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    • May 18, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff 1 Comment

      Inside Route from Marco Island to Naples

      The following thread was copied from the MTOA List-Serv. By the way MTOA is an organziation that the Salty Southeast Crusiers’ Net highly recommends for trawler owners.
      Anyway, this discussion has been so extensive, it was impossible to acquire individual permissions, so I have ommitted names.
      The so-called “Inside Route” from Marco Island to Naples is an “unofficial” Waterway that begins at Coon Key Pass and Goodland, and runs north to the Gordon River and Naples. Most of this passage is deep enough for cruising craft, BUT the southerly extreme, near Goodland, can run as thin as 4 1/2 feet at MLW. At least that’s what I have observed over the years. Read on for more info!

      Hi All,
      I will be traveling from Punta Gorda to Marathon in June.
      Has anyone travelled the inside route from Marco Island to Coon Point.
      The trip looks interesting, but appears to be trickey. Rounding Cape Romano is more miles on the outside route. My boat draws 3’6″.

      The last time I made a trip up that way was about 3 years ago, but had no problem taking the inside route. I draw 4’8″, so I need at least 5′ of water. I have seen 58′ Hatteras take that route also..When you go under the bridge @ Marco, make a tight right turn to stay in channel. Going around Cape Romano can get really rough..You will have no problem drawing 3’6″..

      We have taken the inside from Gordon Pass at Naples to Coon Point in both of previous boats. 4′ draft and 5′ draft. I would recommend planning the trip to exit the Marco River at Coon Point at or near high tide.

      We have done the inside passage several times with trawlers that draw 4 feet. You will have no trouble as long as you realize that channel turns sharply to Starboard immediately after you clear the bridge at the east end of Marco. The bouy over to your right looks like it is for a different channel, it’s not.
      I don’t know what level of tide we were at (Gulf tides are confusing) at the Coon Key end on our last trip but we were watching the Depth Sounder very attentively while it read 4 t0 5 feet. It reads a 2′ less than actual.
      Good luck and enjoy the trip. The inside passage from Naples to Marco is also nice and should be done at half tide or higher. We did hit bottom there a few years ago.

      Speaking of the bridge where the sharp turns are required – I believe that’s where the “Red Right Returning” changes from returning from the Marco River to the Coon Key Inlet. Pay attention. It’s a fun passage but it’s really skinny outside the channel.

      Inside at Naples, went south to Rookery Bay. The channel south from Naples is very shallow in spots, narrow, and lots of very inconsiderate, childish fishermen who think you’re the problem. Try to time tides in that area to hit it near high. Very nice spot to anchor; remote and wild. Watch charted shoal to north. Room for 5 – 6 cruising boats in 6 – 11 ft of water. If it matters to you, THERE IS NO PLACE THERE TO TAKE PETS ASHORE.
      From Rookery Bay, went south, through Marco and Goodland. No water depth problems. Be careful headed south from Naples at Marco. The southbound channel turns west and goes almost all the way out to the gulf, then does a 170 degree turn back east to take you into the south side of Marco. Also, as already mentioned, be careful at the bridge south of Marco. Turn hard stbd immediately after passing the bridge southbound, to clear the red marker there. Then, the channel turns south, but is very poorly marked. There is a field of pilings there. Southbound, take them to stbd and you’ll be fine.

      Subject: Naples to Marco to Goodland
      Cruising News: We just made this run 3 weeks ago in a 44 Sea ray and while there were some “skinny spots” we always saw at least 5 feet at near high tide. The Marco Bridge, as noted, needs your attention. The bridge is the “divider” between the Marco inlet red, right returning and the Goodland inlet red right returning. On the Marco side of the bridge (north) red is to the starboard. Immediately under the bridge towards Goodland (south) red is now on your port. Very important! Headed south to Goodland from Marco you must immediatley turn hard to starboard as you go under the bridge and then put the red marker on your port side. Failure to do the “jog and marker-side switch” will put you aground.
      Joe Curley

      We have motored from North Naples Bay to Goodland on the inside route in our Catalina 30. Be careful and do it at high tide and you’ll be fine. It is a beautiful trip with an abundance of natural beauty.
      Bill Foster

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Bill Foster -  July 11, 2009 - 12:21 pm

        We have motored from North Naples Bay to Goodland on the inside route in our Catalina 30. Be careful and do it at high tide and you’ll be fine. It is a beautiful trip with an abundance of natural beauty.

        Reply to Bill
    • May 8, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Esplanade Marina, Smokhouse Bay, Marco Island

      Esplanade Marina is a new one on me. Ask a local about how to find the passage from Marco River to Smokehouse Bay. While well marked, trying to find this passage for the first time is challenging.

