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Old 26-05-2017, 11:23   #1
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Sailing Keys to Fort Myers

We just bought a sail boat in Marathon FL and need to sail to Fort Myers. We will have charts, new Garmin GPS, so will be ok...heard it was tricky because of depth. Our draft is 4'8". Love to hear from anyone who may have tips...I know stay in the channel
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Old 26-05-2017, 11:42   #2
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Re: Sailing Keys to Fort Myers

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Originally Posted by trisht View Post
We just bought a sail boat in Marathon FL and need to sail to Fort Myers. We will have charts, new Garmin GPS, so will be ok...heard it was tricky because of depth. Our draft is 4'8". Love to hear from anyone who may have tips...I know stay in the channel
===

You'll be OK if you watch the charts. We draw 5 1/2 and have never had a problem. In settled weather you can anchor off of Cape Sable first night, in Big Marco pass second night. Coming north from Moser Channel leave Red Bay Bank to stbd and Bullard Bank to port.

Everglades City also makes an interesting stop if it is too windy to anchor off Cape Sable.
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Old 26-05-2017, 11:54   #3
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Re: Sailing Keys to Fort Myers

Thank you, Wayne! Will follow advice.
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Old 26-05-2017, 12:05   #4
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Re: Sailing Keys to Fort Myers

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Originally Posted by trisht View Post
We just bought a sail boat in Marathon FL and need to sail to Fort Myers. We will have charts, new Garmin GPS, so will be ok...heard it was tricky because of depth. Our draft is 4'8". Love to hear from anyone who may have tips...I know stay in the channel
I presume you're going to go under the 7-Mile bridge then across Florida Bay, rather than around Key West? I sailed that in the opposite direction a few months ago, with a 5'9" draft, no problems with depth. Watch out for crab pots though, they can be thick and you will need to keep a sharp eye out. Better to leave early so that you can get through the worst of the pots in full daylight. A line cutter on your prop shaft could alo come in handy.

-David
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Old 27-05-2017, 08:26   #5
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Re: Sailing Keys to Fort Myers

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I presume you're going to go under the 7-Mile bridge then across Florida Bay, rather than around Key West? I sailed that in the opposite direction a few months ago, with a 5'9" draft, no problems with depth. Watch out for crab pots though, they can be thick and you will need to keep a sharp eye out. Better to leave early so that you can get through the worst of the pots in full daylight. A line cutter on your prop shaft could alo come in handy.

-David
Amen on the traps.
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Old 27-05-2017, 08:30   #6
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Re: Sailing Keys to Fort Myers

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Amen on the traps.
Traps *should be* gone. Season ended May 15th.
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Old 27-05-2017, 08:36   #7
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Re: Sailing Keys to Fort Myers

You should be ok. Marco is a good overnight. Stay off sanibel light , shoals, favor ft. meyers side. some trap lines are very long, favor windward side of trap lines , a boat hook or gaff and a sharp knife helps if you snag. If going up cal. river, intercoastal markers change favor starboard side of channel, try to avoid on the weekends, barnum and bailey s circus has closed so look out for extra clowns. good luck🤡😧
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Old 27-05-2017, 08:45   #8
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Re: Sailing Keys to Fort Myers

Don't stop @ Shark River overnight! The mosquitos are overwhelming. You could hear them through the screen on our hatch. The next morning my hubby discarded about 50 dead ones from the one screen!
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Old 27-05-2017, 08:50   #9
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Re: Sailing Keys to Fort Myers

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Don't stop @ Shark River overnight! The mosquitos are overwhelming. You could hear them through the screen on our hatch. The next morning my hubby discarded about 50 dead ones from the one screen!
===

That's true but it's a great stop during January and February. We have frequently anchored off Cape Sable during mosquito season.
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Old 27-05-2017, 11:33   #10
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Re: Sailing Keys to Fort Myers

I made the same trip coming to and from the Bahamas with a 5 ft draft. Stayed at Cape Sable and factory bay in Marco. The traps should be pulled as of 5/15 as the season is over. I would still be careful as there can be abandoned traps or those that don't care.
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Old 27-05-2017, 13:19   #11
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Re: Sailing Keys to Fort Myers

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I made the same trip coming to and from the Bahamas with a 5 ft draft. Stayed at Cape Sable and factory bay in Marco. The traps should be pulled as of 5/15 as the season is over. I would still be careful as there can be abandoned traps or those that don't care.
Ghost traps. Unfortunately they just keep catching. I'm sure the lobster men don't want to lose them.
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Old 27-05-2017, 18:06   #12
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Re: Sailing Keys to Fort Myers

We've anchored in Little Shark; make SURE to be out in the wind! And agree, watch out for the pots; with your draft have a great trip. Stop in Marco Island (Smokehouse Bay) if time permits; neat anchorage
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Old 28-05-2017, 13:46   #13
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Re: Sailing Keys to Fort Myers

Thank you so much all of you for your helpful responses!

Trish
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Old 28-05-2017, 13:55   #14
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Re: Sailing Keys to Fort Myers

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Thank you so much all of you for your helpful responses!



Trish


Have a safe, and fun, trip [emoji3]
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