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    • Dec 7, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Free Mooring at Locks on the Okeechobee Waterway

      Always nice to know you can tie up somewhere free of charge. Of course, such a plan will bring on a “bare bones” night without power or water connections, but, hey, that’s what we all pretty much when anchoring anyway!

      Subject*: Free moorings
      Cruising News*: In Early Dec. we stayed a night tied to a dolphin near the Port Mayaca lock. The lockmaster informed us that we were welcome to spend the night at any dolphin near locks on the Okeechobee Waterway, that there is no charge, and permission is not required.
      Richard Ross

      After leaving Stuart, we tied to Port Mayaca’s dolphins just before the lock. There were 3 sailboats there; it was nearly dark; and, oh, my—what a new experience!!! Bow line to a dolphin and with any luck at all (like a couple in their dink returning from walking their dog), they took our stern line, our boat hook and rang the horn of the cleat. A couple springs and we were set but that was a new experience for us and we’ve been full-time for 2 years!!! I said all this to say that’s a good over night stop if you’re agile and persevering.
      Laura

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    • Dec 6, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Boat Storage on the Okeechobee Waterway

      If there is any part of Florida that is “safest” from bad weather, it should be the central section along the Okeechobee Waterway.

      I tried a general search for this and got little results so if someone knows where this info already exsists please let me know.
      I will need to find a place within 100 miles from Fort Myers, Fl. to pull a 38 ft Bayliner around Feb / March /. Reasonable price of course is a concern as well as being able to work on my own boat if needed. Will probably store for 7-8 mo.
      Thanks, Jeff

      The best place to store a boat within 100 miles of Fort Myers and one of the only places that lets you do yout own work is The Gables Boat Storage on the [Okeechobee] Waterway near LaBelle, Florida. Amazing place, you see hundreds of masts, then the boats on dry land in the middle of nowhere. Their website goes off and on the web. Minimum storage is three months. Hurricane safe. It is really in the boonies.

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    • Dec 6, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Good Anchorage at LaBelle (Okeechobee Waterway, near St. M. 103)

      We’ve never tried to anchor in front to the LaBelle City Dock, and Captain Laura’s note is the first indication that I remember that you can not tie up to this pier overnight. So, if you want to visit the delightful town of LaBelle, and overnight there, it looks like dropping the hook may be the best way to go!

      Subject: LaBelle, FL
      Cruising News:
      There’s a delightful anchorage in front of LaBelle City Park just west of the Hwys 78/29 bridge–good holding and very quiet. The city docks have a 15′ limit and no overnights. Adjacent is an aluminum dock with very small slips. If you need to take a puppy to shore, either dock would suffice for a dink tie. We found nothing else so this was a great only choice.
      Laura Lane Bender

      I e-mailed Captain Laura and asked if she was sure there was no more overnight dockage at the LaBelle City Dock. Yes, she’s sure! Read on:

      Yes. 15 minute limit! That’s hardly long enuff to walk a dawg!!! The other dock about 100 yds down is apparently also public but they made little bitty slips so they’re pretty useless. There were 6 of us anchored there and it was great. Moore Haven was also another boater unfriendly place where we thought we could tie up so called phone # and who ever answered said she had no idea what it cost. Could be $1. Could be $2. Someone would appear the next morn to collect. Asked who I could call for info and she was clueless. This was on a weekend. For no amenities wasn’t willing to risk $2. That could be a significant shock!
      Laura

      Here’s some differing information:

      I believe the limitations on size of vessel and time at the dock apply only to the park facilities on the north side of the waterway. The free town dock on the south side, with water and electric, can accommodate larger boats moored stern-to. Overnight docking has always been allowed there, and as far as I know that hasn’t changed. I didn’t tie up there this year because the dock was full, so I anchored off the park along the north side. As Laura said, it’s a very nice, quiet place with good holding.
      Peter Colket

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of LaBelle on the Okeechobee Waterway

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    • Oct 19, 2010by:   Claiborne Young 1 Comment

      Fuel And Multiple Improvements at Indiantown Marina (Okeechobee Waterway)

      Indiantown Marina (772-597-2455) lies along the northern banks of the Okeechobee Waterway, some 10 statute miles east of the Waterway’s entrance into Lake Okeechobee, at the Port Mayaca lock. This facility is VERY popular with cruisers, and does a lively repair/dry storage business. Now, they offer fuel as well. A quick phone call to Indiantown reveals they now offer both gasoline and diesel fuel!

