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Please Note That Postings Below From Fellow Cruisers Are Listed in Chronological Order, Based on Publication Date
Within ten minutes of receiving the important message below from Captain Hyde, the Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net was on the telephone with Wise Gas, Inc. to determine their area of service. That’s one of the advantages of being a “non-wicki,” professionally moderated web site. Anyway, what we discovered is a potential boon for cruisers in southeastern Florida. More on that in just a second.
So, why is a ready source of CNG such big news for the cruising community? Quite simply, CNG is a superior fuel for all on-board cooking and heating purposes, as compared to propane/LPG. As many of you already know, LPG/Propane is heavier than air and, should there be a leak, can accumulate in bilges or a low place in a boat, leading to a potentially explosive situation. Conversely, CNG is lighter than air, and tends to naturally disperse.
The problem is, as we so clearly learned while formulating the SSECN’s LPG Availability Directories, that CNG is hard to obtain. Quite simply, there are very few dealers to which cruisers have easy access where their CNG tanks can be refilled.
Back to Wise Gas, Inc. Our telephone call revealed that this company will pick up, refill and deliver back to your vessel, CNG tanks from the “tri-county area” of southeastern Florida, which is comprised of Palm Beach, Broward and Dade counties. Additionally, WITH ADVANCE ARRANGEMENTS, sometimes the same procedure can be undertaken along the west coast of Florida, particularly in the Tampa Bay region.
So, while it’s still not a perfect solution, nor one so broad ranging as we would like, at least now from North Palm Beach to Miami, cruisers can be sure of having a source to refill CNG tanks. It’s a start!
Claiborne –
On your recent visit to Punta Gorda, Florida I mentioned to you that if I was ever able to locate a source of CNG for those using the gas onboard their boats, I would let you know. I have finally found a source. Wise Gas, Inc., 1058 Bluewood Terrace, Weston, FL 33327 is source of CNG for vessels and vehicles in south Florida. Its website advises the following:
“At present time, Wise Gas, Inc. is offering CNG tank refills to marine boaters in the South Florida area only. We do anticipate expanding this service in terms of geography and service options in the future. Call Wise Gas, Inc. in advance at (954)-636-4291 to coordinate a CNG refill. A member of our team will meet you, pick up your current, approved cylinder in good condition and refill it for you and deliver it back to you.”
The cost of this service varies based on cylinder size and location. Call in advance to schedule your refilling needs.
E-mail: info@wisegasinc.com
Phone: (954)-636-4291
I recently met with a Wise Gas representative who was in Punta Gorda making deliveries on the west coast and exchanged my empty tank for a full one. It was a smooth and convenient process. The cost was $40.
I would advise your readers to visit the Wise Gas website at http://www.wisegasinc.com for all the information. I hope this helps and thanks for a great presentation to the boaters of Punta Gorda.
Noel Hyde
s/v Kismet
Bahia Mar Yachting Center is located along the Waterway’s eastern banks, south of Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Boulevard bridge.
Heads-up on security here.
Arrived a few days early to attend Trawlerfest Feb. 2-4 2012. Tied up on H dock north marina. Very gusty winds that day/night, 25-30kts N-NE. Middle of the night woke up to boat moving about excessively. Went out to check lines and found both spring lines lying in the water. I’ve been tying lines for 30yrs and my knots do not come loose. Fortunately dock lines held and no damage.
Next day had a brand new Trek bicycle stolen from parking lot in broad daylight. Had been cable locked to bike posts about 100yds from the security office. Security is present but focus seems to be down at the south marina where all the big mega’s are tied up. Incident(s) reported to security and local FLD police. Police attentive, security folks not overly impressed.
Unfortunate black eye for what appears to be a well run and well maintained maintained facility.
