Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

May 25, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.8339,-81.08969999
A Visit to Moore Haven City Dock, Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 78

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Moore Haven City Dock, the first stop west of Lake Okeechobee, is located at Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 78, on the Moore Haven waterfront. Our thanks to Phil Herl for this advice and report.
Moore Haven City Marina (3/18/15)
Great docking and electric, Lots of space on a face type dock, if you arrive early remember to tie as close as possible to the other boats, to leave as much room as possible for other boats. Also help to encourage others to do the same. Eating places and grocery store are within walking distance.
Phil Herl
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Mar 9, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Rim Route Crossing of Lake Okeechobee
This AGLCA Forum report is another concerning options for a west to east crossing of Lake Okeechobee. See /?p=147224. Skippers Jenny and Kenny Beach chose the rim route despite warnings about the numerous pitfalls possible.
Today we did the rim route west to east. Thanks to all the replies which took away the unnecessary anxiety. It was beautiful, totally void of debris, and a much smoother ride than the almost straight across route had to offer. We cut the northeast corner off by heading for the canal entrance from day marker 24. We stuck to the rim route at marker 60 since the lake was very choppy at that point and the rim route provided some wind and wave protection. I think the lowest depth we saw all day was 9.8′. There is no reason to be hesitant at all about exploring this scenic area.
Jeanne & Kenny Beach
Daybreak
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August Trometer - March 12, 2015 - 5:15 pm

Glad you had such a good trip. We made the same trip in 2002, very scenic BUT our 3.5′ draft plowed through sand and went we got to Fort Lauderdale we were overheating as the sand had chewed up the impeller. We wished we had gone straight across, SO make sure you know the depth and leave some to spare, OR a calm day. With a 3.5′ draft I’d want 5′ minimum per the charts/Okeechobee lake level.
Reply to August
Mar 9, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 3 Comments
Rim Route Versus Direct Route Across Lake Okeechobee
This AGLCA Forum report documents the Beach’s careful planning for a rim route versus direct route crossing of Lake Okeechobee. For their decision and description of their crossing, go to /?p=147301.
So the captain would like to take the rim route to cross the lake. The lock tenders say it is not recommended. The other boaters here at Roland Martin’s, who have not made the trip, say it is a bad idea. They claim that
everyone they know who has done it says it is loaded with debris, tree limbs, old refrigerators, and such. The captain is not buying the horror stories but the admiral won’t go since “everyone” says it is a bad idea.
Would love for some “experienced” boater feedback. Today’s water depth was 6.88′; we draw 4′.
Jeanne & Kenny Beach
Daybreak
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Tom Wemett -  March 12, 2015 - 6:49 pm

Did the rim route last April in a 44′ Trawler with 4′ draft. Had no problems.
Reply to Tom

Richard Ross MV Chez Nous -  March 12, 2015 - 4:45 pm

Don’t believe the stories you hear. We have crossed several times by both routes. The rim route shallow spot is between 4 and 4B just south of Port Mayaca lock. But you can exit the rim route around red 54, and head direct to green 5 on the lake route and avoid the shallows. This way, the rim route is actually slightly deeper than the lake route.
There are two down sides to the rim route. It is about ten miles farther, and the Torry Island swing bridge is manually operated, and the operator will not begin opening until he sees the boat waiting.
Reply to Richard

Chet Parham -  March 12, 2015 - 4:04 pm

It’s been 6 or 7 years since we traveled the rim route and we heard the same stories about hurricanes pushing debris into the channel. Went anyway. Draw 3 feet and never saw less that 10 feet on the depth gage. Never saw any debris.
Reply to Chet
Mar 4, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.7588,-80.91869999
Advice on Crossing Lake Okeechobee, Okeechobee Waterway

