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Information Requested on Ringling Bridge, Sarasota, GICW Statute Mile 73.5

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Ringling Bridge crosses the West Florida Waterway at Statute Mile 73.5, northwest of flashing daybeacon #10, connecting Lido Key and Sarasota. If you can offer advice to Skipper Verheijen, let us hear from you.
I was searching, but could not find any local knowledge around the bridge height in Sarasota (Ringling). The charts indicate 65′, but I wonder if that is a “high” or “low” 65′ and if there are observations of the bridge marker at MLLW.
Thanks,
Pat Verheijen
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Ringling Bridge
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Nov 5, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.4342,-82.69189999
Longboat Pass Bridge Re-Opened to Marine Traffic, Longboat Key, West Florida

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With a closed vertical clearance of 17ft, Longboat Pass Bridge crosses Longboat Pass which separates Longbeach and Bradenton Beach, south of Tampa Bay near Statute Mile 85. Our thanks to John Wheeler for this article by Rick Catlin in the Island Reporter.
Longboat Pass Bridge open to boat traffic
The Florida Department of Transportation said the Longboat Pass Bridge is now able to handle opening the bascule for boat traffic.
The bascule had been closed to some marine traffic since Oct. 24, when the bascule locked in the down position.
DOT spokesperson Robin Stublen said the bascule reopened for tall-masted boat traffic around noon Oct. 30, but he had no further information on why the bascule became stuck.
`The bridge is now open to all marine traffic,’ he said.
`We have no timeline for further repairs as engineers are reviewing plans at this time.’
Engineers working on the bascule found a 3.95-inch gap between the draw and the roadway, but have yet to determine a cause for the gap.
– See more at: http://www.islander.org/2014/11/longboat-pass-bridge-open-to-boat-traffic/#sthash.AR0lEcAR.dpuf
And the Local Notice concerning the re-opening:
FLORIDA ‘“ WEST COAST ‘“ LONGBOAT PASS: Bridge Update.
The Longboat Pass Bridge across Longboat Pass, Longboat, Manatee County, Florida has been repaired and is fully operational. Both the Longboat Pass and New Pass Bridges have returned to their normal operating schedules.
Due to the problem with the bridge, the bridge owner, Florida Department of Transportation, will be making some emergency repairs to the bridge. They do not anticipate requesting any navigation restrictions during these repairs. As it will take some time to initiate this emergency repair action, the Longboat Pass Bridge may malfunction which could cause this bridge to be stuck in either the open or closed position. If the bridge is closed to navigation the bridge tender will notify any vessels in the vicinity of the bridge of this issue immediately and will request that they transit either north or south to avoid this bridge. The Coast Guard upon notification will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners and the New Pass Bridge will operate on a 24 hour a day schedule until repairs are made to the Longboat Pass Bridge.
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May 21, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Reports from Moorings at Marina Jacks, Sarasota, FL, Statute Mile 73

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Marina Operations/Marina Jacks abuts the east-northeastern shores, to the northeast of red unlighted daybeacon #8A in Sarasota Bay, in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Florida. These reports come to us from Trawlers and Trawlering.
Marina Jacks has moorings available for $275 a month. They have a specific dock for dinks.
B. V.
I stayed at Marina Jack’s a couple of weeks ago heading up the gulf coast in a sailboat. I loved the place. Yes, the bar is a bit loud, but only while we were in the cockpit. Down below, no problem. The showers/bathroom were as good as any I’ve ever seen, and the security is great. A short walk to all of the shopping or eating out you might want. If I move my boat from the east coast to the west, that’s where I’ll head…
Steve
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Marina Operations/Marina Jacks
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May 17, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Advice on New Pass, between Longboat and Lido Keys, Sarasota, FL, near Statute Mile 75

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New Pass is the northernmost of Sarasota’s two inlets, and this channel separates Longboat Key from Lido Key. It is spanned by a bascule bridge with a vertical clearance of 23ft.
In spite of all advice to the contrary, WE SPECIFICALLY DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT ANY MARINER MAKE USE OF NEW PASS! This channel shoals faster than it can be dredged, and I have personally photographed a large sailcraft (several years ago) that foundered when it tried to navigate New Pass. You would be far better served to make use of Longboat Pass to the north, or better yet, Venice Pass to the south, as recommended by Captain Blake.
On weekends hundreds of small craft use New Pass. 4 ft. or less draft is fine. Avoid bad weather and low tide (obvious). In good weather, ride the green water. If you’re lucky enough to get behind one of the local charter boats, or a big Sea Ray from Marine Max near the bridge out for a demo run, throttle up and run their wake. However, slow, deep draft vessels are much better served by using Venice. Especially if you make a lunch stop at The Crow’s Nest Marina and restaurant.
Captain Blake, Longboat Key
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May 12, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Longboat Key Club Moorings, Western Florida ICW Statute Mile 77.5, Sarasota, FL

