Dja go yet ? Dja go yet?
Firstly, congratulations on finding a boat.
We live in Stuart and have sailed much of the questioned area extensively.
Ft Pierce "North Bridge" on the hour ,twenty past, twenty til,
undergoing a test of restricted opening until Feb.
We just came the other way from Lake Worth to Stuart with similar circumstances.
We came through the bridges overnight and saw zero traffic and slept at anchor in Tequesta (Hobe Sound).This spot has the added benefit of being a slow speed zone.
Coming from your direction this anchorage is on the west just past
markers Green 43 flashing 4 seconds and Red 44
We sail the inside from St Lucie to Ft Pierce faster than going outside and the
weather doesn't mean much as your protected by the barrier island. Unless its (the wind} on your nose. It would save you time to go St Lucie to Palm Beach inlet. This would avoid the narrows and all of the bridges but I wouldn't suggest it in an untested boat. Once you're outside your fully committed but on the inside you can always just ..
" Pull over somewhere and ask directions"
We chose to be cautious.
"Good seamanship" is knowing how to stay out of situations where you need "good seamanship".
I would also suggest (Jupiter to Lake Worth) going during the week or at
night. You should also try to get used to handling the boat a bit. Some of the bridges are kinda narrow to be waiting for half an hour with
current and any traffic. Your longer
keel will hinder maneuvering but the
outboard will help if you can steer it.
I have a copy of "The Intracoastal Waterway 6th edition". Very informative.
... and an extra
fishfinder???
Best of Luck,
Ed W
PS Juggernaut omitted the Parker Bridge 25 foot vertical clearance and I have the PGA bridge listed at 24 feet vertical clearance