      Subject: Marco Island
      Cruising News: I'm happy to report a very nice experience last weekend in Smokehouse Bay on Marco Island.  There was plenty of depth on the passage in from the Marco River, several sailboats were anchored in the bay and we had a wonderful stay at the Esplanade Marina.  There is a Winn Dixie across the street and restaurants everywhere.  There is even a public dock that is opened to dinghies.  A short cruise around the bay showed depths consistently around 14 feet.  The people working at the marina were wonderful and the facilities are first rate.  I recommend you drop the hook there as long as the State does not allow the draconian anchoring ordinance ordinance to be reinstated.  If they allow it, then visit the marina.
      Bill Foster

      And, here's an excellent report concerning the same facility, submitted by our regular Western Florida correspondent, Captain Gary Riss.

      ESPLANADE MARINA
      Captain Bill Foster has found Marco Island’s best kept secret.  Esplanade Marina is located in Smokehouse Bay which was the scene of the famous anchoring incident that started all the anchoring controversy for Marco Island.
      Smokehouse Bay usually has a number of boats at anchor.  The holding is generally good and it is protected from adverse winds.  The marina has public docks for access to the many shore side facilities.
      Esplanade Marina is a 72 slip facility of condo docks that many owners rent out on a transient or longer term basis.  The docks are floating concrete with water and power. The marina can accommodate boats up to 70’ or more. Dock master Larry and his assistant Bill will answer your call on VHF channel 16 or by phone.  Reservations are encouraged, especially during season.  There is a boater’s lounge with showers and laundry facilities.
      In addition to the nearby grocery, there are three restaurants on site with a wide variety of menu items and prices.  The first mates will find a number of shops to satisfy their need to shop.
      The channel off the Marco River is well marked.  As you approach from the Gulf side, take the first turn to starboard.  If the tide is running, you may need a little power to make the turn as the current can be strong.  Favor the docks on your port as there is plenty of water.  The remainder of the way to the Esplanade is a great ride among the mangroves and the many canal side residences.
      Now that the secret is out, plan a stop at the Esplanade on your next cruise on the Southwest Coast.
      Gary Riss
      M/V Far From Normal

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    • May 6, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Higel Park, Venice, FL (Statute Mile 58)

      Higel Park is a city of Venice facility, which sits almost directly beside the wonderful Venice Yacht Club. Captain Rich is correct. You can indeeed dock here for up to 18 hours without charge, assuming there's any room at the inn (so to speak).

      While in Venice a couple of weeks ago, I saw a sign at the Higel Park pier telling boaters they could moor for 18 hour periods for free once every 10 days.  I noted a fairly good sized sailboat there and a smaller express cruiser.  Sorry I did not have time to run a lead line along the pier.  There was no power.
      Rich Gano
      CALYPSO

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    • May 4, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff 1 Comment

      Cruising Florida’s Big Bend Region

      I have copied the discussion below from the Net’s “Ask Your Neighbor” page (/ask_your_neighbor/ask_your_neighbor/), and the AGLCA mailing list.
      North of Anclote Key, there is no protected intracoastal waterway along the so-called “Big Bend” region of Florida. Cruisiers have a choice to follow the coastline around to the Panhandle (staying WELL offshore), or cutting the corner and heading directly for Carrabelle, Panama City or some other port of call. The advantage of the so-called Big Bend route is access to the rivers along the way.
      However, note that Captain Tug’s vessel (see below) is very shallow draft. Some of the Big Bend rivers featue entrance channels with only 3 to 4 feet of depth (others are deeper). Care must be taken!

      My little boat Adventure is too small and too slow to safely make the jump from Carrabelle to Tarpon Springs. Has anyone out there actually cruised along the entire (or at least part of) the Nature Coast? Where are the harbors? Facilities? My boat with her centerboard up draws only 9″ of water. Could I take shelter in a small river or creek? If so, what is the approach like? Does the Nature Coast get pounded really hard by waves from the Gulf?
      Thank you for your time.
      Tug Buse

      We did entire Big Bend twice and made the crossing from Clearwater Beach to Carrabelle once. The best crossing may St. Marks to Steinhatchee, which is about 44 miles of Gulf plus 12 miles of rivers or channels on both ends. Yes, you could anchor in the rivers easily and they twist and turn such that no Gulf waves get in after the first 2 turns or so. We went in a big boat, but the nature coast is really much more suited for smaller boats due to draft and marinas that can’t handle a big boat.
      The approaches at the major rivers are well marked and buoyed channels and many of the smaller inlets are marked by “private” bouys maintained by locals. At 9 inches draft, you can go anywhere you want. The rather long river cruises from the gulf to the towns and marinas are very interesting.
      Steinhatchee, Crystal River, Yankeetown, etc. all have passable marinas. From Tarpon Springs on South, the marinas are all very nice (and more expensive).
      One comment of note: The “Nature Coast” should really be called “The Biting Bug Coast”. There are hoards of “sand gnats” that bite and leave itchy welts. They’re almost unbearable about an hour before sunset and at sunrise. By the time you get to Clearwater Beach and Sarasota, there are NO bugs at all. You can leave your boat open with a light on all night and not attract one bug. If you do that on the nature coast, they’ll drain you dry. Bring a bug net for your bed.
      Doug Shuman