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This AGLCA Forum report by Skipper Healy is prompted by a discussion of the Okeechobee Waterway which mentions Clewiston, Florida, which has long been a good source for checking depths in Lake Okeechobee. See /?p=147224. Peg and Jim Healy are longtime contributors to SSECN.
What’s interesting about Lake “O” is NOT the datum for the surface of the lake – which can be very misleading – but the actual depth of the water on the navigation routes. As a reservoir for Southeast Florida, lake datum is important as a measure of water reserves for the Palm Beaches. But to boats, water depth is all that matters. This really matters in the spring, as the annual “dry season” progresses toward summer. Today’s lake datum is 14.72 feet, but the Route 1 (cross-lake) water depth is only 8.66 feet and Route 2 (Rim route) is only 6.86 feet. Here’s the USACE website for nav route WATER DEPTH data: http://w3.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/currentLL.shtml. The good news is, that status in early March should make for a comfortable season for spring crossings this year.
Also be advised, the basin at Roland Martin is VERY shallow, and the bottom is sticky mud. If the cross lake route gets to 5 feet, the basin in Clewiston will be less; maybe 4 ft. One who gets stuck in there is thoroughly stuck. Roland Martin is a bass boat marina, not a cruising boat marina. Careful consideration of water depths is advised for cruisers.
There is a definite wind-driven “tide” on Lake O. Prolonged winds from the south can make the lake quite lumpy with short period seas and drive water depths on the south end of the lake a foot less than the datum would otherwise suggest. Which leads to my last point. The most “risky” part of the cross-lake route is the channel out of Clewiston leading into the Lake. That is a dredged channel that’s about 100′ wide on the south end. Most people think Florida is a big sand bar, but the bottom of lake O is limestone. Limestone is soft stone, but plenty hard enough to hurt props and rudders. It’s extremely important to stay in that channel and not get blown sideways; the channel edges are VERY unforgiving, like the “Rock Pile” in Myrtle Beach. That channel is probably 5 StM in length to G”1″. The farther out of Clewiston one gets, the farther apart the markers become. The prevailing winds on the lake will try to blow boats sideways out of the channel, SO PILOTS MUST BE ABLE TO BACKSIGHT THE MARKERS TO BE SURE THE BOAT STAYS IN THAT CHANNEL. Otherwise, there will be this very
disheartening crunching sound… And, there are no Tow BoatUS/SeaTow services on the lake.
Hope this is useful!
Peg and Jim Healy
We would add this to Jim’s excellent observations. A few other points in looking at the COE website for navigational depths. An 8.66 depth on route 1 does not mean that the entire route is 8.66 feet. It means that 8.66 is the shallowest depth you will find if you stay in the channel along route 1. The same goes for route 2, the Rim Route. There are only two areas that you will find the shallow depths. Along route 1, that will be in the approach channel to Clewiston. Along route 2, it will be in the channel immediately after turning south out of the Port Mayaca Lock. The shallow depths can be avoided on route 2 by heading out into the lake and turning south. Then re-enter the route 2 channel at Pahokee. Depths in the Lake will be 10 to 14 feet and the rest of the route 2 depths will be 12 to 20 feet based on today’s reported depths. There is no alternative for the route 1 shallow area and the advise is simply, stay in the channel and go slow until back on the rim route. Across the Lake, depths will be 10 to 15 feet, and deeper once back on the Rim Route.
Chuck Baier and Susan Landry
http://www.tgboa.com/
http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com/
My Navigational Notices
http://www.marinalife.com/navigationUpdates/index.cf
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Mar 4, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.7588,-80.91869999
East to West Okeechobee Crossing Described, Okeechobee Waterway

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This AGLCA Forum report includes a stop at Roland Martin’s Marina, found on a small canal in Clewiston, Florida, which has long been a good source for checking depths in Lake Okeechobee. See http://www.rolandmartinmarina.com/water_levels.php.
Okeechobee Waterway crossing last week on Feb 21st and 22nd. Water levels were high, 15 ft plus (above the Atlantic Ocean sea level). We were aboard a Mainship 400 with 4 foot draft. Our westbound trip from Stuart FL
included anchoring up the St Lucie River Northfork, then clearing both St Lucie and Port Mayaca Locks with no issues. The lake was OK with a 2 foot chop and we spent an evening in Clewiston at Roland and Mary Ann Martins Marina. Say hi to Dockmaster Capt. Sam. He will take care of you. Just in case he is not on duty be sure to dock your boat and face your master stateroom away from the band in the TiKi Bar. Believe me, you’ll sleep better. While there, take a selfie at the Tiki Bar’s Chevy Suburban in the front yard.
The rest of the trip west was fine. We had deep enough water and all the locks were working AOK. We stayed the evening on Captiva Island, a very remote quiet place, one of the last Old Florida locations you’ll visit.
Then onto Cortez, FL in the fog.
Chris & Alyse Caldwell
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Feb 11, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 26.9874,-80.60439999
Heeling Help Needed, Okeechobee Waterway

