Cruisers Net is not privy to any more details than mentioned in this report and cannot confirm or deny the accuracy of the report. We post this only because of the recent issues revolving around freedom to anchor. Further information should arrive soon.
Click here for Key West: FWC CAPTAIN SHOOTS LIVEABOARD ON HIS HOUSEBOAT
Channel 5 is ,arguably the most important of the Inside Route to Hawk Channel, or the other way around, passages in the Florida Keys, north and east of Marathon and Moser Channel. And, Captain Charmaine has found a real possibility of dangerous navigational error in these well traveled waters. ALL Florida Keys cruisers need to read the article below CAREFULLY!!
We would very much like to hear about your Channel 5 cruising experiences. Have you had a similar/dissimilar experience from Captain Charmaine. Please click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below, and share your information.
April 29th 2011
“Channel 5 Bridge Passage – Chart 11449 Recommended Route in Error”
24 50.281 N, 80 46.401 W
by Charmaine Smith Ladd
The Channel 5 bridge spans between Long Key and Lower Matacumbe Key. It has a fendered underpass for vessels needing clearance (65′). Being the first opportunity for boats coming down to the Keys from the West coast of Florida to cross over from Florida Bay into the Atlantic, Channel 5 is understandably heavily traversed. For those desiring a calm anchorage while traveling the Atlantic to those wanting to explore the backwaters of Florida Bay, crossing via the Channel 5 bridge underpass has its reward of a calm night in the shallower waters of Florida Bay and does not disappoint with its access to the serenity and beauty of its backwaters.
September Sea and her crew have used Channel 5 for such purposes for nearly a decade. From the first time, it became apparent that the bridge underpass was marked incorrectly on my paper chart (#11449). There is a recommended route on that chart that is in error. The recommended route takes you between the wrong bridge pilings and dangerously close to a massive utility pole piling. I made note of it directly on my chart and drew a line to show the actual route.
The next time we passed through Channel 5, we had a chartplotter and had plotted a course based on the recommended route of the vector charts in the chartplotter. Of course the vector charts had propagated the same error, and we once again had to adjust our course to pass between the correct fendered bridge pilings. This is when the reality of the true danger became much more apparent. Charting a course based on an erred recommended route could find one in a very confusing situation, especially in foul weather or at night. The intersection of the black tracks in the photo below show where to properly cross (24 50.281 N, 80 46.401 W).
Each time we’ve come here, it never fails that we observe other boats attempting to follow the recommended route of the chart. Just the other day, s/v Restless (shown above) was spotted on the wrong course to cross beneath Channel 5 from the Atlantic, while September Sea (also shown) was on the correct course.
I tried to hail the vessel on Channel 16 but the couple in the cockpit either could not hear me or did not have the VHF turned on. Their vessel continued and just as I thought the Captain would try to pass beneath between the wrong bridge pilings, the realization of a huge utility pole piling staring back at him from the other side proved to quickly change his mind. The vessel turned hard to port. That was when the fenders lining the proper bridge underpass were noticed by its Captain. I am sure the vessel’s Captain then noticed that the boat behind him (we aboard September Sea) were on the proper course.
This is a dangerous situation. The huge concrete pilings (foundations for communication cables) run parallel to the bridge on Bay side and do not give a boat much room to maneuver if the bridge is crossed anywhere but at the proper fendered opening. Those pilings are very difficult to notice from the Atlantic side.
Yesterday, checking online with NOAA’s most recent charts, I saw the error still exists (see photo below). I’ve added a red dot on the NOAA chart to indicate where the proper crossing is actually located.
I have learned from this that navigational chart changes do not take place unless we as cruisers report potentially dangerous errors when we see them. In the meantime, please make note on your current chart (#11449) and manually update any pertinent routes in your chartplotter.
Cruisers helping cruisers, it’s what we’re all about!
Charmaine Smith Ladd, s/v September Sea
SSECN Correspondent, Florida Keys
“Bringing you the low down from down low!”
Question for Captain Charmaine:
Is water always deeper in the middle of a channel when crossing? And when approaching a bridge to cross, how far in advance do you choose which pilars or opening to go thro? Maybe questions a rookie sail person might ask like me. Thank You
Skipper Burr Bault
Captain Charmaine replies:
Thanks so much for taking the time to read my article, Burr. Local knowledge is often handy when navigating channels. Over time, areas of a channel can be silted in (due to hurricanes, usually) and not have the minimum depth as shown on charts. So the answer to whether or not the middle of a channel is always where the deepest waters are is: not always. Most of the time, especially in wide channels, you will find deeper water in the middle. The narrower the channel, the more local knowledge one should seek.
