Tampa - Okeechobee - Grand Bahama

[Bradley]

I am delivering a trawler from Tampa Bay to Freeport starting the end of next week.

Any suggestions as anchorages, marinas, gas docks and restaurants along the way. Any advice will be appreciated.

[markpj23]

This site will have all you need. Happy delivery!

Cruisers Net your best source for up to date information on the Waterway

[stevensc]

From the Corps of Engineers

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District
Lake Okeechobee and Navigation Depth Report
Data Ending 2400 hours 17 MAY 2009

*Today's Lake Okeechobee Stage = 10.58

++Today's Route 1 Navigational Depth ÷ 4.52'
Today's Route 2 Navigational Depth ÷ 1.92'

Bridge Clearance = 53.14'
S-308 tailwater elevation = 10.36'

It's always good to check with them just before going, the locks are sometimes down for maintenance.
I did the trip Westbound in January in my 4' draft trawler. Except for my GPS going blank (fortunately I had entered the coordinates in my handheld beforehand) for about 1/2 hour right as we entered the lake, it was a nice trip.
Steve

[svHyLyte]

See also: Okeechobee Waterway Bridge and Lock Schedule

[MICHAEL K]

Just finished this trip from Punta Gorda to West Palm.

1st night we stayed on the east side of the Franklin Lock.There is a cove and there is Docking for 8 Boats there, with electric...( some reservations are taken and the rest (4) are 1st come 1st serve.878-444-6777

2nd night Stopped on the south side ( hidden in the growth in Port Labella Marina for diesel. Stayed at Morhaven city dock ( brand new dock $1/ft ) just west of lock.

3rd night stayed at Indiantown marina ( fuel was not available new tanks being put in. then on to West Palm.

Check with Army Corp of Engineers they where taking a few locks out of service near the end of May!