      Tug,
      How little is your boat? I plan a fall cruise in my O’Day DSII from Cedar Key south to ?. Any suggestions for the small boat cruiser?
      Phil Capper

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Phil Capper -  July 13, 2009 - 6:31 am

        Tug,
        How little is your boat? I plan a fall cruise in my O’Day DSII from Cedar Key south to ?. Any suggestions for the small boat cruiser? philcapper@fastmail.fm

        Reply to Phil
    • Apr 30, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff 1 Comment

      Grounding on Cedar Keys’ Northwest Channel (Big Bend Region)

      Northwest Channel is one of two passages that serve touristy Cedar Key, located in Florida's Big Bend region. There has always been a shallow section of this cut, but it looks as if more shoaling has occurred since I was last there.

      We went hard aground trying to exit this channel last week just after markers 19 and 20.
      Tide was about 1 foot and 3 inches above datum and falling to a low of 1 foot above datum.  All the information we had was that the hump in the channel carried 5-6 feet.  One assumes that is relative to datum.
      We draw 4.5 feet.  Using a lead line to sound around the boat, I found 4.0 feet all around us, as we sat and waited for higher water to drift us clear.  I also used a castable depth sounder, you know the little green float that you cast out with a spinning rig and which transmits depth to a "wrist watch," and I got 4 feet way on down the channel from us.
      Once free, we took the long way out around Seahorse Reef to get back to the panhandle, losing 2.5 hours in the process.
      My advice, is do not transit NW channel unless at a goodly high tide.
      Rich Gano
      CALYPSO (GB-42 #295)
      Southport, FL (near Panama City)

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. Bill/Patty Dickerson -  July 30, 2009 - 12:08 pm

        We came into Cedar Key, yesterday, July 29, 2009 from the south and anchored. We plan on going out the NW channel when leaving, so we put the dink in and along with our hand sounder went looking for the shallow spot mentioned. We were at 0.9′ above datum low tide when we took these soundings and did so crossing back and forth the channel several times between the markers. The shoaling is taking place from the north between the green markers 19 and 21 to about two thirds of the the width of the channel. We found 3.2 feet to be the shallowest in this area. However, between red 20 and 22 out to about 1/3 of the channel, we never found any depths less than 5 feet. It even held 5+ feet to about 25 feet south of 20 to 22. So, it appears that if you hold tight to the red side, and go during mid to high tide you should have good water. We draw 4’7″ and plan on going out this way at high tide, which is currently 3.9′ above datum. If we have any trouble going out I’ll come back and post it.
        Bill/Patty Dickerson
        CONCHED OUT TOO (DeFever 44)
        Ocean Springs, MS

        Reply to Bill/Patty
    • Apr 24, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Flamingo Report (near Cape Sable)

      Flamingo is the southernmost port of call on the Western Florida mainland coastline. Prior to the 2005 hurricane season, it was a reasonably good port of call, even if depths crept up to 4 1/2 to 5 feet at low tide. Then, one of the hurricanes (Wilma, I think) washed tons and tons of sand and mud into the harbor and entrance channel. The marina was completely closed for a long time. It finally reopened and the Everglades National Park (of which Flamingo is a part) dredged, but ONLY to about 3 to 31/2 feet at low water in the entrance channel.
      Captains Charlotte and Dennis' report below gives a good picture of what's to be currently found at Flamingo. I do NOT suggest using this port if your draft exceeds 3 1/2 feet! Even then, proceed with the greatest caution!

