Sounds like really good place to stop for the night while traversing the Okeechobee Waterway

One of the places I can give a plug to is the City Marina at Moore Haven (FL) on the Okeechobee Waterway (not directly on the  Intracoastal – down a small canal after the bridge).  I pulled into  Moore Haven just as they set the lake bottom afire to burn off grass (vid #9) so an unplanned overnighter, and went down the narrow canal to the covered fuel dock which looked as if it hadn't been used in 50 years.  4 oldtimers were playing cards and having some brew and I asked if it was OK to tie up there and walk to the IGA (groceries) and mentioned I could use some fuel and the executive decision was made that I could stay there as long as I wanted.  One of them said "son, living here is like being in a nonstop version of Deliverance – are you familiar with the movie?"  Indeed I was . . .  One of them volunteered to take me to the store in his golf cart (a story in itself) and when I returned there was a (real) manager there with a fifty gallon drum of fuel.  I thought uh-oh, here comes some water, but it turned out to be one of the few places I got clean fuel (I took on a big load of water somewhere up the pike).  Price: Circle-K + .10 a gallon (I have no clue if that's where he got it).  I got gasoline — but considering the atmosphere, they would probably get you anything you wanted, including a rather clear tasteless and odorless liquid that tends to make one want to sing "hidey ho."  I will deny all knowledge of such . . .
Matt Mattson

I think the dockage referred to below by Captain Sterling, at the St. Lucie Lock ,is on the western side, hard by a park. While these berths are truly inexpensive, they are not what could be accurately termed as pointed towards cruising sized craft. As for the Franklin Lock’s dockage, the only mental picture I can get of this is on the eastern side, near a public launching ramp. HOWEVER, I have NO membery of any docks here fit for boats larger than 25 feet. I certainly do NOT know all, however! If anyone else knows more about the inexpensive dockage described below, PLEASE make a posting!

Lake O dockage deals!
Two little known “secret gems” of the Okeechobee Wateway, both Franklin Lock, and Port ST. lucie lock have very inexpensive dockage ($20 a nite, $10 if your a senior) , with hookups, showers, laundry, and bathrooms! 4 slips are reservatioins, and 4 are on a first come basis. Isolated, but realy nice! There is an Enterprise that services ST. Lucie lock. We are planning on doing the mini loop friday, so I can give you an update at that time.
Captain Sterling

As I recall, there is a 40 ft limit on both the Franklin and St. lucie docks. Water now is low at St. lucie, however , Franklin is up and running.
See you on the Waterways!
Capt. Sterling

Subject: cheap docks cutting across the middle of Fl
Cruising News: Ther are cheap docks at both franklin lock and St Lucy lock run by the corp of enginers. $12 for seniors east of franklin lock on the north side look for the cut ..deep water and I had a 49 ft boat neht to my 30 ft sail boat 5″3′ draft…east and south at St Lucie.
Sam Rogers

I think the dockage referred to below by Captain Sterling, at the St. Lucie Lock ,is on the western side, hard by a park. While these berths are truly inexpensive, they are not what could be accurately termed as pointed towards cruising sized craft. As for the Franklin Lock’s dockage, the only mental picture I can get of this is on the eastern side, near a public launching ramp. HOWEVER, I have NO membery of any docks here fit for boats larger than 25 feet. I certainly do NOT know all, however! If anyone else knows more about the inexpensive dockage described below, PLEASE make a posting!

Subject: Lake O dockage deals!
Two little known “secret gems” of the Okeechobee Wateway, both Franklin Lock, and Port ST. lucie lock have very inexpensive dockage ($20 a nite, $10 if your a senior) , with hookups, showers, laundry, and bathrooms! 4 slips are reservatioins, and 4 are on a first come basis. Isolated, but realy nice! There is an Enterprise that services ST. Lucie lock. We are planning on doing the mini loop friday, so I can give you an update at that time.
Captain Sterling

As I recall, there is a 40 ft limit on both the Franklin and St. lucie docks. Water now is low at St. lucie, however , Franklin is up and running.

For many years, Florida has used “Manatee Zones” to control boat speed and wakes in various areas.  If we are to believe the signs, Florida manatees are a rather exclusive group who tend to hang out near mega-mansions and resort condos rather than in quiet rural areas, trailer parks, etc.  This trip, we found a new one!  (See photo)  In a few rather ritzy locations the manatees are protected “Weekends & Holidays” only.  We figure that this must apply to blue collar manatees who can only afford to spend time at these places on the weekend.  But where do they go during the week?

 

Allen and Judy Ames

SESAME

For many years, Florida has used “Manatee Zones” to control boat speed and wakes in various areas.  If we are to believe the signs, Florida manatees are a rather exclusive group who tend to hang out near mega-mansions and resort condos rather than in quiet rural areas, trailer parks, etc.  This trip, we found a new one!  (See photo)  In a few rather ritzy locations the manatees are protected “Weekends & Holidays” only.  We figure that this must apply to blue collar manatees who can only afford to spend time at these places on the weekend.  But where do they go during the week?