On the charts, the opening beneath bridge spans for boats needing height clearance is well indicated. At that area, in most cases, boats with a mast height of up to 65′ can clear safely. In the case of Channel 5, I believe that the chart is still showing where a drawbridge of the old bridge span opened and allowed boats to pass through. When the new elevated bridge span was built, it was done so that boats could pass beneath without the need of a drawbridge and bridge tender to raise it. Therefore, the recommended route for Channel 5 shown on the charts is outdated, as it is in line with a drawbridge which no longer exists.
At Channel 5, the placement of the new fendered opening for vessels is on the opposite end of where the old drawbridge used to be. Pilings are shown incorrectly. It is therefore very important to pass through where height clearance is optimal and the opening is clear of obstructions. Such areas are well marked on the charts and usually correct. However, in this particular case the recommended route is in error because it has not been updated since the new bridge span was built.
Hope this helps!! Hugs!
Charmaine
Very informative article. Your knowledge of the 5 Channel Bridge, of the Florida Keys, is awesome!
Linda Honore-Pitts
I have read many of your articles and appreciate your advice and warnings. My husband and I are bringing our s/v, draft 4’8’³ from Tampa Bay to Ft. Lauderdale the last week in November. What passage would you recommend from Marathon to Miami? We have limited sailing experience on the Atlantic but we like the greater depths. We do like to anchor and are not overly excited about visitng any towns or marinas unless necessary. And as always we are under some time constraints. Thank you for any suggestions!
Beth Falkenhagen
The first thing you should do is check the date of the chart survey. You might be surprised! I have been through the bridge several time with no problem, but I make a deliberate effort to compare the terrain when in sight to the chart. Remember to keep those dead reckoning skills sharp and if you really want to be amazed and confused pick up a copy of Nigel Calder book "How to read a Nautical Chart". Lots of info into what goes into making an chart and what to look for.
S/V Dreamweaver
i need to bring this petterson sailboat with wing keel 6ft draft up to blackwater sound unloaded would like to use icw bayside ..do you think i can do it? i know the waters fairly well my last sloop was 4.5 anyone done similar route?
Captain Charmaine, we are moving our Beneteau 381 (5.5 draft) from Virginia to our new homeport in Alabama. We are making the transit through the Keys for the first time and are looking for the best place to safely transit from the Atlantic side to the Gulf. Based on what I've read from other experienced Captains, I take it that Channel 5 requires spot on navigation getting to the Gulf. The other option appears to be Moser Channel as we do not desire to sail all the way around KW. We're seeking advice for our transit from Miami and then through the Keys until we're in good open water in the Gulf, and based on your post with pictures of Channel 5 we'd love to hear from you your recommendations.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Capt Bob I am trying to get an answer to the same question you had. Did you make the crossing? If so what route did you end up taking? Im in a 60 Bertram Sportfish. Sounds like we have the same draft, about 5.5'. It looks pretty staright forward getting to the bridge from the Atlantic side, just wondering how tricky it is once you get under to navigate to open water on the gulf side to make our way up the gulf coast. . Any input or experience is appreciated.
Key Lime Sailing Club, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, always has very special offers for their visitors! Key Lime Sailing Club is on the Inside Route side of Key Largo. Key Lime Sailing Club is a unique slice of KEYS ENJOYMENT…give it a try and let us hear about your experience.
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Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Key Lime Sailing Club
Key Lime Sailing Club, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, always has very special offers for their visitors! Key Lime Sailing Club is on the Inside Route side of Key Largo. Key Lime Sailing Club is a unique slice of KEYS ENJOYMENT…give it a try and let us hear about your experience.
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Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Key Lime Sailing Club
Our thanks to Martin and Cindy Dahm for this report of another door closed to cruisers. Will anchoring in the Basin be next? See https://cruisersnet.net/690 for more comments from Martin Dahm. Tarpon Basin lies on the east side of the Waterway in the northeast corner of Buttonwood Sound.
