Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

No Comments 27.3311,-82.5579999
Information Requested on Ringling Bridge, Sarasota, GICW Statute Mile 73.5

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Ringling Bridge crosses the West Florida Waterway at Statute Mile 73.5, northwest of flashing daybeacon #10, connecting Lido Key and Sarasota. If you can offer advice to Skipper Verheijen, let us hear from you.
I was searching, but could not find any local knowledge around the bridge height in Sarasota (Ringling). The charts indicate 65′, but I wonder if that is a “high” or “low” 65′ and if there are observations of the bridge marker at MLLW.
Thanks,
Pat Verheijen
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Ringling Bridge
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Nov 8, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.9291,-82.06339999
Cape Coral Cruise Club Visits Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda, Florida West Coast

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This fine group of boaters, made up of overnight cruisers in the Cape Coral area, is savvy enough to visit one fine marina, Fishersmen’s Village Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! on a recent cruise. For a calendar of events at Fishermen’s Village, go to: /?p=145129
Docktails at Fishermen’s Village Marina
Captain’s Table at Fishermen’s Village
Frozen T Shirts
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fishermen’s Village
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Nov 5, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.4342,-82.69189999
Longboat Pass Bridge Re-Opened to Marine Traffic, Longboat Key, West Florida

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With a closed vertical clearance of 17ft, Longboat Pass Bridge crosses Longboat Pass which separates Longbeach and Bradenton Beach, south of Tampa Bay near Statute Mile 85. Our thanks to John Wheeler for this article by Rick Catlin in the Island Reporter.
Longboat Pass Bridge open to boat traffic
The Florida Department of Transportation said the Longboat Pass Bridge is now able to handle opening the bascule for boat traffic.
The bascule had been closed to some marine traffic since Oct. 24, when the bascule locked in the down position.
DOT spokesperson Robin Stublen said the bascule reopened for tall-masted boat traffic around noon Oct. 30, but he had no further information on why the bascule became stuck.
`The bridge is now open to all marine traffic,’ he said.
`We have no timeline for further repairs as engineers are reviewing plans at this time.’
Engineers working on the bascule found a 3.95-inch gap between the draw and the roadway, but have yet to determine a cause for the gap.
– See more at: http://www.islander.org/2014/11/longboat-pass-bridge-open-to-boat-traffic/#sthash.AR0lEcAR.dpuf
And the Local Notice concerning the re-opening:
FLORIDA ‘“ WEST COAST ‘“ LONGBOAT PASS: Bridge Update.
The Longboat Pass Bridge across Longboat Pass, Longboat, Manatee County, Florida has been repaired and is fully operational. Both the Longboat Pass and New Pass Bridges have returned to their normal operating schedules.
Due to the problem with the bridge, the bridge owner, Florida Department of Transportation, will be making some emergency repairs to the bridge. They do not anticipate requesting any navigation restrictions during these repairs. As it will take some time to initiate this emergency repair action, the Longboat Pass Bridge may malfunction which could cause this bridge to be stuck in either the open or closed position. If the bridge is closed to navigation the bridge tender will notify any vessels in the vicinity of the bridge of this issue immediately and will request that they transit either north or south to avoid this bridge. The Coast Guard upon notification will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners and the New Pass Bridge will operate on a 24 hour a day schedule until repairs are made to the Longboat Pass Bridge.
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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 14, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 4 Comments 28.9227,-82.71379999
Advice on Doing the Big Bend Crossing, West Florida Northern Gulf Region

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Here is very good advice about the Gulf crossing called Big Bend from our friends on the America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association’s Forum. For more on the Big Bend region from Claiborne himself, see /?p=105951
I hope for you all at Joe Wheeler right now that you are encouraged to NOT do the Big Bend in one overnight as most do. Go to Crystal River, Steinhatchie, etc places, especially if you draw 4′ or less even though we know of 5′ drafts that do it all the time. You will be glad you did. Of course it is dicey getting in and out somewhat, but you’ve already been tougher places to navigate on the loop for most at this juncture. Swim with the manatees at Crystal River at least.
John and Sue Winter
And from our friends, Chuck Baier and Susan Landry:
A good suggestion. We have been in and out of the rivers mentioned and enjoyed every one visited. Although the approach channels were indeed long, we never found getting into the rivers “dicey”. As a matter of fact, it was
much easier than many other places we have visited. The only caution is to watch depths after strong north and east winds have been blowing for a few days. We plan to return to the St. Marks, Steinhatchee, Withlacoochee and
Crystal River on our return trip south, which we plan to begin at the end of October.
Chuck and Susan
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To Crystal River’s Entrance Channel
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Comments from Cruisers (4)