      Fuel is now available at the Indiantown Marina, new tanks, fully functional. Lot of new improvements (new docks, patio, WiFi through out the property, etc.). check it out.
      Eric Bamberg

      We communicated with Captain Bamberg, who we discovered was the Yard Service Manager at Indiantown Marina. He informed us that his facility had also gone through other multiple upgrades and enhancements over the last several years. He was invited to submit a report on all these improvements, and the note below is the result!

      Mr. Young;
      Thank you very much for your reply. Indiantown Marina is located in the Okeechobee waterway between the St. Lucie lock and the Port Mayaca lock. We are a full service and a “Do it yourself” marine repair / storage facility. We have a 50 ton Marine Travelift and haul vessels up to 15′ 10″ beam). We have made many improvements in recent years including new fuel tanks and pumps (both gas and diesel), new patio area, WiFi throughout the marina / boatyard areas, new docks, and improved landscaping. We also have a shops store and a campground area for our visitors both by land and by sea. Some of our “Do it yourselfers” enjoy working on there vessels and will bring a camper to stay on after the day is done. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or any of the Marina staff.
      Eric Bamberg
      Yard Service Manager
      Indiantown Marina
      772-631-3272 (cell)
      772-597-2455 (main office)
      772-597-2457 (service office)
      772-597-2451 (fax)
      indiantownmarinaservicedept@juno.com (service department e-mail)
      indiantownmarina@juno.com (main office e-mail)

      Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Indiantown Marina

      Comments from Cruisers (1)

      1. jim and betty palmer -  July 10, 2019 - 2:38 pm

        they did a lot to help out several of us who were there

        Reply to jim
    • Jul 20, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      A Happy Experience at City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin (Caloosahatchee River/Okeechobee Waterway)

      The City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin is one of the very best city owned and managed facilities I have ever reviewed. And, we are not just saying that because these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! Not only is the dockage secure and the staff as helpful as can be, but all downtown Fort Myers attractions and dining spots are within easy walking distance.

      We passed this marina on our way to Sanibel. About 30 min later we were hit by a ferocious thunderstorm, winds gusting 40 and us in a narrow winding channel for the first time. A call to Ft Myers sea tow confirmed the same all the way to Sanibel. We turned around and called the Ft Myers Yacht Basin, were talked in close then lost comms prob due to the constant lightning. As we passed the breakwater, I saw a lone figure waiting on the end of the dock in foul weather gear. He helped us dock in the height of the storm and we were tied up tight. Stayed the night. Staff were very helpful and friendly. As it was Sunday night, most of the restaurants and businesses were closed. Clean facility, nice laundry, great showers.
      Dale

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin

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    • Jul 19, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Rialto Docks (Alva, Florida)

      For many years now, I’ve been attesting in my “Cruising Guide to Eastern Florida” that one of the most unique and delightful marina facilities on the entire Okeechobee Waterway, is the Railto Docks, west of La Belle. Look like Captain Justice has the same idea!

      One of the most beautiful hidden gems on the OWW is Rialto Docks. This small harbor is on the Caloosahatchee River on a natural “oxbow” that loops out of then back into the river. There are 13 acres mostly working horse farm, beautifully landscaped with a pool. Quiet, gators, limpkin (crying bird), apple snails, and no tidal change. http://rialtoharbor.com/
      Dale Justice

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    • Jun 25, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Praise For Sunset Bay Marina (South Fork, St. Lucie River, on the Okeechobee Waterway)

      Since the city of Stuart leased out this property, and the facility was rebuilt as Sunset Bay Marina, we have received nothing but praise for Sunset Bay here on the Cruisers’ Net.