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This is certainly one of the most unusual, but very legitimate, requests that I can remember posting. If you can supply Skipper Parish with a name or phone number, please reply to his email below. Port Mayaca Railway Lift Bridge with a vertical clearance of 49ft when fully open crosses the Okeechobee Waterway at Statute Mile 38, near the tiny (charted) village of Port Mayaca.
Years ago I travelled the Okeechobee Waterway and was able to get under the 49′ Port Mayaca RR bridge by hiring a marina operator to help heel my boat over so my 53′ mast would pass under the bridge. Does anyone know if this “heeling” service is still being provided by a marina along the waterway? If so, contact me directly at seabreeze384@hotmail.com. Thank you
Rick Parish
Larry
I received two replies today. Both sources provide the same information. One source was Kim Brown, captain of s/v Trust Me. The other source was from Indiantown Marina. Contact – Billy Owens his phone number is 561-262-5200.
Best regards
Rick
Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Port Mayaca RR Bridge
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Sue ward - February 11, 2015 - 10:58 am

Try Indiantown marina. #772 597 2455.
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Feb 3, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.538,-81.9979999
Report from Glover Bight Anchorage, Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 147

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Glover Bight Anchorage lies on the northeasterly reaches of Glover Bight, northeast of unlighted daybeacon #9 near the western end of the Okeechobee Waterway.
Good holding in this anchorage, but stay out of the SE side as others have mentioned. In the far East corner, where the bight narrows, there is a dock and gazebo. This is a Cape Coral city park with a nice boardwalk. From the end of the boardwalk where it joins the road is 2 miles to Publix, a nice jaunt for avid walkers like us or your collapsible bicicyle. Its a very high step to get out at the dock. Enjoy the usually lame music from the Westin on the weekends!
Chris
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Glover Bight
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Oct 30, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.4632,-81.96549999
Pink Shell Luminaries, Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, Western Terminus of the Okeechobee Waterway

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What a grand way to get into the Holiday spirit! Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, overlooks the westerly banks of the Mantanzas Pass channel, west of marker #13.
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina
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Oct 30, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.456,-81.95049999
Question about Bob Wallace in Fort Myers Beach, Western Terminus of the Okeechobee Waterway

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We seldom get inquiries about specific individuals, but Skipper Schofield’s query seems genuinely sincere, especially with his kind words for Bob Wallace. If you have knowledge of Bob’s status or wish to relate your own experiences with Bob, please us hear from you.
The Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field is found east of the high-rise bridge, just north of Estero Island. The mooring field is hosted by City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
We’ve anchored in what is now the mooring field a few times but not for several years, the last time back in 2000. I wonder if anyone knows the latest on Bob Wallace who welcomed boaters to his dock to land, take on water and all he asked in return was that they sign his visitors book. I guess Bob will have passed away but I thought he had a son who might have carried on the tradition. I guess it’s a less necessary facility these days but it was wonderful back then and a hugely generous gesture by Bob. Anyone know anything?
John Schofield
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field
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Oct 3, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 26.6478,-81.86979999
Excellent Source of Okeechobee Information: Fort Myers Yacht Basin, Caloosahatchee River/Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 135

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Fort Myers Yacht Basin lies along the southeasterly banks of the Caloosahatchee River, between the 3rd and 4th bridges from west to east. We are proud that this fine SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR is offering their expertise and advice to Okeechobee and West Florida transients!p>
Hello to all of those transiting the beautiful Okeechobee Waterway.
For current conditions on the waterway, please allow the staff at the City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin to assist you. We will be happy to provide tidal, lock schedule, weather and any other impacting information in order to help you make it through. We can be reached at 239-321-7080, yachtbasin@cityftmyers.com, llustig@cityftmyers.com and channel 16 when closer. We are open 8 to 6 and are here to serve you.
Thank you,
Leif Lustig, Dock Master
Notice of upcoming Okeechobee Waterway closures;
Please review the tentative schedule for waterway closures to navigation which can be found on the City of Fort Myers web page at http://www.cityftmyers.com/yachtbasin, as construction continues on the I-75 bridge at mile marker 129.
Thank you,
Leif Lustig, Dockmaster
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Ft Myers Yacht Basin
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Leif Lustig - October 3, 2014 - 10:26 am

