Boot Key Harbor
"Marathon- the Heart of the Florida Keys"

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Marathon Services
of interest to the Cruising Community
last update: January 09, 2004

RETURN TO THE MIDDLE KEYS CRUISING WAYPOINTS PAGE

City of Marathon: http://www.ci.marathon.fl.us/
Chamber of Commerce Tourist Info: http://www.floridakeysmarathon.com/
Monroe County Info: http://www.co.monroe.fl.us (all of Florida Keys)

 

The following Bookmarks will take you to various services listed on this page, 
or you can just print out the entire page and bring it with you to the Keys.  Those listed here are closest to the Harbor.
For a more complete listing of business’s please contact the Marathon Chamber of Commerce at 305-743-5417.

Marathon Restaurants & Bars: This is a pdf file you open and save, no menus.    See the listings below on this page - many with menus

Don't forget to look at the HARBOR PAGE to find locals available for hire, but may not be listed on this page as a Marathon business

Other Keys Websites (more than just Marathon) of interest:

MARINA’S (In the Harbor) 
                Please Go to the MARINAS PAGE for a complete listing of Marinas, including Boot Key Harbor

BACK TO THE TOP OF THIS PAGE AND INDEX OF LISTINGS

Restaurants & Bars (on the water in the harbor)

  • Cabot's restaurant & bar overlooking the water at west entrance to harbor (new Jan 03), end of 11th St by Marathon Marina. 725 11th St. (Not Recommended by Capn Greg) This was the old Shuckers restaurant. Features seafood & prime beef. Lunch & Dinner. 11:30am - 10pm Mon-Thurs, open late on Fri-Sat, and til 9pm on Sunday. Happy hour 2-5pm daily. Docking available for restaurant. Our initial personal experience here is not good. The newly decorated restaurant is very attractive and upscale. It is a VERY expensive sunset view. Prices are the highest I've seen in Marathon. Draft beers are $3.50 (Feb 2003). Prime Rib dinners are $30. The rest of the menu is priced similarly. Our appetizers were marginal. Even though happy hour is promoted at 2 for 1, our bill came with the full price. When asked about happy hour it was provided only with some hesitation, and then only a part of the credit was put back on the bill. This is now a consummate tourist spot and if you don't mind paying the big bucks for a view, then go ahead. I would not.

  • Castaway’s Waterside Dining. 1406 Oceanview Ave (Down 11th St) Fresh Seafood & Steak. 305-743-6247. Lunch & Dinner
    Access: Down Canal behind Pancho’s Fuel Dock (the left canal as you face Pancho's docks from the water, at 24 42.187N 081 06.585W), or short walk from Faro Blanco Oceanside / Burdine’s.  Dinghy dock at Restaurant. Its on the corner where the canal turns right.

    •      CLICK for a menu and directions.

  • Burdine’s Waterfront (Marina) & Chiki Tiki. 1200 Oceanview Ave. 305-743-5317 . Top deck bar & great sandwich platters. Entertainment. A great place to hang out. 24 42.196N 081 06.528W .  Recommended by Capn Greg.

  • Crocodile’s on the Water (Restaurant & Bar). MM 48. 305-743-9018 (Part of Faro Blanco Oceanside) easy walk from Burdine’s and Faro Blanco Ocean (In the basin right between both). Docking. (still closed summer 2002)

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  • Dockside Lounge & Sombrero Marina. 35 Sombrero Blvd. 305-743-7137 "The" local place on the harbor. They monitor channel 16. Dinghy docks available. Transient slips. Live local entertainment most nights. Food & Spirits. Site of the judging of the annual Boot Key Harbor Christmas Boat Parade by the Marathon Power Squadron, 2nd Saturday in December. East end of the Harbor. (Recommended by Capt Greg)  24 42.541N 081 04.899W

  • Marathon Pizza & Italian Restaurant. 19 Sombrero Blvd. 305-743-4108 (Part of Sombrero Resort at East end of Harbor) 24 42.746N 081 04.86W. On other side of hotel rooms from dock, up by the swimming pool at the resort.

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Restaurants & Bars (walking or biking from the harbor)  (many of these have menu's posted here, just click the link)

 (starting from the 7 mile bridge, going East through Marathon) Also click on RESTAURANTS for a more extensive listing of Restaurants, with waypoints, all throughout the Florida Keys from Key West to Key Largo.

