Back on 3/5/12, the SSECN published an article entitled, “Okeechobee Waterway To Be Partially Obscured Between Clewiston and Moore Haven Until 2014 (near St. M. 70 to 75)” – see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=81398. Below, we hear from Captains Rusty and Betty that the data in this earlier message is not only accurate, but the described “obstruction” can lead to unhappy and expensive consequences. ALL cruisers bent on an Okeechobee Waterway passage prior to its closing on 6/11/12 (for maintenance) should be SURE to read both the account below, and our earlier posting linked above!

On April 15, 2012 I misread the temporary channel markers next to the cofferdam construction, got too close to the east bank (lake side), and ran the Cooper onto rocks. Even at 5 mph the momentum was enough to ground us. We got off with the help of The Spirit of New York, but scraped the keel, bent the shaft and propeller. We made it safely to Indiantown where repairs are underway.
Rusty and Betty Huges

Back on 6/30/11, we published a series of reports by fellow cruisers which related what seemed to be a new policy on the part of the US Army Corps of Engineers that vessels could not anchor for longer than 24 hours on the Okeechobee Waterway (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=61289). Repeated inquiries by both the SSECN, and our friend, Captain Chuck Baier, reporting for MarinaLife, led to a series of denials from the USCAE office in Clewiston.
Now, here we are in mid-2012, and, as you will see below, this nasty issue has once again reared its ugly head. We are attempting to get clarification, but in the meantime, cruisers should be aware that they might be ticketed for dropping the hook for longer than 24 hours along the Okeechobee Waterway, between the St. Lucie and W. FL Franklin Locks!
If ANYONE has more information about this perplexing situation, PLEASE click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.

Cruising News:
Hi all,
we are a foreign flag vessel with a valid cruising licsense. And were approached 2 days ago by an officer from the corps of engineers, and told that boaters are no longer allowed to anchor in the Okeechobee waterway for more than one night, after which they must leave the officers jurysdiction (Franklin lock to St. Lucie Lock) or move on to a marina. Remaining unconvinced by this officers explanation we emailed the corps HQ and have now recieved written confirmation that the corps view the waterway only as a means to transit one side to the other and that anyone staying longer than “overnight” will be given a ticket/citation.
Has anyone any thoughts to share?
A Non For Now

What is the deal with anchoring in the Caloosahatchee river? I have heard that the core of enginers are harassing boaters.
Steve Largent

Several months back we reported that boaters were receiving citations from the Corps of Engineers for anchoring along the Okeechobee Waterway. At that time we never received an adequate answer from the South Florida Operations Office as to whether this was common practice. Now once again we are receiving reports that boaters are being told by Corps of Engineers patrol boats that anyone anchoring for more than 24 hours will be given a citation. You must move to a marina or on to the next jurisdiction and not just a short distance to satisfy the requirements. We would suggest that if anyone would like to get details or voice any concerns, that you contact the South Florida Operations Office at (863) 983-8101.
Chuck Baier
MarinaLife

And, from our friendly competitors at “Waterway Guide:”

Many boats cruising the Okeechobee Waterway have been confused by what might seem to be new anchoring limits being enforced by the US Army Corps of Engineers. According to Robert Schnell, Assistant Chief, South Florida Operations, officers have been instructed to enforce a “one-night-only” policy for anchoring, and have told the boaters that they must continue down the waterway or find a marina or other facility.
According to Schnell, the policy has been around since 2000: “Title 36 – Rules and Regulations Governing Public Use of Corps of Engineers Water Resources Development Projects, Section 327.3 – Vessels,” specifically the two sections below:

327.3(f) Unless otherwise permitted by Federal, state or local law, vessels or other watercraft, while moored in commercial facilities, community or corporate docks, or at any fixed or permanent mooring point, may only be used for overnight occupancy when such use is incidental to recreational boating. Vessels or other watercraft are not to be used as a place of habitation or residence.

327.3(h) Vessels shall not be attached or anchored to structures such as locks, dams, buoys or other structures unless authorized by the District Commander. All vessels when not in actual use shall be removed from project lands and waters unless securely moored or stored at designated areas approved by the District Commander. The placing of floating or stationary mooring facilities on, adjacent to, or interfering with a buoy, channel marker or other navigational aid is prohibited.