Notice of upcoming Okeechobee Waterway closures;
Please review the tentative schedule for waterway closures to navigation which can be found on the City of Fort Myers web page at http://www.cityftmyers.com/yachtbasin , as construction continues on the I-75 bridge at mile marker 129.
Thank you,
Leif Lustig, Dockmaster
Reply to Leif
Oct 2, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.5438,-81.95139999
An Unusual Sailing Club, Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 144, Cape Coral, FL

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More Fun Stuff: With a name like theirs, these folks are bound to be fun to meet and share a brew or two with. They are primarily off-shore sailors, but they are sure to be able to offer wisdom about the Okeechobee and the West Florida Intracoastal. The Cape Coral Yacht Club is in the vicinity of the transient slips at Cape Coral Yacht Basin.
The Caloosahatchee Marching and Chowder Society
Winner of US Sailing’s 2012 Outstanding Organizational Support Award
The sailing club with the very unusual name formed around 1970 at Cape Coral, Florida, with sailors from all over Southwest Florida as charter members. The unique name came from an effort to make it forever obvious that this was not a `Knife and Fork yacht club,’ but a group of offshore sailors who wanted to race, cruise and explore the coasts of Florida, the Keys, the Tortugas, and the Bahamas. The name also describes the offbeat informal humor of the offshore sailor. It consists of folks from all walks of life who unite in their love of the sea.
Guests are always welcome to one of our casual monthly socials / meetings at 6:30 PM on the third Tuesday of every month (except January) at the Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Pkwy., Cape Coral, FL. (No dress codes here.) To learn more about CMCS, simply, scroll down on this page to view our online journal (BLOG). You may also go to About Us for additional links, or email us by going to Contact Us.
For schedule of activities, go to:
http://www.cmcs-sail.org/
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Cape Coral Yacht Basin
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Sep 28, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 26.6974,-81.79939999
More Concerns about Caloosahatchee Bridges, Okeechobee Waterway, Fort Myers, FL

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Skipper Heidi is referring to a May, 2014 posting also asking for advice on the height of these five bridges, see: /?p=140221. As Skipper Heidi is aware those published 55ft heights will expand and contract depending on water and weather conditions, as well as vessel conditions. If you have recent experience at the I-75 and Edison Twin bridges, let us hear from you!
Did you make the trip? Do you have any information about the clearance for the I-75 and Edison Twin bridges? Our mast is only 52f but last year in August we barely made it underneath these bridges at high tide. The `clearance boards’ did read only 53f’¦(Officially some bridges have a clearance of 54.8f, not 55f ‘“ see http://www.city-data.com/bridges/bridges-Fort-Myers-Florida.html)
Now we have to go back, but we are gained a few inches by unloading the boat and the water level is higher than last August’¦.Of course we’ll go a low tide but I’m still concerned’¦
Heidi
Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For I-75 Bridges
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Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Thomas Edison Twin Bridges
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Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Hwy 41 Bridge
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Leif Lustig - October 2, 2014 - 3:56 pm

Hello to all of those transiting the beautiful Okeechobee Waterway,
For current conditions on the waterway, please allow the staff at the City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin to assist you. We will be happy to provide tidal, lock schedule, weather and any other impacting information in order to help you make it through. We can be reached at 239-321-7080, yachtbasin@cityftmyers.com , llustig@cityftmyers.com , and channel 16 when closer. We are open 8 to 6 and are here to service you.
Thank you,
Leif Lustig, Dock Master
Reply to Leif

