Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Nov 2, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 26.7217,-81.69389999
Report from Okeechobee Lake Route and Franklin Docks, Statute Mile 121

View In Chartview

Our thanks to veteran cruiser David Bell for this good report from the Okeechobee Waterway. The popular Franklin Lock Boat-in Docks, which were closed for repairs in August of 2014, are open for business.
Left Stuart for Fort Myers with the lake level at 14.78′. Never saw less than 10′ of water the entire trip. We took the lake route instead of the rim route. All of the lock tenders were right on the ball. Never had a delay. But one quick note. The locks shut down at 1640. If you are not in the lock by then you will have to wait for a sunrise before you can pass. The Franklin lock docks on the NE side were empty. At $24.00 per night it is a great place to lay over and very protected.
David Bell
Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Franklin Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Franklin Lock
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (1)

Kim - November 2, 2015 - 12:20 pm

Spent Saturday night-Halloween- at Franklin Lock docks. Lovely as always. They seem to have only replaced the pilings- no other changes to configuration. Nothing fancy but facilities were spotless. Sign still says $24 but it is $30 which becomes $15 with an inter-agency senior pass. At any of those price points it is a bargain (electric is included). 4 of the slips can be reserved online (www. recreation.gov) and 4 are first come first serve. Our group of 3 boats were the only ones there Saturday.
Kim
Reply to Kim
Jul 19, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 26.803,-80.78999999
Question Regarding Lake Level in Lake Okeechobee

View In Chartview

Those of you who are frequent Lake Okeechobee Waterway cruisers are certain to have answers for Skipper Bill’s questions. Let us hear from you! USACE daily lake level reports can be found at http://w3.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/currentLL.shtml. However, Bill’s questions refer to ARGUS soundings for Lake Okeechobee. See /?p=148612. ARGUS soundings are shown on all SSECN Chartview pages by clicking the ARGUS button at the top of the chart.
What lake level are the soundings in Lake Okeechobee corrected to, or what lake level were they observed? Since there is no `MLLW’ the lake level at observation or correction to the standard lake level is essential.
Thanks,
Bill
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (1)

John Hersey - July 20, 2015 - 2:43 pm

Hi Bill,
For Lake Okeechobee we get the daily lake level reports from the Corps of Engineers and refer that to the 12.5 foot average as used for the NOAA charts. Then we apply that difference to the soundings for each day. Please let us know if you see anything that looks odd though, so we can investigate and make adjustments to the process if possible.
Thank you,
John Hersey
SURVICE Engineering
Reply to John
Jul 17, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.4632,-81.96549999
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina Recognized As One Of The Best in Florida