      Subject: Flamingo News
      Cruising News: We visited Flamingo in March,2009.  The Park said the channel was dredged, but it must have been minimal as we found no difference from the soundings that we took earlier in the entrance – see our entry below.  Basically in the vicinity of the red nun where you turn right, favor the green side.  Inside the marina basin with our 3.5 ft draft we never touched bottom – we did not take soundings there.  The floating docks are in fine shape.  Some do not have electricity.  Fresh water was fine.
      In 2007 we sounded the entrance to Flamingo in canoe with depth sounder  and found that the shallowest area was near floating red mark 14.  If you favor the green (west) side of the channel in this location, the shallowest depth was 3.8 feet corrected for mlw.  We have found similar depths in both 2008 and 2009 (2009 = 4.1 ft corrected for mlw on green side of channel in vicinity of red 14).  The rest of the channel was deeper.  We draw 3.5 ft.  March 2009 the marina at Flamingo said the channel had been dredged but we found it about the same as previous years, although it may be deeper in the actual marina entrance at the end of the channel, where we have always found good water.
      This past March, the old concessionaire – Xanterra – had just left the Park and a new one had just taken over.  The motel, condemned after one of the recent hurricanes, was being torn down and the Ranger's station displayed plans for a new hotel, restaurant, pool, new bicycle paths AND a tram that would take you anywhere in the Park from the Flamingo area!!!!  they did not speak specifically about plans for upgrading the marina but you would assume that would occur.  The existing ranger station and attached restaurant building are historical structures and will continue to be used – although the restaurant is closed.
      The Ranger activities are still in operation as is the general store which sells gas and diesel and light provisions (for a day of fishing and for the campers and RVers who are "pitched" nearby).  Many small flats boats haul in and out.  There is a back country tour boat and a new boat that goes out into the Bay – the old one having been destroyed by a hurricane.
      For Friends of Ivan, the wonderful waiter from the old restaurant, who may be wondering how he is doing –  He left with Xanterra and is now in Death Valley, working in the restaurant.  We do miss him as he lived in Flamingo year round for many  years – an unbelievable achievement in itself.  He was well-loved by those who got to know him.
      We have enjoyed ourselves in the past in Flamingo and anxiously await its refurbishing.  When the hotel facilities reopen, I suspect the place will once again be atwitter with serious bird watchers and other nature lovers.  If you take the time to look, Flamingo and the Park have some wonderful nature – to spy on both on bicycle and a-paddling.
      The winter months are the best for Flamingo.  The spring (now) the park is overwhelmed by mosqitoes (this winter with little rain we did not suffer 1 bite!).  You must walk in full sun and stay off grass this time of year – a real hardship in the hot sun!
      Hope you give Flamingo a try in the future.  You can call them for an update or try the Everglades National Park web site.
      Happy exploring!
      Charlotte Posey

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    • Apr 19, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Praise for Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field

      Fort Myers Beach is a wonderful example of how a mooring field can be a positive step for the cruising community.

      Subject: Ft. Myers Beach
      Cruising News: It’s been a long time since we’ve been into Fort Myers Beach. The old anchorage area was scary and the stories about [the] . . . administration of the mooring field were enough to keep us away.
      We have just returned from spending almost two weeks there meeting up with friends and making repairs. The Matanzas Inn staff who now run the mooring field and pumpout boat were great to deal with. The beach shuttle made provisioning very easy. We also stayed at Moss Marine and Blaine was also a pleasure to deal with. Kudos to the City of Fort Myers Beach for becoming so cruiser-friendly. We’ll be back.
      Paul Carroll
      S/V Puffin


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field

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    • Apr 16, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Boca Grande Marina (Statute Mile 28.5)

      Ever since Boca Grand Marina (formerly Millers Marina) changed hands some years ago, we have really liked this place. And, of course, Boca Grande is one of my own and Karen’s favorite places on earth!!!!!

      Boca Grande Marina was a hoppin’ place Easter weekend. The slips were full and many transients were turned away. Reservations are becoming a must during holiday weekends and for the upcoming tarpon fishing season.
      The marina welcomes boating groups and has great dockhands to help with docking. The main dock features side-to docking on the fuel dock side and finger piers on the remainder of the slips. One must lasso the outer pilings, but they are not too far out, so it is relatively easy.
      They have a chickee hut with picnic tables and grills for cooking out. The docks in front of this area do not have finger piers so docking becomes a little trickier. The dockhands have been known to come aboard your vessel if you desire help. Exiting your boat to the dock is via the swim platform, which can be interesting at low tide. They do have wooden steps that they will loan you, or you may want to consider carrying a small stepladder with you.
      The downtown area is within walking distance or you can rent one of the many golf carts they have. However, with two restaurants on site, you don’t really need to leave the premises. One the restaurants is very casual and the upstairs one is a bit more upscale. If you do go exploring, there are many shops and restaurants and even a small grocery and a hardware store.
      We feel that this is a must stop area when cruising the Southwest Coast. The atmosphere is very laid back but can be hectic during tarpon fishing season.
      Gary Riss
      M/V Far From Normal


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Boca Grande Marina

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    • Apr 16, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Gordon Pass and Nearby Anchorages (near Naples)

      Gordon Pass is the only inlet that serves the Naples region (until you get all the way south to Marco Island). Thus, it is an important artery for cruising craft traffic, but for the last several years, this passage has been shoaling along its northern flank. After reading Captain Russell’s message below, it looks like that unhappy process is continuing.
      There are also a whole collection of good and well sheltered anchorages nearby. Captain Russel does a superb job of detailing these overnight havens!