7 Mile Grill. 1240 Overseas Hwy. 305-743-4481 (also accessible by dinghy from the Gulfside) This is a nice local spot - good food & reasonable prices. Previous site of the Saturday morning Power Squadron breakfasts. My son says its the best conch chowder in town, but I haven't had it there.  (Recommended by Capn Greg) http://www.keysdining.com/7milegrill/index.htm



 

  • Silverado Steakhouse & Saloon, with the Mermaid Club (Adult Club) (down the street from Faro Blanco Oceanside / Burdine’s, at 15th St & US 1) (Closed as of Feb 2002)

  • Porky’s Bayside. 1400 Overseas Highway (Gulfside). 305-289-2065. Provides free sunset cruises on pontoon boat with advance notice. Big on Ribs. Very "Keys" atmosphere - casual & inexpensive. Dinghy accessible from Gulfside.

  • New China Garden Restaurant. 1622 Overseas Hwy. MM 47.5 (Gulfside) 305-743-2140

  • Kelsey’s Fine Dining. 1996 Overseas Hwy. 305-743-9018 (at Faro Blanco Gulfside- also water accessible from the Gulfside. Fine Dining. (Voted BEST local place to take Family when THEY are paying the bill). You can get your boat name put on a mounted oar here for around $100! still closed summer 2002.

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  • Angler’s Lounge. 1996 Overseas Hwy. 305-743-9018 (food too, or you can order from Kelsey’s, downstairs & they’ll bring it up) (at Faro Blanco - also water accessible from the Gulfside) Angler’s is on the second floor over top of Kelsey’s restaurant. Live entertainment.

  • Sidney’s Waterfront Tiki Bar & Grille. MM 47.5 At the Hampton Hotel, Gulfside. New, summer of 2000. Great view of the Gulf. 305-743-9009

  • Buccaneer Resort Hotel Restaurant & Bar . MM 48.5. Gulfside. 305-743-9071 (also water accessible from Gulfside) Not recommended by Capn Greg.

  • Pancho’s Restaurant. 2010 Overseas Hwy. Gulfside. 305-289-1629 (closed summer 2002)

  • Upper Crust Pizza. 2217 Overseas Hwy. Oceanside. 305-743-7100 (In strip of stores by Tugboats Discount Marine)

  • Marathon Yacht Club - down 33rd St Gulfside. Restaurant, Bar & Marina. Reciprocity with other FCYC Yacht Club Members. Private Club. 305-743-6739

  • The Stuffed Pig. 3520 Overseas Hwy. Gulfside. 305-743-4059. Breakfast & Lunch, 5am - 2pm

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  • Keys Fisheries Market & Marina - 305-743-4353. MM 49.2 Turn Gulfside on 35th by the Stuffed Pig – go all the way to end (200 yards) and jog right. All the crab you can eat for a good price – other fresh seafood too. Lunch & Dinner. Sit at picnic tables on the docks and order from the window. You can also pay to work on a trip out on a working commercial Lobster or Stone Crab boat (depends on season). You get to keep 8 lbs of lobster or crab and they fix it for you at the restaurant at the end of the day.   (Recommended by Capn Greg.) CLICK to go to their website which includes the menu.

  • Overseas Lounge & Grill (& Liquor Store). MM49. Gulfside. 305-743-5311. (Recommended by Capn Greg) Great casual place to hang out - bar, food, billiards, juke box & dancing, live music many nights.
        CLICK HERE for information on the ANNUAL INDIAN KEY REGATTA SAILBOAT RACE they sponsor.

  • Annette’s Florida Keys Lobster House. 3660 Overseas Hwy. Gulfside. 305-743-5516. Nice place, but a little pricey.

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  •   Takara Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar. 3740 Overseas Hwy. Gulfside. 305-743-0505 (Recommended by Capn Greg - favorite spot in Marathon. My note - I travel all across the US - Takara's food is better than any I've had in any major US City including San Francisco)  Want to know a few things about Sushi? CLICK HERE for a few Sushi facts.
       CLICK for a BW menu - -     Regular webpage. Quicker loading - suggested for dialup connections. Both are August 2003
       CLICK for a Full Color menu -     3+mb pdf file - suggested for broadband connections

  • Hurricane Grill. 4650 Overseas Hwy. Gulfside. 305-743-5755 (Recommended by Capn Greg) One side is a restaurant, and the other is a bar with tables and chairs and live entertainment. Both serve from the same menu.
       CLICK for a menu  

  • Banana Cabana Restaurant & Bar. 4590 Overseas Hwy. Gulfside. 305-289-1232 Fine Dining (at Banana Bay Resort). Eat inside, sit in the elegant bar area, or poolside enjoying the tropical landscaping. The poolside bar is separate from the Tiki down by the water.