View In Chartview

Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, overlooks the westerly banks of the Mantanzas Pass channel, west of marker #13.
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina has been named to the 17 Best Resorts in Florida list by Traveluto, a rapidly growing travel blog. The resort was praised for its idyllic location, lagoon-style pool and waterfall, on-site marina, spa and tropical surroundings.
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina Recognized As One Of The 17 Best Resorts in Florida
FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla., July 9, 2015
Travelers heading to the Sunshine State this summer will find one more exciting reason to stay at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina.
One of the premier resorts on Fort Myers Beach recently made the list of 17 Best Resorts in Florida by Traveluto. A rapidly growing travel blog covering exciting destinations all over the world in addition to other travel-related topics, Traveluto searched the Sunshine State’s most popular resorts ‘“ from the Panhandle to the Florida Keys to the infamous home of Walt Disney World ‘“ to honor 17 must-visit hotel destinations in the state.
Situated on the beautiful tip of Estero Island, the full-service Fort Myers Beach hotel was praised for its lagoon-style pool and large waterfall, convenient on-site marina, spa and tropical restaurants, making it the ideal setting for spurring romance or making memories with the whole family.
In addition to the resort’s on-site amenities, the travel blog referenced its outstanding reviews on TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel website. Pink Shell received numerous guest reviews raving about “amazing rooms with lanais,” “incredible views,” the “luxurious spa” and “friendly and accommodating staff.”
On top of making the list of 17 Best Resorts in Florida, the renowned Fort Myers Beach resort has been recognized with numerous awards including the 2014 Best of Weddings by The Knot, 2015 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and Hall of Fame Award. Pink Shell also was voted the “Best Resort and Hotel of Fort Myers Beach” by Fort Myers Beach Observer and “Top 25 Best Places to Tie Up in North America” by the editors and readers of Power and Motoryacht magazine.
Starting off with a single cottage in 1953, Pink Shell has expanded across 12 lush acres and features 213 one- and two-bedroom condos, each offering sweeping ocean views from sunrise to sunset. Though it has grown, been renovated and rebranded since the original beachfront property that first sat on the sun-kissed sand, the resort celebrates the memories that were once made on Fort Myers Beach while providing all the amenities necessary for friends and families to make new ones.
About Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina at 275 Estero Blvd. in Fort Myers Beach, FL is on 12 lush acres of sugary white sand facing the Gulf of Mexico. The full-service destination resort features 213 one- and two-bedroom condos, all offering sweeping ocean views. Additional amenities include a 41-slip marina, full-service spa, 3 heated outdoor pools, 2 restaurants, 2 ballrooms, on-site sailing school and water sports. For information, visit www.PinkShell.com or call 1-888-222-7465. Like Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Facebook, follow the resort on Twitter and add it to a circle on Google Plus.
About Boykin Management Company
Boykin Management Company, a leading hospitality management company with offices in Charlotte, NC and Fort Myers Beach, FL, is consistently recognized for excellence in delivering value-added lodging operations. Since 1958, BMC has been developing, managing and operating hotels, resorts, condominium hotels and conference centers. In addition to BMC’s long-standing relationships with the industry’s leading hotel brands including Marriott, Hilton, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Radisson, Crowne Plaza, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn, BMC has operated numerous independent and resort hotels. BMC has managed more than 20,000 rooms in 23 states since its inception. For information, visit www.Boykin.com.
PRESS CONTACT
Ellis Etter
1-239-463-6181
eetter@pinkshell.com
SOURCE Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jul 9, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.2031,-80.26079999
Old Roosevelt Bridge Change of Schedule, Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 7.4

View In Chartview

Our thanks to Skipper Susan Parker for notifying us of this change of schedule and to Officer Lieberum for clarifying this “Old Bridge” – “New Bridge” situation. Our bridge directory has been updated.
Good Morning Larry,
Even I’m a little confused, mostly due to wording. Roosevelt Bridge use to be US 1 and Dixie in this area. When they built the new high level fixed US 1 Bridge the US 1 designation was removed from the Roosevelt Bridge; however it was never removed from the CFR verbiage therefore, the description in 33 CFR 117.317 makes it sound like the old US 1 bridge, this is incorrect as this is the NW Dixie Hwy regulation below – at some point the CFR will need to be corrected to reflect the correct roadway. As the bridges in this portion of the CFR are listed from east to west you will note that the FEC R/R comes before the US 1 bridge; therefore, one can determine that this is the correct regulation for this bridge.
According to 33 CFR 117.317 (d) Roosevelt (US1) bridge, mile 7.4 at Stuart. The draw shall open on signal; except Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. the draw need open only on the hour and half hour. However, the draw need not open between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. except at 8:15 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. the draw need open only on the hour, 20 minutes after the hour, and 40 minutes after the hour. When the adjacent railway bridge is in the closed position at the time of a scheduled opening the draw need not open, but it must then open immediately upon opening of the railroad bridge to pass all accumulated vessels. Exempt vessels shall be passed at any time.
Hope this explanation helps.
Mike L
Michael Lieberum
Seventh Coast Guard District
Bridge Branch
Bridge Management Specialist
Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Old Roosevelt Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Old Roosevelt Bridge
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Jun 23, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 26.7217,-81.69389999
Restrictions on Franklin and St. Lucie Locks, Okeechobee Waterway Statute Miles 121 and 15

View In Chartview

Franklin Lock, westernmost lock on the Okeechobee Waterway, is located at Statute Mile 121 and St. Lucie Lock, the easternmost lock, lies west of Stuart, FL near Statute Mile 15. This notice was posted on AGLCA’s Forum by good friends Chuck Baier and Susan Landry.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District has announced restrictions for lock operations on the Okeechobee Waterway due to receding water levels on Lake Okeechobee, effective immediately.
Locking operations at the W.P. Franklin Lock & Dam near Fort Myers and the St. Lucie Lock & Dam near Stuart will be conducted every two hours from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. This action is the result of the water level at
Lake Okeechobee falling below 12.5 feet.
`This is standard operating procedure whenever the lake falls below 12.5 feet’ said Steve Dunham, Chief of the Corps’ South Florida Operations Office. `We encourage boaters to be aware of the lake level and consider that drafts will continue to decrease if the lake drops more in coming weeks.’
Under the updated schedule, boats will be locked through at the Franklin and St. Lucie Locks at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. Operations at the other three locks, Ortona, Moore Haven, and Port Mayaca, will continue on demand between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. with final lockage beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Should the lake drop below 11.5 feet, additional reductions in service will be necessary. For more information on navigation notices concerning the Okeechobee Waterway, please visit the following website:
http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/’¦/Na’¦/NoticestoNavigation.aspx
Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Franklin Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Franklin Lock
Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For St. Lucie Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the St. Lucie Lock
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (1)

