Clearwater to Egmont on the Inside ?

[Dulcesuenos]

I have always gone outside before, inside looks do able just a few bridges. Any tips or advice for those of you that gone this route before? We draw just under 3ft.

[fgd3]

Originally Posted by Dulcesuenos

I have always gone outside before, inside looks do able just a few bridges. Any tips or advice for those of you that gone this route before? We draw just under 3ft.

1. Make a list of the bridges.
2. Look in the Coast Pilot for their schedules.
3. Enter GPS waypoints for the bridges so you'll know your ETA.
4. Call the bridges on VHF channel 9 as you approach them. Advise which direction you are moving (southbound) and advise them you want to pass through at their next opening. It takes most bridged about two minutes to stop traffic and open, so if the next opening is 20 minutes past the hour slow down so you'll reach the bridge at 22 minutes past.
5. Follow the channel markers.

Fabbian

[Hudson Force]

I've cruised this route a few times without consequence with my 4'3" draft. We always elected to take the route just west of the Skyway bridge approach also without a problem. I like the anchoring choice off Gulfport and the town ashore along with it's easy bus routes to St Petersburg shopping and provisioning.

[AnchorageGuy]

We've traveled that area a few times with our 6 foot draft and no issues. Chuck