      There is no doubt that Sunset Bay is the BEST marina in the Stuart area. It was opened in 2009 so is not yet in many cruiser’s guides. Everything is new, great facilities, although mostly transient, it would pay to book ahead as many people come in for an overnight, then stay for 2 weeks. There is also a mooring field.
      Keith and Laurie Rawlings
      M/V “KenBane”

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Sunset Bay Marina

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    • May 18, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Legacy Harbour Marina (Fort Myers – on the Caloosahatchee River – Okeechobee Waterway St. M. 135.5)

      21 March to 13 April 2010.
      We chose Legacy over the nearby municipal marina as it had a reduced weekly rate, a rarity in this part of the world. Staying a second week, it was cheaper paying for a month although we pushed on after three weeks and it was still a bargain. I heartily agree with all of the superlatives previously posted
      Comparing it with the other marina which we visited by foot as it has a nice small marine store with a complete supply of local government charts, Legacy is within easier walking distance to a Publix. The municipal marina is closer to downtown which offers boutique-type shops, restaurants, a coffee house and a newly opened, well-stocked, dollar store. The Thursday farmer’s market is handy to both marinas.
      The big plus for us was metered electricity. Instead of paying up to $12/day for 30 amp service, our entire three-week stay amounted to $5.85, or $.30/day. For the first and only time, we were able to see exactly how much we were paying in excess of our actual usage.
      The fixed break-wall at municipal offers more protection from the swell from river traffic and wind blowing across the wide expanse of river. Legacy’s floating dock break-wall dampens it down but the entrance, open to the north, allows the swell to snake in. Finger dock slips are available extending from the break-wall that offer a nice view of the river but in stronger winds it’s an adventurous trip navigating to shore whilst dodging the odd wave breaking over the dock. We were on a floating dock closer in.
      Most of the cruisers we met at Legacy were repeat customers, coming back year after year to stay for a week or two like us, taking advantage of a reduced rate for a period shorter than a month.
      We made good use of the Fort Myers bus system as well as periodically renting cars for day trips. There is an Enterprise, Avis and Hertz nearby. All offered to pick us up and return us to the marina.
      A nearby restaurant, Sub & Pub, is unique and good value for money. Neither a submarine sandwich parlor nor a true pub, it offers daily home cooked specials ‘“ hearty portions at bargain prices ‘“ as well as regular fare. The relaxed, folksy decor was a welcome change from the restaurant chains. In the latter category, a Joe’s Crab Shack is located on the marina premises, replete with dancing waitresses and loud music. Still, it was hard to resist the odd visit as the irresistible odor of crab cakes and fish wafted over the marina each day!
      Austin Whitten

      I thoroughly agree with Mr. Wittens observations. Legacy Harbor is a great, and well managed, marina! The two downtown marinas do more to help each other help the boaters, than any others I am aware of. Job well done Dave!
      Leif Lustig,
      FMYB Dockmaster

      I heartily agree with the positive comments about Legacy Harbour Marina in Ft. Myers. We were part of a group of four boats from Solomons, MD that went south this past winter. Some of our group had visited Ft. Myers and vicinity by car the previous winter to check out potential places to stay and Legacy Harbour as well as Ft. Myers came out as top choice. All of the perks mentioned above are true. We arrived towards in early February just before it began to blow and blow and blow. Once there, we never left until heading back home across the lake. It was just too cold and windy. Apart from the ammenities discussed above, the cruiser’s group there has potluck dinners each week. There was also a group dinner out each week to a new retaurant with those with cars driving those without. We were tied up on D dock, the outer breakwater and that was an experience when the winds were from the northwest across the river. Dave and his staff at Legacy Harbour really made everyone welcome and went out their way to help out. Another plus coming up in the installation of dockside pump outs for all the docks. D dock will probably be last on the list but, this ammenty is really welcome. After checking out Naples and Punta Gorda, Ft. Myers and Legacy Harbour would surely be our choice for a return visit.
      Curt Larsen

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Legacy Harbour Marina

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

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    • May 15, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Pirates Cove Resort and Marina (on Manatee Pocket, off the St. Lucie River/Okeechobee Waterway)

      Pirates Cove is one of the most upstream facilities on Manatee Pocket. This body of water lies near the intersection of the AICW/Okeechobee Waterway/St. Lucie River, known locally as “The Crossroads.” I’ve always been impressed with Pirates Cove, though I don’t think I’ve ever seen a sailcraft at their docks. Always has been 100% power vessels.

      We stayed here on 4/5/2010 for one night and had a nice stay. Since we were there for one night they put us on the fuel dock which was fine with me since access into and out of the slips looked like it could be a little tight (50′ LOA). We were enroute from Ft. Lauderdale to the northern Gulf Coast and some of our group who were driving a vehcile home stayed in the rooms and reported them as nice. The restraunt was pretty good, the marina staff were helpful. I’d stay here again. The location is very good if your headed to the west coast of Florida and you’re breaking the trip across into two days.
      Cahoots

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Pirates Cove Resort and Marina

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    • May 7, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Sunset Bay Marina (Stuart, on the South Fork St. Lucie River)

      Here’s a different point of view on Stuart’s Sunset Bay Marina. Heretofore, the messages received here on the Net concerning this facility have been overwhelmingly positive!

