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Hwphysman · 19-05-2013, 05:04

Has anyone traversed the waterway recently? My boat has a mast height of 45' and a draft of 6'. I want to be sure I can get through before heading across. About how long does it take to get from Stuart to Fort Myers? Any thoughts on the trip would be appreciated.

**capngeo** · 19-05-2013, 05:46

You're good with the mast height.... Check with the Corps of Engineers just prior to your trip to make sure all the locks are in operation and the lake is deep enough (both change seemingly overnight)

Tingum · 19-05-2013, 05:51

I was just through 2 weeks ago, No problems, plenty of water, lots of spots to tuck in until you get to Alva, then it starts to get more civilized. Two day trip in an 8 knot boat. Locks are open 7 to 7.

AnchorageGuy · 19-05-2013, 06:08

Here are the current Lake levels...

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District
Lake Okeechobee and Navigation Depth Report
Data Ending 2400 hours 18 MAY 2013

Today's Lake Okeechobee Stage = 13.38 (Feet-NGVD29)
Today's Route 1 Navigational Depth ≈ 7.32 Feet
Today's Route 2 Navigational Depth ≈ 5.52 Feet
Bridge Clearance = 50.83 Feet S-308
Tailwater Elevation = 12.67 (Feet-NGVD29) Report Generated 19MAY2013 @ 08:45 ** Preliminary Data - Subject to Revision **
We did a few posts on our transit and it might answer some of your questions,

The Trawler Beach House: Titusville To The Big Lake Okeechobee
The Trawler Beach House: It Always Ends All Too Soon
The Trawler Beach House: The Okeechobee Waterway

Hope this helps. Chuck

kmaz · 19-05-2013, 06:13

Just went through two weeks ago as well. No depth issues anywhere except markers 37/38 on the St. Lucie. A lovely trip and I was able to sail the majority of the lake. Port Myacca RR bridge is your low point at 49 feet.

Kettlewell · 19-05-2013, 06:21

I believe the Corps is once again enforcing a 24-hour anchoring limit in any one location. Free docks to tie up to in LaBelle are handy to a grocery store, a library, and some small restaurants. Lots of migrant workers in the area, so try the Mexican food.

Hwphysman · 19-05-2013, 06:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waterwayguy

Here are the current Lake levels...

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District
Lake Okeechobee and Navigation Depth Report
Data Ending 2400 hours 18 MAY 2013

Today's Lake Okeechobee Stage = 13.38 (Feet-NGVD29)
Today's Route 1 Navigational Depth ≈ 7.32 Feet
Today's Route 2 Navigational Depth ≈ 5.52 Feet
Bridge Clearance = 50.83 Feet S-308
Tailwater Elevation = 12.67 (Feet-NGVD29) Report Generated 19MAY2013 @ 08:45 ** Preliminary Data - Subject to Revision **
We did a few posts on our transit and it might answer some of your questions,

The Trawler Beach House: Titusville To The Big Lake Okeechobee
The Trawler Beach House: It Always Ends All Too Soon
The Trawler Beach House: The Okeechobee Waterway

Hope this helps. Chuck

I am a bit unclear on the difference in Route 1 vs Route 2. Route 2 is to shallow for me today at least.

kmaz · 19-05-2013, 06:28

Route 2 is the rim route around the lake. You want to take route 1 directly across. Much faster and significantly more depth.

Hwphysman · 19-05-2013, 06:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waterwayguy

Here are the current Lake levels...

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District
Lake Okeechobee and Navigation Depth Report
Data Ending 2400 hours 18 MAY 2013

Today's Lake Okeechobee Stage = 13.38 (Feet-NGVD29)
Today's Route 1 Navigational Depth ≈ 7.32 Feet
Today's Route 2 Navigational Depth ≈ 5.52 Feet
Bridge Clearance = 50.83 Feet S-308
Tailwater Elevation = 12.67 (Feet-NGVD29) Report Generated 19MAY2013 @ 08:45 ** Preliminary Data - Subject to Revision **
We did a few posts on our transit and it might answer some of your questions,

The Trawler Beach House: Titusville To The Big Lake Okeechobee
The Trawler Beach House: It Always Ends All Too Soon
The Trawler Beach House: The Okeechobee Waterway

Hope this helps. Chuck

I am a bit unclear on the difference between Route 1 and Route 2. Route 2 is to shallow for me at least today.

Rakuflames · 19-05-2013, 07:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hwphysman

I am a bit unclear on the difference between Route 1 and Route 2. Route 2 is to shallow for me at least today.

Route 2 hugs the coast of the lake more, but it's just not as deep as the center passage. I would like to do the shore route but probably won't.

Group9 · 19-05-2013, 07:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmaz

Route 2 is the rim route around the lake. You want to take route 1 directly across. Much faster and significantly more depth.

The only time I crossed it (and it is a beautiful trip) I took the lake route due to concerns of enough draft on the rim route. Plus, it has to be quicker, it's a straight shot across instead of around the edge of the lake.