8 Knots

Coastal Joe is always friendly and helpful. 8 Knots is a great little place with two exceptions. Evidently the thermostat is set to go to 78 degrees at odd times. We tried to keep it at 74 to no avail.
The tv is Roku, etc with an upside down remote . Right is left, etc. we are not technically up to date and couldn’t get local channels. Furniture covers are tacky, too!

This was our 4th stay at 8 knots over the past 3 years.

Pros: The view and location are unmatched. This home has a very private feel with amazing views of the bay and easy water access. The size of the house is perfect for our family of 4 and we love the large kitchen. The outdoor shower area and lower covered cement pad are great for cleaning up after the beach and kayaking we well as safely storing our outside things. It is just a quick walk across the street for beach access or down the street to Scallop Cove for ice cream.

Cons: Some of the basic needs of the place are starting to fall into disrepair. The dock and walkway have become very fragile as the wood has aged. The steps off the dock were actually broken and unsafe. When the dock was last repaired, the board spacing as it has aged has become rather overly large becoming a concern especially for young visitors. The walkway boards themselves are becoming loose, thin and very insecure. The house deck is in the same condition. On prior visits, we have noted the loft ladder is not safe making that space almost unusable. Also, the beds listed are slightly misleading as it is a flimsy wicker futon and foam fold out. There used to be 3 twin beds up there in past visits which was great. The master bedroom mattress, also previously mentioned, sags quite drastically in the middle, especially after a night or 2. Both bedroom storm shutters are locked and unable to be opened. We have noted this to management on prior visits as a serious safety concern. It would be lovely to have the window views, but more importantly is a means of egress in the event of an emergency.

Overall, we love 8 Knots for its unique location and feel. Recent interior upgrades have been done including all new kitchen appliances, a new flat screen, a new couch and chair. With attention to the outside updating, we are confident it will remain a wonderful place to stay. Coastal Joe is always great to deal with, from boo

Manager's Response

We have been coming to 8 Knots for a few years and like it very much. It is not very big which suits my wife and I just fine. We put our kayaks on the dock and fish the bayou and the bay. It is clean and we love the new sofa. Coastal Joe is always great to work with and are quick to iron out minor problems. I wondered why they added all the sand around the house and being a Landscape Designer I would caution them to remove the sand from the base of the pine trees because it will suffocate them. We hope to return to 8 Knots for years to come.

Easy living in comfortable environment, great fully-equipped kitchen. When a problem arose with noisy hurricane shutters, management took care of the situation immediately. This was our second visit to 8knotts and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Manager's Response

Absolutely LOVED 8 Knots! One of our favorites in our 13 years of renting at at the Cape. The rental was very well kept and immaculately clean when we arrived. The only bad thing I would say is that I really wish they would build actual steps going to the loft. Plenty of space to add boxy, bunk type steps along the wall. Loft area was basically unusable for us. Hard for us or bigger kids to climb up. Kinda dangerous for little kids, too, in my opinion, but otherwise-house was amazing. Dock was very nice. Screened room was an added bonus! So peaceful and relaxing! Loved it. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us!

Manager's Response

We had a great week at 8 Knots! This was our 4th family trip to the cape, first time staying bayside. Took our poling skiff down.
Launched at city marina as State Park was full on Sat. Took out from State Park ramp. Used all week in the bay, fishing, rides, snorkeling & used dock. No electric or water on dock, but worked out fine. Had kayaks & paddle boards delivered for the week. Beach access 2 min walk across the road. Also enjoyed a quiet beach day at State Park. Accommodations were perfect & more than enough for 2 adults, 3 kids. Ladder for loft was straight up, but it was fine. Home a bit dated but perfectly fine for us & very clean. Hammock in screened in area experienced some nice naps! Kitchen well stocked. Cooked/grilled most nights. Less than a half mile from Trading Post. This was our best trip to Cape San Blas and the bayside/8 Knots were big reasons why! We’d go back in a heartbeat! Coastal Joe Vacation Rentals is super accommodating & easy to rent from.

We love 8 Knot. We have been a couple of times and will return again. However, for the money they charge, they could improve the WiFi which was nonexistent. Other houses we have stayed in have no problem and it's a big deal to us. The house is clean and well appointed except for the same old kitchen trash can that does not have a lid that closes and you get to stare at your old shrimp dinners. The sliding glass door leaves a lot to be desired, it does not open easily, but the view is great. The shuttered window in the the small bedroom rattles in the wind and keeps me up at night. It is a wonder full house otherwise, but could be a perfect house with a little help.

Manager's Response

My wife and I have been coming to Cape San Blas for over 20 years, staying at several different places, including the cabins at St. Joe State Park (which, at this time, are in the process of being rebuilt following Hurricane Michael). 8 Knots turned out to be one of our favorites. Very comfortable, and the kitchen had just about everything a cook could ask for. Our only caveat- our visit was too short. Next time!

It was a great little house on the bay.

Very peaceful. Great location. House was clean and well appointed!

We had an amazing stay at 8 Knots. Although the house is a little older, it was spotlessly clean and very comfortable. The loft ladder was a little steep but the layout of the house was great for 2 adults and our daughter. The kitchen was very well stocked with tons of counter space and storage. The living room faces the bay making the view out the sliding glass door better than a tv. We launched our kayaks off the dock very easily and had an amazing time fishing, exploring the bay, and just enjoying the water. With the outside shower and table, clean up and prep was easy as well. Walking to the Gulf or for Ice cream after dinner is well within reason thanks to the great location. The house feels very remote, despite the increasing crowd on the Cape. The only suggestion we could offer is perhaps replacing the mattress in the master, but it was still just fine for our 3 night stay.