Ron - April 5, 2017 - 7:09 am

How do you find the lock information???
Reply to Ron
May 25, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.8233,-80.65569999
Good Visit to Pahokee Marina, Lake Okeechobee Rim Route Statute Mile 50

View In Chartview

The Pahokee Marina/Lake Okeechobee KOA is part of Pahokee State Park, north of Bacom Point, on the Rim Route of Lake Okeechobee. For more information go to: www.cityofpahokee.com/Marina & Campground/Marina.html
Pahokee Marina (3-18-15)
We traveled to Pahokee via the rim canal, no problems, the lake water was up and thanks to the Cruisers Net for letting us know the canal had been cleaned.
The first night was a great night, no wind. We were also warned not to leave the marina after dark. The area is a little rough. Everyone was friendly and helpful.
The second night the wind picked up and clocked around from the north to north west at about 8-10 knots. That got scary in the marina. One of the regulars (liveaboards) in the marina knocked on the boat and told us we had better put on more lines and helped us to cross tie everything so we were not rubbing the dock. They also told us if the wind gets more than what we have it starts to get dangerous inside the marina.
The town is within walking distance so food stuffs are within half mile walk. They also have a pool and restaurant.
Share:
Be the first to comment!
May 25, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.8339,-81.08969999
A Visit to Moore Haven City Dock, Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 78

View In Chartview

Moore Haven City Dock, the first stop west of Lake Okeechobee, is located at Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 78, on the Moore Haven waterfront. Our thanks to Phil Herl for this advice and report.
Moore Haven City Marina (3/18/15)
Great docking and electric, Lots of space on a face type dock, if you arrive early remember to tie as close as possible to the other boats, to leave as much room as possible for other boats. Also help to encourage others to do the same. Eating places and grocery store are within walking distance.
Phil Herl
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Moore Haven
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Mar 9, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Rim Route Crossing of Lake Okeechobee
This AGLCA Forum report is another concerning options for a west to east crossing of Lake Okeechobee. See /?p=147224. Skippers Jenny and Kenny Beach chose the rim route despite warnings about the numerous pitfalls possible.
Today we did the rim route west to east. Thanks to all the replies which took away the unnecessary anxiety. It was beautiful, totally void of debris, and a much smoother ride than the almost straight across route had to offer. We cut the northeast corner off by heading for the canal entrance from day marker 24. We stuck to the rim route at marker 60 since the lake was very choppy at that point and the rim route provided some wind and wave protection. I think the lowest depth we saw all day was 9.8′. There is no reason to be hesitant at all about exploring this scenic area.
Jeanne & Kenny Beach
Daybreak
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (1)

August Trometer - March 12, 2015 - 5:15 pm

Glad you had such a good trip. We made the same trip in 2002, very scenic BUT our 3.5′ draft plowed through sand and went we got to Fort Lauderdale we were overheating as the sand had chewed up the impeller. We wished we had gone straight across, SO make sure you know the depth and leave some to spare, OR a calm day. With a 3.5′ draft I’d want 5′ minimum per the charts/Okeechobee lake level.
Reply to August
Mar 9, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 3 Comments
Rim Route Versus Direct Route Across Lake Okeechobee
This AGLCA Forum report documents the Beach’s careful planning for a rim route versus direct route crossing of Lake Okeechobee. For their decision and description of their crossing, go to /?p=147301.
So the captain would like to take the rim route to cross the lake. The lock tenders say it is not recommended. The other boaters here at Roland Martin’s, who have not made the trip, say it is a bad idea. They claim that
everyone they know who has done it says it is loaded with debris, tree limbs, old refrigerators, and such. The captain is not buying the horror stories but the admiral won’t go since “everyone” says it is a bad idea.
Would love for some “experienced” boater feedback. Today’s water depth was 6.88′; we draw 4′.
Jeanne & Kenny Beach
Daybreak
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (3)

