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Florida west coast

Discussion in 'Marinas & Waypoints' started by boatpoor, Mar 26, 2018.

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  1. boatpoor, Mar 26, 2018
    #1
    boatpoor

    boatpoor Active Member

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    32407
    Has anyone traveled the ICW between Clearwater and Captiva since the last storms? We are thinking about a trip from Panama City to Key West in a couple of weeks and upper management is wanting a slow day of cruising along the way
  2. Capt J, Mar 26, 2018
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Fort Lauderdale
    I just did that trip the other day, but ran the outside. A friend of mine has travelled it in a 52' with 4'6 draft about 2 months ago and said it was all fine.
  3. boatpoor, Mar 26, 2018
    #3
    boatpoor

    boatpoor Active Member

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    Thanks Capt J we only draw 4' so we should be fine. I haven't been through there in 20 years and am kinda looking forward to seeing it again.
  4. jhall767, Mar 27, 2018
    #4
    jhall767

    jhall767 Senior Member

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    Location:
    Middle River MD
    We have been as far north as Siesta Key and down to the gulf with no issues when in the channel this winter. We draw 4'6". We have not been through any of the passes to the gulf north of Captiva though.
  5. dewald, Mar 30, 2018
    #5
    dewald

    dewald Member

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    Location:
    Treasure Island, Florida
    Live in Treasure Island, Fl. Have a 42' Ocean Super Sport. Just putting the final touches on our trip the first of May from TI to Marathon to Ft Lauderdale (50th high school reunion "frightening") to Stuart ditch to Ft Myers to TI. The Boss (wife) likes to take it easy max day 6 Hrs. or shorter. Stayed at a lot of marinas from Tampa Bay south in the last 4 years. If you want more details? maybe can talk via email or phone, instead of writing a book on yachtforums.

    All that being said, does anyone have a recommendations on a marina or marinas Islamorada to Miami for 1-2 nights.
  6. captainwjm, Mar 31, 2018
    #6
    captainwjm

    captainwjm Senior member

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    Miami, FL, Cape Elizabeth, ME
    Plantation Yacht Harbor in Islamorada.
  7. Cruz, Mar 31, 2018
    #7
    Cruz

    Cruz Member

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    Cap - I'm considering a stay at PYH soon. What's the reality on how one gets there from the Hawk Channel with a 5' draft? I would have assumed Snake Creek but all options look shallow or problematic, particularly the stretch inside through mm 1160. Thanks in advance for your local knowledge.
  8. captainwjm, Mar 31, 2018
    #8
    captainwjm

    captainwjm Senior member

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    Location:
    Miami, FL, Cape Elizabeth, ME
    I have a 5' draft. From Hawk Channel, take Snake Creek to Bayside. Read the Active Captain hazard mark for the Oceanside entrance to Snake Creek. At MLW, there is 4.5' at markers 1 and 2, so enter with a rising tide on the SC bridge gauge. At the bayside entrance to SC, turn north at the last SC marker [no need to go all the way to the ICW] for at least 1/2 mile before angling toward PYH's red/white light house. Be wary of a shoal developing from the mangroves off to your starboard where depths will decrease to 4' [you will see this only if you don't go far enough north]. Otherwise you'll have 6/7' to PYH entrance. Shallowest water is just outside the PHY breakwater at 5' MLW. We have several permanent residents with 6' draft.

    If you are traveling the ICW north from the Yacht Channel be aware that the stretch from Bowlegs Cut, marker #98 to marker #78A in Cotton Key Basin is the shallowest stretch in the ICW [especially from #84 to #78A]. I won't do it in my boat, although we do have cruisers with 5' drafts that do. If you chance it, be aware of the wind. If it is north or an easterly, turn around. My recommendation is to exit the ICW at Channel Five and go up Hawk Channel to Snake Creek.

    However you go, watch for crab pots. And note that the SC bridge only opens on the hour from 0700 to 1800. Call on channel 9 for an opening.
  9. Cruz, Apr 1, 2018
    #9
    Cruz

    Cruz Member

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    Thanks Cap for the valuable, real-world info. We'll be coming from the lower keys so Hawk Channel to Snake Creek will be the route and we'll arrive at SC on a rising tide per your advice. If we make it there I'll be sure to look for you to thank you in person. Again, much appreciated.