Norm Brandon - October 1, 2014 - 5:56 pm

I live near the Caloosahatchie bridges. Typically there are two high and two low tides each day. Often there are significant differences in height between the two high tides. Therefore check the charted datum basis (average high or average higher high). Additionally if the wind is from a south west or westerly direction then the tides will be higher than predicted by the tide tables. It is not unusual for an actual tide heigh, due to wind, to be 1.5 feet higher than predicted at the Fort Myers bridge.
Reply to Norm
Sep 8, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Seventh District False Flare Cases are Costly Events
As detailed in this article by Adam Linhardt in KeysNews.com, this is a real No-Brainer, and surely no SSECN reader would ever be guilty of abusing the use of emergency flares. However, it is a good topic of conversation to have in public places where some of the less-informed might overhear!
False flare cases plague Coast Guard
BY ADAM LINHARDT Citizen Staff
alinhardt@keysnews.com
Misuse of emergency marine flares is giving the Coast Guard headaches and costing taxpayers a ton of money, the agency said last week.
Since June, the Coast Guard Seventh District headquartered in Miami, of which Sector Key West is included, reported more than 60 flare sightings. Watchstanders then launched air and boat crews in every instance at a total cost of more than $5 million, according to the Coast Guard.
Each search typically costs between $60,000 and $90,000 when fuel and manpower needs are totaled, according to data released by the Coast Guard.
“Shooting a flare in a nondistress situation is no different than dialing 911 and hanging up,” said Capt. Todd Coggeshall, chief of response management for the Coast Guard Seventh District.
To read more, go to:
http://keysnews.com/node/57961
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Sep 8, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.6478,-81.86979999
Fort Myers Yacht Basin at Risk of Being Privatized, Caloosahatchee River/Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 135

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A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! Fort Myers Yacht Basin lies along the southeasterly banks of the Caloosahatchee River, between the 3rd and 4th bridges from west to east.
The City Of Fort Myers Yacht Basin is well known for being a beautiful, convenient, well-run marina with transient and live-aboard slips, access to downtown amenities, and a protected location on the Caloosahatchee River. Change may be in the winds for this municipal facility, however, according to the September issue of its “DockLines” monthly newsletter:
http://www.cityftmyers.com/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?EntryId=5267&Command=Core_Download&method=inline&PortalId=0&TabId=303
ATTENTION YACHT BASIN CUSTOMERS
The City of Fort Myers Mayor and City Council are discussing `potential public/private partnerships with the City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin’. More information will be provided once it is known. Public assistance in providing input to the elected officials will be very important in setting the direction that the marina is to proceed in. Please
contact the Yacht Basin for elected officials contact information. The City built and has successfully run the marina since 1937 to provide safe dockage to the area boaters. Please help us keep this a great public marina.
Thank you,
Leif Lustig, Dockmaster
239-707-5316
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Ft Myers Yacht Basin
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Sep 2, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
A New Guide Release and a Commitment to a Worthy Cause
We are greatly indebted to Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” for providing superb, in-depth articles for our readers! This west coast anchorages guide is a welcomed addition to their previous guides and includes a dedication to the late Claiborne Young, co-founder of SSECN.
A New Guide Release and a Commitment to a Worthy Cause
Media Information: For immediate release
Sarasota, Florida ‘“ September 1, 2014 — Publishers and long time boaters Chuck Baier and Susan Landry of Beach House Publications announce the release of their fourth guide in The Great Book of Anchorages series, The Gulf Coast, Cape Sable, FL to Mobile, AL, Including the Okeechobee Waterway. This fourth guide has been the most requested to date by fellow boaters. The authors extensive on-the-water travels and research from their trawler Beach House provides the most comprehensive Gulf Coast anchorage guide currently in print. Previous guides in The Great Book of Anchorages series are The Chesapeake Bay, Including the Potomac River, Hampton Roads and Norfolk to The Florida Keys, Including the St. Johns River, and The Bahamas ‘“ The Route Most Traveled. Details are available on the website at https://www.tgboa.com/.
In dedication of this current release, the authors have made a commitment to donate $2.00 from every order placed between August 25, 2014 and September 30, 2014 to one of their favorite charities, The Wounded Warrior Project, http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/. They also challenge other boating publications to offer similar donations. Owner Chuck Baier is himself a veteran from the Vietnam era and understands the need to provide support and additional services to the men and women that sacrifice so much for our country and freedom.
Beach House Publications and The Great Book of Anchorages series was conceived in August of 2012 on a laptop in the cabin of their Marine Trader trawler, Beach House. All of the guides have been researched, compiled, edited and distributed from their trawler while living aboard and cruising full time. In addition to publishing, the husband and wife team have been freelance writers for over 20 years and have shared their knowledge and experiences in such major boating publications as Cruising World, Bluewater Sailing, Soundings Magazine, Sail Magazine, Southern Boating, Lats and Atts, Marinalife Magazine, Nor’ Easter, Good Old Boat, Living Aboard Magazine and a host of internet sites. The pair often gives presentations to boating organizations such as individual Yacht Clubs, the Marine Trader Owners Association, Americas Great Loop Cruising Association and most currently, TrawlerFest Baltimore 2014.