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  • Banana Bay Tiki Bar. 4590 Overseas Hwy. Gulfside. 305-289-9500 (at Banana Bay Resort, also water accessible from Gulfside - Recommended by Capt Greg) This is in the way back by the marina - down by the water. Great View.


  • Barracuda Grill (Restaurant). 4290 Overseas Hwy. Gulfside. 305-743-3314. Upscale. Fine Dining. Pricey.





     

  •  The Cracked Conch Café. 4999 Overseas Hwy. Oceanside. 305-743-2233. Restaurant & bar. The best variety of conch dishes in the keys. CLICK for a menu, store pictures & weblink

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  • Wendy’s. MM 49.5 Gulfside. 305-743-4480. Fast Food.

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  • Panda House Chinese Restaurant. 5230 Overseas Highway. 305-743-3417.  located on US 1 at corner of 52nd Street, around MM 50. Across street from Publix Grocery, and cattycorner from K-Mart. (Recommended by Capn Greg)

  • Gary’s Pub & Billiards. MM 50. Oceanside. 305-743-0622. Sports bar. Billiards. Darts. Games. Popular local spot.

  • The Brass Monkey Liquor Store & Lounge. K-Mart Plaza. 305-743-4028 http://www.keysy.com/monkey/index.htm This is the late night place that just gets started when all other bars are shutting down. Open til 3 or 4 am.

  • McDonald’s. K-Mart Plaza. MM 50. 305-743-0230. Has a playground for the kids. Fast Food.

  • Village Café, in Gulfside Village shopping center, across from K-Mart. 305-743-9090. Italian. Very nice casual dining. Mediterranean theme.  Entertainment and dancing nightly.
       CLICK for the Dinner Menu , Jan 2003 Menus (adobe pdf documents)
       CLICK for the Lunch Menu


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  • Herbie’s (Restaurant) 6350 Overseas Hwy. 305-743-6373 (Voted BEST local place to take family when you have to pay the bill) Wednesday nights are "hump" nights with live entertainment. Spirits, good local seafood and inexpensive. "Just say NO to NOAA!". 







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  • Shuckers Restaurant - approximate MM 51, Gulfside http://www.keysdining.com/shuckers/index.htm





     

  • Dead Head Georges Mexican Restaurant - approximate MM 51, Gulfside http://www.deadheadgeorge.com/   (CLOSED NOV 2003)

  • Miami Subs - Approximate MM 51.5 Oceanside

  • Leigh Ann's Coffee House -  MM 51.6 across street from West end of airport at 75th St.  305-743-2001. Breakfast, lunch & dinner. 7am - 9pm. Tuesday nights have music - contemporary & Jazz. Traditional Antipasti & Traditional Pasta Dishes. (recommended by Capn Greg)         CLICK for the Menu

  • Dino’s Pizzeria & Ristorante. 11400 Overseas Highway. 305-743-5144. They are out of Marathon - close to Vaca Cut E. of Marathon - but their food & pizza is really good and for $2 or $3 they’ll deliver into Marathon. (Recommended by Capt Greg)


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  • Don Pedro's Cuban Cafe - MM 53 Oceanside, just before Fish Tails Market and Vaca Cut Bridge.





     

  • FISH TAILS MARKET & EATERY.  http://www.floridalobster.com/index.htm  Largest & freshest selection. Dinner & Lunch, daily specials, extensive menu includes beef or chicken, also ship seafood anywhere. 117th St (by Vaca Cut) 888-662-4822

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Provisioning, Convenience Stores & Beer/Wine

  • The Ultimate Catch Seafood . 1350 Oceanview Ave. 305-743-1900 (CLOSED Jan 2003) (accessible by dinghy behind Burdine’s Marina)

  • Publix Grocery Store. Gulfside. At corner of US1 & Sombrero Road. Across from K-Mart. Has an ATM with no fee - just outside front door.

  • Home Depot. Overseas Hwy. MM49+ Oceanside. 305-289-1966. EVERYTHING except food (almost)

  • Marathon Liquors & Deli. 5101 Overseas Hwy. MM 49.5. Oceanside. 305-743-6350 (adjacent to Post Office). LARGE selection of wines.