The Corps South Florida Operations’ interpretation of these rules greatly overstep the verbiage, in my opinion:

- Anchoring in state and federal waters is “otherwise permitted”
- Anchoring in a river, lake or oxbow does not qualify as “in commercial facilities
- Overnight occupancy is incidental to recreational boating
- A vessel occupied at anchor is “in actual use”

I contacted the Corps in other areas to understand their local policies and get their interpretations of Title 36. Similar Corps projects on the inland waterways do not limit anchoring to one night, although lengthy stays are discouraged. Some areas have policies specific to their recreation area, but these are not covered in Title 36.
Waterway Guide’s Southern Edition 2012 does not mention anchoring limits along the Okeechobee Waterway, but we will update it in the next printing, if applicable. Meanwhile, expect to be asked to “move along” after anchoring along the Okeechobee Waterway, or risk a citation and fine, at least until this Corps office gets its policy straight.
-Mike Ahart,
News Editor,
Waterway Guide

Normally, we would not even pass along the link below, as this story, which appeared in the Florida News-Press.com, refers to locks almost never used by cruising size craft, off the waters of northern Lake Okeechobee. However, a rumor has been going around that this story refers to locks on the Okeechobee Waterway. Not so! All the OKWW locks are currently functional, though some are operating at reduced hours (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=84839) due to drought conditions and lowering water levels in Lake Okeechobee.
Hope this region gets some rain, and lots of it. SOON!

http://www.news-press.com/article/20120416/GREEN/304160018/Four-Lake-Okeechobee-locks-closed?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Home

Phone calls to the lock tenders confirmed that both locks are opening every two hours on the odd hour from 7:00AM to 7:00PM.

For those of you planning to cross the Okeechobee, both the Franklin lock and St Lucien lock have started a restricted schedule as of today. The Franklin lock is on the odd hour. I do not know the st Lucien lock schedule.

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Okeechobee Waterway Bridge Directory Listing For St. Lucie Lock

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of St. Lucie Lock

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Okeechobee Waterway Bridge Directory Listing For Franklin Lock

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Franklin Lock

Just a quick report, but very welcome news!

“Summer Slopes” and “Step Two” just completed a crossing of the Okeechobee Waterway. It was a wonderful trip – Plenty of Water under the Keel.
Lot’s of Animals – Alligators, Manatees, Cows, Horses, Turkey, Bald Eagle,even a giant Camel and Llama!
Glenn Westervelt

There’s been an interesting give and take on the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) mail list about water depths on the Okeechobee Waterway as of March, 2012. Several of these messages are reproduced below!
PLEASE NOTE THAT DEPTHS BELOW REFER TO THOSE ON THE LAKE ROUTE (a. k. a. Route #1). The “Rim Route” which follow a canal-like passage from Pahokee to Clewiston, is shallower and is still cursed with the possibility of debris deposited in its waters by the 2005 hurricane season! TAKE THE LAKE ROUTE!!!

We are thinking of crossing FL from Stuart go west through Lake Okeechobee. One or two people have told me it is not deep enough to safely use it….our boat is 61 feet and draft is 4.5 ft. Does anyone have any recent experiences. I know a few years back water levels were low and they are now better. Are they high enough?
Thanks
Scott Stewart

Scott,
Here is the Corps of Engineers site for Lake Okeechobee depths……http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Operations/LakeOWaterways.htm.
At this time there is plenty of water using Route 1 (the lake route, not the rim route).
Ted Stehle
Waterway Guide/Skipper Bob

Jim has been keeping a spread sheet to track the L. Okeechobee water level since we did the loop in 2008-2009. As of March 18, the LAKE ROUTE is 6.73 ft.
Barbara and Jim Benjamin and Golden Retriever, Lily
Golden Lily – Nordic Tug 42-092

Scott,
We are currently in Naples and made the crossing a few months ago. At that time the water levels were lower than they are right now. You should have no problems with your draft if you stay in the marked channels. Here is our posting on crossing the OWW and what spots to watch out for, http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com/2011/05/titusville-to-big-lake.html
We speak with boaters weekly that have made the crossing with no problem. I hope this helps. Chuck
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District
Lake Okeechobee and Navigation Depth Report
Data Ending 2400 hours 17 MAR 2012
Today’s Lake Okeechobee Stage = 12.79 (Feet-NGVD29)
Today’s Route 1 Navigational Depth ≈ 6.73 Feet
Today’s Route 2 Navigational Depth ≈ 4.93 Feet
Bridge Clearance = 50.87 Feet
S-308 Tailwater Elevation = 12.63 (Feet-NGVD29) Report Generated 18MAR2012
@ 11:17 ** Preliminary Data – Subject to Revision **
Chuck Baier