Tom Wemett -  March 12, 2015 - 6:49 pm

Did the rim route last April in a 44′ Trawler with 4′ draft. Had no problems.
Reply to Tom

Richard Ross MV Chez Nous -  March 12, 2015 - 4:45 pm

Don’t believe the stories you hear. We have crossed several times by both routes. The rim route shallow spot is between 4 and 4B just south of Port Mayaca lock. But you can exit the rim route around red 54, and head direct to green 5 on the lake route and avoid the shallows. This way, the rim route is actually slightly deeper than the lake route.
There are two down sides to the rim route. It is about ten miles farther, and the Torry Island swing bridge is manually operated, and the operator will not begin opening until he sees the boat waiting.
Reply to Richard

Chet Parham -  March 12, 2015 - 4:04 pm

It’s been 6 or 7 years since we traveled the rim route and we heard the same stories about hurricanes pushing debris into the channel. Went anyway. Draw 3 feet and never saw less that 10 feet on the depth gage. Never saw any debris.
Reply to Chet
Mar 4, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.7588,-80.91869999
Advice on Crossing Lake Okeechobee, Okeechobee Waterway

View In Chartview

This AGLCA Forum report by Skipper Healy is prompted by a discussion of the Okeechobee Waterway which mentions Clewiston, Florida, which has long been a good source for checking depths in Lake Okeechobee. See /?p=147224. Peg and Jim Healy are longtime contributors to SSECN.
What’s interesting about Lake “O” is NOT the datum for the surface of the lake – which can be very misleading – but the actual depth of the water on the navigation routes. As a reservoir for Southeast Florida, lake datum is important as a measure of water reserves for the Palm Beaches. But to boats, water depth is all that matters. This really matters in the spring, as the annual “dry season” progresses toward summer. Today’s lake datum is 14.72 feet, but the Route 1 (cross-lake) water depth is only 8.66 feet and Route 2 (Rim route) is only 6.86 feet. Here’s the USACE website for nav route WATER DEPTH data: http://w3.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/currentLL.shtml. The good news is, that status in early March should make for a comfortable season for spring crossings this year.
Also be advised, the basin at Roland Martin is VERY shallow, and the bottom is sticky mud. If the cross lake route gets to 5 feet, the basin in Clewiston will be less; maybe 4 ft. One who gets stuck in there is thoroughly stuck. Roland Martin is a bass boat marina, not a cruising boat marina. Careful consideration of water depths is advised for cruisers.
There is a definite wind-driven “tide” on Lake O. Prolonged winds from the south can make the lake quite lumpy with short period seas and drive water depths on the south end of the lake a foot less than the datum would otherwise suggest. Which leads to my last point. The most “risky” part of the cross-lake route is the channel out of Clewiston leading into the Lake. That is a dredged channel that’s about 100′ wide on the south end. Most people think Florida is a big sand bar, but the bottom of lake O is limestone. Limestone is soft stone, but plenty hard enough to hurt props and rudders. It’s extremely important to stay in that channel and not get blown sideways; the channel edges are VERY unforgiving, like the “Rock Pile” in Myrtle Beach. That channel is probably 5 StM in length to G”1″. The farther out of Clewiston one gets, the farther apart the markers become. The prevailing winds on the lake will try to blow boats sideways out of the channel, SO PILOTS MUST BE ABLE TO BACKSIGHT THE MARKERS TO BE SURE THE BOAT STAYS IN THAT CHANNEL. Otherwise, there will be this very
disheartening crunching sound… And, there are no Tow BoatUS/SeaTow services on the lake.
Hope this is useful!
Peg and Jim Healy
We would add this to Jim’s excellent observations. A few other points in looking at the COE website for navigational depths. An 8.66 depth on route 1 does not mean that the entire route is 8.66 feet. It means that 8.66 is the shallowest depth you will find if you stay in the channel along route 1. The same goes for route 2, the Rim Route. There are only two areas that you will find the shallow depths. Along route 1, that will be in the approach channel to Clewiston. Along route 2, it will be in the channel immediately after turning south out of the Port Mayaca Lock. The shallow depths can be avoided on route 2 by heading out into the lake and turning south. Then re-enter the route 2 channel at Pahokee. Depths in the Lake will be 10 to 14 feet and the rest of the route 2 depths will be 12 to 20 feet based on today’s reported depths. There is no alternative for the route 1 shallow area and the advise is simply, stay in the channel and go slow until back on the rim route. Across the Lake, depths will be 10 to 15 feet, and deeper once back on the Rim Route.
Chuck Baier and Susan Landry
http://www.tgboa.com/
http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com/
My Navigational Notices
http://www.marinalife.com/navigationUpdates/index.cf
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Clewiston and Roland Martins Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Mar 4, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.7588,-80.91869999
East to West Okeechobee Crossing Described, Okeechobee Waterway