      Gordon’s pass continues to shoal on the North side so favor the red. It’s about 7 feet( IF FAVORING THE RED!) at MLLW tides it’s no problem but, I perfer a deeper water passage (8 feet MLLW) it runs on a SW heading(if your out bound) just after you pass the breakwater simply head SW. This puts all markers to the WNW or seaward of your track line as you depart. I use that route about 10 times a week doing charters (6 foot draft)or with my own boat that draws 6’8″. I like that route and use it in all sea conditions as it gets me away from the big wake maker monster boats much faster which is safer for my passengers.But it also keeps you away from the ebb tide current much longer. This is nice if a seabreeze or a frontal passage has kicked the waves up as it\’s a much smoother passage.
      There is another trouble spot during low water. If you draw over 5 1/2 feet and the tide is very low consider hugging green # 13 if you don\’t, and make for red #12 (staying on the proper side for incomming traffic) you will find shoaling about 200 feet before arriving at red #12. Once you pass by 13 (going inbound) you will be fine to get back on the proper side of the channel.
      Now I add the disclaimer to be very careful to get past the end of the breakwater before turning and try this passage in settled weather until you are comfortable with it ect, ect….But in the effort to share info, give it a try sometime you’ll like it.
      You can still anchor in the nice coves out of the current and wakes amongst the big houses. This is a great spot to overnight saving the 3 mile run up river. The most popular cove is about 150 feet before arriving at green #13. Just turn North to enter this cove. But remember you have to hug the western shore for the deepest waters. If you stay TIGHT (like 20 feet of the dock pilings!)to the western shore you\’ll have 6.5 feet at MLLW. Many boats anchor in this cove which has a very soft bottom. But if you hug the this western shore and see another bay that opens up as you look due East you can turn to starboard and head up in there. Note that as you head across this first bay and away from the western shore you where hugging the depth will get shallow. This is a very soft bottom and we get through this part with our 6′.8″ draft at a zero tide. But we have the RPM’s up as we trudge on through this soft muck. As you reach the enterance to this next bay the depth will drop off to about 8 feet. This is the bay to raft up as you are in total idle speed protection. Either bay is a great anchorage area but all private, please don’t take your dog ashore even to an empty lot as I’ve seen a cruiser do! That behaviour makes it harder on us who fight and speak in city concil meetings etc for anchor rights.


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Gordon Pass Anchorage

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    • Apr 15, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Moss Marine (Fort Myers Beach)

      Moss Marine is the first facility encountered as you enter Fort Myers Beachs. through Mantanazs. The facility wil be spied flanking the southern shoreline.
      Though it is not mentioned in note below, there is a gambling ship headquartered at Moss Marine. Be careful to inquire if it is about to be fuelled at whatever time you intend to leave. Duuring fuelling, it can block a good part of the dockage basin.

      We’ve stopped into Moss Marine, Ft Myers Beach, Fl. . . . The dockage is very reasonable for this area at $1.25 @ft with a $2.50 @day flat electric. The harbor master, Blaine, is very accommodating and they have an excellent boaters’ lounge. It’s locked and the facilities include heads, showers, washers/dryers (1.25 for each), coffee maker, large screen TV, etc. A very nice facility with recycle for plastic bottles, aluminum cans, cardboard and paper. This marina is also the first you come to on the way in. There’s no AGLCA discount, but the prices are the lowest in Ft Myers and you can get a $0.10 @gal fuel discount if you stay at the marina. Walk to the beach, shops and restaurants . Trolley available for shopping @ .50 per ride or you can get a 3 day pass.
      Have a great day…
      Don & Rebecca,
      m/v Andante


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Moss Marine

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    • Apr 14, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Naples City Dock

      Naples City Pier insisted on including the dinghy in Ben and Barbara’s vessel’s LOA! Never heard of that one before!

      Today we took a leisurely cruise inland up to Naples and are at the Naples City Marina (no mooring balls as stated in the cruising guide) $1.50 per foot with Boat US disc. HOWEVER, they included our dingy (which is on the back of boat) in the footage. Never had that happen before! On the way up we have NEVER seen so many boats, they were everywhere! People yelling at each other on the radios, using not so nice words, ripping and tearing around…WELCOME to South Florida boating. This is Wednesday, what do you think it will be like on the weekend !!!
      That’s all for meow,?
      Ben and Barbara Falmlen
      Two Cats Too

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Naples City Dock

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    • Apr 14, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Visiting Marco Island

      Just a quick note from Captains Ben and Barbara below, resulting from their recent stay at Marco River Marina. Sounds like a really WONDERFUL meal at Snook Inn.