My wife and I have been anchored at Tarpon Basin in Key Largo for the last 3 weeks and have been using the dinghy dock at the Murray E. Nelson government building without any issues. However yesterday we returned from running errands ashore and found the attached signs had been posted in the parking lot and in several places on the dock. As of April 15, 2019 no one will be able to tie up to the dock, trees or moor within 25 feet of the dock. Overnight parking will also be prohibited. I suppose you could still use the dock to drop someone off and then pick them up later, but no can leave their dinghy tied up anywhere on the property. Looks like Monroe County is rolling up the welcome mat for the cruising community.
Best Regards,
Martin and Cindy Dahm
S/V Just One Dance
Lagoon 380 S2
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Tarpon Basin Anchorages
When I saw the first photo I wondered, how many cruisers have their car parked overnight at the county property? These are not cruisers, but they sure are ruining it for those of us who are.
Spend your money where you are welcomed.
Amen to that. No matter what part of the proverbial “public” you work with, there will always be some that will spoil the amenities offered, and all will suffer.
It isn't the water, it's the land; or more specifically, the abuse of the shoreside facility by unthoughtful live-aboards. The county center had become a garbage dump, bathrooms were constantly fouled, and the parking lot had become an ersatz boatyard. Efforts were made to educate users of these issues, but the problems continued to be exacerbated. When we cruisers take advantage of community resources, we have to be responsible, and most of us are. Yet, some who decide that they want to "live off the grid" have taken the generosity of the public too far and the results are that we all lose some of the benefits that we as taxpayers and visitors should enjoy. This should be a lesson to us all.
Who owns the water??!!
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourage all boaters to take a boating safety course.
Click here for Gain an edge on the water and keep it with boating education – ‘Spring Aboard’ with FWC
This additional meeting in Marathon follows earlier ones scheduled in February, see Public Meetings on Lake Okeechobee Operations.
News Release: Corps announces public meeting in Florida Keys for Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual; public scoping comment period extended to April 22
https://www.saj.usace.army.mil
Contact
Erica Skolte
561-340-1527
561-801-5734 (cell)
Erica.A.Skolte@usace.army.mil
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District announces an additional public scoping meeting in the Florida Keys regarding the development of the new Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM). This will be the final meeting in a series of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) public scoping meetings held throughout south Florida. After the scoping comments are analyzed, series of workshops will be announced in the future. The public scoping comment period will be extended through Monday, April 22, 2019.
The public is invited to provide input during a public scoping meeting on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Marathon Government Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, BOCC Room (second floor), Marathon, FL 33050.
“We had excellent turnout at the public scoping meetings in Lehigh, Okeechobee, Clewiston, Stuart, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Miami Gardens. More than 1,700 people came out to listen and provide comments on the things that are most important to them. We heard a lot of feedback regarding the priorities and concerns of people from all around the lake and south of the lake,” said Lt. Col. Jennifer Reynolds, Deputy Commander for South Florida. “We added a meeting in the Keys to ensure we have covered all the areas that might be affected by our lake and system operational decisions. It’s important to listen to the people who live, work and recreate near Florida Bay, at the south end of the system. It’s all connected.”
Let’s hope you never find yourself in the position of having to prove your vessel seaworthy. Obviously, these “input” meetings have more to do with restricting anchoring than with derelicts. See Anchoring Legislation.
Notice of Public Meeting
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Division of Law Enforcement, will be holding meetings to seek the input of the public in the process of rulemaking. Per direction of the Florida Legislature, FWC will be seeking public input on developing the process that law enforcement officers use to determine that a vessel has an effective means of propulsion for safe navigation. This rule will allow a law enforcement officer to conduct an evaluation of a vessels propulsion capabilities to determine whether or not the vessel is at risk of becoming derelict. This evaluation process will be part of s 327.4107, F.S., through incorporation by rule.
Please see the dates and times scheduled for these public meetings below:
March 11, 2019 Pinellas County Commission Chambers 6:00pm 8:00pm 315 Court Street, Clearwater, Florida 33756
March 12, 2019 St. Augustine City Commission Chambers 6:00pm 8:00pm 75 King Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32085
March 14, 2019 Pensacola City Council Chambers 11:00am 1:00pm 222 W. Main Street, Pensacola, Florida 32502
April 2, 2019 Bernstein Park Meeting Facility 6:00pm 8:00pm 6751 5th Street, Stock Island, Key West, Florida 33040
April 3, 2019 Murray Nelson Government Center 6:00pm 8:00pm 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, Florida 33037
April 4, 2019 Palm Beach County Vista Center, Rooms E-58/E-59 6:00pm 8:00pm 2300 North Jog Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33411
If it is a sailboat, it does not need an engine. So will they inspect the sails?