Frank Arndorfer
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Bahia Mar Yachting Center
The Local Notice to Mariners for week 04/12 has a long list of Florida bridge closures for upcoming charity events. Some are only 30-45 minute and some are several hours. Make notes on your calendars and plan accordingly. Some of the listings duplicate earlier LNMs. NB: Main Street Bridge in Jacksonville is US 1, US 17.
FLORIDA – ST. JOHNS RIVER – MAIN STREET BRIDGE – JACKSONVILLE: Bridge Closure.
The Main Street (US 17) Bridge across the St. Johns River mile 24.7, Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida will be closed to navigation from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. on January 28, 2012 to accommodate the “Run 5 Keep Kids Alive” event.
Chart: 11491 CG File: 2715
FLORIDA – ST. JOHNS RIVER – MAIN STREET BRIDGE – JACKSONVILLE: Bridge Closure.
The Main Street (US 17) Bridge across the St. Johns River mile 24.7, Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida will be closed to navigation from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. on February 18, 2012 to accommodate the “Sulzbacher Center 8k and 1
Mile Run/Walk” event. Chart: 11491 CG File: 2715
FLORIDA – ST. JOHNS RIVER – MAIN STREET BRIDGE – JACKSONVILLE: Bridge Closure.
The Main Street (US 17) Bridge across the St. Johns River mile 24.7, Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida will be closed to navigation from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on March 10, 2012 to accommodate the “Gate River Run” event.
Chart: 11491 CG File: 2715
FLORIDA – ST. JOHNS RIVER – MAIN STREET BRIDGE – JACKSONVILLE: Bridge Closure.
The Main Street (US 17) Bridge across the St. Johns River mile 24.7, Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida will be closed to navigation from 7:00 p.m. on July 4 through 1:00 a.m. on July 5, 2012 to accommodate the “Freedom, Fanfare & Fireworks” event. Ref: LNM 01 and 02-12 Chart: 11491 CG File: 2715
FLORIDA – ORTEGA RIVER – ORTEGA RIVER BRIDGE – JACKSONVILLE: Bridge Closure.
The Ortega River Bridge across the Ortega River mile 0.3, Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida will be closed to navigation from 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. on February 25, 2012 to accommodate the “Daily’s Ortega River Run” event.
Chart: 11491 CG File: 2376
FLORIDA – BOCA RATON INLET – OCEAN BOULEVARD (SR A1A) BRIDGE: Bridge Closure.
The Ocean Boulevard (SR A1A) Bridge, Boca Raton, Palm Beach County, Florida will be closed to navigation from 7:10 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 15, 2012 for the Annual Wellness Triathlon. Chart: 11467 CG File: 2304
FLORIDA – MIAMI RIVER – BRICKELL AVENUE AND 2ND AVENUE BRIDGES: Bridge Closure:
The Brickell Avenue and 2nd Avenue Bridges across the Miami River, Miami, Florida will be closed to navigation from 6:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on April 26, 2012 for the Miami Corporate Run. Chart: 11468 CG File: 2591
FLORIDA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – WEST PALM BEACH TO MIAMI – HILLSBORO BOULEVARD BRIDGE: Bridge Closure.
The Hillsboro Boulevard Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Hillsboro, Florida will be closed to navigation from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2012 for the Annual Founders Day Celebration.
Ref: LNM 02-12 Chart: 11467 CG File: 2179
FLORIDA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – WEST PALM BEACH TO MIAMI – EAST LAS OLAS BRIDGE: Bridge Closure.
The East Las Olas Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida will be closed to navigation from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 19, 2012 to facilitate the Annual Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon. LNM 02-12 ssbnmChart: 11467 CG File: 2444
FLORIDA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – WEST PALM BEACH TO MIAMI – NEW RIVER – SE 3RD AND ANDREWS AVENUE BRIDGES: Bridge Closure.
The Southeast 3rd Avenue and the Andrews Avenue Bridges across the New River, Fort Lauderdale, Florida will be closed to navigation from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2012 to facilitate the “Riverwalk Run” event.
