2026 Hontoon Island Gathering. March 3,4,5. DeLand Florida on St. John’s river.

We have made our reservations at Hontoon Island for 3/3-3/6.
Bud and Chris aboard Swallowtail
 
C-Drifter22 said:
Hello. We attended the gathering for the first time last year. Our boat is a 22 Cruiser. We have now decided to call it C-Drifter. Debbie and Joe Williams. Thank you.
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Welcome to Florida!

Florida interstates and Turnpikes have Road Ranger patrols that provide free emergency spare tire changes, jump starts etc and most importantly park a big truck behind you with a giant flashing “<<<< MOVE OVER” electric sign. They carry more red pylons than you ever will. The FIRST thing to do if you’re on the shoulder is call *347 (for FHP) which will dispatch a Road Ranger.


FL State Law requires you to merge left (when possible) for any emergency vehicles on the right shoulder. State law also requires that you stop for pedestrians who are waiting to cross the street at a marked crosswalk.

If you plan to take the Turnpike in your travels, get a Sunpass windshield transponder ($4.99). You’ll save up to 40% vs Toll by Plate option when towing any trailer.

If you have the time and inclination, detour to Weeki Wachee SP for the ‘Little Mermaid Show’ based on the Hans Christion Anderson story. It’s a hoot! Boat rides down the springs etc are options with plenty of free parking for your rig away from the main entrance.

Home - Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Weeki Wachee is an enchanted spring to see live mermaids, take a river boat cruise, see Florida wildlife, and swim in Buccaneer Bay.
weekiwachee.com weekiwachee.com

It’s illegal to touch a Manatee ($50,000-$100,000 fine per AI), unless you detour to Tarpon Springs with one of the official ‘swim with the manatees’ tours under supervision ($95 but the only time and place you can get that close in crystal clear water), wet suits and gear provided.

Here are the various manatee zone restriction types: The most often violated is SLOW SPEED MINIMUM WAKE, which is defined as your boat's waterline being completely settled in the water. Since there is no way you can see your boat from the side, it can be difficult to tell if you are exceeding that. Just limit your speed to 6-7 MPH and RPM under 1500. At our Pink Shell dock in a SSMW Zone, 99.9% of boaters are exceeding it.

https://www.Soboat-ed.com/florida/studyGuide/Boating-Regulatory-Zones/10101002_36329/

Hontoon Island SP Marina can not be reached by vehicle, only by your boat or the free Park Ferry (on demand, hours posted). It’s not safe to walk several miles from the marina back to Ed Stone county park boat ramp and parking (closest to HWY 44) due to no shoulders, no sidewalks, knee high weeds etc. So bottom line, come prepared with enough onboard provisions to last your duration. Nearest gas and self-service $5 pumpout is at Holly Bluff Marina. There is generally good Deland cell hotspot coverage at the SP marina. Bring folding camp chairs for dockside use. We think the most effective biting insect repellent is a MR300 Thermacell system, which is often available in larger WalMarts.

https://www.thermacell.com/products

Safe Travels and hop to see you there!
John
 
Gulfcoast John said:
Welcome to Florida!

Florida interstates and Turnpikes have Road Ranger patrols that provide free emergency spare tire changes, jump starts etc and most importantly park a big truck behind you with a giant flashing “<<<< MOVE OVER” electric sign. They carry more red pylons than you ever will. The FIRST thing to do if you’re on the shoulder is call *347 (for FHP) which will dispatch a Road Ranger.

...

Here are the various manatee zone restriction types: The most often violated is SLOW SPEED MINIMUM WAKE, which is defined as your boat's waterline being completely settled in the water. Since there is no way you can see your boat from the side, it can be difficult to tell if you are exceeding that. Just limit your speed to 6-7 MPH and RPM under 1500. At our Pink Shell dock in a SSMW Zone, 99.9% of boaters are exceeding it.
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John, at 7mph, our boats are starting to plow. I would suggest no more than 5mph maximum for slow speed minimum wake. (1200-1300 rpm). And for no wake, down to about 3-4 mph. (1000rpm).
 
Hi everyone, we weren’t sure if we would make it this year but it’s going to work out after all. We’re happy to say we’ve just made our reservation and will be joining the gathering! We look forward to seeing you all and to meeting some new boaters as well. 🙂

Bill and Jill
Southwind
 
RDiemidio said:
I am making name tags for Hontoon Island gathering. There are quite a few new names coming this year. These are no charge. These are the ones I have so far. If you do not see your name can you message me if you would like a name tag for the gathering. I need name of boat. Your first name and boat accent color. These have a magnetic backing. So no hole in your shirt. Can’t wait to see everyone again.
Rick & Berni on Willow.
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How cool!
Boat: Skimmer
Accent: Green
Names: Mike & Alexis
 
RDiemidio said:
I am making name tags for Hontoon Island gathering. There are quite a few new names coming this year. These are no charge. These are the ones I have so far. If you do not see your name can you message me if you would like a name tag for the gathering. I need name of boat. Your first name and boat accent color. These have a magnetic backing. So no hole in your shirt. Can’t wait to see everyone again.
Rick & Berni on Willow.
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My wife and I will be attending
Rick and Jane Smith
“Assurance” is boat name
25 Tomcat
 
Gypsyblue said:
My wife and I will be attending
Rick and Jane Smith
“Assurance” is boat name
25 Tomcat
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What is the color of your boat. White and ?
 
