Tampa Bay to Ft. Myers

[bella]

Originally Posted by dixonwj

Both bridges are 65 feet at hi water. Don't know how tall your buddy's 46 is.

I would go under at Channel 7... the 7 mile bridge. Unless you know channel 5 it can be dicey at times..and the water can be skinny.
Besides Marathon is worth the stop for both food and other things...

[Anomaly]

Originally Posted by Dougfuller

I would not try to come in at New Pass or Big Pass (Otter Key)
Doug

I am in a similar situation to the OP, only I will be starting from Bradenton and the comment above makes me ask those with more local knowledge what would be the best route out of Sarasota Bay for a run down the Gulf to Ft Myers and the start of the canal across to the east coast? My boat is a 33' with a keel/centerboard combination drawing 3'6" with the board up. Thanks.

[s/v 'Faith']

Originally Posted by Anomaly

I am in a similar situation to the OP, only I will be starting from Bradenton and the comment above makes me ask those with more local knowledge what would be the best route out of Sarasota Bay for a run down the Gulf to Ft Myers and the start of the canal across to the east coast? My boat is a 33' with a keel/centerboard combination drawing 3'6" with the board up. Thanks.

I just got back from making the trip from St. Pete across the lake and up to NC. If you are interested you can read the write up here. If you have any specific questions let me know.

[robw_fl]

Just in case anyone else is watching this thread (already responded to Anomoly via PM), Big Pass in Sarasota is fine for now. I carried 7' through there on a +1.0 tide over July 4th weekend. Still had nearly 2' under me at the skinniest. Marks are in place and channel is good. For now....