Ref: LNM 51-11 through 03-12 Chart: 11467 CG File:
FLORIDA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – WEST PALM BEACH TO MIAMI – NEW RIVER – SE 3RD AND ANDREWS AVENUE BRIDGES: Bridge Closure.
The Southeast 3nd Avenue and the Andrews Avenue Bridges across the New River, Fort Lauderdale, Florida will be closed to navigation from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, 2012 to facilitate the “Fort Lauderdale Corporate Run” event. Chart: 11467 CG File: 3017/2128
FLORIDA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – WEST PALM BEACH TO MIAMI – ING MIAMI MARATHON: Bridge Closures.
The East Venetian Causeway Bridge across Miami Beach Channel will be closed to navigation from 6:00 a.m. to 9:24 a.m., the West Venetian Causeway Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway will be closed to navigation from 6:10 a.m. to 9:56 a.m., the Brickell Avenue (US 1) Bridge across the Miami River will be closed to navigation from 6:25 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and the South Miami Avenue Bridge across the Miami River, Miami, Florida, will be closed to navigation from 6:25 a.m. to 10: 35 a.m. on Sunday, January 29, 2012 from the ING Miami Marathon Event. Ref: LNM 51-11 through 03-12 Chart: 11468 CG File 2591/2351B/2351A/2118
FLORIDA – ATLANTIC INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY – WEST PALM BEACH TO MIAMI – MIAMI BOAT SHOW: Bridge Closures.
Due to the high volume of vehicle and vessel traffic movement during the Miami Boat Show the East and West Venetian Causeway Bridge, Miami, Florida will be placed on a half-hour schedule. The bridges will open on the top of the hour and bottom of the hour from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, Monday, February 13 through Tuesday, February 21, 2012. At all other times the bridges will open on demand. Vessels that may pass without an opening may do so at any time.
Ref: Docket Num USCG-2012-0002 Chart: 11468/11467
One of three municipal docks in Fort Lauderdale, the Las Olas docks lie off the Waterway’s eastern shoreline immediately north and south (mostly on the north side) of the Las Olas bascule bridge.
Las Olas offers a Boat US discount of 25%. We agree with the other reviewers, the facilities are first rate and a real waterway bargain. Pump out only at fixed dock, C. Great pump out, no fee. Don’t look for dockhands to catch your lines or assist with the pump out, we couldn’t get anyone on VHF or phone. When we went into office, one employee was at his computer the other was playing with his phone, too busy to assist on the dock. Very disappointing. Also, dock numbers are written vertically on faces of posts so that one must enter the fairway to see them.
The Quarterdeck as mentioned is great; good food, reasonable prices, and good service. Also, it’s only a two block walk to the beautiful beach.
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Municipal Docks
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Municipal Docks
Cooleys Landing is one of three city of Fort Lauderdale owned and managed dockage facilities. Cooleys Landing is the most upstream (on New River) of these three facilities. A host of restaurants (including the memorable “Shirttail Charleys”) are within easy walking distance!
Cooloey’s Landing is a great spot from which to enjoy Ft. Lauderdale. Free trolly to beach and another up and down the beach takes you near West Marine, Sailorman, Blue Water Books, etc. We spent a most enjoyable week there just before Christmas.
Hank Evans
M/V Queen Ann’s Revenge
It was one of our favorite stops last year on our way south, spent a week also….hope they have the stealing in check now. Great spot for yacht watching, eating and walking on the water front. Enjoyed the water tours that let you on and off and back on to many stops including the beach. Would do it again..just have to time the current when docking there, can be very very strong at wrong time.
S/V Colleen Mae
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Cooleys Landing
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cooleys Landing
Cooley’s Landing. one of three city of Fort Lauderdale owned dockage faciltiies, graces New River’s northwesterly banks immediately upstream (southwest) of the William H. Marshall Bridge. It’s only a hop, skim and a jump from these docks to downtown Fort Lauderdale’s many restaurants and shopping opportunities.
