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

Avidmagnum12 said:
Dan …..every year we have folks that want to learn about C-Dorys stop in at the gathering so you are more than welcome. It’s always a good idea to study different boats before you buy. Most folks go through a few wrong boat before settling on the correct one for their needs. Of course needs also change. We started with a 22 when when we only did weekends but found the 25 ideal for our long summer trips. Hope to see you at Hontoon!
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That’s good to know, thanks! The boats I’ve had certainly haven’t been wrong but also aren’t what I need for some of the trips I’d like to take with the constraints I have. Hopefully I can make it work, if I can I’ll be sure to mention it here.

colbysmith said:
Dan, this would be an excellent opportunity for you to check out the various C-Dorys. I will not be able to make this year's gathering, but I've made 9 or 10 in the past, and we always have time to show folks our boats, which many times include all from the 16' to the Tomcat 25' and the 26' Ventures. Along with several very interesting talks on stuff pertaining to boats and cruising. There is an RV park right across from where most of us launch (Ed Stone Park) , and several hotels in the area as well, including right across the channel from Hontoon. And Hontoon it self has camping and cabins available. Colby
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That’s good to hear about the wide variety of different boats and exactly what I’d be hoping to see and talk to folks about. We’ll see if I can do any camping, I think if I’ll be able to come down a hotel nearby and promises of some time at a beach along the coast may be part of the deal. But that’s a lot closer to where you guys will be than Ohio is!
 
Hi Everybody, just made my reservations and have to say that the 833-853-2583 Phone # given above is a dead #. The # to call for Hontoon reservations is 866-455-2925. I just made mine for March 2 through the 6th. I missed the NC get together because I was in the middle of a complete overhaul of my Dory, but I'm getting close to being done with all of the major items where so I'll be there.
 
If I was only going to be able to come visit for a day or two, are there any suggestions on which days would be best? Besides unpredictable things like weather I wasn't sure if some days had more people from late arrivals or departures than others. Either way I'm really looking forward to coming down and meeting folks and getting to see some of these boats in person instead of just through a screen.
 
Hontoon Report. We stopped in at the Park Monday for a bit to see how things are going and are happy to report that both docks now have power and water on. The aquatic growth in the marina has been mostly eliminated. It was a bit quiet at Hontoon but it is Christmas week. As we checked in with Riley (the lady that makes reservations) we were told that about 10 slips were reserved for the gathering. They now have rental pontoon boats and more than a few park boats on the dock so I’m not sure how many usable spots are available yet but I’ll guess about 10 or so. The water on river is nicely up for this time of year. We are at Silver Glen Springs today and did not have to think about tilting the outboard to get in. Nice!
Everyone have a Merry Christmas 🎄 and hope to see you at Hontoon.

If I were only coming for a day or so Wednesday or Thursday would be best. 😁
 
Just made our reservations for Alma's Only, and looking forward to seeing everyone there!

David & Dayna
 
866-455-2925 This is the new number posted for Hontoon Island reservations.
 
thataway said:
Reading the Hontoon Landing State Park web site seems to indicate there is a manager, and some staff, plus camping seems to now be open again--and perhaps overnight boating is again allowed? If so, that bodes well for the gathering. We wish we could be there--but age and health dictates otherwise. We will be there in spirit and thinking about all of our C Dory friends. We miss you all. If you are traveling to Hontoon via I 10, remember that we are only about 20 minutes off the Freeway at exit #7, have a place for you to park your boat, and free lodging at "Camp Thataway". If coming by boat, we are near the head of Perdido Bay on Bayou Marcus and always have space at our dock for C Brats. We would love to see old friends, and meet new ones.
Safe travels!
Bob and Marie
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Thanks Bob. Itis not the same without you two there in person. Best wishes for good health in 2026.
 
Sorry, this one slipped through the cracks - but there's now an RSVP option at the top of the page for anyone interested in sharing their attendance.
 
Thanks Will…..
I registered now. If everyone coming would do the same I’d appreciate it. Great to know how many are coming.
 
Hello, I'm new to all this. I'm trying to find out more information on things like, where to park my truck and trailer, and which part of the Hontoon Landing or Marina to go? Information on the parks website is a little hard to follow for me. Can anyone offer a little more info for a newbie? lol Thank you :) greg
 
Greg. I’ll be glad to answer any questions. I sent you a PM with my phone number….give me a call.
 
Also go to albums such as Colby Smith, C-Otter, and John Highsmith's (as well as mine) to find photos of the gathering. These photos give you a lot of information, There is one which was an aerial view of the Hontoon State Park Island and Marine.

We also gone to several gatherings after we sold our last C Dory, staying at the RV park and Marina just to the North of Ed Stone park where you launch. We would stay in our RV, have our Caracal Cat in a slip in this marine, and go to the meeting daily in our 18' Center Console Cataraman . There would be occasionally other C Brats who didn't bring a boat, and stayed in local hotels along the water, or in the RV park.
 
Avidmagnum12 said:
Announcement. After 3 years of no camping on the island I am happy to announce that we will be able to make reservations at the park
The last years have been a little challenging for our gathering however we always had a great time. C-Brats are always ready to be part of the adventure. Joyce and I are looking forward to visiting with friends…both old and new. Hontoon does NOT have an onsite park manager at this time so I am not sure what tables and chairs they will allow us to use but we will work things out. We are going to spend 5 days on the river by Hontoon starting Nov. 14th and will gather additional information.

To make a reservation you must call this number. 833-953-2583 THE FLORIDA RESERVATION SYSTEM DOES NOT COVER HONTOON AT THIS TIME. If this changes I’ll post here.
Please do not say this is a group reservation. I was told that they were not set up for groups but we can make reservations as individual boats. There are only about 30 slips available and it’s first come first served by reservation.
Slips are $23.00 per night with power available for $9.00 additional per night……plus tax.

Will be posting more in a week or so. Looking forward to seeing C-Dorys and other trailer trawlers on the St. John’s.

For anyone having questions needing a quick response please send me a personal message with a phone number and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

Thanks …Tom and Joyce on the C- Otter

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Greg
II did not make my reservation online. Don’t see anything that shows a slip assignment. You may just want to call their reservation phone number. 866-455-2925 The new concession that is charge of camping and slips will work things out over time.
You of course may come for as many of the days as you want. Most stay from Tuesday night thru Thursday night and leave Friday. Look forward to seeing you at Hontoon…be sure to bring your guitar!
 
I did make a reservation online and decided to come in Monday until Thursday and asked for a slip closest to the river. I may call this morning and ask about the slip :)thank you. look forward to a great adventure and meeting everyone.
 
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