View In Chartview

This AGLCA Forum report includes a stop at Roland Martin’s Marina, found on a small canal in Clewiston, Florida, which has long been a good source for checking depths in Lake Okeechobee. See http://www.rolandmartinmarina.com/water_levels.php.
Okeechobee Waterway crossing last week on Feb 21st and 22nd. Water levels were high, 15 ft plus (above the Atlantic Ocean sea level). We were aboard a Mainship 400 with 4 foot draft. Our westbound trip from Stuart FL
included anchoring up the St Lucie River Northfork, then clearing both St Lucie and Port Mayaca Locks with no issues. The lake was OK with a 2 foot chop and we spent an evening in Clewiston at Roland and Mary Ann Martins Marina. Say hi to Dockmaster Capt. Sam. He will take care of you. Just in case he is not on duty be sure to dock your boat and face your master stateroom away from the band in the TiKi Bar. Believe me, you’ll sleep better. While there, take a selfie at the Tiki Bar’s Chevy Suburban in the front yard.
The rest of the trip west was fine. We had deep enough water and all the locks were working AOK. We stayed the evening on Captiva Island, a very remote quiet place, one of the last Old Florida locations you’ll visit.
Then onto Cortez, FL in the fog.
Chris & Alyse Caldwell
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Clewiston and Roland Martins Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Feb 11, 2015by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 26.9874,-80.60439999
Heeling Help Needed, Okeechobee Waterway

View In Chartview

This is certainly one of the most unusual, but very legitimate, requests that I can remember posting. If you can supply Skipper Parish with a name or phone number, please reply to his email below. Port Mayaca Railway Lift Bridge with a vertical clearance of 49ft when fully open crosses the Okeechobee Waterway at Statute Mile 38, near the tiny (charted) village of Port Mayaca.
Years ago I travelled the Okeechobee Waterway and was able to get under the 49′ Port Mayaca RR bridge by hiring a marina operator to help heel my boat over so my 53′ mast would pass under the bridge. Does anyone know if this “heeling” service is still being provided by a marina along the waterway? If so, contact me directly at seabreeze384@hotmail.com. Thank you
Rick Parish
Larry
I received two replies today. Both sources provide the same information. One source was Kim Brown, captain of s/v Trust Me. The other source was from Indiantown Marina. Contact – Billy Owens his phone number is 561-262-5200.
Best regards
Rick
Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Port Mayaca RR Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Port Mayaca RR Bridge
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (1)

Sue ward - February 11, 2015 - 10:58 am

Try Indiantown marina. #772 597 2455.
Reply to Sue
Feb 3, 2015by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.538,-81.9979999
Report from Glover Bight Anchorage, Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 147

View In Chartview

Glover Bight Anchorage lies on the northeasterly reaches of Glover Bight, northeast of unlighted daybeacon #9 near the western end of the Okeechobee Waterway.
Good holding in this anchorage, but stay out of the SE side as others have mentioned. In the far East corner, where the bight narrows, there is a dock and gazebo. This is a Cape Coral city park with a nice boardwalk. From the end of the boardwalk where it joins the road is 2 miles to Publix, a nice jaunt for avid walkers like us or your collapsible bicicyle. Its a very high step to get out at the dock. Enjoy the usually lame music from the Westin on the weekends!
Chris
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Glover Bight
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Glover Bight
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Oct 30, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.4632,-81.96549999
Pink Shell Luminaries, Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, Western Terminus of the Okeechobee Waterway

View In Chartview

What a grand way to get into the Holiday spirit! Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, overlooks the westerly banks of the Mantanzas Pass channel, west of marker #13.
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Oct 30, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.456,-81.95049999
Question about Bob Wallace in Fort Myers Beach, Western Terminus of the Okeechobee Waterway