Don’t ever believe that the cruising community, particularly when coupled with the Florida Marine Industries Association and local businesses, cannot have an affect on governmental policy. Pressure from all these entities has resulted in a SECOND delay of upgrade work on the Okeechobee Waterway’s Moore Haven Lock.
Of course, and year round Florida cruisers should not forget this, this date does mean the Okeechobee Waterway will be effectively closed for the summer 2012 months, at least until August 8, 2012 (see below)!
This past fall, there was an uproar, both within the cruising community, and in the Florida business community centered on the cities of Stuart and Fort Myers, concerning an Army Corps of Engineers plan to close the Moore Haven Lock from September, well into November, in order to install Manatee protective devices. Due to the one-axis east to west nature of the Okeechobee Waterway, closing one lock, closes the entire passage from Stuart to Fort Myers, or the other way around. The USCAE gave in to all the hub-bub, and agreed to postpone this procedure.
Then, in February of this year, a new proposal was announced that would have closed the Moore Haven Lock/Okeechobee Waterway from April 1 to May 25. A 2/17/12 public forum was held to seek public input, and the USACOE must have gotten a real earful, as they announced a delay to the lock upgrade until 5/14/12!
Now, as you will read below, this closure has been delayed yet again, until 6/11/12. If I may insert an editorial comment here, that’s when the work should have been scheduled from the start. Traffic on the Okeechobee falls way off during the summer months, but, of course, some year round Sunshine State cruisers will still be inconvenienced.
Still, though, count this one a VICTORY FOR THE CRUISING COMMUNITY!

Florida, Okeechobee Waterway Lock Closure, Update – MNN030712
Temporary Closure of Moore Haven Lock has now been rescheduled to begin
June 8th to install Manatee Protection System.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has postponed the start date for installation of the Manatee Protection System (MPS) at the Moore Haven Lock as a result of concerns expressed by the public at meetings held earlier.
The lock on the Okeechobee Waterway is now scheduled to be temporarily closed from June 11th for approximately 8 weeks. The lock is anticipated to open for navigation on August 8, 2012.
“After hearing the economic and recreational concerns expressed at last night’s meeting, the Corps has adjusted the scheduled lock closure to reduce the impact to the local communities,” said Lt. Col. Michael Kinard, deputy district commander. “This timeframe will allow the lock to remain open further into the boating season, while allowing us to complete the installation at the beginning of the hurricane season when the risk is low. It’s all about balancing impacts and risks.”
Installation of the MPS is part of the Manatee Pass Gates project. The primary goal of the project is to safeguard Florida’s endangered manatees from serious injury or death at water control structures and navigation locks by modifying these structures with a MPS. Using a set of acoustic transmitters and receivers, the MPS detects the West Indian manatee and prevents the gates from closing and harming the protected animal.
The Manatee Protection System has been manufactured and above-ground fixtures have been installed at Moore Haven Lock. The remaining work includes dewatering the lock, installing the MPS to the lock gates, testing the system, and re-watering the lock. Work is expected to be complete within two months.

Thanks to all those who helped convince the Corps to delay the closing of the Moore Haven lock. My return from the Bahamas to the Tampa area will be much quicker.
Jack Pittman

We have plotted the Lat/Lon position given in the message below, cherry picked from the latest Local Notice to Mariners, and it appears that the described construction is taking place on the canal-like portion of the Okeechobee Waterway between Clewiston and Moore Haven, probably near charted “Liberty Point.” And, notice that this construction is ongoing until October of 2014.
All mariners navigating the OKWW between Clewiston and Moore Haven should be on the lookout for the below described construction vessels, and pass this equipment with minimum wake.
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is declaring a Navigational Alert for these waters.

FLORIDA-OKEECHOBEE WATERWAY-LAKE OKEECHOBEE: Cofferdam Construction.
Odebrecht Construction has commenced cofferdam construction to facilitate culvert replacement on the Okeechobee Waterway at 26°48”56”N, 81°0’34”W from January 2012 until approximately October 2014. The waters of the Okeechobee Waterway adjacent to Herbert Hoover Dike and Culvert 1A will be partially obstructed due to construction activities. Recreational and commercial boaters are asked to use extreme caution when navigating through this section of the waterway between the Alvin L. Ward park boat ramps and Uncle Joe’s Fish Camp boat ramps. Vessels involved Barge = Mobro 203; Push Boat = The Badger. Vessels will monitor VHF-FM channel radio frequencies 13 and 16. Further details contact Odebrecht Construction Mr. Eric Garcia 305-965-9199. Signs and navigational markers will be in place before the construction area to instruct mariners to reduce speed and use extreme caution. Chart 11428

