Quote:
Originally Posted by Dulcesuenos
Any better cutting thru okechobee or are the locks truly a constant issue?
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So long as you'll fit under the
Lift Bridge just east of Port Myaca (49'--which you should) you'll save a whole lotta time/distance by taking the St. Lucie Canal/Lake/Caloosahatchee River
route. The locks really aren't much of a problem as long as you've got a crew to help and some fat fenders and a good
fender board. It is a long trip, however, and can get pretty boring after awhile although lift/swing bridges and swift currents at a few spots can add some excitement. We went from Stuart to the Indian Town Marina in one day. From Indian Town to Moore Haven the second; and, from Moore Haven to Ft. Myers on the third. The River from Ft. Myers to the east side of the "Miserable Mile" can be something of a challange as the shoals migrate around and one must remember that the marks follow inland rules until one reaches Pine Island Sound.
From St. Augustine to St. Lucie Inlet is about 180 miles but you could stop mid-way at Cape Canaveral easily enough. The St. Lucie inlet can be a bit of a pip but if you take it at low-water slack with an on-shore
wind it is doable (here I prefer low
water as there is no doubt where the shallows are). The marks at St. Lucie are not charted as the channel moves around too much and the marks are adjusted accordingly. Good binoculars and a watch-mate are very helpful.
FWIW...