View In Chartview

We seldom get inquiries about specific individuals, but Skipper Schofield’s query seems genuinely sincere, especially with his kind words for Bob Wallace. If you have knowledge of Bob’s status or wish to relate your own experiences with Bob, please us hear from you.
The Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field is found east of the high-rise bridge, just north of Estero Island. The mooring field is hosted by City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
We’ve anchored in what is now the mooring field a few times but not for several years, the last time back in 2000. I wonder if anyone knows the latest on Bob Wallace who welcomed boaters to his dock to land, take on water and all he asked in return was that they sign his visitors book. I guess Bob will have passed away but I thought he had a son who might have carried on the tradition. I guess it’s a less necessary facility these days but it was wonderful back then and a hugely generous gesture by Bob. Anyone know anything?
John Schofield
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Oct 3, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment 26.6478,-81.86979999
Excellent Source of Okeechobee Information: Fort Myers Yacht Basin, Caloosahatchee River/Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 135

View In Chartview

Fort Myers Yacht Basin lies along the southeasterly banks of the Caloosahatchee River, between the 3rd and 4th bridges from west to east. We are proud that this fine SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR is offering their expertise and advice to Okeechobee and West Florida transients!p>
Hello to all of those transiting the beautiful Okeechobee Waterway.
For current conditions on the waterway, please allow the staff at the City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin to assist you. We will be happy to provide tidal, lock schedule, weather and any other impacting information in order to help you make it through. We can be reached at 239-321-7080, yachtbasin@cityftmyers.com, llustig@cityftmyers.com and channel 16 when closer. We are open 8 to 6 and are here to serve you.
Thank you,
Leif Lustig, Dock Master
Notice of upcoming Okeechobee Waterway closures;
Please review the tentative schedule for waterway closures to navigation which can be found on the City of Fort Myers web page at http://www.cityftmyers.com/yachtbasin, as construction continues on the I-75 bridge at mile marker 129.
Thank you,
Leif Lustig, Dockmaster
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Ft Myers Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ft Myers Yacht Basin
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (1)

Leif Lustig - October 3, 2014 - 10:26 am

Notice of upcoming Okeechobee Waterway closures;
Please review the tentative schedule for waterway closures to navigation which can be found on the City of Fort Myers web page at http://www.cityftmyers.com/yachtbasin , as construction continues on the I-75 bridge at mile marker 129.
Thank you,
Leif Lustig, Dockmaster
Reply to Leif
Oct 2, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.5438,-81.95139999
An Unusual Sailing Club, Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 144, Cape Coral, FL

View In Chartview

More Fun Stuff: With a name like theirs, these folks are bound to be fun to meet and share a brew or two with. They are primarily off-shore sailors, but they are sure to be able to offer wisdom about the Okeechobee and the West Florida Intracoastal. The Cape Coral Yacht Club is in the vicinity of the transient slips at Cape Coral Yacht Basin.
The Caloosahatchee Marching and Chowder Society
Winner of US Sailing’s 2012 Outstanding Organizational Support Award
The sailing club with the very unusual name formed around 1970 at Cape Coral, Florida, with sailors from all over Southwest Florida as charter members. The unique name came from an effort to make it forever obvious that this was not a `Knife and Fork yacht club,’ but a group of offshore sailors who wanted to race, cruise and explore the coasts of Florida, the Keys, the Tortugas, and the Bahamas. The name also describes the offbeat informal humor of the offshore sailor. It consists of folks from all walks of life who unite in their love of the sea.
Guests are always welcome to one of our casual monthly socials / meetings at 6:30 PM on the third Tuesday of every month (except January) at the Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Pkwy., Cape Coral, FL. (No dress codes here.) To learn more about CMCS, simply, scroll down on this page to view our online journal (BLOG). You may also go to About Us for additional links, or email us by going to Contact Us.
For schedule of activities, go to:
http://www.cmcs-sail.org/
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Cape Coral Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Cape Coral Yacht Basin
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Sep 28, 2014by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments 26.6974,-81.79939999
More Concerns about Caloosahatchee Bridges, Okeechobee Waterway, Fort Myers, FL