If you would like more information on The Great Book of Anchorages series, would like to order books, or interview Chuck or Susan, call us at 713-244-4686 or email info@tgboa.com.
Website, https://www.tgboa.com/
Susan Landry, Publisher/Author/Editor
Chuck Baier, Publisher/Author
Beach House Publications
P.O. Box 1418
Sarasota, Florida 34230
713-244-4686
info@tgboa.com
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Jul 18, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Which Senior Pass for the Okeechobee Waterway?
Readers have mentioned the use of a “senior pass” when docking in the Okeechobee Waterway: /?p=141594. Skipper Will asks for clarification as to which senior passes are accepted in the Waterway. My guess would be the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass (62 and older, $10/life.) If you have a better or different answer, please let us hear from you!
Great Info [link above] -Thanks very much-looking forward to using the Okeechobee myself this fall. Which GOLDEN AGE pass is the one in play here- there are so many, and with different virtues?
Thanks, Will
Aren’t you glad we asked: it’s $10 for life! As Skipper Bennight says: the best government fee ever!
Yes the Senior Pass from the NPS -formerly known as the Golden Age Pass http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm $10 for life works its magic not only at National Parks but various other federal recreation areas. In this case it gets you half off the normal $24/night slip fee’¦..
Kim
The Senior pass is offered by the U.S, Park Service and is good for all national parks but not state or county parks. It is not issued at every park so check ahead.
Chuck Baier
The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is indeed for those of us 62 and older but that $10 pass is a Lifteime Pass ‘“ not annual. (The best $10 government fee ever.) It is available to a U.S. Cirizen or permanent resident.
Jim Bennight
Boy, I’ve never heard of this and I’ve been across it several times, both directions.
Skipper CW
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Jun 3, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.7687,-81.43829999
Good Words for LaBelle City Dock, Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 103

