Gotta get her home

[jaxmariner]

I'm looking for some info on renting a trailer to transport my Catalina 27 from St Pete, FL to Jacksonville, FL. Any recomendations?

[Tom Stormcrowe]

Unless she's broken, I'd sail her! Much more fun that way.

[Tom Stormcrowe]

Are the locks open to Okeechobee and then to the Indian River?

[Cruiser2B]

Originally Posted by Tom Stormcrowe

Unless she's broken, I'd sail her! Much more fun that way.

I agree! Good Luck and have fun

[Adelie]

Okeechobee Waterway - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Okeechobee Waterway Boating Information & Directory
Okeechobee Waterway Navigation, Cruising, Water Depths, Bridge, and Lock Information

Going via ICW and the OW would be about 500mi.

Currently the maximum recommended draft is 6' on route1 and 4.2' on route2 based on a lake level of 12.12' (Roland Martin Marina | Lake Okeechobee Current Water Levels). Assuming a standard draft of 4' you could take either route, but route1 is deeper and shorter.

Also based on the lake level the locks are operating every 2hr (http://www.offshoreblue.com/assets/r...strictions.pdf).

If you take route 2 on the lake you will need to be able to monitor ch 13&16, simultaneously (?) when passing thru the construction zone. (http://www.offshoreblue.com/assets/r...ike-route2.pdf)

[sv Winterlude]

We had lots of sailing dinghy experience but no cruising experience when we bought our 37' Passport in Annapolis and wanted her in Punta Gorda -- SW Florida. I was looking into trucking costs. My partner (now husband) said "It's a SAILBOAT dammit, we're SAILING it." We have too tall a mast for Okeechobee and had to sail around the Keys -- oh darn. Sail the boat, you'll have memories for a lifetime.

[jaxmariner]

I agree with all of the above. My original intention was to sail
her home via the OWW. My first attempt was thwarted due to a malfunctioning engine. After working out the problems with the motor I intended on giving it another go only to find out that the Moore-Haven lock was closed for two months for manatee sensor installation.
At this point I simply do not have 8-10 days to devote to sailing her home and was hoping to find ground transport and get it done in a day or two. I've become a bit frustrated with having to drive 4 1/2 hours (one way!) to work on her and just want to get her home so that I may enjoy her much more often and devote more time to fixing her up.
Another option might be to sail her 1/2 way home in one trip and then finish the trip at a later date when I can find the time.
Anyone recommend any affordable marinas on the east side of the lake? (or a trailer rental or affordable land transport company in Florida)?

[Tom Stormcrowe]

Indian River Marina is pretty inexpensive, right off the lake, and Okeechobee, FL has a marina as well, on the lake.

[Tom Stormcrowe]

By the way, if I were in Fla, I'd volunteer to crew her for ya so it could be done in a leg. We'd do the 24 hour watch system and bring her home splashing brine all the way.

[Tom Stormcrowe]

Quick Google search led me to:

Boat Trailers 4 Rent Inc. Coconut Creek Florida

I don't know their rates, though.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Tom Stormcrowe

Quick Google search led me to:

Boat Trailers 4 Rent Inc. Coconut Creek Florida

I don't know their rates, though.

This looks like the deal. Found rates on their web site.


2011 TRIPLE AXLE ALUMINUM TRAILER -
26 to 32 FOOT BOAT LENGTH -
Weight Capacity 9,500 pounds

- All aluminum trailers with hydraulic Brakes,
- Torsion axles for a less bouncy trailer ride
- LED lighting, cedar bunks with front bunk system.
- Spare tire

$99 Per Day Monday - Sunday
$599 FOR SEVEN DAYS
$999 FOR FOURTEEN DAYS

[Tom Stormcrowe]

Dang, looks like I need to buy a fleet of trailers!

[jaxmariner]

Wow guys! Thanks for the responses and research. I started to do a google search myself but got frustrated with the spotty (at best) satelite internet I was using. (I'm working on a tug boat down in Mexico right now). I will definitely look them up when I get back state side.
Cheers!