Destin, FL to Fort Lauderdale

[WetDawg]

Looking to bring a 37 Endeavor down from Destin to Miami this spring. I'm flexible on my time frame, however the big question I'm throwing out to the forum is how much time would I save going the Okeechobee Waterway vs. going down and around the Keys?Assuming of course there is enough water in the lake to get through.

I've done the trip in reverse motoring on a big boat, but clearly this will be different.

[amarinesurveyor]

I would think you would save a considerable amount of time going thru the lake. Water depths are still pretty good I think. Limiting height is 49' at the railroad lift bridge in Port Mayaca.
Brian

[spanky44]

Rumor has it that the 49' at the railroad lift bridge in Port Mayaca has a mystical way of accomodating a slightly higher mast, say 52'. is that correct and if so how is it done. also is there anything on the net that describes it.

Mike

[Hudson Force]

Yes, there is a service for a reasonable fee that will add water to containers suspended at the side of your hull and heel your vessel to the necessary angle while you approach this bridge. I'm told they are very efficient. 'take care and joy, Aythya crew

[spanky44]

does this service have to be scheduled in advance or how do you arrange it...this sounds too good to be true as we are looking forward to making this voyage.

[motion30]

do your home work. I remember reading something about the locks being closed this summer due to maintaince. I am not sure but check it out

[Charlesc]

a call to the corps will get info on the lake and the lock closures. im looking at making the reverse trip from Ft meeyers to Mobile ebay in Feb or March.

this link also might help.

Okeechobee Waterway Boating Information & Directory

Fair winds

[spanky44]

I just made the trip last week and it was as advertised. the tipping took about 30 minutes and we were on our way with another vessel just preceeding us. we have traveled from Jax and will end our jouirney in Palmetto/Bradenton area tomorrow. it was quite a trip.

Happy Holiday and Merry Christmas to all

[Pa La O La]

When I went through six years ago you could go across and didn't have to go around the rim. I heard you can't do that anymore. Is that true? With all the no wake zones the rim around didn't seem too fruitful.

[spanky44]

we originally planned to go to rim route to see more nature but combination of burning of non native veg and low water, we decided to go straight across and we had no problem with water or wakes or ........just not much in the way of animals except the birds after crossing the lake at Clewiston. no no wake zones down the middle.

cheers to all

[Euro Cruiser]

Just don't overlook the locks' maintenance schedule. Check with the Corps of Engineers for that, as we learned this summer that the Lake had sufficient water but one of the locks was shut down for maintenance.

THE place to get the Port Mayaca RR Bridge clearance is from the PM Lock operators. Those guys make a point of knowing that clearance to the inch - literally. Twice we've gone under it with a measured 2" to spare (and with the mast considerably above the 48' published clearance) and were disappointed neither time.

Jack