This was also our first time renting through Coastal Joe and I must say it was far superior to another larger company we have used in the past. We can't wait to visit again!

We are regular vacationers and would rate 8 Knots place as one of the nicest, best located, and real value of all the places we have stayed. The place was very clean, modern, had everything we needed to feel at home, and was an easy walk to the sea. Also close to T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. We would highly recommend this wonderful house.

This charming little house is one of the best equipped of any home we which we have stayed in our 50 years of vacations on The Cape. Spectacular sunrises! Privacy. Quiet. Coastal Joe has always been responsive to any problem. We are not sure we like the new thermostat which seems to be controlled elsewhere and tv service is limited but that is not an issue with us.

This charming little house is one of the best equipped of any home we which we have stayed in our 50 years of vacations on The Cape. Spectacular sunrises! Privacy. Quiet. Coastal Joe has always been responsive to any problem. We are not sure we like the new thermostat which seems to be controlled elsewhere and tv service is limited but that is not an issue with us.

The property 8 Knots was good for my family of three for a long weekend stay of 5 nights. It was ideal being able to rent shorter than a full week for our working schedules. The property was exceptionally clean and there was an apparent focus on the attention to details of the cleaning crew. The only negative of the property was centered around the dock and decking being in poor condition. It appears both the dock and deck have been patched in many places but mother nature has taken her toll on all visible boards. For a minimal investment it would go a long ways for the guest to have an ease of mind that the boards won't break or crack beneath their feet or their children's.

My family and I stayed here at the end of June. We loved, loved this place. It has a beautiful view from the living room and the back deck. You can see the bay from both. You are only minutes from the beach and stores. Only negative thing I can say is we saw a black snake on the trail to the dock. Which thankfully it was just a black snake and they aren't dangerous. Just scared us for a moment. We can't wait to go back!

Beautiful sunrises, clean and comfortable accommodations, and a convenient location!

Manager's Response

The location is great. The house is located within 0.3 miles of two good locations providing coffee/food/gas/clothes/ice cream/ boat rentals/ tackle/ bait. Several good restaurants within a short drive. Fantastic sunrises over Bay. Home was clean and property fairly well maintained. Home is as pictured. If you have never stayed in this area of the panhandle biting bugs can be an issue at times of the year. If you are someone who the mosquitoes like be prepared and bring bug screen or some other deterrent.

The location is great. The house is located within 0.3 miles of two good locations providing coffee/food/gas/clothes/ice cream/ boat rentals/ tackle/ bait. Several good restaurants within a short drive. Fantastic sunrises over Bay. Home was clean and property fairly well maintained. Home is as pictured. If you have never stayed in this area of the panhandle biting bugs can be an issue at times of the year. If you are someone who the mosquitoes like be prepared and bring bug screen or some other deterrent.

we had a good experience at 8 knots. It was clean and attractive inside. The screened area under the building looked unattended and the wood decking is in need of sanding, as there are many splinters. The dock was great and the location too.

Beautiful beach house overlooking the bay. Two queen bedrooms and 3 twins in the upstairs loft. Loft is only accessible by built in ladder so that may be a hindrance for some. Kitchen is well stocked although one should bring paper towels if wanted. Only one roll of tp in each bathroom so you may need more of that, depending on group size and length of stay. You also need to bring your own shampoo etc. I mention these things because you just never know what each rental has or is missing but we truly loved this house. Clean and nicely furnished although, if you need the futon for sleeping, I would bring an air mattress to put on top of the futon mattress.

Manager's Response

Great place to stay, just wish the water was a little deeper at the dock

Manager's Response

felt like we were being watched with 6 cameras surrounding the house
no cable tv for rainy days
only one tv in the entire house
the kitchen counters and cabinets were overrun with ants
there was no grill to cook on
there were no outside lights to use downstairs

Manager's Response

Eight knots provided a wonderful experience for us. We have been vacationing in Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas for many years now, and I remember a childhood of run down hotels and the fragrance of the paper mill. This is not the Cape San Blas of today, and Eight Knots provides the perfect location for the family wanting their own space to visit and relax without being pressed by encroaching neighbors. There is none of that at Eight Knots. The owners have nicely updated the property, but it has retained its coziness and charm. The upstairs loft bedroom was a great way for our teenage girls to have their own space. The house is also on stilts, so you feel quite safe from the occasional raccoon, and you can even park your car under cover. If you happen to be on the Cape during scalloping season, the dock and access at Eight Knots are perfect as is its proximity to the sea grass beds. In fact, you will feel bad for those folks who have to launch their boats every day at the State Park. This is really an experience that I have always associated with “Old Florida”; and one that every family needs to experience before the Cape becomes more developed and touristy. Loads of options from swimming the bay to accessing the beach across the road. Good fishing opportunities if you want that, and certainly an easy drive to Apalachicola. Eight knots provides every opportunity to escape. The views from the back porch of St. Joe Bay and Pig Island are about as good as they get in NW Florida. I am so happy that the owners started renting Eight Knots again. We are certainly coming back!