Ft. Myers to Ft. Lauderdale

[hogfighter]

Greetings fellow boat people;

I am planning on a trip next week from Ft. Myers to Ft. Lauderdale, heading down past Naples, then across (north of the keys) and under the new Key Largo Bridge. I draw 5' and mast height of 62'. Any words of wisdom on things to watch out for? Any particular trouble spots? Thanks to all!!

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by hogfighter

Greetings fellow boat people;

I am planning on a trip next week from Ft. Myers to Ft. Lauderdale, heading down past Naples, then across (north of the keys) and under the new Key Largo Bridge. I draw 5' and mast height of 62'. Any words of wisdom on things to watch out for? Any particular trouble spots? Thanks to all!!

It's pretty shallow across Florida Bay via East Cape - Oxfoot - Schooner - Sprigger, you can make it but you'll be churning up sea grass with your prop. IMO, the best route is to head for Marathon and either motor the inside channel from there, our cross under 7 Mile Bridge and use Hawk Channel. Either way, you want to cross Florida Bay during the day light, it's a mine field of crab pots right now.

Round the outside of the Romano Shoals light south of Marco Island, head straight for #17 at the Bullard Bank then either go under 7 Mile Bridge or hit the inside channel.

BTW, Boot Key Harbor is very cruiser friendly (if you can get a mooring ball).

Sail safe!

[marc2012]

If i recall 56 ft bridge in Miami (julia tuttle)..If staying in icw there are VERY many bridge.marc

[hogfighter]

Thanks, Dot Dun! The inside channel looks doable, but it seems like it would be much more relaxing heading out the 7 mile bridge and up Hawk Channel. Once I'm back up north of Key Largo, I'll be in familiar waters again. I very much appreciate the "gouge"....

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by marc2012

If i recall 56 ft bridge in Miami (julia tuttle)..If staying in icw there are VERY many bridge.marc

Indeed.
The fixed Julia Tuttle Causeway (36 Th St.) Bridge sets the height limit for the ICW between Fort Lauderdale and Miami at 56 feet, crossing the ICW at Statute Mile 1087, south of unlighted daybeacon #39.
You'll have to go outside between Ft Lauderdale and Miami.

[Bergovoy]

if you can wait till the first week of March, I would be glad to join ya?

[Red lady]

We are setting off from Fort Myers , slow trawler speed in the next week or so, weather permitting if anyone needs a buddy boat..

[Bergovoy]

have fun, wish i was prepared to go out... but, Im sure I will be following your trail someday..

[hogfighter]

Just completed the trip...thanks to all for the advice. Lots of crab pots to look out for! Some shallow places approaching the 7 mile bridge from the north to be aware of.

[Alecadi]

How long did it took you from Marathon to Miami? did you anchor on the way (and where?) or did you make it on one passage? thank you

[hogfighter]

We averaged about 6.5 knots, and Marathon to Miami is a little far for one day. I'd recommend stopping near Key Largo...there's a nice little marina called the Pilot House Marina with a great outdoor restaurant/bar. The canal is a little tight, but if you draw less than 5 feet, you'll be okay. Call the dockmaster and he'll give you the local knowledge on how to get in. You can also head through the Angelfish Creek cut (or Broad Creek cut) and anchor just inside, if you want to spend the night on the hook. Have a great trip!

[DotDun]

I've had luck anchoring in the lee of Rodriguez Key.