      8 March 2010. It looked like it would have been a great marina but available only to folks who book six months in advance. When we asked for a one-night transient dock, we were told to come back in June! There were empty slips and a big inside protected fuel dock that no one was on. Something wrong here.
      Obviously no transient slips were reserved, despite the Waterway Guide claim of there being 60. This was the first marina we encountered that had nothing available for transients, keeping in mind our size usually guarantees a spot can always be found for us.
      The facilities for the mooring field were excellent but as noted by others, it is completely open to high speed waterway traffic, subject to gunnel-to-gunnel rolling and wet dinghy rides. And why is there no bum boat available for such a large mooring field?
      Two of the three other marinas in the area also claimed to be filled, with only the Harborage Yacht Club and Marina having transient places available. One said they don’t take sailboats despite the visible masts. For short term stayers like ourselves, Stuart wasn’t that attractive of a place. We anchored up the North Fork after the first rolly day on a mooring, moved to Harborage for a day for provisioning, walking over the bridge, cabbing back.
      Fair winds and following seas,
      Austin Whitten
      S/Y `Discovery II’, Vancouver 27

      Below is a response from the management at Sunset Bay Marina:

      Austin,
      As Assistant Harbormaster at Sunset Bay Marina I can tell you that our marina is always available to transients and since we opened last year we have not had to turn down, due to lack of availability, any transients who have wished to come in on a daily basis. We offer side to ties on our fixed docks for transients of all size vessels from 25′ to 125′. We have, however, had to put those who own vessels under 40′ and who wish to have a long term dockage on a waiting list as all of our slips that accommodate those size vessels filled up almost as soon as we opened last year. We are trying to accommodate these vessels on our waiting list as soon as slips become available.
      The Okeechoobee Waterway traffic problem that we have had in the past has been addressed as the entire area surrounding the mooring field and the marina has just recently been designated as a no-wake zone by the State of Florida and slow no-wake signage has been installed.
      As far as the `bum boat’ goes, unfortunately we do not have one but we have always personally patrolled our mooring field several times each day with our carolina skiff and constantly offer assistance to our mooring field guests in any way we possibly can, helping them with provisions, etc.
      We apologize for any misunderstandings that may have occurred.
      Ruth Conrad

      Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Eastern Florida Marina Directory Listing For Sunset Bay Marina

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    • May 6, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Historic Traffic on the Okeechobee Waterway

      There have certainly been times when I’ve felt as if the Okeechobee was a “secret Waterway.” However, Captain Vince must have thought he had wandered into a time warp, when he witnessed the vessels pictured below!

      Claiborne:
      Upon exiting the Ortona Lock (westbound) on the Okeechobee WW on April 13,2010, the Nina (65′) and Pinta (85′) passed us entering the lock. It certainly took us by surprise when we got our first glance at them and almost felt like we were in a time warp. They had departed Ft. Myers that morning headed to the east coast to continue their tour. Check it out on www.thenina.com.
      The photos were taken with a Canon Power Shot A570.
      The first photo is the Nina and the second photo is the Pinta.
      Vince Burkhardt
      M/V Sharon Ann

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    • Apr 12, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Okeechobee Waterway and Western Florida Cruising

      Wow, there’s all sorts of great cruising info in Captain RB’s message below, concerning both the Okeechobee Waterway, and cruising the Western Florida coastline from Fort Myers south to Boca Grande!