What does plant management have to do with boating? The necessary steps to correct or slow invasive plant growth may affect channel depths (see Lake Depths) as well as limit anchoring availability in treated areas.
FWC implementing enhancements to Aquatic Plant Management Program
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is moving forward with implementing a variety of enhancements to the agency’s Aquatic Plant Management Program. FWC staff recently completed a series of listening sessions that provided the public with an opportunity to provide feedback about management activities on Florida waterbodies with a focus on invasive plant management. Based on the input provided at these meetings, the FWC will begin implementing a number of improvements including:
As discussed at the FWC Commission meeting on Feb. 21, in Gainesville, it was worthwhile to temporarily pause aquatic herbicide treatments while the public meetings were in progress. Now the meetings have concluded, it is essential for the FWC to resume its aquatic plant management program and to implement enhancements identified by the public. The FWC uses an integrated plant management approach that includes chemical, mechanical, biological and physical methods to control invasive plant species.
Research and decades of experience show that chemical control, using herbicides approved for use in aquatic systems, achieves the best results for addressing many of Florida’s toughest invasive plant infestations such as water hyacinths and hydrilla. However, many participants in the meetings encouraged the FWC to manage waterbodies in ways that would reduce the use of herbicides. Therefore, the FWC is re-committing to employing methods that minimize the quantity of herbicides needed to achieve the desired level of control.
“During the listening sessions we heard a diversity of concerns and opinions. Waterfront property owners, boaters and community officials stressed how important it is for the FWC to quickly resume control of the worst plants such as hydrilla before they grow to a point that makes lakes virtually unusable,” said Kipp Frohlich, Director of the FWC’s Division of Habitat and Species Conservation.
“We also heard from anglers and waterfowl hunters that some hydrilla can be beneficial. Finding the balance, that manages a system in a way that pleases all the diverse user groups of Florida’s lakes, is very difficult. Nevertheless, we are committed to continue our work with stakeholders to better understand their needs and strive to manage our aquatic resources in ways that benefit the greatest number of people,” said Frohlich.
While the listening tour has ended, the FWC continues to welcome suggestions from stakeholders. People can provide comments by emailing InvasivePlants@MyFWC.com.
For more details on aquatic plant management visit MyFWC.com/AquaticPlants.
The battle with Florida legislators over anchoring privileges has been going on for years and the restrictions on anchoring appear to be raising their ugly heads…AGAIN! For earlier discussions, see Right to Anchor, Restrictive Anchoring, Continued Discussion. Please donate if you can.
We want to thank each of you who has made contributions to help keep Florida anchorages open to cruisers. While contributions from our members and members of SSCA, DeFever Cruisers and MTOA are appreciated, presently, the total contributions are running short of our expectations.
This year, SEVERAL FLORIDA CITIES ARE ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN A HOST OF ANTI-ANCHORING, ANTI-CRUISING BILLS including but not limited to the Cities of Melbourne and Hollywood. These bills can result in the elimination of specific anchorages that you currently enjoy.
Our coalition and the lobbying firm representing us in Tallahassee are working closely with BoatUS lobbyists to stop local governments from passing legislation which would allow them to regulate anchoring in their jurisdictions, but we need your help. Please do not assume that our lobbying efforts can proceed without your help. We can win but it takes resources and commitment throughout the upcoming Legislative Session.
We know that a law passed in Florida will set the precedent for the same maritime treatment in other states along the I95/AICW corridor.
WHETHER YOU CRUISE IN FLORIDA OR NOT, WE NEED YOUR HELP TO STOP THIS ASSAULT ON OUR RIGHTS TO CRUISE AND ANCHOR IN FLORIDA AND BEYOND.
Thanks to all of you for your support!
-Kim
Kimberly Russo
Director
America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association
krusso@greatloop.org
843.879.5030
With the menace of red tide and hurricanes, 2018 has not been a good year for water health in Florida. See Federal Lawsuits and Latest Red Tide Reports.
Water troubles still surfacing
KeysNews.com
If you have a car and are cruising around Florida in December, here are suggestions for extra special seasonal destinations!