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The recently improved and expanded LaBelle City dock overlooks the south side of the Okeechobee Waterway, just west of the LaBelle bridge. Our thanks to Skipper Landry for this report! For photos of the LaBelle City Docks, go to /?p=136870
Tonight we are tied to the free town docks at La Belle. The docks are new and very nice with both power and water, except the power isn’t working on half the pedestals. There are no finger piers so you must pull in between two pilings about 15 feet off the dock and climb off the boat either at the bow or the stern. This is right next to the highway bridge so there is traffic noise. But hey, it’s free. We are sharing the dock with two sailboats and a houseboat. Tomorrow we’ll explore La Belle a bit, we have been here by car before.
Susan Landry
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Jun 2, 2014by: Claiborne Young No Comments
W. P. Franklin Lock and Dam Park – Okeechobee Waterway
Back on 5/19/14, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net was privileged to publish a superb article authored by my good friends, Skippers Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, about mooring their trawler, “Beach House,” at the inexpensive wet slips immediately west of the Okeechobee Waterway’s St. Lucie Lock (the easternmost lock on this Waterway – see /?p=140813).
Later we learned that Chuck and Susan had found a similar facility adjacent to the W. P. Franklin lock, the westernmost Okeechobee Waterway lock. And, as you can readily guess, we asked them to repeat the process, and they have kindly done so. The story below is the happy result!
We are once again greatly indebted to Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing this superb, in-depth article and copious photographs! THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN!
WP Franklin Lock and Dam Park
We recently visited the St. Lucie Park and had written about what a pleasant and unexpected gem it was. Imagine, then, our surprise at what we found at the WP Franklin Lock and Dam Park. It is the westernmost lock in the Okeechobee Waterway out of the 5 locks in the OWW. Initially we had thought we might go ahead through the lock and continue on to LaBelle. However, as we approached the lock, the wind began to gust and we decided it was time to call it a day. I had glanced over and realized that the docks were on the east side of the lock and not the west as I had originally thought. Also, they are tucked up in a protected basin and not right next to the river as the docks are at St. Lucie. We spun the boat around and headed for the docks.
A very nice gentleman, Walt Vliet, who was out for a few weeks cruise with his wife June, came to our aid as we docked with the wind blowing us up on the finger pier. No matter how many years of experience one has, it is still difficult to dock with a single engine and a good, stiff breeze on the beam. Once secure, we had the opportunity to visit with Walt and June. Both are about to turn 80 soon and have been cruising for years. They live in Hobe Sound and often travel back and forth across the Okeechobee on either their small sailboat or their Marine Trader trawler. They were a pleasure to meet.
But the real story is the park. It is truly a beautiful little place. The RV park and marina, situated on its own little island, is located on the northeast side of the river and lock. Slow speed buoys are located at the entrance to the marina basin. There are 8 slips here as there are at St. Lucie, with 4 being first-come, first-served and the other 4 able to be reserved. Very little wake makes it into the basin. Trees and a decent size picnic pavilion are very near the docks, and a short walk west past a number of RV sites, takes you to very clean heads and showers. Recycling bins are available jus t next to the trash.
In the middle of the island is the ranger’s office where you pay your dockage. (Again, the same as St. Lucie – $24 per dock including water and electric, or $12 if you have your Golden Age pass for those 62+.) Just next to the office the ranger’s trailer and little fenced in yard that houses her `babies,’ three small dogs. From there, turn and walk due south out to the lock and fishing pier, or turn north to walk over the short causeway to get some exercise or a different view of the island. The other, or west, end of the island has many more RV sites and a larger head and shower facility which also houses a washer and dryer. You can walk beyond that building and find another large covered pavilion at the southern end as well as a bench with a great view to the west.
If the docks are full, no problem. Figure out which direction you need wind protection from. There is plenty of room to anchor in the east basin beyond the docks, then dinghy in to the boat ramp near the heads and showers. Or anchor in the basin on the west side of the locks tucked up near the causeway that leads over to the island for great easterly and southerly protection. On this side, dinghy into the beach near the large trees just behind the building that houses the heads. The ranger is happy to have you come ashore.
You cannot walk across the lock to the other side like you can at St. Lucie Park, so drop your dinghy in the water and visit the beach on the other side as well as the visitor center. The only downside we can see is there are no provisions nearby, so come well-stocked and enjoy this little piece of heaven.
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May 19, 2014by: Claiborne Young No Comments
St Lucie Lock and Dam Marina and Campground – Okeechobee Waterway
St. Lucie Lock Marina Slips
About a week ago, I saw a submission by my good friend, Skipper Susan Landry, about mooring their trawler, Beach House, at the inexpensive wet slips immediately west of the Okeechobee Waterway’s St. Lucie Lock (the easternmost lock on this Waterway).
And so, I asked both Susan and her “partner in crime,” Skipper Chuck Baier, to please provide the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net with a fuller account of this facility. The below article is the happy result of my request.
We are once again greatly indebted to Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing the superb, in-depth article and copious photographs, set below! THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN!