      Subject: Fl trip
      Cruising News: I just got back from a spring break cruise with the family and thought I would share my observations. We left Stuart at 10AM and arrived at Ft Myers at 8PM. We stayed at the Ft Myers Yacht Basin which was an easy and pleasant walk to the happening Downtown seen. Had a very good meal at Delicious things. Left the next morning for Boca Grande and had a beautiful ride and found the Miserable Mile not so miserable. Stayed at Boca Grande Marina and while it was expensive it was nice and clean. I draw 5 feet and am very concerned with running aground and I did not have any issues with the channel. I went 50 feet past Green 7 and made my turn to Boca Grande Marina. You can see the shoal which helps. We then enjoyed Boca Grande for 2 days. Rode bikes and dinghied to the north end of the island where Uncle Henry’s Marina is. The water is beautiful there but it is a ways from the village and might be a challenge for the first timer bringing in a deep draft boat. We left Boca for Tween Waters on Captiva and stopped at Cabbage Key for lunch. Plenty of water for a 5 foot draft. They do not allow dogs on the island which is an issue for us. We ate lunch and walked the trails (without the dogs) and it is a really beautiful/natural island. Then we went to Tween Waters. There was a shallow spot by Red 4 but you can see the shoal on each side of the channel and at least can have the boat at idle speed. I believe we carried 6 feet through that spot. Tween waters is a long walk from the shops and restaurants but if you have a dinghy you can dinghy towards Sanibel on this mangrove lined creek and end up at a beautiful pass/inlet. Also I called Bailey\’s Grocery and Hardware(on Sanibel) to see if they would pick us up at Tween Waters and let us shop and bring us back and to my surprise they were happy to do so with no charge for the ride although I tipped the driver. Very good fresh seafood and bakery. On the way back to Stuart we stopped in Clewiston at Roland Martin’s marina and ate at the Clewiston Inn (they picked us up and the food was delicious and surprisingly reasonable.) Martins Marina was very friendly maybe a tad run down. Overall the Okeechobee had plenty of water. The worst section is between the Stuart bascule bridge and Riverwatch Marina. We fueled up at Harborage Marina and pumped out and the staff is very friendly and didn’t mind if we hung out to wait for the tide to come up for my white knuckle journey up the Manatee Pocket to A&J Boatworks for some work. I recommend A&J they did a fair amount of work on my boat and did it on time and on budget. Hope this info helps others as others info on this website has helped me.
      RB

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    • Mar 29, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Railto Harbor Marina (Okeechobee Waterway, Neat St. M. 120)

      Like Greg and Judy (see below), we have always loved Rialto Harbor. It is one of our favorite stops on the Okeechobee Waterway. There’s something backwater, and yet elegant, about this notable facility. Just be sure to arrive with a fully stocked galley!

      Subject: Marina’s west of Okeechobee
      Cruising News: We stayed on night at a wonderful little “boutique” Marina called Rialto Harbor located at Alva, Florida. Slightly pricey – but actually worth the money if your looking for a relaxing respite after long days cruising. It’s hard to describe – but it’s like being the guest a a very wealthy and very hospitable boat oriented host.
      Greg and Judy Edwards,
      1979 Mainship I, Magic II

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    • Mar 29, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Campground and Dock at W. P. Franklin Lock

      Well, I’ve known for years about the free docks at the campground just west of the St. Luice Lock, but somehow I’ve missed the piers below described by Captain Thomason.

      Dear Claiborne,
      I have looked for the Franklin Lock Campground on the cruiser’s net under Okeechobee Route and can’t find it. It is also not in the edition (admittedly ten years old) we have of Eastern Florida. I just wondered why? The docks here are longer than the St. Lucie Lock Campground, though not suitable for a boat length over 40 ft. There is a laundry as well as showers, water and electric hookups for $24 a night ($12 for senior pass holders). Four slips can be reserved three days or more in advance by calling 877-444-6777 or on line at www.recreation.gov . Four slips are first come first serve. The setting is natural with birds, alligators and manatees. The Park Campground office number is 239-694-8770. We usually stay several nights here when we’re transiting the Okeechobee Waterway.
      Jean Thomason on DOVEKIE

      I e-mailed Captain Jean and asked for more details on this facility’s location. She was kind enough to respond with the note below:

      The Lat/Lon is 26 43′ 387 N; 081 41′ 454 W. The 4 fixed wooded docks are on the northern side on the river on the eastern side of the lock on a charted sidewater. Depths at the water end of the docks are over 7 feet, while the shore end is shallow so all boats go in bow first.. There is good protection from winds from any direction. The campground is administered by Army Corps of Engineers, so Federal passes are honored. It mostly caters to RV’s but there are 8 boat slips. Slips # 1,2 7,8 can be pre-reserved. Slips #3,4,5,6 are first come, first serve. The official limit on length of stay is two weeks. There are no stores etc nearby, but with all the campers, one can probably get a ride to a grocery or have someone pick up an item or two. There is biking on the roads outside the park, including a county park with walking trails.
      Hope this helps!
      Jean