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position on the Okeechobee Waterway Between Clewiston and Moore Haven

Click on Charlet Above to Open Chart View Page Centered on Moore Haven

Wow, this sounds like something that might have taken place during my Dad’s cruising days in the early 1950′s! Note the VERY HELPFUL phone number provided by Captain Regina below, if you should find yourself in this same fix!
Moore Haven is located north of Clewiston, FL, and is the gateway to the western 1/2 of the Okeechobee Waterway!

Today our destination was Indiantown, eastbound across Lake Okeechobee, so we wanted to get an “earlier” start at 8 a.m. We had spent the night at Moorehaven and as we went under the Moorehaven bridge, we noticed that the Moorehaven Railway Bridge was down. It’s supposed to be open unless a train is coming. Several of the cruising guides suggest sounding the horn for someone to open it. We tried that several times to no avail. Finally, we called the lockmaster at Ortona Lock for suggestions. He gave us the phone number of the CSX Dispatch in Clewiston. After a chuckle, the man at CSX we spoke with said they’d send someone in about 5 minutes to open the bridge – SO NO BRIDGETENDER ON DUTY???. After 30 minutes, a man in a pickup truck came and in 10-15 minutes the bridge was open.. So our early start wasn’t so early – we lost over an hour waiting for the bridge to open. Oh, one of the joys of cruising……
If you are crossing Lake O and have a questions or problems with a railway bridge, here is the number we were given for CSX Dispatch in Clewiston: 863-983-3163!
Regina Smith

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Moore Haven

There appears to be a lot of RR activity in Moore Haven lately. We came through on 2/16 and the RR bridge was down. There was a short train preparing to cross. A couple of men got off the train and walked back and forth across the bridge like they were inspecting it. The train finally crossed and we had to wait about 10 minutes to go through. I don’t know of any of RR bridges that have bridge tenders on duty.
Susan Parker

The Moore Haven Railway Bridge crosses the Okeechobee Waterway, a short hop west of the Moore Haven Lock. It has a bare, closed vertical clearance of only 5 feet, so it it closes on you unexpectedly, that could be a REAL problem, as Captain James learned to his misfortune!!!

Be aware that this bridge can close without any signal. On Jan 27 at 3 PM we were traveling E to the Moore Haven lock after calling for a lock through with the lock master stating the lock was open to us and we could proceed. The railroad bridge was open. As we approached the bridge it appeared to be stuck in a partially closed position. We proceeded but too late to realize that it was indeed closing and we were impaled causing severe damage to the forward sections of the boat. At no time was there any signal, warning or individual present. Retreating to the City Docks witnesses confirmed that no signal was heard although they had heard it clearly on other occasions. I later discovered that the bridge has no radio contact or communication with the adjacent lock. I have had previous experience with this bridge waiting one and half hours for the bridge to open in a swift current and no communication. They seem to operate without regard to water traffic as opposed to the locks. I will update you as to
any legal actions.
Tom James, Captain
“Tortuga” Krogen 42

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Moore Haven Railway Bridge

ALL cruisers who stop for the night at Indiantown Marina (on the Okeechobee Waterway, between the St. Lucie and Port Mayacca locks), should heed GL’s advice below. I have definitely blown my own diet here on more than one occasion!

Stop at the Seminole Inn in IndianTown. The food is good southern style. The fried green tomatoes are one of the best items. It is where the Duke and Duchess of Windsor spent their honeymoon. Clewiston and Moore Haven are interesting just to watch the floating opera with all the snow birds. Some of the flat fishing boats seem to have no idea about windage of a big trawler and “give way to tonnage.” Do watch the swim platform in the morning for live gators…. And sample the gator on any menu, when you see it. There
was a little hole in the wall dinner outside Alva with the best gator, but was gone last crossing. Enjoy…..
GL

Captains Jim and Kathie could not give better advice on cruising the Okeechobee Waterway. Particularly around Clewiston and Moore Haven, I have seem local mosquitoes swarming that seem large enough to carry off your vessel!