The 20 Best Christmas Towns in Florida
Coastal Living
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Interactive link is at the bottom of this posting.
FWC will provide interactive Daily Sampling Map for red tide
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will provide an enhanced, interactive map updated daily of water samples to inform the public on the status of naturally-occurring red tide throughout the state.
The online Daily Sampling Map will be offered in addition to FWC’s current Wednesday and Friday updates on the status of Florida’s red tide blooms. This will provide the public with more immediate and accurate red tide data, as researchers process the many water samples from across the state.
“We are pushing out all we can, when we can, in the spirit of providing the most timely and beneficial information to the public and partners,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton. “We will continually expand efforts to assist during this difficult event.”
The FWC works with a large network of partners, including private organizations, local governments and citizen volunteers, to continue research and sampling efforts and has conducted meetings and phone calls to develop a course of action for affected areas. This strong collaboration is critical to response efforts in coastal communities throughout the state.
Additional information is at MyFWC.com/RedTide.
Click Here for Red Tide Map of Florida Gulf and Atlantic Coasts
Sadly, as Steve Ramsay bewails, what seemed unthinkable ten years ago is now a reality, not only in Florida, but along much of the east coast: free, public anchorages are becoming pay-for-use municipal mooring fields. (Enter “mooring” in the Search window above for a perspective on the battle that was waged against mooring fields in Florida several years back.) While welcomed by some who see the moorings as an alternative to ever rising dockage fees, those of us who boat on a budget and find the moorings restrictive, along with the prohibitive cost of boating in general, are in agreement with Steve, to the point that we can no longer afford to spend much, if any, time cruising. Steve is replying to A Disturbing Message about Anchoring.
Like so much of our culture today, it is a case of the “HAVEs” versus the “HAVE NOTs.” We hear you Steve!
I moved here from New England and as a boater since age 2, I am very disappointed with the availability of moorings here (Tampa area). Boating is such a healthy outdoor activity for the whole family. Go to New England, you will see boats on moorings as far as the eye can see, and they only have a 4 month season. I had planned on buying a 24 ft. sloop, but I am afraid I will have to abandon the idea altogether. Personally, at $400 per month for a mooring, I am forced to leave my favorite past time to a high end class of people who will continue to enjoy sailing as much as I did. I have been priced out. It seems like boating here is discouraged rather that encouraged and fully advocated for.
It seams to me that the big marinas are really controlling the cost of docking more so than ever, in St. Petersburg the safe harbor group will get control of the city docks soon, that means they have a monopoly controlling all the docks and moorings in St. Petersburg.
As for anchoring I don’t have any problems with this except that Most anchorage’s have bad boat that are in kept and in danger of abandonment also there is a problem with pumping out this is a federal regulation that is always over looked
Anchorage for transit moorings and dingy docks is a good idea for everyone at a minimum price if not totally free.
You are absolutely correct,Steve. I traveled in a trawler from North Carolina to Louisiana for many years and enjoyed the many towns and anchorages along the way. Not nearly as many anchorages as there used to be. And many more restrictions on the ones that are left. Florida, especially , seems to discourage boating. Especially transient boating. I got tired of the hassle and high cost of marinas, moorings, and dockage and got out of boating. It’s not affordable for the average pocketbook anymore. It’s just one more thing that belongs to the people with a lot of money. The middle class will soon be no more.
My opinion,
Jerry
DERELICT VESSEL REMOVAL GRANT 2018-2019 OPPORTUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is announcing the first opportunity to apply for Derelict Vessel Removal Grants for the 2018/2019 budget year. The application period for the Bulk Derelict Vessel Removal Grant Program will begin on September 3, 2018, at 8:00 AM (EST), and end on October 17, 2018, at 5:00 PM (EST). Applications received after October 17, 2018, will not be eligible for consideration in round one. All removal applications must be complete and authorized for removal in the Statewide Derelict Vessel Database as well as demonstrate proof that due process was provided for each vessel’s owner. At a minimum, this would include an opportunity for the vessel owner to challenge the derelict vessel determination, either in criminal court or in an administrative hearing. Vessel cases not demonstrating that these opportunities have been offered to the owners of the vessels will not be considered for state funding assistance. A Letter of Authorization to remove and dispose of the vessel, issued by a law enforcement agency must be included in the application. Should funding be available for a second or subsequent round of applications, new announcements will be made. The grant guidelines and application form may be downloaded at: http://www.MyFWC.com/DVGrant.