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    • Mar 5, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Sunset Bay Marina (Stuart, FL on the St. Lucie River, South Fork) And the Roosevelt Bridges

      There have already been many postings praising Sunset Bay Marina here on the Cruisers’ Net. For those who don’t know, this facility is the new incarnation of the Stuart City Marina, once known as Southpointe Anchorage. The new version has plentiful slip dockage, plus an extensive mooring field.
      What makes Captain Dave’s note below so valuable, is his advice about the nearby Roosevelt Bridges, which lie between Sunset Bay and the AICW. These old spans were supposed to be removed with the adjacent high-rise span opened, but that’s never happened!

      Ditto to all the good comments. We agree and will be there for the next three months.
      Note of interest: I suggest calling the Roosevelt Bridge for an opening before going under the new 65′ bridge. The bridge tender is very accommodating and will let you know when she is about to open so you can proceed safely. Be prepared to stop and possibly turn around as the railroad bridge closed without warning just after we started to go under the new bridge.
      On weekends with many boaters and a strong tide racing thru there, it can get interesting.
      Capt Dave

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    • Feb 12, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Okeechobee Waterway Videos

      Well, this is a really cool posting that I borrowed from the “GL” (Great Loop) forum. I’ve taken a look at some of the You Tube video links below, and there’s LOTS more to them than just passing through the various locks along the way. ANYONE interested in cruising the Okeechboee will want to take the time to peruse all these videos! There’s some GREAT info here!!!

      Thought at least a few people might want to see what the locks are like to lock through beforehand as we filmed in each:

      Okeechobee Waterway Locks:

      St. Lucie Lock:

      Okeechobee Lock (a lock through – maintenance on the lock):

      Moore Haven & Ortona Locks

      Franklin Lock:

      Matt Mattson
      “Mischief” (Prairie 29)

      Afternoon from chilly St Pete,
      Just wanted to say nice job on the Lake O. U-Tube videos Matt, you and yours did a nice job on the filming. After 16,000 miles over the past 4 years I think Life’s2Short is finally going to go that route this March or April.
      Keep up the great videos!
      Todd & Brenda Lanning
      Life’s2Short
      1985 40′ Oceania Trawler

      Made this trip many times, and have never tired of it! love it. like old Floirda, in a time capsule.
      Capt. Sterling

      Does anyone know if there are a ton of no wake zones on the Okeechobee Waterway? Is it realistic to travel from Stuart to Ft. Meyers in a day in a 22ft Robalo (leaving at sunrise) and weather permitting. Thanks for any advice!
      Penny

      Enjoyed the video’s.
      Would like to see a video of the actual locking expeience, i.e. entering, tieing up, line handling, fending off, releasing the lines, etc. as I am planning on single-handing a 24 ft sailboat along that route
      Paul in Tampa

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    • Jan 26, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Easy Way to Get Depths On Okeechobee Waterway

      Below, the crew of WatermelonNJP provides a very useful link to a portion of Roland Martin’s Marina web site ,that mirrors the latest water depths on the Okeechobee Waterway from the ACOE web site. This link saves having to burrow through the Corp’s site to unearth the depth info you need!

      You can get a regular update on the levels of the Okeechobee at this site: http://www.rolandmartinmarina.com/water_levels.php
      Watermelonnjp

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    • Jan 21, 2010by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Roland Martins Marina (Clewiston)

      And, if you do stop at Roland Martin’s Marina, be SURE to have a meal at the Clewiston Inn!

      For those who want to break the Ft Myers to Stuart run in 2 legs we found that Rolands Marina in Clewiston was a great stop. The restruant is OK and the docks are reasonable, I been at much worse. They have a NEW store and restruant area so over all it is a great stop. The Lock that you normally have to go thru is open so it is an easy in & out.
      Larry

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    • Dec 30, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Lake Okeechobee to Kissimmee and Orlando

      Now, here’s a topic which I don’t think has ever come up on the Net before. As you will see, Captain is wondering whether it’s possible to take a cruising size craft north from Lake Okeechobee to Lake Kissimmee.

