Reviews: Pilot House Marina & Restaurant

Reviewed by: Kristine Elliott on Jan 10, 2024
Vessel Type: Sail
LOA: 44'
Draft: 5.0'

Rating: 4

Initially booked 3 nights so we could fuel up, have access to shore power, laundry, showers etc., but ended up staying a total of 5 nights due to weather. I truly appreciate Karen, the dock master, fitting us in for those 2 extra nights. It's a quiet friendly marina. The floating docs look new. The restaurant was just okay (we ordered burgers and fries). Note the restaurant is closed on Monday & Tuesday. The showers need a deep clean in my opinion. The laundry is $2/ wash & $2/dry. The change machine does not work - see the office if you need quarters. It was a short walk to town. There's a Family Dollar, CVS and Walgreens near by. Only true negative for us was the pump out service was not available and apparently has not been for some time. If you need a pump out in Monroe County you need to make arrangements with On the Hook Marine (https://www.onthehookmarine.com, (305-833-1978) a mobile pump out service.

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Reviewed by: Lisa Vidor on Jun 18, 2023
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 3

Not worth the price. Keeps going up for less amenities. Sheltered. Easy to go to town. Lack of experienced help.

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Reviewed by: Mark Plussa on Jul 25, 2022
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.5'

Rating: 4

Fuel prices are accurate . Pump out was not available. Approach into channel at low tide can be tough. We draft 4.5 and props were tapping the sand and channel entrance.

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Reviewed by: R H on Jun 28, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 28'
Draft: 2.0'

Rating: 4

The two negatives up front are that the bathhouse could sure use a professional cleaning and regular improved cleaning in addition to maintenance of dispensers and etc. Second, there are no recycling bins for tenants even though there's a recycling dumpster just outside the boat yard. (I spotted one very overfull small recycling wastebasket that sat for days and eventually a charter skipper just dumped it in a trash bin). Otherwise, this is a very protected, mellow marina with nice, helpful staff in a terrific location to snorkel reefs. Canal to enter is narrow but radioing upon entry or exit is common. The captain's lounge has good books, chill air conditioning, a microwave and comfortable seating. Bonus - free ice!

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Reviewed by: Kevin Odegard on Apr 26, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 40'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

We return here every trip to the Keys. The marina has retained its down-home comfort through the pandemic. The restaurant, not so much. Fortunately Key West Fisheries has a terrific restaurant open six days a week (closed Sundays) on this remote, fun-to-reach waterfront.

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Reviewed by: John Tyrell on Jan 11, 2021
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 39'
Draft: 3.5'

Rating: 4

Second time here. We like the vibe. Floating docks are nice. We like the restaurant. The dockhands (Pat & David) were very helpful and went out of their way for us. Narrow channel coming in so might be best to issue a securite.

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Reviewed by: Kirk Conners , Fancy Nancy, on Oct 18, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 42'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 2

Marina is OK at best. They don't monitor VHF so you have to call on your way in. If they don't answer, they may or may not call you back..
Crew was no help getting into a tight slip on a windy day, and showed up after we were in and pretty much tied up to help (didn't really need the help by that time).
Slips don't have an intermediate piling, so got to be careful getting in not to bump adjacent boat.
Restaurant used to be good, but seems to have gone to more of a "bar food" menu. During the pandemic, inside was closed (not sure why) so only place to sit is outside with the bar group and live not so good music. Also, they don't impose a "no smoking" area outside, so if you are a non-smoker, or just don't want to smell the smoke while eating, you're out of luck.
One good thing: Key Largo Fisheries is across the marina. Good food, outdoor cafe (no smoking), and prices aren't bad.
We will not be coming back to this marina.

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Reviewed by: Bob on Mar 10, 2020
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 44'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Awesome stop in Key Largo. Restaurant and bar are great and keep us coming back!

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Reviewed by: Ronald , Kara Mia 2, on Mar 6, 2018
Vessel Type: Power
LOA: 43'
Draft: 4.0'

Rating: 5

Just spent first week of March here with a great experience. Steven and the crew were helpful. It has all the amenities with a great restaurant / bar. Close to shopping. Owners seem to be investing in the place. Depth at low tide on the approach from Hawk Channel was close. Depth in the middle of the fairway was good and the harbor deep.

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