You may also receive the guidelines and application by contacting Phil Horning at (850) 617-9540 or email DVGrant@MyFWC.com.
Applications that meet the requirements for the Rapid Removal Grant Program may be submitted at any time after the opportunity announcement start date, but no later than November 23,2019, at 5:00pm (EST) (based on available funding). Rapid removal cases must meet requirements of published guidelines as well as due process requirements. Total funding allocated for derelict vessel removal for fiscal year 2018-2019 was $1,000,000. Applications may be mailed to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Boating and Waterways Section, Derelict Vessel Grant Program Administrator, at 620 S. Meridian Street – Room 235, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600 or emailed to DVGrant@MyFWC.com.
For further information, please contact:
Phil Horning, Derelict Vessel Program Administrator, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, Boating and Waterways Section, (850) 617-9540 or email Phil.Horning@MyFWC.com
With the release of the 2017 Boating Accident Statistical Report, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) encourages boaters to focus on simple, effective steps that make boating safer.
2017 boating accident statistics provide an opportunity for boating safety reminders
We think you will appreciate the new comments from Dan, Glenn and Bill on Jim Healy’s article on wake originally posted by Claiborne in 2011.
Jim Healy
The very informative message below is copied from the Trawlers and Trawlering Mail List. This free list is an excellent adjunct to Cruisers’ Net, and we highly recommend it. Thanks to Captain Jim Healy for giving one of the best and most thorough descriptions of restrictive speed zones I have ever seen!
Florida does by far the best job of identifying speed zones as any other US State. By far. (Canada is best of all, but I digress.) Florida Law defines three categories of marine speed limits: 1) “Idle Speed, No Wake,” 2) “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake” and 3) “Normal, Safe Operation.” There are several variations of “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake:” everything from 25MPH nights, 30MPH days, to date restrictions, etc. Many, many “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake” signs have small print that says “channel exempted” or “channel included.” Or, within 300 feet of the west (or) east shore.” Or, “within 300 feet of the bridge.” Or, effective dates. Take a pair of binoculars and make sure you read the small print. That small print can save you travel hours and personal anxiety.
In almost all Manatee areas (narrow channels with shallow waters where the animals are likely to be in the deeper channel areas), you will see long stretches of “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake.” One that’s about 6 miles long runs from below New Smyrna Beach to Mosquite Lagoon. The good news is, there are actually relatively few “Idle Speed, No Wake” zones, and Florida in general does not abuse them. Remember, the best way to get compliance is when people
generally agree that the rules are “right.” If people comply because it’s the right thing to do, enforcement is not required. So, “Idle Speed, No Wake” zones
in Florida are generally short, and virtually always surround narrow bridges and boat ramp launch areas.
Florida State Law defines “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake” as “fully settled in the water,” not making a wake that would cause harm to other nearby boaters, and minimum wake. For trawlers that travel at hull speeds of 7.5 kts, “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake” is essentially not much different from your normal speed. All I do is back off 200-250 rpm or so to make sure my wake doesn’t break at the crests. That’s where I’m fully compliant with the law.
NOTE: This set of distinctions is NOT well understood, even by other boaters, so from time to time, people will yell at you. I always wave back in friendship.
One such area is the bascule bridge tender at the Haulover Canal. Another is the area of Peck Lake, just above Hobe Sound (Jupiter Island). And yet another is at the Royal Palm bridge in Palm Beach County. They’ll yell at you that you’re in a “No Wake” zone. Not true; the zones are clearly marked “Slow Speed, Minimum Wake.” When you remind them of that (high power, channel 13 or 16, so the whole world hears), they go quiet, or mumble and mutter. But, these areas are heavily patrolled, especially on weekends, and none of the police agencies (FWC, sheriff, metro) will quibble with you. In fact, they often operate (non emergency mode) with wakes larger than your own. We’ve never been stopped, and we always wave and get friendly waves back. Good judgement is important, too, since some min wake areas are more sensitive than others.
The pearl is, Florida “Slow Speed” zones are designed to protect Manatees by controlling heavy, powerful sportfish and sea-ray types that are fast, selfish and have exposed wheels; Manatee can easily avoid trawlers and slow cruisers. And of course, sail boats. So except for the immediate area of South Florida between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, you will rarely be inconvenienced by “No Wake” zones.