  • Tom Thumb (convenience store) MM48. 305-743-4592

  • Overseas Lounge & Liquor Store. MM49. Gulfside. 305-743-5311. One of the OLDEST local bars / billiards. Live entertainment some nights. As casual & low keyed as it gets.

  • BIG K-Mart. Sombrero Rd & US1. MM50. Oceanside. Across from Publix Grocery.

  • Winn Dixie Grocery Store. In K-Mart Plaza. 305-743-9009. Not as many choices as Publix but frequently lower prices on many items, and some like the meat selections better.

  • Burdine’s Waterfront Marina. 1200 Oceanview Ave. 305-743-5317 (Dockside Convenient Store at Marina, fuel, slips, boat rentals, air fills, bait, dockside tables, Bar)

  • Office Depot. Past the Airport, past mm 53. Gulfside

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Boating & Hardware Supplies & Services (other than already listed Marinas):

  • West Marine. 2055 Overseas Hwy. MM47. Oceanside. 305-289-1009. VHF Ch 16 (accessible by water from the Harbor - enter at Marathon Boatyard #5 ) Good Selection.

  • Tugboats Discount Marine Supply. 2211 Overseas Hwy. MM47. Oceanside. In strip of stores. 305-743-4585. See Sue or Mark. Locally owned and operated. Usually the best prices in town & if they don’t have it, they can get it by the next morning. (accessible by water from the Harbor - enter at Marathon Boatyard #5) (Recommended by Capt Greg) www.tugboatsmarine.com   TELL MARK OR SUE THAT GREG ABSTEN SENT YOU.

  • BIG K-Mart. Sombrero Rd & US1. MM50. Oceanside. Across from Publix Grocery. Site of the "Whaling Wall" - large painted mural of Ocean Life on the building

  • Boater’s World. 5001 Overseas Hwy. MM49.5. Oceanside. 305-743-7707

  • Home Depot. Overseas Hwy. MM49+ Oceanside. 305-289-1966

  • South Seas Rigging.  501 107th St (East side of Marathon Airport) 305-289-3330.  Electrical, mechanical, structural, cutting & fabrication, sales, parts, service, storage for boats & RV's

  • Fiberglass Repairs - Mike. 305-872-2995. Cell 305-766-2781. complete paint jobs, fabrication, structural & cosmetic repairs.

Automotive Supplies & Repair:

  • Adam's Auto Upholstery, Marathon. 305-289-0971. Has headliners you can use for boats too.

  • Andy & Dave's Garage - 220 20th St (The Boot Key Harbor bridge road) Marathon. 305-743-6327

  • Freeman Automotive - 10455 O/S Highway Marathon. 305-743-2646

  • L&L Auto Marine (recommended by Capn Greg) 2188 Overseas Highway, Marathon (This is the U-Haul place about MM 48.5). 305-743-9334

  • NAPA Auto Parts, 12188 Overseas Highway, Marathon (just over Vaca Cut bridge between Marathon and Key Colony Beach). 305-743-5106

  • Island Auto & Marine Supply, 10501 Overseas Highway Marathon - at East end of Marathon Airport. 305-743-6665

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Shopping Center (multiple business’)

  • Gulfside Village. Includes: Barbershop, Restaurant, Jeweler, Video Rentals, USPS shipper, Gift Shop, Village Café Restaurant (Nice Italian Restaurant), Pet Store and others. Located at MM50 - across US1 from K-Mart.

Air-Conditioning / Refrigeration Repair

  • S.A.L.T. Bob Williams & Steve Grasley. 305-289-1150.  www.salt-systems.com    saltmail@aol.com  .  Marine Air, Trace, Vanner, Sea Recovery, Powerline, Adler-Barbour-Crosby, Siemens solar, cruisair, grunert, spectra watermakers, PUR, KISS wind generators, Tundra, Sea Frost, Rolls batteries, lifeline AGM batteries, panel tronics, trident hose.

  • Artic-Temp.  Gene & Cathy Cavanaugh. 9699 Overseas hwy. 305-743-5288. artic@terranova.net . Cruisair dealers.

  • SeaWiz -

Banking

  • NationsBank. at corner of Sombrero & US1. In front of Publix Grocery. Has an ATM (closest bank to the East end of the Harbor)

  • Marine Bank of the Florida Keys. Two Marathon locations. www.ourmarinebank.com

  • Also see PUBLIX Grocery for an ATM close to the Harbor, that doesn’t charge a fee.

  • TIB Bank - Just down from 20th St (BKH bridge) on US 1.