Alan Lloyd -  October 17, 2014 - 9:01 am

We have crossed the gulf several times. We are unable to do the ‘straight across thing’ because we do not have sufficient range. We usually make an intermediate stop in Steinhatchee.
Once we added another stop at Crystal River, otherwise we went directly from Steinhatchee to Tarpon Springs (our boat can go fast if it wants to).
Here are some facts to help you with your decision.
Carrabelle to Steinhatchee is 85 miles. We leave Carrabelle before dawn. (This is not a problem as the buoys are lighted. We make a note of the route on the way in.)
Steinhatchee to Crystal River is 94 miles, again leave as soon as you can make out daymark 45 from your slip.
Crystal River to Tarpon Springs is 75 miles.
Depending on the tide, Crystal River may be too shallow for 4.5 foot draft. So an anchorage on Cross Florida Greenway is a deep water alternative.
Steinhatchee to Anchorage is 90 miles.
Anchorage to Tarpon Springs is 75 miles.
Author, Great Loop Navigation Notes
Reply to Alan

Rich Gano -  October 16, 2014 - 2:09 pm

I have crossed the area a number of times, but the weather windows we were dealing with were never long enough to allow a short visit (say two nights) into any of the mentioned ports. If you don’t mind being trapped in these places for a number of days, even up to a week or more, ducking into them is a great idea. However, after waiting for periods up to a week or more for a weather window, we didn’t find ourselves interested in getting stuck waiting out another frontal passage.
Reply to Rich

Paul Eugenio -  October 16, 2014 - 12:28 pm

I sail out of the Carrabelle area, and I have sailed across the Big Bend many times in the last few years. Contrary to advice of hopping the shallow coastline, I find it more enjoyable to do a direct overnight crossing. I mostly prefer the Carrabelle to Clearwater route for the simplicity and safe easy access to anchorages or facilities. In Clearwater, I prefer the public beach marina or the anchorage just east of it. Carrabelle, while lesser know, has many nice marinas, but the area offers many wonderful anchorages: one in the Carrabelle River harbor with easy town access or several out on Dog Island in pristine locations(Shipping Cove or Tyson’s Harbor). It is best to approach Carrabelle via the East Pass inlet. It is a naturally deep inlet (+20′) that is well marked.
Reply to Paul

Roy I. King -  October 16, 2014 - 10:44 am

I draw a bit less than five feet and would not consider going into these ports. The approach channels are LONG at 5 kts. and the flats are shallow. Do not even consider Shell Point unless you have local knowledge plus there are zero services there. St. Marks is a safe port with services but again, a very long channel. If you have the time and the draft, go for it.
Reply to Roy
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 23, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.5104,-82.57659999
Good News from Regatta Pointe Marina, Manatee River, off Tampa Bay

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What more could you ask? A great marina and now those good West Marine savings all in one location. Way to go Regatta Pointe! Regatta Pointe Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, lies on the northern banks of the Manatee River, just east of the Highway 41 Business bridge (off the southeastern corner of Tampa Bay).

Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Regatta Pointe Marina
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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 3, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Vessel Insurance in Florida
One of our readers is looking for recommendations for an insurer for a 40ft trimaran while in Florida. While SSECN is happy to pass along this request for advice, we cannot serve as a broker or even a kiosk for various insurers. Please offer Skipper Laletin your suggestions via a personal phone call to the number listed below or by email at chrislaletin@mac.com. Thanks!
I recently relocated my 40 foot trimaran from the Chesapeake to Florida for this winter. Enough freezing snow last year and I don’t want my baby freezing again. Progressive Insurance will not renew my policy in Florida since i’m over 35 feet. Boat US wants 10% of my policy value as a premium. Any suggestions on an insurance company that will insure a 40 foot trimaran. I have never made a claim and never used my Boat US towing. JAZ is presently stored on the hard in Saint Augustine. I can be contacted directly by text or voice call at 808 seven seven two 2133.
Chris Laletin
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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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Aug 6, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 28.1544,-82.75879999
Severe Shoaling in Tarpon Springs, Anclote River, West Florida, 8/6/2014

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The charming community of Tarpon Springs lies at the eastern end of the Anclote River, upstream of the northern terminus of the West Florida ICW. The turning basin is in the heart of downtown Tarpon Springs.
FLORIDA – WEST COAST – TAMPA BAY TO PORT RICHEY – ANCLOTE RIVER: Severe Shoaling.
There is severe shoaling in the center of the Turning Basin, Anclote River, Tarpon Springs in the vicinity of Anclote River Turning Basin Daybeacon 51 (LLNR 26360 [28°9.4112N / 082°45.5384W, 28.156853 / -82.758974]) and Anclote River Turning Basin Daybeacon 53 (LLNR 26365 [28°9.4129N / 082°45.4908W, 28.156882 / -82.758180]). Mariners are advised to use extreme caution while transiting the area. Chart 11411 LNM: 31/14
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Tarpon Springs
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Jul 26, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Possible Threat to Manatees by Protected Status Change
This article/opinion by Katie Tripp of KeysInfoNet.com highlights how this ruling to reduce their protected status might affect manatees on the East Coast and the Florida Keys.
Odds already stacked against manatees in federal study for possible downlisting
By KATIE TRIPP
In response to a lawsuit by the Pacific Legal Foundation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided downlisting manatees from endangered to threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act may be warranted, and the agency is embarking on a five-year status review as part of the process.
Let me be very clear about the seriousness of the situation.
From 2010 to 2013, 2,441 manatees died in Florida waters, which is 48 percent of the highest minimum population ever recorded (5,077 in 2010), but we’d have to wait until after 2015 to be able to include this data. However, ignoring this information would also constitute a substantial and unacceptable bias.
For the complete story, go to:
http://www.keysnet.com/2014/07/23/497910/odds-already-stacked-against-manatees.html?sp=/99/116/
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Jun 20, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.1049,-82.44589999
Fishermens Wharf Marina Park Open for Business, West Florida ICW Statute Mile 57