      Does anyone know if a 4 foot draft trawler can go from Lake Okeechobee to the northen extremes of Lake Kissimmee? Once there, is there anchorages? or is there a closer spot to anchor to
      visit Epcot?
      Henry
      M/Y Mary M

      While is possible to get from Lake Okeechobee north all the way to downtown Kissimmee, FL at the north end of Lake Tohopekaliga, the route is
      maintained primarily for relatively small local boats such as bass fishermen use. Lock outages are frequent and may be long in duration. Also, weed removal in main channels may or may not allow liveaboard sized craft to pass. And, as another poster noted, bridge clearances of only around 11 feet are a problem. Also, refueling options will be very limited. The only real marina along the way is just south of Rt. 60 at River Ranch Resort. The city of Kissimmee has a marina adjacent to its downtown. Transient vessels are a rarity there, but space would likely be available.
      More information on this route is available at http://www.jimporter.org/lakes/kissimmee/
      A much better alternative for larger boats wanting to get the attractions around Orlando is to use the St. Johns River from Jacksonville, FL south to
      Sanford. This route is well maintained, offers great anchorages, is clearly marked, very scenic, and offers a full service marina in Sanford at the
      north end of Lake Monroe. Either public transportation or rental cars are available there.
      Dennis

      A quick google search, “Kissimmee River Navigation”
      Six navigation locks are located between the city of Kissimmee and Lake Okeechobee.
      Each lock measures 30 by 90 feet and has an average depth of six feet. From downtown Kissimmee to Lake Okeechobee, six bridges are located along the waterway, all having vertical clearances of 11.5 feet or more.
      https://my.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/common/pdf/kisswaterway.pdf
      Another site states that north-south navigation is closed through 2011, due to construction.
      http://www.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/pg_grp_sfwmd_landresources/portlet_rec_vital_news/kissimmee%20river%20restoration%20construction%20to%20interrupt%20navigation.pdf
      I could not find navigation project depth, but the 11.5 foot bridge would limit the size of the boat.
      Chet

      I don’t think its possible to take a 4′ draft trawler from Lake O to Lake Kissimmee anymore, if it ever was. The Army Corp of Engineers has been undoing the canalization of the Kissimmee River for years now. Then there are the highway bridges over the river.
      Mark Richter, Winnie the Pooh, Ortona, FL on the Okeechobee Waterway

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    • Dec 28, 2009by:   Claiborne Young No Comments

      Marinas and Anchorages on the Caloosahatchee River/Okeechobee Waterway From the Gulf to Fort Myers

      There’s some GREAT cruising advice on anchorages and marinas in Captains Tom and Sue’s note below. This is a portion of a message from this cruising duo which appeared on the AGLCA (American Great Loop Cruisers’ Assocation) mail list. I’ve posted the remainder of their recommendations on other parts of the Net’s “Western Florida” Cruising News section.

      1. From R 92 proceed at idle speed around cattle Dock Pt to a nice anchorage in Glover Bight to stbd. Good depths for sail and power. You will notice a new hotel on your north side (planned to open Nov 2009) that is part of the Tarpon Cove Marina facility. With an outboard (or rowing), you can dinghy to #2 & #3 below.
      2. Next to the above anchorage is the Tarpon Point Marina (239-549-4900) that has floating docks & fixed docks, a nice facility, helpful staff, and very protected, with fuel…diesel & gas. The retail stores attached to the hotel are not planned to be open until late 2010.
      3. You can pass Tarpon Point Marina, turn left(NW) and follow the marked channel and mangroves around to The Marina at Cape Harbour (239-945-4330). You will first pass the terrific eating facility of Rum Runners, and then proceed to the small lock (usually 2 boats max) to enter the fresh water basin taking you the short distance around the seawall to Cape Harbour…..mid rise condo’s, a few restaurants, light retail stores, coffee shops, some marine services.
      4. Heading east on the Okeechobee Waterway toward Ft Myers you have the Gulf Harbour Marina to stbd near marker 74 (call for local knowledge before entering), upscale facility (floating docks) in a gated community with slips to 90′, then entering the Ft Myers area you have the Centennial Marina (floating docks & very nice) to stbd near marker 50 and then a little further (mm 135 on the waterway) the city owned Ft Myers Yacht Basin to stbd. The nice thing about the ‘Yacht Bain’……you can walk into the historic and recently redone downtown, with shopping and great restaurants, and theater.
      Regards,
      Tom & Sue
      m/v Marbles

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