A good guide in South Florida is to watch what the local 12 – 18 foot day boaters are doing. They are a useful indicator in unfamiliar territory. If they’re ripping along, you’re OK. If they’re dawdling along, check the signage.
Jim
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Currently at Franklin Lock, Alva, FL, southbound
What you write makes sense, but unfortunately law enforcement does not always use common sense. I have been stopped in my sailboat in a `Slow Speed, Minimum Wake’ zone while creating at most a 6-inch wave which I produce at my usual cruising speed. The most infuriating thing was that moments before I was pulled over I was seriously waked by a whole string of powerboats going full tilt through the same area. Luckily, when I angrily confronted the police officer with this information he let me go. His take was that even on a sailboat throwing almost no wake we must slow down significantly in these zones.
John Kettlewell
I have to disagree with Jim. Here on the West Coast you better be going slower than 7.5 kts in a min wake zone. I have personally asked three FWC law enforcement officers how they define min wake and none gave me an answer other than go very slow. They did not have any definition and most just shrugged their shoulders. Even the definition you quote just says `minimum wake’ at the end. I usually slow down to 1300 RPM or around 4 knots. Even at that speed I have had sheriffs boats pull along side of me and told to go slower. At anything over 5knts on the West Coast, you’ll get a ticket.
Dick Goldfarb
Jim’s analysis is ,as always, excellent. The Florida DNR and local law enforcement may understand the difference in “slow speed minimum wake” vs. “idle speed no wake”. The Coast Guard, however, does not. I was stopped by the Coast Guard going into Fort Pierce. I was running 1000 rpm, and a speed of about 5.5 knots in a “slow speed minimum wake” zone. My Monk 36 was fully settled in the water, with minimum wake. I showed the USCG boarding party the Florida DNR definitions. This was to no avail, as he said there was “no difference”. Except for the fact we determined somehow that we had gone to high schools that played each other in sports, I would have been cited with a Federal violation. There was no discussion of any difference in his opinion. He finally let me off with a warning.
I wish there was some way to resolve this issue, but now, If the speed zone is relatively short, regardless of what it is marked, I run at idle speed. The zone south of New Smyrna Beach, marked” Slow speed minimum wake” is one I would probably run 5 knots, because it is so long.
Norman Mason
Peggy Sue, Monk 36, currently cruising St. John’s River, FL
California, MD
April 20, 2018
Slow also means very small wake.
Here is quote from the FWS boaters handbook
Areas where vessels must be fully off plane and completely settled in the water. Any wake created by a vessel in one of these zones must be minimal (very small). If your vessel is traveling with the bow even slightly elevated while in one of these zones, it is not proceeding at “Slow Speed” as required by law.
That is the problem with the FL law. Although it is defined, it really is subjective. If a cop is having a bad day, his judgment could be much more restrictive. In other states, I think they pretty much say slow speed or no wake is defined as 5 MPH. In that case, its pretty much non-subjective.
” In other states, I think they pretty much say slow speed or no wake is defined as 5 MPH. In that case, its pretty much non-subjective.”
The problem with a specific speed limit is that larger boats can’t go that slow. I do 6kts [7 mph] at idle, sport fishers do even more – even with trolling valves. So the best that we can get is the off plane, fully settled in the water, minimal wake standard; despite its subjectivity.
Price tag to remove boats displaced by Irma approaching $16 million in the Florida Keys from Fl Keys News
Words to the wise!
Boat thefts are on the rise in the Florida Keys. Here’s how you can stop the trend from The Miami Herald
And this from YourObserver.com
Police warn boat owners to watch out for thieves
Pumpout USA provides sewage pumpouts under a program to protect Florida Keys water quality. A shortfall in state funding this year could affect the program. Pumpout USA Pumpout USA
State slashes Keys money for boat sewage pumpouts
A state allocation of $500,000, matching last year’s state funding, to continue the free program for anchored liveaboards was cut to $277,650 in the newly approved Florida budget.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT from FlKeysNews.com
And notice how this budget cut was presented as “Good News”
The free mobile pump-out for vessels was funded at $227,000.