      We had a WONDERFUL dinner at Snook Inn. Probably one of the best we have had the whole trip and spent the night at Marco River Marina. $2.25 per foot took on 50 gal. of fuel at $2.95 diesel. No discounts. We met friends for breakfast at the Sand Bar and did a quick Publix run. You could walk it from the marina, but it is several blocks.
      Ben and Barbara Falmlen
      Two Cats Too


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Marco River Marina

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    • Apr 14, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Adventure On The Little Shark River and The Wilderness Waterway (south of Marco Island)

      The message below, which was copied by permission from the MTOA List-Serv, is one of the best adventure stories we’ve ever had here on the Cruisers’ Net. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend Ben and Barbar’s cruise to anyone, except small boat operators, but, boy, wish I could have been along!
      Little Shark River is the first practical stopping point for cruising sized craft north of Cape Sable. The river features many wonderful anchorages, and there’s little in the way of depth problems.
      HOWEVER, farther to the east, lies a marked track (which continues from Little Shark River) known as the Wilderness Waterway. This SHALLOW passage was put together by the Everglades National Park, and is meant to facillitate exploration of the Everglades BY BOATS 18 FEET AND SMALLER!
      As you will see, Ben and Barbara did not realize that upstream of markers #69 and #70, they actually left Little Shark River, and southeast of #59, they started getting into some really shallow water. I suspect their 36-foot trawler may be the largest vessel to EVER cruise the Wilderness Wateray.
      So, to be repetitive, enjoy reading about Ben and Barbara’s excellent adventure below, but leave cruising the Wilderness Waterway to small, outboard type powercraft! On the other hand, don’t hesitate to anchor on Little Shark River (WEST of the Wilderness Waterway). If the bugs arent’ out too badly, this stream can make for memorable overnight stops!

      We left Marathon early Monday morning (April 6th) There was a pretty heavy storm forecast for Tuesday and we wanted to get as far up the west coast as possible. We had decided we would go to the Little Shark River (part of the 10,000 Islands of the Everglades). If the weather seemed bad we could duck in there and wait it out. Sooooo, away we went and got to the Little Shark River and sure enough it was beginning to get rough out in the Gulf.
      We started up the river and there were already several other boats anchored within a mile of the mouth. The river was beautiful and we decided we would keep going and see as much of it as we could. We did not have any charts for this area, but the channel markers were well placed and so we just followed them. After several miles the “river” opened up into quite large bodies of water. These were as much as a mile across…again they were well marked. We continued and all the time we were watching our depth finder. Two Cats Too draws 3.5 ft. of water. Several times our depth finder showed 2.5 and even – – – (you know what that means!). However, we were not touching bottom. The water was pretty choppy, so we decided that was the reason we were not “bottoming out”.? After several hours when we got to channel marker “1” (we were one mile from Flamingo)? we ran out of water! Let me add that there were fishermen EVERYWHERE! At this point it was getting late so we found a place to anchor at channel marker “3”. There is a river right at marker “3” and we went up the river a few hundred feet and got a good set on the anchor. Both Ben and I have grown up around the Everglades, but have never seen this part of it. We are used to “rivers of grass” and small hammocks. This was mangrove forest so thick you could only see a few feet into them and they are over 50 ft. tall. There was NO artificial light and the night was the darkest dark I have ever seen. The silence was eerie and the occasional “hoot” and “growl” only added to the mysterious feeling. Several big splashes in the water sure got our attention! The next morning, thinking we were absolutely in the “middle of nowhere”, we were awakened by a large barge full of tourist (out of Flamingo) passing us and all of the people were hanging over the rail looking at the “funny creatures” on the yellow boat! We back tracked, several miles and it took a few hours, to get to the mouth of the river and spent the night.
      We did [eventually, in Marco Island] find out you are supposed to get a permit to stay overnight in the Everglades. We did not know this, so we did “register” with the ranger by telephone. In talking with the ranger he said they really recommend that only boats 18 ft. or less do the inner islands of 10,000 Islands. Some of the time we had cell service, but most of the time we did not. When we were near Flamingo we did, but away from Flamingo we did not. Are we glad we did the Little Shark River…YES! Would we do it again…NO! Much too shallow for a trawler. We were very lucky we did not end up “high and dry”! Anyway, the first few miles are fine and are really the prettiest part of the river.
      Ben and Barbara Falmlen
      Two Cats Too


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Geographic Sub-category That Shows All Little Shark River Anchorages

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    • Apr 14, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Channel Changes For South Seas Plantation (Pine Island Sound, Statute Mile 13.5))

      North of its southerly genesis at the “miserable mile” the Western Florida ICW soon flows into Pine Island Sound. This is a cruising destination rich body of water, and both South Seas Plantation (on Captiva Island) is one of the most popular ports of call. As you will in Captain Bill’s message below, the entrance channels to this facility has recently changed significantly.

