On Thu, 18 Dec 2008 09:42:29 -0600, "KLC Lewis"
wrote:

Regarding "cut through points" in the Florida Keys -- not advisable without
good local knowledge, up-to-date charts and good sailing experience in all
weather. Water there gets really thin, really fast, and weather can kick up
just as quickly. It's a good way to run aground and end up with a "totalled"
vessel. The safest route is to stay away from shore and in deep water, going
around the keys rather than through them. This advice has been disregarded
in the past with predictable outcome.

All true but the cut-through east of Marathon (Moser Channel) is easy
to negotiate with 6 ft of draft and 65 ft mast height - if you know
what you are doing, have decent charts, etc.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moser_Channel