Click for Mulder Click for YF Listing Service Click for Abeking Click for Mag Bay Click for Delta

Nav Question

Discussion in 'Yacht Captains' started by Islandtime, Jul 27, 2011.

You need to be registered and signed in to view this content.
  1. Islandtime, Jul 27, 2011
    #1
    Islandtime

    Islandtime New Member

    Joined:
    May 22, 2008
    Messages:
    23
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Just wondering if anyone has recently transited through Lake Okeechobee. I draw roughly 4' and need to get from FTL-Clearwater. Don't want to take any chances. Thoughts?
  2. Pascal, Jul 27, 2011
    #2
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2008
    Messages:
    8,166
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    There has been a few threads on that topic recently. I dont have the link here on my phone but google Okeechobee waterway level and you ll get the corps of engineer site with exact level

    It had bottomed out under 4' early this month, but has come back up a little. Still a little tight unless the rain of the last couple of weeks made a difference
  3. Fireman431, Jul 27, 2011
    #3
    Fireman431

    Fireman431 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2010
    Messages:
    195
    Location:
    East central Florida
  4. Capt J, Jul 27, 2011
    #4
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,435
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Also there are restricted openings on the eastern most lock (St. Lucie) and the western most lock (Labelle). I think they're only opening twice a day. I wouldn't take a boat with a 4' draft until the lake level reaches 6' anyways. You never know whats on the bottom.
  5. Islandtime, Jul 28, 2011
    #5
    Islandtime

    Islandtime New Member

    Joined:
    May 22, 2008
    Messages:
    23
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    All very helpful information guys; we're gonna travel South and take the safe route. Thanks for the helpful advice.
  6. Capt J, Jul 28, 2011
    #6
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,435
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    I'd recommend avoiding the Channel 5 route completely. It has gotten pretty shallow, and cutting through just south of Marathon (Vaca Key) at the 7 mile bridge. It's plenty deep and adds maybe 10 miles if that of going through channel 5. Have a safe journey.