Unfortunately, the report from Captain Ross below prompts us to warn all cruisers to take extra care of their bicycles here!
From: Richard Ross
To: CruisingWriter@CruisersNet.net
Subject: Bicycle thefts at Cooley’s Landing Fort Lauderdale
Date: Tue, 29 Nov 2011 01:29:57 +0000
Hi Clairborne:
WARNING: Thefts at Cooley’s Landing, Fort Lauderdale
These are docks in a public park. There is no security fence, and park personnel are on duty only part of the time.
On a Sunday afternoon, a gang of at least four youths entered the dock area and proceeded to steal bicycles from boats. They made off with three bikes, two of which they cut free using large bolt cutters. They were spotted by several boaters who managed to capture one of the thieves. During the struggle, a female boater was hit in the face by
a rock. Eventually the police arrested one of the youths and recovered two bikes. The other thieves and the third bike disappeared into the slums just north of the park.
Boaters are warned that this facility is not secure, and that the gang which targets this area is prepared to assault anyone trying to protect their belongings. Also, boaters should be suspicious of anyone trying to sell them a slightly used blue folding bike.
Richard Ross
Was planning to stay at Cooley’s landing but will now alter plans, probably stay on the hook somewhere.
Has
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Cooley’s Landing
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cooley’s Landing
This LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS, Week 32/11 is of interest to those of you who navigate offshore of eastern Florida. No comments please about how our Navy could lose a piece of equipment in only 3 foot seas!
SEACOAST-FLORIDA-FORT LAUDERDALE: US Navy (SFOMF) Lost Equipment
The United States Navy, South Florida Ocean Measurement Facility (SFOMF) lost equipment offshore Fort Lauderdale, Florida at 1424 EST on July 27th, 2011. The lost equipment is an ”Unmanned Underwater Vehicle” (UUV). The vehicle is 6 feet long, 6” in diameter and is colored yellow and black with “WARD” stenciled on the side. Last known position of the UUV was Lat 26 03.336 Lon -080 03.918. Seas were 3’ or less the day of loss, winds out of the east, and 4 knots of current to the North. Vehicle is positively buoyant and contains no hazardous materials. Should the vehicle be found, please contact SSC Pacific: POC: Peyton Hall 619-221-5245 e-mail: peyton.hall@navy.mil Alt POC: Chris Young 619-553-5387 or 619-607-9000
Middle River, the site of the anchorage described briefly below by Captain Nicole, cuts west from the AICW, between markers #3 and #4. I am very familiar with these waters, having operated out of Middle River a couple of years ago while researching a new edition of “Cruising Guide to Eastern Florida.”
Heretofore, I’ve always shrank from recommending anchorage on these waters due to consistent reports that cruisers dropping the hook here were being hassled by the local water cops. However, with the new Florida anchoring law hopefully protecting us all, perhaps these waters can be considered as an overnight anchorage. Of course, as Captain Nicole notes, on weekends in particular, all the jet skis and Cigarette boats can make for a very bumpy stay!
To save even more cash in Fort Lauderdale there is a GREAT anchorage in the Middle River. Gets a touch wakey on the weekends but weekdays and at night, this anchorage is well protected and has awesome dinghy dock access on a floating dock in a public park.
Nicole
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of The Middle River Anchorage
This mooring field, just south of the Las Olas Blvd. Bridge, is the Ft. Lauderdale Official Anchorage/Mooring Field and Captain Ron was unable to find it in Cruisers’ Net, because it’s listed in the Anchorage Directory – sorry about that Ron! However, his advice about saving cash while in Ft. Lauderdale is good if your vessel isn’t over 40ft. We’d really like some comment from anyone who has used these moorings.