      Subject: Significant changes to entrance channel to South Seas Plantation
      Cruising News: A heads up to cruisers heading to South Seas Resort: The channel leading off the ICW has moved considerably, such that the dayboard markers are no longer any good. The resort has arranged a set of floating cans out that mark a rather winding navigable channel that seems to provide adequate depths. As yet, there is no signage up at the ICW to explain this, and the cans are not easy to spot, so confusion reigns. Several boats bottomed out trying to use the old dayboard channel while we were staying at the resort last week (April 5-8). The resort is apparently working to get some signage up and to get the word out to boaters when they make reservations. In our case, we found out when a passing fellow sailor hollered out a warning to us. Caution is advised.
      Bill Clague


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For South Seas Plantation Marina

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    • Apr 13, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Inlets Near Sarasota, FL

      Below, Captain Randy gives some excellent advice about various inlets between Venice and Longboat Key. I think his observations are spot on, except I might add that I think "New Pass"is even worse. I would not take a row boat out New Pass.

      Personally, I wouldn't consider Big Pass, at Sarasota, a viable, all-weather inlet.  The shoals around there move frequently and local knowledge is a must. The same is true, but to a lesser degree, of New Pass.  The excellent Sarasota Sailing Squadron is located just inside New Pass and their members frequently sound the location of the deep water.  Sea-Tow or TowBoatUS could probably
      give advise on the VHF.  Longboat Pass, to the north and Venice Inlet, to the south are much more dependable.
      Regards,
      Randy Pickelmann
      MORNING STAR

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    • Mar 30, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Marina Jacks and Sarasota (Statute Mile 73)

      Certainly Marina Jacks has a lot to offer, as does the city itself. Now, if we could just get the mooring field situation resolved.

      Hi all,
      We had spent 3 wonderful days in Sarasota,Fl upon recommendations from other turtles. Would just like to say thank-you for the great advice. We stayed at Marina Jacks, excellent marina, secure, clean, boater friendly and very accesible to town. We took the trolley to St. Armand’s circle (lovely), ate in Sarasota twice at Two Senoritas and Patricks, (excellent). We toured the Ringling Bros. Museum and all we can say is next time we’ll use the whole day (wow).Had a fantastic time and would recommend it as a must stop!!
      Dick and Elle
      m/v Summer Wind

      Sarasota is a great stop, the marina is top notch, but u can anchor out and dinghy in. The town is awsome and i would not pass it up…lots of great dinning and dancing.
      Bill & Ana Feller
      Knot Tide Down


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Marina Jacks (Marina Operations)

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    • Mar 20, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Everglades City and Shallow Spot on Indian Key Channel

      Below, you will find a superbly informative report from Captain Rich Gano, concerning his very recent passage from Indian Key to Everglades City. The shoal depths he observed near marker #17 are the shallowest anyone has ever reported here on the Cruisers’ Net between Indian Key and Everglades City. Clearly, cruisers are going to have to take this shoaling into account, and probably play the tides. We would welcome more info on these shallows near #17 from fellow cruisers. PLEASE e-mail me at CruisingWriter@CruisersNet.net if you have the opportunity to sound this channel.
      There’s also lots of good shoreside info on Everglades City in Captain Rich’s posting. We need more messages like this one!

      Subject: Everglades City
      Cruising News: We spoke a north bound 34-foot trawler with 3.5 ft draft this AM, and they reported failure to get into Everglades City due to grounding. They stated that it was a low tide. We brought Calypso, our 4.5 foot draft Calypso in here at high tide today (+2.25 feet) and saw really shallow water at marker 17 only, and that was about 2 feet under us. We carefully adjusted the Humminbird to read depth under the deepest part of the boat using a lead line before we got into the channel; so our readings are within inches. Where you saw shallow water between markers 27 and 29, we saw minimum 4 feet under our keel. At the sharp left hand turn, there was 6-9 feet under our keel. It\’s a sure bet we could not transit past marker 17 without tidal assistance, but the rest of the transit was a breeze.
      We rode our bikes all over town, and there are a ton of eating establishments. The Rod and Gun Club is not on my list due to pricing.
      There is one small market store for essentials, and I found a fuse and some butt connectors I wanted at the True Value hardware a quarter mile north from the market. There is no laundry facility in Everglades City.
      It is evident from a couple of people I spoke with that this place folds up in the summer. It seems a number of the workers and business owners are seasonal in their presence here.
      One business owner pointed out a very fine looking piece of property across a branch of the river complete with many newly planted palms and boat slips. It is a high-end RV camp. Lots go for $600,000.00 and slips for a 32-foot boat would be around 300K. Only class 1 RVs under two years of age are accepted. Maybe some people are not affected by either the economy or good sense.
      Rich Gano