Just make sure you have mosquito netting for your ports and doors. Otherwise they will eat you alive as soon as the sun goes down
Werner & Kathie Steuernagel

I drove around the west side of the lake last summer and used up all the windshield washer fluid cleaning the window.
They are black and very nasty, you get attacked in swarms.
Lorne Cook

One of the most extensive and interesting discussions concerning the Okeechobee Waterway I’ve ever encountered, has appeared on the “GL” (Great Loop) mailing list, as of early January, 2012. I’ve cherry picked some of the best points, and reprinted these below.
As you will see, there are different points of view about this passage and the marinas along the way. Also, contained within these messages is a wealth of good cruising info, and superb cruising tips, from a small army of veteran skippers.
We STRONGLY suggest that everyone who is contemplating a cruise across the Okeechobee, particularly first timers, read ALL the messages below. You’ll then have a very good idea what to expect while cruising the Okeechobee Waterway!

I am planning to leave Tampa first or second week of Feb and go to the Bahamas. I intend to go across the Okeechobee Waterway if there is enough water. Never have been across and it sounds like a fun way to go.. Does anyone have any info or knowledge how it is now? Is anyone planning a trip to Bahamas next month?
Denny Rodebush
DaddysFarm

[Okeechobee Waterway Depth Information]
http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divisions/Operations/LakeOWaterways.htm
Route 1 [a.k.a. the "Lake Route" - editor] is best for anything larger than a bass boat.
RC

The Okeechobee FUN? Not in my mind it isn’t! Boring is more like it. Be SURE you have a chart. this advice may sound silly but twice when going across we met boaters, both time sailors with small kids onboard, who not only had no chart but also had no clue! They both asked how you find the opening at the other end? It is so shallow you must follow the channel and that is not always easy. You are looking at water all day long and about the only excitement is seeing the white pelicans STANDING in the water nearby. No anchorages, you must stay at Indian Town on the east and the free dock right next to the lock on the west and
neither is at all interesting. My memory fails me about the name of the place you can stay on the south west end, a little town with a dock at a restaurant in a narrow channel that is not fun to turn in and noisy at night. It sure beats the alternative though!
Marge Griffith

We found the Okeechobee very interesting. We took the rim route going west because we wanted to check out all the facilities for Skipper Bob’s guides and we came back east through the middle of the lake. The rim route proved to be full of wild life, We saw plenty of alligators, birds, and fishermen in FAST boats. (They did not speed in the channel) I put fishermen in the category
because the are a different breed from regular boaters. We enjoyed out trip, took a few days because of stopping at every place there is to stop and found it to be relaxing and peaceful. Sorry that Marg was bored on her crossing. I do agree about the charts. So many people leave the dock without a chart and that is so wrong.
Elaine Reib
Co-founder, Skipper Bob Publications

Years ago our last crossing [ the forth time ] had to be across the lake because the rim route was full of downed trees. Now I think I have heard lately that the COE was going to clean it out. Even before all the storms crossed Florida [ in '06, '07 ] the rim route was shallow. I’d check with the COE before starting out. Also there was a bridge near the fish camp about half way around that would only open at 7 AM. Not that you would want to continue on anyway. Slow trawlers would take most of the next day to get to the R.R. bridge at Port Mayaka. That is unless you have a fast boat. And even if I did I would NEVER run the rim at
more that a crawl. I do recall the last time we were heading east after leaving the Morehaven Lock and heading down to Rollin Martins we were amazed at the number of Alligators along the banks.
Tom B.

To each his or her I guess. But I’ve never found the trip boring.
Following the channel is very easy IMO, as it is clearly marked. If you have an autopilot it’s almost a no brainer. And there are a few anchorages. Plus you can tie up to the dolphin pilings located near the locks for the night if you wish. Indiantown has a couple of good restaurants and good marina.
The other marina you seem to be talking about would be Roland Martin’s in Clewiston. Which can have a bit of a bar crowd on weekends now that they have added a Tiki bar, which some folks (myself included) just might find appealing at times. They have some good bands from time to time and you can always call the Clewiston Inn to send a car for you so you can get a bite to eat and check out the very cool Florida wildlife mural in their bar while getting away from the marina for a while. As to turning around in the marina channel, there is a fair sized turning basin just before the marina docks. So it’s just a simple
matter of backing down to it and then turning around. Or turning around first and then backing down to your slip.
Capt. Bill

Been there done that Several times, Loved it each time. It you want to know the Fun and interesting parts of the Okeechobee, email me. It’s a great trip, NO DOUBT ABOUT IT!
See you in Paradise!!
Capt. Sterling

