I'm so pleased that information on the Cruisers' Net was helpful in Captain Jennifer's Okeechobee crossing. Her weather caution (see below) is a good idea for everyone.

Captain Chet's observations and reported depths below are very different from what others are reporting here on the Cruisers' Net. Maybe he just found all the deep spots. I would still caution everyone to proceed very carefully, PARTICULARLY on the Rim Route!

Subject: Okeechobee Waterway
Cruising News: On Mon. Apr. 20 I left Port Charlotte, FL leading 5 boats to the lake and back.  We spent the night of Apr. 21 at Roland Martin's Marina in Clewiston.  On Apr. 22 we took Route 2, "The Rim Route" to Pahokee and spent the night at Loggerhead Marina.  The lowest depth I saw on my depth gage was 7 feet and that was about 1 mile east of Slim\'s Fish Camp / Torry Island Bridge.  The bigest boat in our group was a 34\' Sea Ray and they had no problems.  On Apr. 23, we left Loggerhead and proceeded directly westward to Route 1 marker green 7, thence to Clewiston.  Never saw less than 7' crossing the lake. 
Strongly recommend the "Rim Route" as the scenery is great and the water is deep.
Chet Parham

The Port Mayacca RR bridge crosses the Okeechobee Waterway a short hop east of the Port Mayacca Lock. It's is a lift type bridge, and when fully raised, only provides 49 feet of vertical clearance. Many a sailor has cursed at this span, but others have gotten through by doing the "Okeechobee Limbo," a process of introducing artificial heel in a sailcraft, mostly by lashing water jugs to one side of the vessel, and then filling them until enough heel is produced.
Below, you will see that Captain Austin wants us all to know that this RR bridge is still in use, and is not "decrepit."

Subject: Port Mayacca RR Bridge
Cruising News: I get rather tired of hearing of the\\\"Old,decrepit RR bridge at Port Mayacca\\\". It is indeed fairly old,but it is part of a first class freight railroad,one that has just upgraded to heavy welded rail.The bridge is not decrepit,rather it is in regular use by the South Central Florida Express.Current use now may be mostly at night,but may increase if a proposed inland port is constructed near Clewiston.The bridge is on their line between Clewiston and Port St Lucie.
Addison Austin

Boy, I'm glad someone finally explained this. I never could figure out the formula between Lake Okeechboee depths, according ot the Army Corps of Engineers, and minimum depth on the Okeechobee Wateray, until now that is!

As regards the Lake Okeechobee depths, when you see a Corps of Engineer posting like this:

U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District
Lake Okeechobee and Navigation Depth Report
Data Ending 2400 hours 08 MAR 2009
*Today's Lake Okeechobee Stage = 12.56
++Today's Route 1 Navigational Depth ÷ 6.50'
Today's Route 2 Navigational Depth ÷ 3.90'

The way you should interpret this is that the value given for stage (in this case 12.56 feet) is the height of the surface of the Lake against a datum, which is approximately sea level. This is an "NGVD" which is a  "National Geodetic Vertical Datum". (For more info just Google NGVD if  you wish).
So, this means that the lowest grounding point in the Route 1 is at 6.06 feet above sea level (or to be more exact the NGVD), and the lowest grounding point in Route 2 is at 8.66 feet above sea level. Thus, the depth of Route 1 and Route 2 is simply stated as the height of the lake level minus one or the other of these two grounding levels.
Ken Bloomfield

The old, decrepit Port Mayacca Railway Bridge has long been a thorn in the side of sailors who want to make use of the Okeechobee Waterway. With its official 49 foot or so (see below) vertical clearance, it is clearly a limiting factor. Of course, nearby Indiantown Marina has achieved a bit of a cottage industry by, with prior arrangement, meeting sailcraft short of the bridge, lashing on plastic water jugs and creating enough artificial heel to get a sailboat with a mast just over 49 feet, under the bridge. Of course, as you will read below. some undertake this task for themselves.

Claiborne,
This is an update to your very appropriate warning concerning the railroad bridge to the east of the lock on the east side of Lake Okeechobe. To remind you, I have a C&C 34 with a listed mast height of 48' 6" and the railroad bridge, a lift bridge, has a charted clearance of 49'.  The website for the Army Corp of Engineers, Jacksonville showed the clearance at 49.7 for the period in question, but it fluctuates with the level of the lake.
The lock was open when I crossed.  About 10 days ago I approached the bridge, after hanging 4-6 gallon water containers from my boom which I extended over the port side of the boat.  I also piled all sails, anchors, chain and other misc. heavy items on the port rail.  As you suggested I inched forward at the slowest speed posible and passed under the bridge with only my radio antenae touching the steel beam.  A fellow boater who had proceeded ahead of me was watching from the anchorage by the lock and kept me advised as to space between my mast and the bridge. His encouragement was a great help. The weight on my boom and port rail resulted in about a 10% lean which turned out to be sufficient.  A friend who was a former math teacher had calculated that a 15% lean would give me about 9" of space so my 10% lean was less than I wanted, but all is well as ends well.
The anchorage by the lock is adequate for about 3 boats and I had a fairly quiet night in about 8' of water, but the trawler on the west side of the anchorage dragged anchor when the cold front passed in the night with 40 knot winds.  They were able to set the anchor and ride out the wind safely. the next day brought a choppy crossing and 2 days later I reached ft myers.  i wanted to thank you for you advice, so thanks for the help.  it is appreciated.
Bruce Jarchow

"Southwinds" magazine, whose motto is "News and Views For Southern Sailors" is published by Stever Morrell. It's a GREAT publication for southern sailors, and it's available free of charge at many marinas throughout coastal regions of the Southeastern USA.
Below, Captain Dale reports an article about the Okeechobee Waterway in the current issue.

Subject: Lake O article
Cruising News: Southern Boating has an article about Lake "O" (page 46) stating the route is open and ready for cruisers.
Dale

I suspect there are two reasons that Capt. Sterling found Pahokee Marina semi-deserted (see below), but both are related to this facility's postion along the so-called "Rim Route" of the Okeechobee Waterway. First, following the 2005 hurricane season, the Rim Route was choked with debris, and for a long time the 'Torry Island Bridge was not operating. Secondly, the Rim Route has always been shallower than the "Lake Route." With the low water depths suffered until quite recently, depths along the Rim Route were barely deep enough for a canoe. With water levels once again restored in Lake Okeechobee, let's all hope Pahokee Marina is able to resume normal operations soon.

I am sitting in the New Pahaokee Marina.Brand new docks with 50 and 30 amp hook ups, water, pumpouts everywhere, fire hose connections, floating docks built for a 10 ft storm surge, 12 ft of water,new hurricane buildings, all first class. Dockage is $1.25 a foot.
Now the bad news, only 5 other boats here, no cruisers, the new buildings are empty,no services on the property. Too bad this is off the beaten path across the lake, Its a very nice facility.
Also there is no marked chanel to come in from off the lake , but we worked our way in.
Capt Sterline

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Allen and Judy Ames

SESAME

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

Allen and Judy Ames

SESAME

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mo

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

Mo

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

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

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

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

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

Palataka marina is still Closed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Palataka marina is still Closed.

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