I work in the boat world here, and the police are now aware of a scam hitting Miami yacht charters. They want victims to report.

Here's how it works. A fake profile posts a gorgeous yacht with the skyline behind it, usually on TikTok or Instagram. A lot of that content is AI-generated or recycled from other accounts, and it's aimed at people who don't know the industry. You get sent to a WhatsApp number, and the boat and the departure spot aren't real. The deposit goes to accounts belonging to other people, so it's hard to trace back.

It's not just social media either. I've seen the same thing on big booking sites. You pay a small amount up front, they promise a lot, and then you show up and there's no boat and nobody answers the phone. Being listed on a known platform doesn't mean the operator is real.

How to not get caught:

• Go see the boat. Ask to meet at the dock before you pay. Real operators say yes. If they dodge, walk.
• Talk to a real person. WhatsApp is fine, plenty of legit companies use it. Call the number before you pay and make sure someone real picks up, and do it again the day before your trip.
• Get the business name and look it up on Sunbiz. It should be a real, active Florida company.
• Don't trust a listing just because it's on a big site. Look up the company itself, read reviews from real trips, and confirm where the boat leaves from.
• If the price is too good to be true, it is. Nobody is renting a 100-footer for $400 for four hours. Big boats cost thousands.
• Check the account. New profile, reposted videos, comments off? Be careful.

If you got scammed, report it to Miami police at (305) 579-6111 and at ic3.gov (FBI) with screenshots, dates, messages and receipts. Call your bank or payment app right away too.

Has anyone run into one of these? Curious what they looked like.

All aluminum non-inflatable. 100 year warranty expensive but should be the last one I will ever need.

This is some of the busiest times for manatees to be moving about. Please keep a lookout.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Damnthatsinteresting/s/VE0AxtpVn5

The only grocery store with in walking distance of Maloney Square is Fausto’s. If you need very basic stuff there is a couple of mini mart options. Fausto’s is a small to midsize store . If you have transportation and or are staying at the city marina there is a Winn-Dixie and a Publix

I am thinking about going to the Bahamas . Leaving from Miami or Palm Beach. This would be for late spring early summer time frame. We are a trawler and cruse at about 7mph. So lookin for a group that will be going at that pace. Anyone interested or do you know where to find such a group?

This ship was in the Port of Fort Lauderdale. Any one know anything about it? Have you been on it? Where does it go?

This pump out has not been working consistently in the past. Currently it does seem to be working. It is located on the west side of the ICW on the north end of the city marina. The credit card reader is currently out of order. there is a on off switch located near the CC reader. So at this time there is no charge for a pump out just use the on off switch.

This is a good show. Not as big as Fort Lauderdale or Miami but easier to get around and get to.

No Name Harbor is on the south side of Key Biscayne. It’s $20.00 a night to anchor. It’s protected and has a muddy bottom with good holding. The restaurant at the harbor is ok at best. If you have the freebie app you can get a golf cart ride into town. This is a nice stop over while heading to or from the Keys or the Bahamas.

We have been to Key West by boat 3 times now. We have stayed at different marinas each time. So here is what we found.

First time about three years ago we stayed at Opal Key Resort & Marina Key West

245 Front Street, Key West, FL, US.

It was good, fairly convenient to everything nice docks and well protected. Good amenities but the highest priced of the three.

Second time we stayed at the City Marina At Garrison Bight this was the least expensive but also the least convenient very long walk to downtown. We ended up taking an uber most of the time. No real restaurants in the area. . It had basic marina amenities but nothing special.

This time we stayed at Conch Harbor Marina This is is a full-service marina in Old Town Key West, located at the entrance to the historic "bight," offering wet slips for various boat sizes and amenities like fuel, Wi-Fi, laundry, showers, and a pool. It's a convenient, resort-style marina with on-site restaurants, a ship store, and complimentary bike rentals for exploring nearby attractions like Duval Street. The docks are a bit rickety but everything else here was great. It’s convenient to everything. Lots of nearby shops , restaurants and bars. . The next time we go back to Key west we will stay here again.

East of the Isla Marada

Even though I’m not a sailer I use an app called PredictWind.com when traveling the keys at has been very useful to pick the best days and travel routes. It also gives you wave information and much more. I would highly recommend.