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Barber Shops

  • Pam’s Barbershop. 305-743-0560. N Side of US 1, cattycorner from 20th St. (This is where Capn Greg goes)

  • Village Barbershop (in Gulfside Village Shopping Center) 305-743-3484

Canvas & Upholstery

  • Keys Quality Canvas. 69 53rd St. Oceanside. Beside Publix Grocery. 305-743-4252

  • Markeen Enterprises. Call KEEN at 305-731-0101. Canvas shop accessible by Dinghy or small boat, located by Oceanside Marine on 15th St., down canal beside Pancho’s fuel dock at West end of Harbor. (Recommended by Capn Greg)

  • Carnival Canvas Work. US1 & 27th St. 305-743-0089

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Charters - Cruising

  • Comfort Zone Charters: www.comfortzonecharters.com - (Dec 03) Gordon and Jayne Wyatt aboard the S/V Comfort Zone II in Marathon - a 41' morgan. Tel: 305-743-1832. Cruising, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, nightlife, sightseeing - check out their website.

  • Marathon Marine Specialties: - Bare Charter a 40' Island Gypsy (Pagan Star) by the week for two couples. Two staterooms, great flybridge party deck. Immaculate condition. Twin diesel powered, generator. 305-731-3400. Call Skip billhimer. 700 38th St Gulf. Marathon FL 33050.

Diesel Repair - Engines & Generators

  • Cadiz Diesel. US 1 around 20th Street or so. Tel: 305-743-3771

  • KEEN MARINE: . Beside Oceanside Marine on 15th St., Call KEEN at 305-731-0101. KEEN can fix about ANYTHING marine related. They do wood reconstruction and repair on wood boats, install, repair or rebuild gas or diesel engines, transmissions and generators, do fiberglass repairs, build custom swim platforms or bow pulpits, welding and canvas work. Accessible by dinghy or small boat from the harbor at West end behind Pancho’s fuel dock. Highly Recommended by Capt Greg.

  • Marine Diesel Repair. Jim Kline. 1410 Oceanview Ave Marathon.  305-743-7116. www.yanmardiesel.com JKline6766@aol.com , Yanmar, Kobota, Next Gen Gensets.

  • Capt TJ, Inc.  (incorporates Belle Marine Gen repair and Keys Diesel repair) 305-289-2070 . 3988 Overseas Highway, Marathon.

Generator Parts & Service (Onan and others):

  • Capt TJ, Inc. (incorporates Belle Marine Gen repair and Keys Diesel repair). 305-289-2070 . 3988 Overseas Highway, Marathon. Onan dealer in Marathon. Any kind of Generator work. Tom Cooke.
     

Fuel & Tank Cleaning

  • Royal Yacht Service. 305-743-2898. Good work at fair prices. He stays VERY busy so you might have to wait a couple weeks for an appointment. This is a great service for when you get algae in your diesel fuel & need it all cleaned out. Does gas & diesel, cleans tanks, "polishes" fuel. Distributes Technol 403 Diesel Fuel Conditioner. www.wecleanfuel.com   PO Box 500567, 10701 5th Ave Gulf, Marathon FL 33050.

Propeller Repair:

  • Prop Tech Inc: 204  107th Street, Marathon (This is the first street North (actually east) of the Marathon Airport). Gulfside. 305-743-4004. Recommended by Capn Greg

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General Boat Repair and Maintenance

  • Carter Marine  305-289-1381. Cleve Sibley. Everything boats. Structural, boat "systems", sells autopilots, engines, underwater work. Mobile service out of Marathon. Cleve built his own sophisticated sailboat from the Keel up.

  • Marathon Marine Specialties. Skip Billhimer. 305-731-3400 or 289-5700. Marine & RV Repair. Painting & Refinishing, fiberglass & wood repair, electrical & mechanical, new equipment installations, discount parts, free estimates, licensed & insured. 700 38th St Gulf, Marathon FL 33050. (July 2004). Also has a 40' Island gypsy for bare charter.

