Manatee Pocket, Stuart, Florida Anchorage

[KipHansen]

Can anyone tell me if one is still allowed to anchor freely in either of the two locations designated as anchorages in Manatee Pocket?

One of our crew will be attending a Captain's Course at Chapman's School there.

[RKsailsolo]

Originally Posted by KipHansen

Can anyone tell me if one is still allowed to anchor freely in either of the two locations designated as anchorages in Manatee Pocket?

One of our crew will be attending a Captain's Course at Chapman's School there.

For that matter, could someone advise us of any nearby anchorages in the Stuart area? It's not a big area so even if your on the west side of the tracks, it's a dinghy ride away.

[AnchorageGuy]

The two areas to anchor are still possible in Manatee Pocket. But the areas are shallow with 5 to 6 feet or less in the anchorage farther in. You can anchor any place along the St. Lucie River that will give you protection. There is a free town dock at approx. Mile 7. Turn SW at marker 22A and head for the dock. It is suppose to be a 4 hour limit. Sometimes it's enforced and sometimes not. But definitely not for overnight. All of these are in our anchorage books. Chuck

[capt-couillon]

Stayed in Manatee Pocket lower anchorage for a week in late Oct 2015. Lower anchorage is crowded with lots of local boats. Upper anchorage was pretty open at that time. Good 8' channel all the way down the pocket, watch your depths and channel locations in the lower anchorage.

Floating dock at Manatee Park is restricted to 4 hrs, but fixed finger dock is usable all day with no problems. Never tried over night. Short walk from Manatee Park to Coconut Bar (Local Dive) and the Sub Shop next door has a great breakfast starting at 6 am. Bout a mile to the grocery, which is also the closest bus connection to the Stuart bus system.

Watch your approach from the St Lucie "crossroads" up the river to the pocket. Bars and markers move often.

[RKsailsolo]

Thx Cap'n and AnchorageGuy. Your book looks like what I need.