The Cruiser’s Net: a coconut telegraph on a very high frequency
By Jason Koler

As the sun rises over Boot Key Harbor, the familiar sounds of dingy motors chug to life as cruiser’s and liveaboard boaters begin their day and the Boot Key Harbor Cruiser’s Net crackles to life.

Every morning, beginning promptly at 9 a.m., radios across the Harbor switch to VHF channel 68 for the latest news, gossip and tips that affect the lives of the cruiser’s living in one of the most well-protected harbors on the eastern coast.

“Good morning Boot Key Harbor and all those interested in the area,” greeted Bev Dickerson, proprietor of the Overseas Lounge and one of the net controllers on Saturday morning.

“The Net” began in February 2004 as an informal communication system that addressed cruising issues such as mechanical problems and area services.

Now, The Net operates on a punctual daily schedule and handles a variety of cruising concerns ranging from local announcements and weather alerts to trivia games, recipes, medical advice and personal bartering. The Net is now so tightly woven into the fabric of the floating community that most of the participants know what day it is by who is controlling the airwaves.

Dickerson & the Overseas preside over The Net on Saturdays and throughout the rest of the week control of the forum passes around between Dockside, the Smorgasboat operators, and other cruisers.

Mike Atterbery, a Phoenix native who has been living aboard for more than 11 years, is a regular listener and therefore, a recognized member of the “community in the harbor.”
“I listen because it generates a sense of community more than anything,” he said. “Like a neighborhood watch.”

Throughout the broadcast, which can last 15 minutes or as long as necessary, new cruisers are welcomed into the harbor and departing vessels are bid a fond farewell. After roll call and announcements, cruiser Marty Brown, who operates a weather band radio, issues weather updates or tropical storm warnings and advices cruiser’s about systems to “keep an eye on.”

The radio banter lightens up during the trivia question when cruisers test their knowledge against their neighbors on hook, or even their landlocked contemporaries who monitor the harbor via a shore-side radio. Correct answers are rewarded with free cocktails or lunch courtesy of neighboring establishments like Burdine’s, Dockside, or the Overseas. Humorous responses are treated in the same manner of other good community news – a crackle of clicking microphones symbolizing congratulatory applause.

Even the Coast Guard, FWC, and City Marina recognize The Net as a valuable tool to reach the cruiser’s living in Boot Key – supplying timely reports news that keeps the cruisers abreast of important issues.

After nearly four years, The Net has become as important to Boot Key Harbor as the mangroves protecting it, and whether the cruisers are living on a hook, ball, or seawall, VHF ch68 is the frequency that binds them together.