      And, more about Everglades City and the Rod and Gun Club from Captain Rich

      Everglades City was fun for a day or two as we biked about from our position alongside the Rod and Gun Club seawall.
      The Rod & Gun Club itself has a long ways to go in the management of their seawall moorings. About ten cruising sized boats can fit comfortably alongside, and clubs from the Sarasota area south like to come down here during to cool no-bug months of March/ April. What with being a bit isolated, the R&G Club is a bit prone to having clubs show up on a “flexible” schedule; although
      the two clubs we saw showed up on time. Anyway, the staff there works three shifts and the pass-down is not very good between shifts. They do not monitor a radio, and there was nobody to assist in mooring when we showed up (that doesn’t bother me because I hate dock hands pulling and pushing when I have control of my own boat). We ended up extending our stay by two nights and when the second club showed up (we were not informed of this reservation) we were asked to vacate and told to talk to the other shift about a refund for the last night. Being immediately out of reliable cell contact the moment we left town, I will now rely on the US Mail to carry my request for refund.
      Before we vacated our spot, we were offered a temporary spot with no power and told we could remain there if they could not fit us into a powered spot after the boat club got settled. After getting two 42-foot boats moved to this location (it was high tide – the ONLY time to move a 4.5-foot draft boat around), I sounded around and found that we had about 6 inches under us and 2 feet of tide due to lower in the next few hours. We had no time to dicker and promptly left for anchorage six miles away.
      I am not pissed off or trying to paint a negative picture of the R&G Club (but don’t eat there). We’ll use them again if we ever pass this way again (you have to – they are the only mooring in town, anchorage is way off downstream), but you need to be prepared to deal with a “marina” way down the list from something like Marina Jack in Sarasota. It’s part of their charm. It appears that if we had been able to predict our travels and made reservations before the boat clubs (over two months ago) we would have had prior claim to our spot, no matter how many boat clubs came in.
      As for us, we are just as happy to be able to move on safely despite running through an area with small craft warnings.
      Rich Gano
      CALYPSO


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Rod and Gun Club

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    • Mar 19, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Pelican Bay Anchorage (off Cayo Costa, Statute Mile 25)

      There have been MANY postings here on the Net’s “Western Florida” section about the wonderful anchorage behind Cayo Costa (a Florida State Park), on the waters of Pelican Bay. The trickiest part is gaining successful entry. Captain Jay gives some advice on that below!

      Just south of Boca Grand Pass, west of marker 74, in Pelican flay, is an outstanding anchorage, one of the best in Pine Island Sound. The water is shallow, but boats carrying 5 feet can enter by staying close to the Cayo Costa side to avoid the shoal building out from the northwest end of Punta Blanca Island. Inside, depths improve to 6 feet along a broad band.
      Come abeam of marker 74 and set a compass course of roughly 240 degrees through the northern third of Pelican Pass, staying to the Cayo Costa side. Curve slowly around to the south into the main body of the pass on its mid width. Consider anchoring northeast of the docks. From the docks south lie many unmarked shoals..
      Jay E Wigginton
      M/V SAILS

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Pelican Bay Outer Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Pelican Bay Park Service Dock Anchorage

      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Pelican Bay – Punta Blanca Island Anchroage

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    • Mar 18, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      The Harbourage Marina (St. Petersburg – Tampa Bay)

      The city of St. Petersburg, located on the western shores of Tampa Bay, has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to marina facilities. Not only is it home to the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina (a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) but, just to the south of Salty Creek, you will also find the Harbourage at Bayboro. This facility is the subject of Captain Gary Riss’ (the “Gar”) report below!

      When cruising in the St. Petersburg/ Tampa Bay area, The Harborage Marina at Bayboro Harbor is a great stop. The marina is owned by Marinas International and is maintained to their demanding standards.
      Dock master Michael Dudzik is one of the friendliest around. Radio him on VHF channel 16 for docking instructions. This is one of the few marinas that are protected by a breakwater pier to keep the waters calm. The transient dock is a long floating dock for side to docking.
      The entrance channel is well marked and adjacent to the Coast Guard Station. You can’t miss it.
      Facilities at the marina include a boater’s lounge, restrooms with showers, laundry facilities and a pool and picnic area. Fuel and pump-out facilities are also available to transients. There is long term storage available for those who wish to leave their boat in the area.
      The marina is located on St. Petersburg’s waterfront with convenient access to the Salvador Dali museum and the 25 cent bus that will transport you around the city. You are within walking distance to shopping areas restaurants and grocery stores.
      Gary Riss


      Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For The Harbourage at Bayboro Marina

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    • Mar 12, 2009by:   Curtis Hoff No Comments

      Useppa Island (Statute Mile 21.5)

      The entrance to the marina serving Useppa Island, lines the Western Florida ICW's eastern flank, almost directly across from the entrance to Cabbage Key. Both are located south of Boca Grande Pass.  Please note that this facility is normally NOT open to the public. Usually, unless there is a special event like the one attended by Captain Bob (see below), you have to be a property owner, or the guest of a property owner to stay here.
      However, if you can somehow wrangle an inivitation, this place is seriously FIRST CLASS!

      Just spent a long weekend on Useppa Island for the DeFever Cruisers Rendezvous … great place. Stayed in the Baron Collier room at the Collier Inn, wonderful view and accommodations.
      Bob DeGroot

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