After spending an expensive week at Bahia Mar Marina in Ft. Lauderdale, I noticed a small (10-12 spots) city owned mooring field 500 yards north of the Bahia Mar Fuel Dock. According to the water taxi, the cost is $35.00 per night. There were three sailboats securely hooked up in this protected area. A quick tender ride to downtown would be easy. I checked my extensive list of cruising guides, and nothing was mentioned of this area. Make a note ICW cruisers and save some cash while staying in Ft. Lauderdale !
Captain Ron Rice
To save even more cash in Fort Lauderdale there is a GREAT anchorage in the Middle River. Gets a touch wakey on the weekends but weekdays and at night, this anchorage is well protected and has awesome dinghy dock access on a floating dock in a public park.
Nicole
The Las Olas Marina is one of several maintained by the city of Fort Lauderdale. All the others are found along new River, hard by the downtown section of Fort Lauderdale. The Las Olas facility also has the twin advantages of being directly on the AICW, and within walking distance of the beach.
I don’t normally supply a photograph of laundry machines for a story on a Florida marina, and if you’re not a cruiser and are reading this by accident, you might be thinking — is this what cruising is about? Well, yes, and no. It’s what makes boaters comfortable so that they can fully enjoy their cruising. To me, as a boater, this photograph speaks volumes. It says “respite”, it says “you can get your chores done and it will be a clean experience!” It says: Here’s a marina that cares about its boat-living customers.
View of Las Olas Marina from southern group of slips facing north and the bridge
I’m not sure why we never tried the Las Olas City Marina, but after recently reading veteran cruising writer Tom Neale’s glowing review of the city’s facilities at Las Olas, we decided to give it a try. Well, well, well. This is very different from what we’re used to. At first, as we spied the marina tucked under — literally — the Las Olas draw bridge, I thought, Tom, what were you thinking? But I was wrong and I now get it. This is yet another Florida city marina that shows what good government can and does do while keeping affordable and good facilities available to the transient boating public.
As I just mentioned, this marina oddly occupies both sides of the Las Olas bridge. Yes, that Las Olas, the last and huge opening bridge you encounter southbound that brings you into the heart of Fort Lauderdale. So, before you arrive, find out which side of the bridge your slip will be, North or South. The marina staff is very courteous — they offered us a slip on either side clearly explaining the advantages of each. The North side of the bridge brings you closer to the cruisers lounge and facilities and the South side gets you (a) past the opening bridge and (b) a little further from the bridge noise. One thing to note at the moment is that the pump outs on the South side are broken and there are no immediate plans to replace it.
So what’s it like living under a busy draw bridge? The bridge noise is definitely noticeable — the first night I felt like I was in a Woody Allen movie describing my childhood living under the Elevated train in Brooklyn. After a while, it became white noise. But, a bright side is that being under the bridge, you are in the no-wake zone — so there is surprisingly less wake here than from the apparently more-protected marinas we have stayed in here. Also, odds are a mega yacht will occupy the ICW T-head and lucky you will be protected even more from ICW traffic.
As for “amenities”, the cruisers lounge, laundry, heads and showers are first rate municipal facilities. They are far better than most facilities we have been offered on the ICW and certainly better than facilities we have used in neighboring private marinas in Fort Lauderdale, perhaps these facilities are designed for cruiser-customers and are not what I have experienced as barely sufficient for their purpose after-thoughts constructed for the crew of or day workers servicing a mega yacht. Euphemistically called “Comfort Stations” in Las Olas-speak, these really are.
In sum, Las Olas is an impressive facility and well located. It gets special Captain Jane Gold Kudos for its copious and accessible recycling bins (plastics 1 and 2, cans, bottles and paper!) Thank you, Las Olas for your commitment to recycling and for helping cruisers do their part to reduce our impact on the environment! This is yet another example of a Florida city marina that is in many ways superior to its privately-owned pricey counterparts.