Churches

  • Boot Key Harbor Church Boat - moored in Harbor many times - "Two Sons"

  • Community United Methodist Church (across from 30th St. on US 1)

  • New Life Assembly of God (at East End of Harbor, on US1, in front of Cannon Marine) 

  • St Columba Episcopalian Church - Catycorner from Publix Grocery, on 52nd street 1 block from US 1

  • (plus other churches outside of an easy walk from harbor - including the Catholic Church & Lutheran Church E. of Vaca Cut)

Dive Shops  (Also see a more complete listing of Keys Dive Shops and Marathon dive/snorkel boats under the DIVING pages)

  • Abyss Pro Dive Center. (This is located well outside the harbor, behind Holiday Inn East of Marathon). MM54 305-743-2126. Bill & Heidi Ferrel. They also have a store located at Hawk’s Cay Resort on Duck Key at MM 61. SSI Hall’s at Faro Blanco Gulfside, 1994 Overseas Hwy. 305-743-5929,  800-331-HALL (NOT Recommended by Capn Greg)

  • Burdine’s Waterfront Marina Gary Simmons, Mgr  305-743-5317  Not a Scuba Shop, but do have tank rentals & air fills on their fuel dock. Convenient for divers with their own boats because it's at the West entrance in Boot Key Harbor.  CLICK HERE to see a picture of Burdines.

  • Captain Hook's Dive Center. 800-CPT-HOOK,   305-743-2444   Located right at Vaca cut on the North (technically east) side of Vaca Key, which is Marathon. www.captainhooks.com Lou & Jan Vasel.

  • The Diving Site.  800-634-3935,   305-289-1021

  • Marathon Divers  800-724-5798,   305-289-1141

  • Middle Keys Scuba. 305-743-2902  located on other side of bridge at Vaca Cut from Capt Hook's, North (east) of Marathon.

  • Rainbow Bend Resort - Capt Donna Browning: www.seethereef.com - 305-289-9933. MM 58. Glass bottom boat, snorkeling, scuba, hookah diving (her specialty), reef tours. Stay dry or get wet, your choice.

  • Tildens (previously Fantasea Divers). 4650 Overseas Hwy. 305-743-5422, 800-223-4563 Located right in Marathon on US1, beside the Hurricane Bar and across from Home Depot.

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Diver Services

  • Bear Diving. 301 25th St Ocean, #41.  305-289-9930. 24 hr emergency service. Underwater repair, hull cleaning, props & zincs, underwater surveys.

  • Bill DiVello - Diving, Boat Bottoms Cleaned, Zincs, Props, Underwater Work. Cleaning boats in Boot Key Harbor for 12 years. 305 731 4109. Email Adventurer@DigitalSail.com

  • Diver Dave - in Boot Key Harbor. Call on VHF Ch 69.

  • Top Knots Divers.  305-872-7600 or cell 305-731-0445. email: topknotsdivers@aol.com - Underwater hull service, bottom cleaning, free u/w inspections, zincs & props, major credit cards accepted.

  • Advanced Marine Diving Services inc., 305-743-5113. Bottom cleaning, zincs, props, inspections, full service boat detailing.

Communications (also see Electronics below)

  • IDI-Yachts / Cruising Companion Publications.  www.idiyachts.com Capt Marti Brown, Marathon FL aboard the S/V "The Other Woman".  305-731-7315 or VHF 16 when in port (Oct-May?). HF radio and HF radio Email consulting...troubleshooting Globalstar Satellite phones-purchasing and email/internet setup connections Information on how to use Marine SSB radio and HAM radio with her book Marine SSB Radio For "Idi-Yachts" now available at West Marine and Marathon Discount Books. Information on how to set up and use HF radio Email with my upcoming book HF Radio Email For "Idi-Yachts." To be published and available October 2003.

  • Digital Sail - 305-289-5600. Marathon FL.  This is a local (right around Marathon and Boot Key Harbor) wireless internet connection. A small antennae goes on your boat and gives you connection speeds slower than DSL, but much higher than dialup. I get around 750kbps. Works within a couple miles on either side of the center of Marathon and they have expansion plans. Covers most of Boot Key Harbor well.

Electronics, Electrical & Repair

  • Pete’s Marine Electronics. 1710 O/S Highway. 305-743-8328

  • Seamark Marine Electronics 2994 O/S Highway 305-743-6633 Chris Christensen.  seamark@keysconnection.com (recommended by Capn Greg) Si-tex, Furuno, Raymarine, Simrad Robertson, KVH, Northstar, Standard.

  • Sea Air Land Technologies (SALT) 305-289-1150. http://www.salt-systems.com/ On US1 about MM 47.5 High output alternators, smart regulators, solar & wind power, inverters, onboard refrigeration, batteries.

