Miami to Tampa

[Dreaming Yachtsman]

We expect to leave Key West within the week headed northeastward toward Key Largo and possibly Miami for the boat show in mid Feb. We also want to get to Tampa to pick up some friends in Feb.

Because we have virtually no experience cruising Florida, I pose this question to the forum: What route should we take on our sailing catamaran with a 63' mast to get from Biscayne Bay or Key Largo to Tampa?

Specific questions to support the above general question:
1. Are the bridges on Card Sound Rd (FL 805A) and Overseas/S. Dixie Highway (U.S. 1/A1A/Fl 5) high enough to get our boat under?
2. If not, can we get through Moser Channel under the Seven Mile Bridge west of Marathon?
3. Is the channel north west of Key Largo through Florida Bay well marked and easy to follow?

Any and all help will be appreciated

[GordMay]

Moser offers 65 Ft clearance.
See ➥ Florida Keys Bridges

[rognvald]

Do you have charts for the area? They will tell you the bridge clearances.

[Dreaming Yachtsman]

Originally Posted by rognvald

Do you have charts for the area? They will tell you the bridge clearances.

Charts are on the boat in Key West but I am posting from Washington/Oregon while visiting sons. Wife just proposed this two days ago so I have not had the opportunity to consult real charts - Google Earth doesn't provide enough info.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Dreaming Yachtsman

Charts are on the boat in Key West but I am posting from Washington/Oregon while visiting sons. Wife just proposed this two days ago so I have not had the opportunity to consult real charts - Google Earth doesn't provide enough info.

If you want you can view NOAA charts online at NOAA's On-Line Chart Viewer or at https://activecaptain.com/

[pete33458]

Originally Posted by Dreaming Yachtsman

Specific questions to support the above general question:
1. Are the bridges on Card Sound Rd (FL 805A) and Overseas/S. Dixie Highway (U.S. 1/A1A/Fl 5) high enough to get our boat under?
2. If not, can we get through Moser Channel under the Seven Mile Bridge west of Marathon?
3. Is the channel north west of Key Largo through Florida Bay well marked and easy to follow?

John:

1. yes, I believe all of them on the magenta line are 65' at MHW, but double check;
2. I have never been through there, the route I usually take from the outside to the inside is Channel 5 (E of Long Key), which is also 65';
3. yes, BUT, there are some interesting areas of narrow channels with long runs between markers, be careful, I would suggest you do the areas E of Yacht Channel (Channel 5) in daylight, after that you have it pretty easy navigationally.

Pete

[SailFastTri]

Originally Posted by Dreaming Yachtsman

Charts are on the boat in Key West but I am posting from Washington/Oregon while visiting sons. Wife just proposed this two days ago so I have not had the opportunity to consult real charts - Google Earth doesn't provide enough info.

If you have web access you have charts; see WebApp | Navionics

[FSMike]

Originally Posted by Dreaming Yachtsman

We expect to leave Key West within the week headed northeastward toward ---- possibly Miami for the boat show in mid Feb. We also want to get to Tampa to pick up some friends in Feb.

Tampa and Miami in 2 weeks? Y'all are gonna be busy.

[fjwiley1]

You have received some good advice. NOAA, Active Captain, Navionics are all good resources. I'm like Mike, it's gonna be a quick 2 week trip unless you are on a Gunboat Cat.......


Life is good if you Keepa Smilin.........




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[Sailingcouple13]

The route we take leaving Miami to tampa, south in biscayne bay and exit to Hawk Channel via angel fish creek north side of Ocean Reef . Plenty of depth wide and well marked. South to channel 5, have anchored on both sides of the bridge depending on wind direction. As mentioned earlier advise day time passage through yacht channel, once through the cut wide open to Marco Island. If depth allows stay in marine sanctuary to avoid crab pots. Sanctuary markers are pilings many unlit. I would not recommend any night work till clear of shark river area. Good anchorages just outside or inside shark river. Clear the sand banks south of marco island and you are back in civilization. (Damn)



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[Sailingcouple13]

PS....make it easier Spirit Air from tampa to Miami or Ft Lauderdale about $50.00.

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[DotDun]

Originally Posted by Dreaming Yachtsman

We expect to leave Key West within the week headed northeastward toward Key Largo and possibly Miami for the boat show in mid Feb. We also want to get to Tampa to pick up some friends in Feb.

Because we have virtually no experience cruising Florida, I pose this question to the forum: What route should we take on our sailing catamaran with a 63' mast to get from Biscayne Bay or Key Largo to Tampa?

Specific questions to support the above general question:
1. Are the bridges on Card Sound Rd (FL 805A) and Overseas/S. Dixie Highway (U.S. 1/A1A/Fl 5) high enough to get our boat under?
2. If not, can we get through Moser Channel under the Seven Mile Bridge west of Marathon?
3. Is the channel north west of Key Largo through Florida Bay well marked and easy to follow?

Any and all help will be appreciated

You posed 2 different itineraries.

Assuming mostly daylight sailing and anchored at night.

Key West to Tampa:

KW to Marco Island 13-14 hours @ 6.5kts (leave 4am arrive 6pm)
Marco Island to Pelican Bay (Cayo Costa) 10 hours
Pelican Bay to Sarasota 8 hours (shallow entrance or motor ICW)
Sarasota to Tampa

Biscayne Bay to Tampa:

If your mast is 63', you're good on the (4) 65' bridges in the Keys. The problem with the inside route is it's motoring until Bamboo Bank (and shallow). IMO:

Biscayne Bay thru Card Sound and Angelfish Creek to Hawk Channel to Channel 5 bridge anchor behind Fiesta Key
Motor the ~12-15nm to Bamboo Bank, then sail to Little Shark River
Little Shark to Marco Island
then as above to Tampa

(PM me for a place to tie up at Marco Island)