 

Allen and Judy Ames

SESAME

As pretty much all of us know by now, the Okeechobee Waterway is suffering from shallow water problems. One day, though, depths will be restored, and come those happier times, reports like the one below from concerning the Moore Haven City Marina will be of great interest to the cruising community!

One of the places I can give a plug to is the City Marina at Moore Haven (FL) on the Okeechobee Waterway (not directly on the  Intracoastal – down a small canal after the bridge).  I pulled into  Moore Haven just as they set the lake bottom afire to burn off grass (vid #9) so an unplanned overnighter, and went down the narrow canal to the covered fuel dock which looked as if it hadn't been used in 50 years.  4 oldtimers were playing cards and having some brew and I asked if it was OK to tie up there and walk to the IGA (groceries) and mentioned I could use some fuel and the executive decision was made that I could stay there as long as I wanted.  One of them said "son, living here is like being in a nonstop version of Deliverance – are you familiar with the movie?"  Indeed I was . . .  One of them volunteered to take me to the store in his golf cart (a story in itself) and when I returned there was a (real) manager there with a fifty gallon drum of fuel.  I thought uh-oh, here comes some water, but it turned out to be one of the few places I got clean fuel (I took on a big load of water somewhere up the pike).  Price: Circle-K + .10 a gallon (I have no clue if that's where he got it).  I got gasoline — but considering the atmosphere, they would probably get you anything you wanted, including a rather clear tasteless and odorless liquid that tends to make one want to sing "hidey ho."  I will deny all knowledge of such . . .
Matt Mattson

As pretty much all of us know by now, the Okeechobee Waterway is suffering from shallow water problems. One day, though, depths will be restored, and come those happier times, reports like the one below from concerning the Moore Haven City Marina will be of great interest to the cruising community!

One of the places I can give a plug to is the City Marina at Moore Haven (FL) on the Okeechobee Waterway (not directly on the  Intracoastal – down a small canal after the bridge).  I pulled into  Moore Haven just as they set the lake bottom afire to burn off grass (vid #9) so an unplanned overnighter, and went down the narrow canal to the covered fuel dock which looked as if it hadn't been used in 50 years.  4 oldtimers were playing cards and having some brew and I asked if it was OK to tie up there and walk to the IGA (groceries) and mentioned I could use some fuel and the executive decision was made that I could stay there as long as I wanted.  One of them said "son, living here is like being in a nonstop version of Deliverance – are you familiar with the movie?"  Indeed I was . . .  One of them volunteered to take me to the store in his golf cart (a story in itself) and when I returned there was a (real) manager there with a fifty gallon drum of fuel.  I thought uh-oh, here comes some water, but it turned out to be one of the few places I got clean fuel (I took on a big load of water somewhere up the pike).  Price: Circle-K + .10 a gallon (I have no clue if that's where he got it).  I got gasoline — but considering the atmosphere, they would probably get you anything you wanted, including a rather clear tasteless and odorless liquid that tends to make one want to sing "hidey ho."  I will deny all knowledge of such . . .
Matt Mattson

The no-wake zones mentioned in the posting below, several miles east of Fort Myers, are noted in my "Cruising Guide to Eastern Florida," but calling attention anew to these restricted waters is always a GOOD idea. There is even a frame metal sculpture of several manatees, near the power plant, to emphasize how popular these waters are with our "snooty" friends.

 A word of caution!
From the power plant about six miles west of the Franklin Lock out to the Okeechobee Waterway Mile Marker 0, there are several sections that are "Idle Speed-No Wake-Manatee Zone"
Believe It!!! They are heavily patrolled by both Florida Wildlife officers and local Marine cops

The no-wake zones mentioned in the posting below, several miles east of Fort Myers, are noted in my "Cruising Guide to Eastern Florida," but calling attention anew to these restricted waters is always a GOOD idea. There is even a frame metal sculpture of several manatees, near the power plant, to emphasize how popular these waters are with our "snooty" friends.

 A word of caution!
From the power plant about six miles west of the Franklin Lock out to the Okeechobee Waterway Mile Marker 0, there are several sections that are "Idle Speed-No Wake-Manatee Zone"
Believe It!!! They are heavily patrolled by both Florida Wildlife officers and local Marine cops

Here's a real potpourri for Okeechobee Waterway cruisers. The message below gives good web sites, makes a comment on the music at Roland Martins' Marina (Clewiston, Florida) and the grouper sandwiches enjoyed here.

I have two web sites that contain great information on Lake Okeechobee and the Waterway listed in my favorite places.

http://www.sfwmd.gov/site/index.php?id=16

and

http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/sfoo/nav/navindex.htm

The lock tenders were very polite and accommodating my last trip across. The trip was on June 17, the day before the June 18 St. Lucie lock closure. We had quite a lot of company crossing that day. The only complaint I had was that the music at Rowland Martins Marina, in Clewiston, although good, was loud and late but we had a good time there anyway and a fairly decent Grouper sandwich if I recall.

