boat? Thanks.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 12' jon boat in Florida Keys

I know nothing about the Keys area but::
Boat ramps are closed till Jan.2009.for renovation.Being salt water you may want to flush both boat and motor after each use.Need to find out if you can flush.common sense, tiny boat ,big water keep close to shore wear PFDs.
You may want to contact the park and see whats available.

 

[koberlee]

Re: 12' jon boat in Florida Keys

I am heading to Cudjoe key over Christmas. We plan on boating around Bahia Honda so I will let you know what it like in about a month.

 

[nightstalker]

Re: 12' jon boat in Florida Keys

Not the best place for a 12' Jon. Snotty water,wind can come up quickly in the Keys. Don't venture far, better to keep your rig on a nice calm lake.
Nightstalker

 

[triumphrick]

Re: 12' jon boat in Florida Keys

You'll have a great time! Wish we were going back any time soon. We also camped at two places at BH, one was on the north end of the park, across the highway, next to the cabins and there is an enclosed lagoon that could be a good place to nose around and the other was at the southeast corner of the park and you can drag your boat from your truck right into the water and piddle around. Make sure you take a couple of lounge chairs to kick back after 10:00 pm and sit out and watch all the celestial stuff going on. Satellites you can see tracking overhead, shooting stars etc. Have fun!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 12' jon boat in Florida Keys

insect repellant. the kids that live down there use a look of jon boats. just stay aware of the conditions. there are a lot of almost glassy days also.