Totally agree, see the real Florida, one of our favorite cruising areas. Just be sure to avoid Ms Martins Marina in Clewistown, it has become a very unfriendly place. Last time we were there they would not meet you at the dock or help with fueling.In addition the owner was running around inside yelling and screaming at all her helpers. With that said we like the docks and facilities at Moore Haven and LaBelle is always a favorite.
David Doyle

While I agree with a lot of what Capt. Bill said in those short sentences, I would like to add to it. But first, I’d like to say that we find the Okeechobee Waterway very interesting. The lake crossing is just another open water crossing, but the sights and sounds along the route are very cool, and to us, well worth it.
West-to-east, the route starts at the Caloosahatche River “delta.” At the gulf end at San Carlos Bay, which is wide, but there are many shallows and shoal areas, so the marked channels do need to be honored. It’s not difficult at all. At and after Ft. Myers, the river follows a narrow channel that you must honor.
At Alva, past the western-most CoE WP Franklin Lock, the character of the river changes slowly from narrow river to man-made canal. It’s like that all the way to Clewiston. Then there is a 5-mile long channel from Clewiston out to the open-water lake crossing to Port Mayaca. Port Mayaca to St. Lucie is cut man-made canal. The St. Lucie River from the CoE St. Lucie lock to Stuart is narrow and shallow.
The Roland Martin marina at Clewiston is located in a very shallow pool behind a
CoE lock [flood gate actually - editor] that is almost always open on both ends. If you stop there, be very mindful of lake water depths and very careful in the Clewiston Harbor if you draw more than 3 to 3-1/2 ft. The Clewiston Harbor carries less depth than the published lake crossing, Route 1. We tried to get in once with our 4 ft draft, but grounded in the mud before we could get to their dock. The girl at the marina told us they had 5′ of water at the docks. Not! NG.
The channel from Clewiston Harbor to the open lake can be deceiving. The markers near Clewiston are fairly close together, but they get progressively farther and farther apart out in the lake. However, the Clewiston Channel itself remains very narrow. Winds in the region will generally try to blow boats sideways out of the channel, so YOU MUST BE ABLE TO BACK-SIGHT MARKERS YOU
HAVE ALREADY PASSED AS WELL AS SEE THE MARKERS IN FRONT OF YOU to be sure you actually stay WITHIN the channel. Two key questions are: how good is the astern visibility you’ll have on your boat, and how good is your eyesight? I’m not kidding here; both factors can/will affect you in this area! There are two areas in the Clewiston channel known to be very shallow, but the real problem when lake waters are down is the channel edges. There is no margin; the markers mark the channel edges. The channel is man-made, and the dredged cut penetrates a shallow and thin limestone layer. That is rock, and it will damage a prop if you manage to get over to it. See Claiborne Young’s web site for details; also checkActiveCaptain.com. In my opinion, I do not recommend autopilot use in the Clewiston channel or the upper St. Lucie River. In Clewiston, even in light winds, it’s just too likely that you’ll wind up drifting sideways. The upper St. Lucie is very significantly shoal; follow
outside curves.
If the lake sounding levels for Route 1 are down, also be aware that prolonged winds will drive water to the lee shore; so, south winds will pile lake water up on the north, leaving water levels in the south noticeably less than published. North winds will pile up water to the south, which causes water levels at Port Mayaca to be, likewise, less than published. Port Mayaca is soft mud, but not so, as mentioned, Clewiston. Depending on specific wind conditions, the day you cross and in the preceding 24 hrs, published depths can mislead you into thinking there’s more water than there actually is at the other end.
All this is just to make you aware, not nervous. Conditions like this are common in SE Florida. Just be careful! Plan to cross on calm days if possible. For deeper draft boats, Moore Haven town dock is better than Roland Martin for draft and docking convenience, although there ain’t much at Moore Haven, and what there is is a 3/4 mile walk. Indiantown Marina is nice, and very busy when the Canadian enclave boats are splashing in fall and hauling in spring; call ahead for reservations. Sanctuary draws 4’2″, and we have crossed in calm conditions uneventfully and successfully when the daily lake datum was 4′ 5″. Did I mention: conditions were “calm.” We have also crossed in 25 knot winds (a different crossing); 2′ – 3′ short period seas were not particularly “fun.” Incidentally, the water in Lake “O” is not water at all; it’s a nice, dark chocolate mix; and, Palm Beach County drinks it.
Hope this helps.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary

The Okeechobee Waterway is a delightful trip! We have taken this in a 16 foot Boston Whaler, a 34 foot SeaRay Express & a 56 foot SeaRay Bridge boat many times with & without dogs. You see parts of Florida and her nature that you might not see otherwise such as the possibility of flocks of storks, pelicans, alligators along the banks, ranches with cattle and more.
There are two ways across Lake Okeechobee. One is across the middle of the lake & the other is around the South rim. If you plan a round trip, then, we recommend trying each option. There are a half dozen marinas along the waterway to spend the night, each with their own personalities from quiet, more elegant to fun. We have tried most several times including Roland Martins. We had a good experience with all of them. Some marinas have seaweed or grasses in the water so if this is an issue for you, just ask in advance. None of the marinas are the “Ritz” but more of a homey or back country feel. A waterway guide would be helpful to learn about the marinas, their depths and amenities, as well, anything neat to see along the waterway.
You can make the trip in one day. However, if you have crowds in the locks or have to wait much, you may want to prepare for an overnight trip. The lock masters are helpful and will guide you. Reading the protocol about how to go through locks,
setting the lines, where & how to position your boat in advance would be beneficial. We recommend taking a chart for directions, locations and to monitor the water depths.
It is a great, short trip! Enjoy!
Fran Johnson

We have done the Okeechobee Waterway three times – once over and back on our friends 39 ft raised deck Cruiser and once with our own 36 ft raised bridge cruiser. On one trip we used the lake route one way and the rim route the other way. On the other route we could only go the lake route due to low water. On both trips we stayed at Roland Martins Marina and ate at a hotel in town –
excellent choice. Both trips were very enjoyable experiences.
As a young lad and a Floridian, I well remember when the Okeechobee Waterway was built and the residents of South Florida objected because it essentially made South Florida an island! The lake at that time had a debth of 3 ft or less, until the dykes, canal and locks were built — all for the purpose of creating a fresh water reservoir to irrigate Florida’s mid state farm lands. The project also resulted in a major wildlife refuge and fishing mecca.
That is why today the Army Corps of Engineers controls the water depth of the lake and canals.
John and Judy Gill
Two J’s V, a 36 ft. Carver Mariner

We have made the trip twice, east to West across the lake both times. Enjoyed both, we have stopped at St Lucie Lock Campground, Roland Martin’s Marina in Clewiston, friends living nearby brought us to the Clewiston Inn for a very nice dinner. Moore Haven Docks which are fine to spend the night, but not much to do around there, We also spent a night at a friend’s dock near Ortona. All nice spots.
In addition to all the alligators and other Florida wildlife we cruised past someone’s canal side backyard which held a group of Llamas and a Camel!
Steve Willett
Monk 36, Gumbo

Made the trip several times, and enjoyed it every time. Great wildlife and bird watching, and if you are a people person,you WILL meet some characters!
Our favorite stops are the free dock at LaBelle (a charming little town with the most majestic live oak trees you will see this side of Savannah) and Rialto marina near Alva.
Jonathan Gorham

Many thanks to Captains Chuck and Susan for providing the excellent info below concerning current depths on the Okeechobee Waterway. This message is reprinted from the AGLCA forum, and Captain Chuck performs editorial work for our good friends at MarinaLife!

I have just joined the [American Great Loop Cruisers'] Association and would like to provide info to the membership in any way I can. I noticed that this info has not been updated for a while and the Lake levels have come up considerably. All locks are on normal schedules. As of today, the lake levels are…

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District
Lake Okeechobee and Navigation Depth Report
Data Ending 2400 hours 08 DEC 2011
Today’s Lake Okeechobee Stage = 13.71 (Feet-NGVD29)
Today’s Route 1 Navigational Depth ≈ 7.65 Feet
Today’s Route 2 Navigational Depth ≈ 5.85 Feet
Bridge Clearance = 50.37 Feet

Chuck Baier and Susan Landry

Sweetwater Landing Marina is located on the Okeechobee Waterway/Caloosahatchee River, just east of Fort Myers, near the I-75 Twin Bridges.

We kept our Monk 36 Trawler at Sweetwater Landing last winter. It was a great place. Well protected, very nice staff and close to I-75 and the airport. Their price was one of the lowest around.
Sweetwater Landing
16991 State Road 31
Fort Myers, FL 33905
239-694-3850
Fred Pfleger
Dreamchaser

How typical of a CLASS Operation and a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR like the City of Fort Myers Dockage Basin to provide a dinghy dock. And, thanks to Captain Dunham, we know there’s a Publix Supermarket within walking distance.