My wife I have registered and will be there sometime Monday; probably just after lunch.
 
djstelly said:
We have made our reservations and Catalyst is planning to be there at this time. Looking to arrive on Sunday 3/1 and depart Friday 3/6. Plans still subject to change a little but will certainly try to make it now that we actually have Catalyst in hand.
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Due to unforeseen medical issues, wife and I will not be able to make this year's gathering. Hope to catch yall next year. We have cancelled our slip reservation T-21 and it should be open again.
 
looking forward to the Gadget contest! Always looking for new ideas
 
Joyce and I visited Hontoon Island yesterday and had a positive visit with some of the folks that are part of the new concession. They are looking forward to our gathering in March.
The crew of the C-Otter plan on launching on Monday morning and traveling upriver to the park. The water is a couple of feet lower than over Christmas so some of the side trips will be a no go. No big deal….still lots to explore.

I know some have not registered on this site for the gathering yet so please do so ASAP. I need a number so that I can call Publix Monday to get enough chicken and sides for Tuesday’s lunch.

Remember to bring your own seating. We can use the picnic tables but they will not allow us to bring or borrow any park tables or chairs.

I will post our schedule sometime next week and ask everyone to print or save a copy for their own use.

There are a few slips available yet so if you have not done so ….get right on it!

See you on the river.. channel 72….Tom

Oh…..almost forgot to mention we have some great door prizes this year. MUST BE PRESENT TO 🏆
 
Due to changed circumstances, Alma's Only won't be able to attend this year's gathering. We'll miss you all, and will follow posts of your adventures. Take care. Dayna & David
 
Almas Only said:
Due to changed circumstances, Alma's Only won't be able to attend this year's gathering. We'll miss you all, and will follow posts of your adventures. Take care. Dayna & David
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Sorry to hear that but I know we can’t do everything. Hopefully next year will work out for you. Tom
 
is CH72 the "official" channel? Thanks!
 
ttking885 said:
is CH72 the "official" channel? Thanks!
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It’s the channel we will be monitoring at the Hontoon Island State Park marina. The slips on the floating docks are not real long and it’s best to have a little help backing in. Call on 72 and you will receive help with lines. See you at Hontoon!
 
13th Hontoon Island C-Brat Gathering
Tuesday :
Continued arrivals, Sign up. Explore the island, canoeing, kayaking ect.
Lunch on your own.
2;00 PM Anchoring discussion
3:00 PM share time “My scariest boating moment”
Bring your oun chairs and stories.

Wednesday:
Morning…..visit other boats on the docks. Pickup ideas for your own C-Dory.
Chicken lunch provided with rolls, potato sa
 
13th Hontoon Island C-Brat Gathering
Tuesday :
Continued arrivals, Sign up. Explore the island, canoeing, kayaking ect.
Lunch on your own.
2;00 PM Anchoring discussion
3:00 PM share time “My scariest boating moment”
Bring your own chairs and stories.
Evening Camp fire if possible.

Wednesday:
Morning…..visit other boats on the docks. Pickup ideas for your own C-Dory.
Chicken lunch provided with rolls, potato salad and coleslaw at about noon.
2:00 PM cruising the Canadian canals, and Isle Royal national Park.
3:30 PM To be announced. What would you like to share?
Evening Camp fire if possible.

Thursday:
10:00 AM Galley Gadget & Boat Gear contest. Bring your favorites to show and tell.
Prizes will be awarded to the best in each category. 🏆
Noon. Pizza Lunch! And we are talking the best Pizza in the DeLand area!
After Lunch we will have a group leader to follow around the Hontoon Island Loop.
Visit on the docks if you wish.
Evening Camp Fire if possible.
Friday departures:
Some will depart for home, other cruise the river and some will stay at the park. I plan to do some cruising after the gathering. I’m not sure at this time how long it will be but if anyone wants to follow they are welcome to do so.
For all meals and events:
Bring your own drinks, plates, and utensils if possible..
Also remember to bring your own chairs as the park is not supplying any this year.
Volunteer time._____________________________________

This is the tentative schedule. Subject to change. The river flows freely and so do we.
 
RDiemidio said:
I am making name tags for Hontoon Island gathering. There are quite a few new names coming this year. These are no charge. These are the ones I have so far. If you do not see your name can you message me if you would like a name tag for the gathering. I need name of boat. Your first name and boat accent color. These have a magnetic backing. So no hole in your shirt. Can’t wait to see everyone again.
Rick & Berni on Willow.
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Avidmagnum12 said:
A small change …..The ferry only runs over to the island till 4:30 pm so we will have lunch supplied Tuesday and Wednesday unless they decide to run later. Tuesday will be Chicken and Wednesday will be Pizza day. If I could get someone with a vehicle to make the food run it would be awesome. Thanks Tom
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I will arrive Monday and leave Thursday. We have made a reservation. Michael and Frankie Monteith. Boat is a Marinault 215 with a black hull and white topsides.
 
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