View In Chartview

Skipper Heidi is referring to a May, 2014 posting also asking for advice on the height of these five bridges, see: /?p=140221. As Skipper Heidi is aware those published 55ft heights will expand and contract depending on water and weather conditions, as well as vessel conditions. If you have recent experience at the I-75 and Edison Twin bridges, let us hear from you!
Did you make the trip? Do you have any information about the clearance for the I-75 and Edison Twin bridges? Our mast is only 52f but last year in August we barely made it underneath these bridges at high tide. The `clearance boards’ did read only 53f’¦(Officially some bridges have a clearance of 54.8f, not 55f ‘“ see http://www.city-data.com/bridges/bridges-Fort-Myers-Florida.html)
Now we have to go back, but we are gained a few inches by unloading the boat and the water level is higher than last August’¦.Of course we’ll go a low tide but I’m still concerned’¦
Heidi
Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For I-75 Bridges
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of I-75 Bridges
Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Thomas Edison Twin Bridges
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Edison Twin Bridges
Click Here To View the Okeechobee Waterway Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Hwy 41 Bridge
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Hwy 41 Bridge
Share:
Comments from Cruisers (2)

Leif Lustig - October 2, 2014 - 3:56 pm

Hello to all of those transiting the beautiful Okeechobee Waterway,
For current conditions on the waterway, please allow the staff at the City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin to assist you. We will be happy to provide tidal, lock schedule, weather and any other impacting information in order to help you make it through. We can be reached at 239-321-7080, yachtbasin@cityftmyers.com , llustig@cityftmyers.com , and channel 16 when closer. We are open 8 to 6 and are here to service you.
Thank you,
Leif Lustig, Dock Master
Reply to Leif

Norm Brandon - October 1, 2014 - 5:56 pm

I live near the Caloosahatchie bridges. Typically there are two high and two low tides each day. Often there are significant differences in height between the two high tides. Therefore check the charted datum basis (average high or average higher high). Additionally if the wind is from a south west or westerly direction then the tides will be higher than predicted by the tide tables. It is not unusual for an actual tide heigh, due to wind, to be 1.5 feet higher than predicted at the Fort Myers bridge.
Reply to Norm
Sep 8, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Seventh District False Flare Cases are Costly Events
As detailed in this article by Adam Linhardt in KeysNews.com, this is a real No-Brainer, and surely no SSECN reader would ever be guilty of abusing the use of emergency flares. However, it is a good topic of conversation to have in public places where some of the less-informed might overhear!
False flare cases plague Coast Guard
BY ADAM LINHARDT Citizen Staff
alinhardt@keysnews.com
Misuse of emergency marine flares is giving the Coast Guard headaches and costing taxpayers a ton of money, the agency said last week.
Since June, the Coast Guard Seventh District headquartered in Miami, of which Sector Key West is included, reported more than 60 flare sightings. Watchstanders then launched air and boat crews in every instance at a total cost of more than $5 million, according to the Coast Guard.
Each search typically costs between $60,000 and $90,000 when fuel and manpower needs are totaled, according to data released by the Coast Guard.
“Shooting a flare in a nondistress situation is no different than dialing 911 and hanging up,” said Capt. Todd Coggeshall, chief of response management for the Coast Guard Seventh District.
To read more, go to:
http://keysnews.com/node/57961
Share:
Be the first to comment!
Sep 8, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 26.6478,-81.86979999
Fort Myers Yacht Basin at Risk of Being Privatized, Caloosahatchee River/Okeechobee Waterway Statute Mile 135

View In Chartview

A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! Fort Myers Yacht Basin lies along the southeasterly banks of the Caloosahatchee River, between the 3rd and 4th bridges from west to east.
The City Of Fort Myers Yacht Basin is well known for being a beautiful, convenient, well-run marina with transient and live-aboard slips, access to downtown amenities, and a protected location on the Caloosahatchee River. Change may be in the winds for this municipal facility, however, according to the September issue of its “DockLines” monthly newsletter:
http://www.cityftmyers.com/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?EntryId=5267&Command=Core_Download&method=inline&PortalId=0&TabId=303
ATTENTION YACHT BASIN CUSTOMERS
The City of Fort Myers Mayor and City Council are discussing `potential public/private partnerships with the City of Fort Myers Yacht Basin’. More information will be provided once it is known. Public assistance in providing input to the elected officials will be very important in setting the direction that the marina is to proceed in. Please
contact the Yacht Basin for elected officials contact information. The City built and has successfully run the marina since 1937 to provide safe dockage to the area boaters. Please help us keep this a great public marina.
Thank you,
Leif Lustig, Dockmaster
239-707-5316
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Ft Myers Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ft Myers Yacht Basin
Share:
Be the first to comment!