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15-12-2017, 13:08
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Naples, FL
Boat: Gemini 105M 34
Posts: 318
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Okeechobee Route... 46' Height
If all goes well a new to me Gemini 105M is in the works. It is presently located in Daytona Beach and I am looking at going through the Okeechobee as opposed to around the horn to Naples. I would really appreciate any suggestions or advice, I been looking through active captain getting information, but as this is going to be the 1st trip with this boat any information and tips are greatly appreciated.
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Navigare necesse est, vivere non est necesse
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15-12-2017, 13:36
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 374
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Re: Okeechobee Route... 46' Height
You would be just fine. 48’ is the max air draft allowed at the train bridge. Once in the lake go straight across to clewiston and stay the night at Roland Martin marina. Then go to fort Myers, anchor out. Next day you are in Naples.
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17-12-2017, 06:25
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Cape Haze,FL
Boat: Carver,Cobia,Nacra, Columbia
Posts: 815
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Re: Okeechobee Route... 46' Height
Clearance changes with Lake O level, check latest data here:
USACE Jacksonville District
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17-12-2017, 06:57
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#4
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Marine Service Provider
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Working in St Augustine
Boat: Woods Vardo 34 Cat
Posts: 3,865
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Re: Okeechobee Route... 46' Height
Check the current level, but 46’ should make it fine anytime over the winter.
If you have the time, the longer route is much better sailing in clearer water.
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@mojomarine1
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17-12-2017, 08:23
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: SW Florida
Boat: Hunter 30
Posts: 150
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Re: Okeechobee Route... 46' Height
Did it with 47 plus antenna.
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17-12-2017, 08:50
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 13
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Re: Okeechobee Route... 46' Height
In addition to knowing the clearances which are published and don’t change, what does change is the depth of the lake. The lake is pretty shallow and can be as low as 4-5’ in some spots. The depths vary seasonally and are largely dependent on rainfall. The Corps of Engineers publishes current depths. Check their website
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17-12-2017, 09:30
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Ortona, FL
Boat: Pacific Seacraft 34
Posts: 66
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Re: Okeechobee Route... 46' Height
Have done that route in my Gemini. No issues. Indian Town and LaBelle are good stops. Labelle is free and quick walk to town.
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17-12-2017, 10:24
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Naples, FL
Boat: Gemini 105M 34
Posts: 318
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Re: Okeechobee Route... 46' Height
The information you are giving me is very useful, along with active captain. Could I typically plan on about a 3 day trip from one end to the other?
__________________
Navigare necesse est, vivere non est necesse
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17-12-2017, 10:32
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: SC
Boat: None,build the one shown of glass, had many from 6' to 48'.
Posts: 10,208
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Re: Okeechobee Route... 46' Height
Quote:
Originally Posted by captainstubbie
The information you are giving me is very useful, along with active captain. Could I typically plan on about a 3 day trip from one end to the other?
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Three days is a comfortable trip through the ditch.
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17-12-2017, 10:46
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Naples, FL
Boat: Gemini 105M 34
Posts: 318
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Re: Okeechobee Route... 46' Height
I think the biggest challenge is just arriving at the locks and the bridges at the correct times
__________________
Navigare necesse est, vivere non est necesse
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17-12-2017, 11:05
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: SC
Boat: None,build the one shown of glass, had many from 6' to 48'.
Posts: 10,208
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Re: Okeechobee Route... 46' Height
Quote:
Originally Posted by captainstubbie
I think the biggest challenge is just arriving at the locks and the bridges at the correct times
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I found that the lock and bridge tenders are more than accommodating and nice.
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17-12-2017, 16:44
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 347
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Re: Okeechobee Route... 46' Height
Make sure you got good mosquito control whether it be screens for the windows or closed up at night with AC. My understanding is the bugs are pretty hungry. In my humble opinion I think going around long ways much nicer ride if you have the time but I haven't been through the ditch so I really can't say for sure from personal experience just from what others have said. But the Gemini can motor through 3 ft depth with no problems.
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17-12-2017, 18:43
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Naples, FL
Boat: Gemini 105M 34
Posts: 318
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Re: Okeechobee Route... 46' Height
Bug spray...screens...Thx
I would much rather go around but the admiral is too nervous to do that on our 1st trip...
__________________
Navigare necesse est, vivere non est necesse
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17-12-2017, 18:47
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Saint Lucie county FLa
Boat: 35' Pearson sloop
Posts: 389
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Re: Okeechobee Route... 46' Height
I’ve done both and reccomend going around. The ditch is boring and buggy and some barges use it and don’t mind staying in the center, making you hug the wall. But both ways are an experience!
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18-12-2017, 07:32
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#15
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Tampa Bay area, USA
Boat: Beneteau First 42
Posts: 3,961
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Re: Okeechobee Route... 46' Height
When we relocated from the east to the west coast of Florida, I made that trip in our (then) Cal 2-29. We stayed the first night in Indiantown, the second in La Belle and the last night in Ft. Myers Muni. All were relatively inexpensive but one did need screens and lots of insect repellent. (These days I'd suggest a couple of Thermacell Insect Repellers, one each for the cabin and the cockpit.) Other than sailing across the Lake, it was a motoring trip and the ditch got crushingly boring after awhile. Patience is the watchword. The run down to Naples from Sanibel isn't bad although the River from Ft. Myers to Punta Rasa can really be a pip with all the traffic. Also, brush up on your Inland Rules for marks or you'll end up aground at least once!
FWIW...
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"It is not so much for its beauty that the Sea makes a claim upon men's hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air, that emanation from the waves, that so wonderfully renews a weary spirit."
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