Captain Jane
S/V Lady Jane
Captain Ehlen does not name the bridges he describes, but we assume he was at East Sunrise Boulevard Bridge which is a twin span bascule bridge north of Ft. Lauderdale. The closed vertical clearance of the bascule spans is 25 feet.
One of the draw bridges north of Ft. Lauderdale had two sailboats waiting when we arrived for the opening. Four spans rose, and as the northbound sailboat started to go through one of the spans began to close. I radioed the bridge tender. I’m guessing the high winds had something to do with the problem, but in the meantime all three boats started a mad scramble in the wind and current to get out of the way. Once the spans were up and stationary, Shady Lady went through first. As the two sailboats were going through the spans started waving again, but we all made it safely.
Captain Wade Ehlen
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Sunrise Blvd Bridge
The discussion below was copied from the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) mailing list. My old friend, Captain Milt Baker, captures my feelings in his remarks below on a search for “inexpensive marinas” in southeastern Florida.
Don’t know about their pricing or anything else for that matter, only that it is a nice looking marina, public and in a very nice location. North Palm Beach Marina – 561-626-4919 Annual,Transient and Monthly boaters welcome.
N 26o49.750 W 080o 03.550
http://www.opch.com/npb_marina.php
Salty Dog
Richard,
You want nice and inexpensive and South Florida? Pick two. After wintering my boats in South Florida every year since 1985, I’m convinced there are no nice, inexpensive marinas to be had between the Palm Beaches and Key West.
If you do not need or want to live aboard for even short periods, it’s possible to find less expensive rental long term dockage at private homes but that’s often hit or miss in terms of access, draft, bridges, power, water, pier or bulkhead, maneuvering room, parking, trash, and the ability of residents to tolerate noise and transient workers who may be working on your boat.
Good luck,
Milt Baker,
Nordhavn 47
Bluewater
Below, I have copied an interesting discussion from the T&T (Trawlers and Trawlering) list about bottom jobs and repair facilities in southern Florida. There’s a wealth of good info in these messages from fellow cruisers.
Looking for a Boat Yard in Southern Florida, preferably east coast that someone has had a good experience in recently. I’m not picky I just want a H & L and ablative paint bottom job that does not cost $3000 to $ 4000. I would consider as far north as Fort Pierce.
Thanks Duane
MT44
Hi Duane
In Fort Pierce, CrackerBoys (also a yard in Palm Beach, I believe) is good, but a cheaper price can probably be had at Riverside. If having Riverside does it, stay and be observant.
Rudy
Briney Bug
I’ve had good luck with Calusa Island Marina in Goodland FL (next to Marco). After years of feeling I was hosed at various marinas, its a pleasure to do business with either Andrew or Suzy. Tel# is (239) 394-9403. (No financial connections, just a satisfied customer.)
Paul
I recently had a good experience at Barry Brown Marine in Ft. Lauderdale with my boat, a Sea Spirit Passagemaker 60.
Their web site is: http://www.bbmmarine.com/index.html
I had ablative bottom paint done (Interlux Micron Extra), as well as some minor electrical work, and I had them strip all the varnish off my teak handrails. There were also a few “bits and pieces” of other work to be done, and they handled it all reasonably.
Dan
I have researched and inquired about good marinas for bottom painting and here is what I found out. The best work is Merritt Marina, in or near Pomano Beach, higher cost, but they are supposed to be the best. For lower costs, but good is Murrelle Marine in Lantana. 3 plans (to 45′) $32-35-38 per foot depending on which paint. I do not have pricing for Merritt.
Kevin
The days of operation and fares of the Fort Lauderdale Sun Trolley do appear to vary with each route and some routes are free. It can understandably be a bit confusing, but for more details (or more confusion!?!), go to their website www.suntrolley.com.
Sun Trolley is 50 cents on both the A1A and Las Olas routes every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Passengers are a mix of residents and visitors to Fort Lauderdale Beach. The agency plans to expand the A1A route from Harbor Shops to the Galleria Mall on Sunrise Blvd. by October 1, 2010. Sun Trolley is the community bus service for the City of Fort Lauderdale and is managed by the Downtown Fort Lauderdale TMA, a nonprofit agency incorporated in 1992.