The City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin, located on the Caloosahatchee River, has a free dinghy dock. The marina is located in a downtown location and a Publix is .8 mile from the marina.
Susan Dunham

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For The City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of The City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin

I have always said repair recommendations from fellow cruisers are invaluable. When one of our number has had a good experience with a repair firm or individual, chances are the rest of us will have good luck as well.

I would highly recommend Calusa Certified Marine Marine for anyone requiring Service on a Cummins/Yanmar/Volvo Penta in the Fort Myers/Cape
Coral area. They did a complete cooling systems service , timing Belt replacement and valve adjust on my Yanmar 300 HP 6LP. The Mechanic GREG
was extremely well organized, very efficient, very knowledgeable answering all my questions. He took great care servicing the engine and the work
area was left cleaner than when he arrived. He also discovered a problem with the timing belt tensioner that if had not been corrected could have
resulted in a catastrophic engine failure. The work was done on time and the price was very fair
For Service Contact Bob Miller- Calusa Certified Marine, LLC (239) 574-5053
I have no interest in this company – Just a very satisfied customer
Darrell Berge

Wow, sounds like a GREAT place to spend the winter months, whether you pick up a mooring, or coil your lines at one of the marina’s wet slips.
Sunset Bay also has the advantage of position. It lies directly on the patch of the Okeechobee Waterway, and only a few miles off the AICW, via the St. Lucie River. See you there!

We see some of you returning from the north. The Sunset Bay Moorings are alive and well and about half full. Stuart has much to offer – close shopping, close restaurants, public transportation(the moorings have private for free also) and good entertainment. The mooring offers fine facilities – lounge, outside seating with tables, ship’s store and a great riverside walking path to downtown. Join us and have a great winter!
Other things that are of interests to cruisers are arts and crafts shows, beautiful public parks, music in the downtown area on many most Sundays and a Sunday green market, all within a comfortable walking distance. There is also limo and bus transportation available to the West Palm Beach airport.
Fred and Elaine DeFoor

Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Sunset Bay Marina and Moorings

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sunset Bay Marina and Moorings

Of course, if you are going to cruise the very useful Okeechobee Waterway between Florida’s eastern and western coastline, or the other way around, you must include a passage across Lake Okeechobee as part of that sojourn. Sometime, but less often than many captain’s inexperienced with these waters think, you can bypass rough conditions on Lake Okeechobee, by taking the so-called, “Rim Route.” HOWEVER, this passage is a bear in northerly winds, it is much shallower, and more subject to debris. So, most cruisers choose to take the “Lake Route,” also known as “Route #1,” from the Port Mayacca Lock to Clewiston (or, again, the other way around).
Captain Moore’s remarks below are, in my opinion, right on the money when it comes to crossing the great lake in foul weather. Better to stay in port until the weather turns fair, while pouring one more round of Mount Gay Rum, and playing a few more hands to bridge.

As to Lake Okeechobee being safe “because the waves cannot be higher than the depth of the water,” some of my most fearsome experiences sailing (50+ years) have been on the Big O. Because the lake is shallow and fresh, the waves are square and close together. Fresh water becomes airborne more easily in a storm than in salt water. Coming off a wave and having the bow of your boat bury in the next wave while still on the first can be very exciting. Watch the depth sounder when that happens and the 4′ wave you have just navigated sends you toward the VERY nearby bottom. The most severe lightning I have ever encountered has been on Lake O. In addition, suggesting the rim canal during a norther puts the lee shore just an engine hiccup away. Oh, and I came across this last May and encountered epic swarms of love bugs the entire way across. I have also spent many idyllic crossings under sail with fair winds and flat water.
Capt. Jeff Moore

Good morning to you too.
I’ve been sailing Florida’s West coast (grew up in Bradenton in the 50′s, taught school for 40 years up and down the coast) and have made the Lake O crossing more times than I can count in boats from 24′ to 70′. One thing I’ve never seen addressed is wind direction relative to the orientation of the lock. The only one where this is absolutely critical is the Port Myakka lock in a westerly. That lock is right at the edge of the lake with breakwaters extending into the lake and oriented a little south of west. In the winter, our cold fronts shift SW before they go north. In a sou’wester I have see 4′ rollers IN the lock when the doors open. Conversely, if you are in the lock heading into the lake, when they open the doors, you will think you are in a washing machine. The good news is that the lock masters are very helpful in analyzing the situation and will give you lots of info so as to what to expect, even to the point of suggesting waiting for a more favorable wind direction.
Capt. Jeff Moore