  • Above & Below - down 109th St East of the Airport. 10701 6th Ave Gulf - 305-743-7872. Repair of alternators, regulators, starters, etc.. (Recommended by Capn Greg) Jay Johnson / Martha Buffett aboveandbelow@terranova.net

  • The Battery Shack - on US1 at the west end of Marathon - alternators, starters, etc. (NOT recommended by Capn Greg)

  • OASIS Marine Hydraulic & Electric (formerly AIM Battery) - 305-743-3250.   3740 Overseas Highway, Marathon. (across US1 from City Marina & Park) - All marine electrical, motor rebuilds, batteries, cables, inverters. Dealers for Delco, Nipplondenso, Leece Neville, Deka batteries, Arco, Prestolite, Bosch Lucas and more. Hydraulic Sales, installation & repairs on boats, trucks, lifting equipment. Carlos is the owner, Mike runs the electric. (recommended by Capn Greg) Mar04

  • Sea Wiz Marine.  2250 Overseas Highway Marathon. 305-289-4044.  Tom & Melody Dodamead.  seawizmarine@hotmail.com   www.seawizmarine.com   . Simrad, Kohler, Cruisair, Spectra, Technicold, Matrix, Raymarine, SCS, Xantrex, Norcold, KVH, Sea Tel, Global Star

Glass

  • Caribbean Glass & Shutter. - Lynn Landry & "Spook" Roussin. 70th St. 305-743-7129 .  Replacement boat glass of all types, windows, doors, Plexiglas, mirrors, table tops, tub closures, railings, screen rooms, storm protection. (Highly Recommended by Capn Greg)

Inflatable Boats

  • INFLATABLE BOATS OF THE FLORIDA KEYS - www.ibfkeys.com - 2601 Overseas Highway, Marathon. Toll Free <> 888-207-0011. We are a family owned business operating in Marathon Florida for over 18 years. Good Service is good business, our business is good service. Lee & Pat Wooldridge, owners.

Kayak Rental

  • MARATHON KAYAK. 305-743-0561. Down the canal at East end of Harbor at Sombrero Resort, 19 Sombrero Blvd. www.marathonkayak.com . Rentals & self Guided Tours. Guided Tours of mangroves, tidal channels and lagoons of Boot Key. Directions: At the traffic light at MM50 (at Publix Grocery & K-Mart), turn onto Sombrero Beach Rd. Go one block and turn right on Sombrero Beach Blvd. Go 1/3 mile, turn right into packing lot before the tennis courts at Sombrero Resort.

Lumber & related supplies

  • Doug Fletcher aboard the S/V VIKING in Boot Key Harbor. Call on VHF Ch 69 or ask for him in the City Marina (2002). Shipwright and any type of boat woodwork, plus canvas.

  • KEEN MARINE. 15th St by Oceanside Marine, Call KEEN at 305-731-0101. (canal with Castaway’s Restaurant, behind Burdine’s Marina and Crocodiles Restaurant) carries a supply of various lumber including Oak and Mahogany. Does major wood repairs & custom projects. See their listing under Diesel repair for more. Recommended by Capt Greg

  • HOME DEPOT - Tel: 305-289-1966. major supply center Oceanside. Around MM49. Across from Banana Bay. Dinghy accessible by small spit of land along Canon Marine (down from Dockside) at East end of Harbor.

  • Buck Woodcraft. 2188 Overseas Highway. 305-743-4090. Custom woodwork. Millwork. Marine, Commercial and Residential. Mahogany, Teak and other exotic woods usually in stock. Located by L&L U-Haul. Talk to John Arbuckle. www.buckwoodcraft.com

  • Made in the Shade - 305-743-8599 - 935 107th St Marathon (Behind and at East end of Marathon Airport) - complete wordworking shop, custom work, cabinets, general carpentry, good selection of Mahogany & others.

  • Marathon Lumber -305-743-3688. See Lauren. Good source for serious woodworkers. Mahogany, Oak and Teak usually in stock. Also carry general hardware supplies and tools. Have a mill there for custom work & can special order wood. This is about 3 miles E. of Harbor off US 1 at Mile Marker 53, right by Vaca Cut. By boat, Captain Hook’s Marina is right at Vaca Cut - Oceanside on West side of cut. Marathon Lumber is close to there - on first street behind US1 on Gulfside, behind Towne Square Mall.

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Towing & Salvage

  • B N B Towing & Salvage. 815 100th St. 305-743-4594.  bnbfishing@aol.com .