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Fishermens Wharf Marina Park lines the northeastern shores of the Western Florida ICW, just northwest of the Hatchett Creek Bridge, and southeast of marker #4. Our thanks to Skipper Sutherland for sending this update.
The Fisherman’s Wharf Marina is now open. The Marker IV Restaurant is open too, as of Wednesday, June 18th. I had a great lunch there yesterday.
The new manager `Cassie’ is working hard to make the marina a first class operation. At this point the marina is well on its way, but not 100% yet. No fuel, but Cassie said fuel will be up and running very soon. Dockage rates are available at the marina office and by phone (941.486.0500) but not online as far as I can see.
I spoke to several managers last evening and they are all very excited about making the complex a success.
Paul Sutherland
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fishermens Wharf Marina Park
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Jun 14, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.9291,-82.06339999
Praise for Punta Gorda Anchorage, Punta Gorda, FL, Charlotte Harbor, Gulf Coast

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In addition to recent reports praising the new pumpout boat program, the new floating dinghy dock and the free loaner bikes, Skipper Viavoda highlights other excellent reasons for anchoring in Punta Gorda, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! on Western Florida’s Charlotte Harbor/Peace River.
My husband and I frequently anchor here as we like to play `tourist’ in Punta Gorda. This is where we live. We also frequent several other anchorages in the SW Florida area in our 42′ Hunter sailboat. This anchorage happens to be one of our favorites. Punta Gorda is VERY boater friendly and the free bike loaner program makes it easy to get around in the downtown area. The Harborwalk is a multi-use walkway that extends from Fishermen’s Village marina and shopping district all the way up to the Justice Center. There are several restaurants, shopping and places to see along the way. The wildlife is abundant here and there’s always a great show put on. I highly recommend this anchorage. Good holding, friendly people and great food and drink!
Dotti Viavoda
Dotti,
Thanks for sharing your positive comments about your visit to Punta Gorda, the Best Small City in Florida. As Chairman of the TEAM Punta Gorda Maritime Committee we are actively encouraging more boating visitors. The Punta Gorda link highlighted near your comments provides valuable information for those visiting or planning a visit.
Ann Taylor
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Punta Gorda Waterfront Anchorage
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Jun 13, 2014by: Claiborne Young No Comments
GREAT Video Shows All the Good Qualities of Cruising Crystal River (Western Florida’s Big Bend Region)
Here’s a really neat and useful video that will be of interest to ALL mariners contemplating a cruise of Western Florida’s Big Bend region. Our thanks to Skippers Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing this very visual aid. Wow, makes me want to visit Crystal River ASAP!
Please check out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIAlogIPVhs&feature=youtu.be
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Jun 12, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.7514,-82.25679999
Report from Boca Grande – Gasparilla Island Basin Anchorage, West Florida ICW, Statute Mile 28.5

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Boca Grande ‘“ Gasparilla Island Basin Anchorage lies on the charted basin, north of the primary Boca Grand entrance channel, which itself lies west, northwest of the West Florida ICW’s unlighted daybeacon #2.
June 7 2014
Basically the anchorage is a wide spot in a very active waterway, with fishing boats coming and going constantly (there was a tarpon tournament that weekend). Necessary to `Med moor’ with a stern anchor near the adjacent mangroves to stay out of the water way. Had a NW wind which was helpful, a SW or South wind would tend to push you into the water way. Whenever there are Mangroves there are bugs so be prepared.
Jim Merritt
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the Boca Grande ‘“ Gasparilla Island Basin Anchorage
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May 30, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 25.9608,-81.71239999
Praise for Marco Island Marina, West Florida, south of Naples

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Marco Island Marina will be found along the Marco ‘“ Naples waterway’s southerly banks, immediately west of the high-rise, fixed Marco Island bridge (itself west of marker #26).
Great marina, terrific staff!!! Very quiet! 3/4 mile walk to publix and restaurants.
AliOoops
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Marco Island Marina
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