Patricia
Pier 66 Yacht Harbor lies on the eastern side of the Waterway just north of the SE 17th St. Bridge. With 148 slips and every convenience imaginable, Pier 66 is a first-class marina and welcoming to transients, as Jeff and Michele relate below:
A fellow boater told me that Pier 66 had a dollar per foot special last summer and might repeat it this year. Michele called and was told that they were not doing that special this year. She started to hang up when the dockmaster said he could give us that rate for the night. A dollar per foot at Pier 66? We took it and pulled our little 34-foot Marine Trader into a slip suitable for a 120-foot mega yacht. We loved the location, the swimming pools, the restaurants and the bars (we couldn’t enjoy the revolving bar atop the Pier 66 tower since a wedding reception was being held there. The restrooms were clean with good water pressure and working AC. Laundry facilities, fuel and a small marine store are available on site. Of course, being the Yachting Capital of the World, just about any service is available in the Fort Lauderdale area.
Pier 66 is located on the east side of the ICW, just north of the 17th Street Causeway in Fort Lauderdale. You can bike east to Lauderdale Beach and the tourist shops at Beach Place. Just south of the 17th Street Causeway is Port Everglades. From there, you can continue south on the ICW to the Dania Beach Cutoff Canal or Hollywood Beach and Miami or head east out onto the Atlantic Ocean. This is a nice jumping off point to Bimini.
Jeff and Michele Prahm aboard MV Java Girl
For many years, in fact since this writer was a kid here in Fort Lauderdale during the 1950′s, the city has maintained a series of docks along New River, hard by the Las Olas Boulevard business district. These facilities are not as new as the city marinas at Cooleys Landing or at the Las Olas Bridge, but it is an easy step to good dining and shopping.
The New River Docks (also owned by Ft. Lauderdale) are slightly less expensive, but you have the opportunity to give back to the community by making friends with the people who sleep/live in the park (and there are some interesting people there – and I’m not saying that in a bad way).
Chris
S/V Pelican
Cooleys Landing is the most upstream city of Fort Lauderdale owned and managed marina facility on New River. We have always found it to be a very superior stop for all pleasure craft.
Cooley’s Landing up the New River (a Ft. Lauderdale city owned marina) is a good place to go. We stayed there for a couple of weeks before heading to Key Biscayne and then the Bahamas. While there, we were able to spend lots of money on the local economy (provisioning, boat repairs, museums, mass transit, restaurants, etc.). The people at Cooley’s were great and the facilities were good. As long as you time your docking to be at slack tide (the current rips through this area so other times are tricky), it’s a nice place to be. You can certainly see some pretty crazy megayachts being tandem towed by bow and stern coming through the narrow river.
Chris
S/V Pelican
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Cooleys Landing
Anchorage in Lake Sylvia is a new possibility for cruisers, now that the city of Fort Lauderdale is adhering to the new Florida state law that prohibits local and county regulation of anchorage, except on bottom lands leased from the state by a city or county.
Lake Sylvia lies to the south, southeast of marker #13, itself just south of huge Bahia Mar Marina.
Sylvia Lake is a fine anchorage (now that you can use it) and it’s nice to have the option of the mooring field. With regards to the “expanding mooring fields in Florida” – yes, that is something to be watched closely, but the Ft. Lauderdale “field” (if you want to call it such) has been there for quite some time. During the last several years with municipalities fighting cruisers and liveaboards over anchoring rights, boats were rapidly kicked out of Sylvia Lake. With the latest regulations, it’s back to being a viable anchorage.
Chris
S/V Pelican
"Ladys Island Swing Bridge Opening for Sailboat (Beaufort, SC)"
by: Bob Schwerzel
