Passage Thru The Florida Keys

[thomaswaier]

Looking to move our Lagoon 380 from Tampa to Jacksonville. Okeechobe Waterway is out because out mast is 57ft. Can we pass through the Keys somewhere rather than going all the way around the bottom?
Thanks,
Tom

[FSMike]

7 Mile bridge and Channel 5 bridge. For that matter you could stay inside (West side of the keys) all the way from Marathon to Biscayne bay if you wanted.

[DotDun]

I prefer 7 Mile Bridge via Big Spanish Channel. The Yacht Channel that goes east to the Channel 5 bridge is awful shallow, you'll be trimming the sea grass, but it is ~20 miles closer.

[Laidback]

Another option would be to take the 49ft mast down - and either send it by road or carry on board - 5ft extending out forward and 6ft out aft ( find out which side to carry it, because of the locks) The Okeechobe waterway a very interesting passage. Here is a good link for general information :- Okeechobee Waterway Boating Information & Directory

[Canibul]

If you guys were coming down from the Sarasota area, passing through the Keys, on the way to the Bahamas, and then continuing south, what would be the best first port of call in the Bahamas to clear? Would we need to sail back Northerly from the Keys and come in up near Bimini, or can we keep heading SE from the Keys?

[DotDun]

I believe you can clear in where ever you first touch foot on land (assuming there is an Immigration Office there). I cleared in at Bimini last time as I was heading to the Abacos. I do know people that check in in Nassau.

BTW, I think the bigger ports will visit your boat whereas the smaller ones (like Bimini) is just a visit to the Immigration Office.

[Canibul]

Well, that's kinda what I was trying to ask...if I am crossing to the Bahamas from the Keys, say, seven mile bridge, do I have to head back north to Bimini? Or can I just keep going in the direction I want to go?

[DotDun]

Bahamas Ports of Entry | The Out Islands of The Bahamas

[FSMike]

Originally Posted by Canibul

..if I am crossing to the Bahamas from the Keys, say, seven mile bridge, do I have to head back north to Bimini? Or can I just keep going in the direction I want to go?

That sort of depends on where you want to go. Many islands in the Bahamas do not have Customs and/or Immigration offices. As for the ones that do, you might find a few things in your way, such as a bunch of reefs or Andros island. Best to look at a chart and decide which way to travel.

[Nirvava]

What would the depths' be at 7 Mile Bridge?

[markpj23]

Originally Posted by Nirvava

What would the depths' be at 7 Mile Bridge?

Depends upon where you are relative to Moser Channel....

We saw 10ft minimum IN the channel. OUT of the channel... not as much

Sounds like you need charts......

[Sunset]

Originally Posted by Canibul

Well, that's kinda what I was trying to ask...if I am crossing to the Bahamas from the Keys, say, seven mile bridge, do I have to head back north to Bimini? Or can I just keep going in the direction I want to go?

I believe what you are asking is whether you can go south of Andros as opposed to the usual Bimini/Nassau/Exumas north of Andros route. I have never done it but have read accounts of cruisers doing this and hopefully they can provide you more info. I know it is shallow and intricate unless you go to the Old Bahamas Channel (north coast of Cuba) and then you are against current and prevailing weather.

[forsailbyowner]

We've done the jax to tampa trip a couple of times. How much time are you allotting?

[Seadaddler]

I went the 5 mile bridge with 58' mast and 5' draft,the bridge is marked on chart at 65' and plenty of water.
I sailed from Biscayne Bay down hawk channel under the 5 mile brige up to Punta Gorda with my 5' draft you should have no problems if you stay in the channels and check the charts.
Nick

[taweclectric]

Hi, I am about to take the same trip, basically. How long did it take from Biscayne Bay to Channel Five? When you turn North from Channel Five bridge, it looks lie believe the tight spot is at a place called "yacht channel". how long ago was your trip? I am concerned that hurricanes may have moved things around???
Thanks,
T