Legislative wrap: Good news for the Keys from Florida Keys Weekly
Comments from Cruisers (2)
Looks like more heavy-handed FWC policing, this time with a man being shot after he was 8 days late in paying a $73 citation for failure to remove an expired registration sticker (read for exact details):
https://thebluepaper.com/key-west-fwc-captain-shoots-liveaboard-on-his-houseboat/
Ava Boucher
Sorry to spoil everyone’s Sunday, but the following video about a Florida Fish and Wildlife captain shooting and nearly killing a boater is something we all need to see and respond to. Clearly, the situation in FL is out of hand. All of us as leaders in boating, in media and as leaders in the fight to preserve the rights of boaters – we need to respond to what is going on.
Even if you aren’t a Florida boater, or your business/area of responsibility doesn’t include Florida, many of those with whom you deal are, and they look to you to speak up on their behalf.
In addition to what is represented here in this video, we currently have several communities violating Florida statute 327.60 by enacting/enforcing illegal ordinances, creating permits to anchor, or seeking to create a no anchoring zone – à la Miami Beach. This is something I said several years ago would happen when the SSCA/AGLCA/MTOA capitulated on the issue and gave up the Sunset Lake, Venetian Blvd and Middle River anchorages in Fort Lauderdale.
Madeira Beach is the most recent new ordinance, and Jacksonville has been reportedly seeking a no anchoring variance from the State. There are other locations seeking restrictions, as we all know.
I recognize that this video doesn’t represent the entire story, but the situation in Florida is out of control. I understand that the individual who was shot has had ongoing issues with the FWC which involved tickets for non display of hull numbers. However, I very much doubt that an appropriate response by the FWC extends to shooting a man.
There are conflicting reports on this incident. That concerns me. We need to know the truth about what happened.
Regardless of what happened to this boater, the testimonies of the people in this video demonstrate that, even without this incident, there is a problem in Florida that needs addressing.
FWC does have a history of harassing boaters in the Keys as we saw some years ago in Marathon/Boot Key Harbor. A series of public meetings appeared to have resolved those issues, but I recall that the FWC Captain involved in this shooting was also involved in the problems in Marathon.
These problems involved overly aggressive enforcement and boats – with children aboard – being boarded at night with guns drawn for minor issues such as anchor lights.
I have asked Key West locals and others to contact me with further details on this video and its background and the people involved. I will update you as more information comes in. I have also contacted local media reporting on this story for further details and background.
Yes, I agree, a lot of these people such as the houseboaters don’t represent what we see as a boating constituency. Some of the boats are pretty marginal, and that’s being kind.
But local officials and wealthy waterfront homeowners, as we’ve seen too many times, lump all boats – derelict, transient, liveaboard and gold platers – in the same category and so we need to be concerned about these people. Their problems are, or will be at some point, our problem as Martin Niemöller so clearly showed us.
I have already spoken to several of you in Annapolis receiving this note about the need for a new organization separate from those now dealing with the anchoring issue. The approach we have used in the past is clearly not sufficient to the issues we need to deal with.
We’re not getting anywhere, we continue to go on defending – and losing – our rights.
I’ll expand on this new organization concept in a forthcoming email – in the meantime, this video will outline just how bad things have become and make clear why we need to act.
When police officers are boarding boats with guns drawn, with people being shot, we need to pay attention to what is going on.
I will close with this comment – we all must be more involved. We need to comment boldly on these incidents, we need to work together to deal with the problems in Florida, at every level. We need, most of all, to be proactive in finding solutions, not reacting constantly to problems and challenges that come up.
We need to create programs that educate the public about boating/landowner issues and work with communities to help them resolve their problems with derelicts and problem boats/boaters, show them alternative methods to handling boating/anchoring issues using laws currently in place, educate legislators at every level.
We need to work towards eliminating what are actually social welfare problems of people with substance abuse issues, mental health issues and just plain poverty issues who are choosing a boat as a place to live – as opposed to a cardboard box under a bridge.
Most importantly of all, we need to educate boaters so that these problems do not arise.
If we fail to do these things, the problems are only going to continue to go downhill, as well as migrate to other locations, as we’ve seen happening in Georgia. This battle has been ongoing for over 40 years in Florida – it’s time we took real steps towards ending it.
Please feel free to forward this email to other industry leaders you feel should be involved, and if you would, please copy me so I can include them in future communications on this issue.
I look forward to your opinions on this incident, and on how we need to proceed. Here’s the video:
https://thebluepaper.com/key-west-fwc-captain-shoots-liveaboard-on-his-houseboat/
Sincerely,
Wally Moran