  • Towboat US Marathon (not recommended by Capn Greg)

  • Sea Tow Marathon (please be advised that as of 2003 they are strict on their definitions of hard groundings (compared to surrounding Sea Tows) and will charge you high salvage fees when they call in extra boats).

Movies / Theater

  • Marathon Theater: 1 Movie Cinema . MM 49.5 Behind Marathon Liquors & Deli, in strip with Post Office. 305-743-0288. The movie theater is unique, with table & chairs seating, serving beer and wine in addition to regular concessions.

  • Marathon Community Theater (beside the movie theater). Live plays. www.marathontheater.org or call 305-743-0994 for shows, times and ticket prices.

  • BlockBuster Video - rentals. In Gulfside Village Shopping Center across US1 from K-Mart.

Outboard Engine Repair & Propellers

  • Ray’s Outboard Motor Works & Boat Rentals. Tel: 305-743-9995, Fax: 305-743-0122, Cell: 305-481-2462. www.raysrentalboats.com At Grassy Key Marina. Mobile Repair, Overhauls, Boat Rentals, Machine Shop & Service Center. Recommended by Capt Greg

  • PROP TEC. Tel 305-743-4004 Fax: 305-743-6004, 204 107th St Gulf, Marathon FL 33050. Marine Propeller Sales & Service. Grant Murdoch, Owner. Recommended by Capn Greg (East End of Marathon Airport) Good work at reasonable prices.

Photography

  • H.B. Saussy Photography Best "GREEN FLASH" sunset picture around. Miscellaneous tropical / Boot Key Harbor Photos at affordable prices. Call 305-743-9054 or e-mail to Bsaucy@earthlink.net (See H.B. at Burdines Waterfront when she's working at the Chiki Tiki.)

  • Larry Benvenuti Photography - Professional photography for all occasions, photojournalist, commercial product photography, specializing in weddings & events in the Keys. LarryBfoto@aol.com

Sails

  • Abaco Sails & Marine. Tel 305-743-0337. 11215 Overseas Highway, Marathon.  Dealers for ocean Kayaks. new sails, sail repair, recycled marine gear, pick-up & delivery.

Surveys

  • Acker Marine Survey.  921 51st St Gulf. Tel 305-743-2397. ackersurveyco@aol.com - accredited. appraisals, consulting, insurance, pre-purchase, member SAMS, ABYC, FKSG, IAMI

  • Rick Kreps Marine Surveying. Rick & Debbie Kreps. 171 3rd St, KCB FL.  305-743-9001. rickanddebk@bwisk.net

  • Sailcopress - Charles Kanter , www.sailcopress.com 

Signs & Graphics

Tackle / Bait Shops

  • World Class Angler- Dave Navarro - 305-743-6139. 5050 Overseas Highway

  • Burdine’s Marina - Manager Gary Simmons - 305-743-5317 (convenient because the live bait is right on their dock, you can pick it up from your boat)

  • The Tackle Box - 305-289-0540.  1901 Overseas Highway (Across from Faro Blanco Gulfside & Hall’s dive shop),  www.thetacklebox.com

Fishing & Other Charter:     (Also see our FISHING page for an tips on catching fish)

  • Captain Sam Nelson aboard "Stinger" (recommended by Capt Greg) 305-743-4011. Located on dock adjacent to 7 mile Grill on Gulfside close to 7 mile bridge. - The best Tarpon guide around.
                                                                            E-Mail Capn Sam for availability & rates

On-Site Internet Access & Services:

  • Black Widow Internet Services of the Keys, Inc. - 305-743-9609. 6363 Overseas Hwy,  Marathon FL 33050 www.bwisk.com www.blackwidowweb.net , e-mail: connect@bwisk.com . Jennifer Jarrett.  On-site internet access, email accounts, page design & maintenance, full ISP. Great for cruising boaters needing local access. Recommended by Capn Greg.

WATER TAXI

  • SMORGASBOAT - www.smorgasboat.com - Capt Chris at (305) 318-9725.  Water taxi and delivery of everything to your boat. Nov 2006. VHF Ch 17.

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ATTRACTIONS/ORGANIZATIONS

  • Pigeon Key Foundation: http://www.pigeonkey.org/  The Island in the middle of the 7 mile bridge - used as the camp for the original bridge/railroad workers. Restored as a historical site & museum.

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Boot Key Harbor website created and maintained by Capt. Gregory T. Absten, Marathon.  - A Boater's Guide to the Florida Keys & Cuba
Copyright 2000-2008 Gregory T. Absten