St. Lucie Lock Marina and Park
The St. Lucie Lock and Dam is located a little more than 15 miles upriver from the `crossroads’ at the St. Lucie Inlet, the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and the St. Lucie River. Approximately 10,000 vessels transit this lock every year and the majority of them are recreational vessels. The Locks are operated from 7 AM to 7 PM, seven days a week. It takes about 20 minutes on average for boats to lock through completely. Signs indicate the arrival point on both sides and the Lockmaster is contacted on VHF Channel 13. He will give instructions to wait for the green light before entering and the Captain can choose the side of the lock on which to tie. Lines are dropped from the lock walls to secure the boat at the bow and stern as the water levels are raised or lowered. The Lockmaster announces when it’s safe to proceed after the lock gates are opened.
Immediately after exiting the Lock heading westbound, boaters will see a series of finger piers on their port side with space for eight boats. The finger piers are short, but with some creative tie ups, boats up to 40 feet have used the facilities. The slips are also narrow, making it difficult for two boats with wide beams to tie up in the slip. But if you find the space acceptable, this can be an excellent stopover along the Okeechobee Waterway and an excellent value for transient dockage. Daily fees are $24.00, a flat fee, and include power and water. If you happen to be 62 or over, you are eligible for a Golden Age Passport, allowing you half price entry to any national park, including the St. Lucie Lock and Dam Park. It’s hard to beat $12 per night for dockage that
St. Lucie Lock – Okeechobee Waterway
includes power and water! The signs near the docks say that there is a 14 day maximum, but the park has allowed boaters to stay a month or more. Technically there are four slips that can be reserved in advance and four slips on a first-come, first-served basis. The Park Rangers don’t seem to enforce this and at the time we were there, everyone had just arrived and paid the fees with no problem. Some boaters from Stuart make this an annual trek to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town for a while.
The Park is located quite a distance from any kind of shopping or restaurants so without transportation, there is not much to do except rest and relax and maybe get caught up on a few boat projects. As luck would have it, a couple of the boaters there had vehicles and offered rides to anyone that needed one. The campers in the RVs and travel trailers were also a friendly bunch and could be a source for a ride into the shopping centers if needed.
The Park has clean restrooms for the use by the campers and the marina. Each restroom also has a shower. These are cleaned daily by the Park employees and we found everyone very friendly and helpful. A large pavilion with picnic tables, a fire pit and charcoal grills made for an excellent evening get together spot for the boaters and some of the campers. Every afternoon and evening several of us gathered to share drinks, snacks and swap stories. It’s surprising how much the boaters and the campers have in common. We enjoyed the comradery and solitude so much that we decided to stay for a week and take care of some errands. Enterprise Rent-A-Car will pick up and drop off at the Park if a car is needed.
St. Lucie Lock Park Pavillions
There are several smaller pavilions around the Park, all with charcoal grills and picnic tables. Walking is our exercise of choice and the Park offers a number of walking trails. There is a walkway across the entire lock and spillway to the other side of the river, where more pavilions and walking trails are available. The view from the lock is pretty incredible – just be sure to be off the gates when they open and close for passing boats. All kinds of wildlife can be found around every corner. Hawks, eagles and osprey soar overhead and the gators lounge in the sun along the banks of the river. You might even find a few snakes along the trail, so be ready for just about anything. A good insect repellent comes in handy for those times when the wind drops off and the little pests come out to feed. At the opposite end of the lock on the same side as the campground is a small visitor center. There are exhibits on the wildlife and history of the lock, and videos with interesting information. The Ranger at the center can answer any questions and they post the Lake levels daily from the Corps of Engineers website. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there and looked forward to getting to the park at the W.P. Franklin Lock on the other side of the Lake and farther across the Okeechobee Waterway. The Park there offers the same services. But that’s a story for another time.
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May 15, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for Tarpon Point Marina, Caloosahatchee River/Okeechobee Standard Mile146.5
Tarpon Point Marina – Click for Chartview
Tarpon Point Marina is found just off the Caloosahatchee River, a short hop from the southerly “Miserable Mile” genesis of the Western Florida ICW, and northwest of marker #92.
Tarpon Point is one of our favorite marinas for many reasons. The location is beautiful and protected. Captains Candy and Ron in the Harbour Master’s office are friendly. There are two very good restaurants’“Marker 92 in The Westin and Pincher’s’“in the marina village. The shower facilities are very nice. And, the marina is immaculate.
Our favorite amenity is the recreation center’“about a 4-minute walk’“with two beautiful swimming pools! There is also a workout room and beautiful locker rooms with showers.
New this year: Marina Village Trading Co. which is a gourmet food store. Dee has a great selection for provisioning in style. And, Pincher’s restaurant has a fresh fish market!
We will continue to return to Tarpon Point when cruising SW Florida waters.
Melanie Humphrey
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Tarpon Point Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Tarpon Point Marina
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