Lake Okeechobee

[Charlesc]

CAn some one recommend a marina or place to anchor up on each end of lake Okeechobee in Febuary or march?

I am looking at bringing a boat from Daytona , across the lake and across gulf to Mobile,AL.

[Euro Cruiser]

First, be sure to check with the Corps of Engineers to verify the lake's depth in the cross-lake channel (if you have a sailboat) and that all the locks are working. (Here's a good start...but you want data that's current when you are ready to depart: http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/reports/r-oke.txt )

There are some pilings across from the Port Mayaca lock (just on the E side of the lock) which are intended for short-term use - sometimes a barge but sometimes a cruising boat. Seems to me I've also seen boats anchor just off the waterway N of Clewiston, where the channel bends to the W and there is a side channel on the lake side. Perhaps others here can offer some more specific suggestions.

Jack

[svHyLyte]

When we brought our boat across from Ft. Lauderdale to Tampa, we spent a night at the Indiantown Marina and then left early in the morning for the Lake Crossing. There is a nice marina at Clewiston, as one comes off the Lake on the west side but as we had made good time in the crossing, we continued on to Moorhaven where we were able to side-tie to the City docks just past the Highway 27 bridge, west of the Locks. There is a swing bridge just west of the Lock where the current runs very swiftly (east to west) so be sure to maintain your distance until the bridge is open. The crossing is interesting but can be tedious after awhile.

FWIW...

[r.furborough]

Indiantown Marina, Indiantown, Florida, Martin County, St. Lucie Waterway, Lake Okeechobee, Hurricane Hideaway, Boating

[robw_fl]

Moving East to West, as you will be:

1) Stuart - Manatee Pocket has a number of marinas (a little pricey) and anchorage.

2) Get up and around the big corner just into the river area, by the roosevelt bridge, there is Harborage marina. I stay there rather than manatee pocket anymore. Good Ruben sandwich at the bar, too

3) Heading into the waterway, not a heck of a lot for cruisers until Indiantown just a few miles from the E. end of the lake and Port Mayaca lock. Call ahead for reservations, not a ton of transient room. You can also anchor just outside the entrance if they are full.

4) After crossing the lake, the city docks at moorehaven as mentioned are an option and the closest place on the w. end of the lake. (I've never stayed in Clewiston, so not familiar with that)

5) Couple little places along the way from there headed W., but once on that side you should be good through say Ft. Myers City Marina in downtown Ft. Myers. Good stopover/marina/fuel/food etc.

Hope that helps.

Have a good ride,

Rob

[HimHerBoySissy]

Hi there: Just stumbled across this chat and it has planted a couple of seeds. Are you able to travel via canals from the atlantic through to the lake and then via canals to the gulf? We would be doingn it on alagoon 440. Is this an option or is there not enough draft? Also is this an option for huricane season?

Cheers

[FSMike]

There is usually enough water draft, but not enough air draft. You would have to unstep your mast to get under the railroad bridge on the East side of the lake. I can't remember exactly but I think it's around 40'.

A lot of folk haul their boats at Indiantown for the hurricane season.

[hellosailor]

A fast google on "okeechobee canal" brings up a great site,
Okeechobee Waterway Boating Information & Directory
which also lists every marina and bridge along the way along with their contact numbers.

[Therapy]

I don't know when one might want to go but it will be closed (Moore Haven Lock) from June 11 ~ August 6.

http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisi...ockClosure.pdf