Here's a real potpourri for Okeechobee Waterway cruisers. The message below gives good web sites, makes a comment on the music at Roland Martins' Marina (Clewiston, Florida) and the grouper sandwiches enjoyed here.

I have two web sites that contain great information on Lake Okeechobee and the Waterway listed in my favorite places.

http://www.sfwmd.gov/site/index.php?id=16

and

http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/sfoo/nav/navindex.htm

The lock tenders were very polite and accommodating my last trip across. The trip was on June 17, the day before the June 18 St. Lucie lock closure. We had quite a lot of company crossing that day. The only complaint I had was that the music at Rowland Martins Marina, in Clewiston, although good, was loud and late but we had a good time there anyway and a fairly decent Grouper sandwich if I recall.

My husband and I just made our trip from the Glades Boatyard in Moorehaven (on 1/15) across the Okeechobee down to Marathon (arrived on 2/1). 250 miles of it was uneventful in our 30’ sailing vessel “This End Up”. The marinas we stayed at were Martins on the Okeechobee – the Internet / WiFi there did not work but it was comfortable for the night before crossing the Okeechobee in thick fog the next morning.

Mo

My husband and I just made our trip from the Glades Boatyard in Moorehaven (on 1/15) across the Okeechobee down to Marathon (arrived on 2/1). 250 miles of it was uneventful in our 30’ sailing vessel “This End Up”. The marinas we stayed at were Martins on the Okeechobee – the Internet / WiFi there did not work but it was comfortable for the night before crossing the Okeechobee in thick fog the next morning.

Mo

Good info from War Eagle about the marina situation in La Belle, Florida

After a month at Legacy Marina in Ft Myers (A perfect spot and great marina), we headed out today for crossing the Lake. Some info: All of the LaBelle info in the guides is still current (River Motel, free town dock, boat ramp, etc). However, the fuel dock at the west side of the bridge near mile 103 (?) is not open and Port Labelle Marina has no power or water. Showers are working well, and the docks are all new as they rebuilt recently. $0.50/ft to stay here. Gas is $2.79/diesel $2.47) Resturant/hotel across the street has WiFi. We plan on taking our time going to Lake Worth for crossing over to Abacos.

ohn & Sue
War Eagle

Good info from War Eagle about the marina situation in La Belle, Florida

After a month at Legacy Marina in Ft Myers (A perfect spot and great marina), we headed out today for crossing the Lake. Some info: All of the LaBelle info in the guides is still current (River Motel, free town dock, boat ramp, etc). However, the fuel dock at the west side of the bridge near mile 103 (?) is not open and Port Labelle Marina has no power or water. Showers are working well, and the docks are all new as they rebuilt recently. $0.50/ft to stay here. Gas is $2.79/diesel $2.47) Resturant/hotel across the street has WiFi. We plan on taking our time going to Lake Worth for crossing over to Abacos.

ohn & Sue
War Eagle

Captain Sterling ususally gives us great reports on Florida Keys Cruising News, but this time, he brings us up to date on several dockage facilities along the Okeechobee Waterway.

Hi Claiborne
Just did a back and forth trip from Ft. Meyers, to Port St. Lucie Lock, and back.

Clewiston is $1.75 foot, off season rate, but it somehow worked out to $71 both times we were there. Pricey we felt. But they still have the courtesy car available.What made up for it is the $20 a nite dockage at both Port St.lucie and Franklin locks.

The free docks at LaBelle are now in a minimum wake zone, and the hotel across the way is rebuilding it's $0.50 a foot dockage.

Moorhaven docks were $1 a foot, and not great for fending off of. They need to rethink the pilings.

Palataka marina is still Closed.

uel in Ft. Meyers Yacht Basin was $2.75, but I have been seeing it cheaper as we head up north.
see ya on the water
Sterling
MV SterlingLadyIII
Key Largo, Fl

Captain Sterling ususally gives us great reports on Florida Keys Cruising News, but this time, he brings us up to date on several dockage facilities along the Okeechobee Waterway.

Hi Claiborne
Just did a back and forth trip from Ft. Meyers, to Port St. Lucie Lock, and back.

Clewiston is $1.75 foot, off season rate, but it somehow worked out to $71 both times we were there. Pricey we felt. But they still have the courtesy car available.What made up for it is the $20 a nite dockage at both Port St.lucie and Franklin locks.

The free docks at LaBelle are now in a minimum wake zone, and the hotel across the way is rebuilding it's $0.50 a foot dockage.

Moorhaven docks were $1 a foot, and not great for fending off of. They need to rethink the pilings.

Palataka marina is still Closed.

uel in Ft. Meyers Yacht Basin was $2.75, but I have been seeing it cheaper as we head up north.
see ya on the water
Sterling
MV SterlingLadyIII
Key Largo, Fl