I C W, New Orleans to Houston

[LEOCAT66]

Information needed from those who have been there done that. We are trying to plan a trip for the very near future to Houston, via the ditch, with our dog, and are interested in places to stop in route. Marinas, anchorages, and fuel stops are of primary interest, as are problem areas and special information. We will be able to provision with food and water before starting out, as we have 150 gallons, in two separate tanks. We are trying to make the return trip prior to the start of hurricane season. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.


OUR DRAFT IS 5'1", AND THE AIR DRAFT IS 52 FEET.

[Sailmonkey]

Here’s a problem


https://www.waterwayguide.com/bridge...r-sr-27-bridge

It’s takes 4 hours notice to open.

Other than that there are stops (we only anchored) roughly every 30 miles.

[smj]

Your draft and mast height shouldn’t be a problem except for the Ellender bridge that Sailmonkey pointed out, and with the now popular cellphone that problem has been greatly negated.
The Louisiana ICW is a trip that needs the evenings anchorage or marina thought out beforehand. This is not a place where anchoring to the side of the ditch at dusk is a good idea.
Refer to the waterway guide as well as Skipper Bobs and maybe Active Captain.
It’s been quite a few years since we’ve done that trip but from New Orleans after going through both sets of locks we would probably anchor behind the little island at Lafitte. The second day we would probably pull into the Houma city docks between the twin bridges. Third day would be Morgan City docks past the railroad bridge. Fourth day Intercoastal City to refuel and tie up at their docks. Fifth day anchored up the Mermantau River. Sixth day anchored behind Shell Island which is just short of Port Arthur and then the seventh day into the Houston area.
As I said, we’ve done this trip 8 times but it’s been quite awhile

[LEOCAT66]

Thanks for the prompt reply’s. A bit spooky concerning anchorages off to the side, and trying to attend to the pups needs in the area with the critters.

Will certainly secure a new Waterway Guide. Have a very old one. Probably extremely isolated and not too cruiser friendly, but folks around here tell me the trip is beautiful in a few areas.

Again, THANKS. !!!

[rbrentp]

Last made the trip Dec 0f 18. At the time the lock was closed 8 AM to 5:30 PM. We came from Houston. We contacted the nice folks there and they let us through first to get the sailboat through. The issue we had was there is no place to stop going east for about 75 miles. From your direction, if the construction daytime schedule is still in effect, you would want to arrive late afternoon. Just through the lock there are a couple places to dock wear the water turns north. Two of them within a hundred yards of the ICW, one has fuel. Just call the keeper and get status, really nice folks.

[Phantom Jim]

New Orleans to Houston/Galveston Bay is an interesting trip. You have selected some good overnight areas. You may wish to look at North Pier Marina in Del Cambre up Bayou Anse/Bayou Carlin. It was a very friendly place in the past and there is fuel nearby. Fuel is also available at Shell Morgan at Intracoastal City.

Shell Island anchorage east of Port Arthur is a good anchorage but it is about 80 miles to Galveston Bay, Taylor's Bayou Outfall Canal at mile 292 is a good anchorage and only 50 miles to Galveston Bay. Laguna Harbor at mile 348 seems to still welcome travelling boats.

If you are just out to see scenery, side trips to Avery Island/McIlhenny Tabasco Sauce, Lake Arthur and Lake Charles are interesting side trips.

Enjoy

[boat driver]

Originally Posted by Phantom Jim

New Orleans to Houston/Galveston Bay is an interesting trip. You have selected some good overnight areas. You may wish to look at North Pier Marina in Del Cambre up Bayou Anse/Bayou Carlin. It was a very friendly place in the past and there is fuel nearby. Fuel is also available at Shell Morgan at Intracoastal City.

Shell Island anchorage east of Port Arthur is a good anchorage but it is about 80 miles to Galveston Bay, Taylor's Bayou Outfall Canal at mile 292 is a good anchorage and only 50 miles to Galveston Bay. Laguna Harbor at mile 348 seems to still welcome travelling boats.

If you are just out to see scenery, side trips to Avery Island/McIlhenny Tabasco Sauce, Lake Arthur and Lake Charles are interesting side trips.

Enjoy

Avery Island is very cool and the Gardens are a great place to anchor. Follow the channel inbound where the salt barges are docked- it says no entrance but the other outside passage is shoaled in. 6-7 feet pf water all the way.
NO swimming for the pups- gators everywhere.

Just be mindful the tugs are running 24 hours a day. backing into ditches to anchor works but use two anchors bow and stern so not sucked into channel by a passing barge. April May beautiful. June comes the BUGS. and they bite.