A fool to single hand thru Lake Ocheechobee?

[Quadrille in JB]

The biggest concern we have is our air draft at the Port Myacca railroad bridge. We have done this many times. The published air draft is 48' but it is usually around 51' if the lake isn't too high. You can call the Port Myacca lock master and he will provide you with an up to date clearance or check waterwayguide.com. At 49'6" our vhf antenna clicked under each of the steel beams. You can also look this up online searching for the Okeechobee Waterway cruising guide.
You will have to run back and forth to tend the lines in the lock, but things happen slowly so it shouldn't be a big deal. You will have to wear a life vest in the lock and turn your engine(s) off while locking through.
All of the locks that I have encountered in the Okeechobee Waterway operate by opening one side to let the water in or out. We have never had any trouble with this.
In Europe, going from Marseilles to Amsterdam through 237 locks with out masts removed, all of the locks were filled or drained via underwater ducts. And most of the small locks were built around 1850 with the canal system. There was a lot of great engineering in designing the European canal system.

[Cadence]

I like others found draining the lock by cracking a gate different The locks are not a great lift or fall so it works. If your going up, radio in advance so you are not subject to the draining of the lock.

[Tillerjockey]

Since you've seen fit to buy a boat, your judgement is already in question

[smj]

Originally Posted by sanibel sailor

I went thru singlehanded. No problem. I forget which lock, I think entering Lake O from east, but to fill it, they just opened the doors about 6 inches. A six inch by eight foot firehose. Quite turbulent. Memorable. I was the only one in the lock and well back from the waterfall, but still got yanked about a bit. Haven't seen that technique elsewhere. May have been an equipment issue. Not my preference.

That’s the standard technique for all the locks we have been through.

[Dave22q]

Given the summer bugs and low bridge clearances, I would go south and cross the Keys at Marathon.

[Secondshift]

Haven't done the whole trip but recently went from Stuart to Indiantown Marina to paint our bottom. We're only 33' so single handing was no big deal.

My understanding was that if you require assistance the Army Corp will loan you a deck hand. It's much like coming along a dock or wall be mindful of your speed and prop walk.

One of my boat hooks had the rubber protectors on the end and wouldn't easily pick the line from the wall.

If you're early or late you can tie to a dolphin or motor in place.

The phone numbers for the locks and additional info are available online.

I HAVE HEARD THAT THE TIPPER HAS RETIRED AND NOT BEEN REPLACED.

Be certain you have it figured out before the time comes. It would be one lock short of the crossing coming from Ft Myers and would be...
well upsetting to say the least.


Best Regards

[flyingfin]

Bridge Clearance changes daily based upon Lake O level, check latest data here:

USACE Jacksonville District