Longboat Key Club Moorings – Click for Chartview

Longboat Key Club Moorings guards the western shores of Sarasota Bay, north of the city of Sarasota, and south of Longboat Pass. And, of course, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!
You might consider Longboat Key Club Marina on Longboat Key, Sarasota, FL, if you want a really nice marina.
Bud Orr
Four Orrs
I would try the Moorings at Longboat Key. Stayed there for a few days, has pool, access to many restaurants as well as a quick 10 or 15 minute ride to downtown Sarasota. The slips are not as nice as Marina Jack’s (floating docks), but you’ll appreciate the quiet on weekend nights since Marina Jack has a huge restaurant with loud music on weekends adjacent to the transient slips. Shower facilities at both are pretty good.
Mark Giraldi
Blue Swan
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Longboat Key Club Moorings
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Apr 8, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from Jewfish Key Anchorage, Western Florida Waterway Statute Mile 85

Jewfish Key Anchorage – Click for Chartview

Jewfish Key South Side Anchorage – Click for Chartview

Here is a review of another Western Florida anchorage, this one just south of Longboat Pass, a few miles north of Sarasota. There are actually two anchorages behind Jewfish Key, one will be found on the deep water behind (to the southwest of) the long, private island southwest of flashing daybeacon #41, and the second is found on the tongue of charted 13-foot water stretching south into a cove hard by the village of Longbeach.
Near Longboat Key 27 degrees 26′ 12″N, 082 degrees 40′ 48.21″W. Of this two, I’d recommend this more than the other [Big McPherson Bayou] as there are restaurants, bars and a great beach for walking nearby. Good holding in sand with about 8′ at low tide. Watch for the tidal flow as it can get quirky with the change of tide.
Captain K
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Jewfish Key Anchorage
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Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Jewfish Key South Anchorage
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Mar 25, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from New Pass, between Longboat and Lido Keys, Sarasota, FL, near Statute Mile 75

New Pass – Click for Chartview
New Pass is the northernmost of Sarasota’s two inlets, and this channel separates Longboat Key from Lido Key. It is spanned by a bascule bridge with a vertical clearance of 23ft.
IN SPITE OF CAPTAIN CONWAY’S INFO BELOW, WE SPECIFICALLY DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT ANY MARINER MAKE USE OF NEW PASS! This channel shoals faster than it can be dredged, and I have personally photographed a large sailcraft (several years ago) that foundered when it tried to navigate New Pass. You would be far better served to make use of Longboat Pass to the north, or, better yet, Venice Pass to the south.
If anyone has ignored this advice, and run New Pass recently, let us hear from you.
Sailed from St. Petersburg to Longboat Key. We took a bike ride over the New Pass bridge/channel. The bridge went up before we got over it and we saw a 40′ sailboat pass under. This tells me the depth is at least 4′ and probably 5-6″‘. I’m not sure of the tides at that time.
For a long time I avoided this pass due to a reputation as risky & too shallow. I think I call some folks down there & get their input. I think it’s worth a second look…
Mike Conway
Skipper Holiman confirms the reputation of risk for this channel:
I went out this pass in a 3 foot draft twin inboard cruiser in September 2001, right after Tropical Storm Gabrielle had passed by and blew all of the moored channel markers out of the channel. The wind was still up and there were breakers on the bars. Luckily the sun was right to read the water depth, but I pretty much decided I was never going to use this pass again in anything that it would hurt to run aground.
There is nothing that would make me attempt to go through this pass with my five foot draft sailboat.
R. Holiman
Last October I transited New Pass and found marker “mo(a)” intact, but was warned about a dredged channel with a rough heading of 60 degrees (shown on chart leading to bridge) that had shoaled. I found local traffic heading into New Pass by running parallel to beach roughly in area where NEW PASS is printed on charts [west of Lido Key] and I found small floating nav aids marking shallow passage leading around point to deep water in land pass. I recall wreck did appear on latest chart plotter chip and believe it to be further inside pass perhaps between marker 8 and 9. My boat drew 4′ without hitting.
Pete Colgan
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Jan 20, 2014by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Increased Shoaling and Local Advice on Big Sarasota Pass, Sarasota, FL – Western Florida Coastline

Big Sarasota Pass - Click for Chartview
In the spring of 2013, we had a lengthy discussion on Big Sarasota Pass, /?p=111868. Now Captain Ray brings us valuable local knowledge.
I am a local, and the pass is more than just dicey these days. Over the past year’¦last week we sailed our Mariner 31 outside and back, drawing 3’10’³, and saw 5’6’³ at high tide. That’s down from 7′ only a few months ago. Be careful if you must come into Big Pass, pretend you are a large barge and make wide turns around the floating markers on your way in.
Captain Ray
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Nov 30, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Protected Anchorage in Otter-Lido Key, Gulf ICW, Sarasota, FL

Otter-Lido Key Anchorage - Click for Chartview
Otter-Lido Key Anchorage can be found southwest of unlighted daybeacon #7, on the approach channel leading to the Sarasota Yacht Club.
The wind in November has forced us to seek some protected anchorages and this is one of them. A distance off the waterway but easy to get to and quite protected from that persistent NE wind.
Jean Thomason
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Otter-Lido Key Anchorage
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Jun 10, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for Mooring Field at Marina Jacks, Sarasota, FL, Statute Mile 73

Marina Jacks - Click for Chartview
Marina Operations/Marina Jacks abuts the east-northeastern shores, to the northeast of red unlighted daybeacon #8A in Sarasota Bay, in the heart of downtown Sarasota, Florida.
I love the mooring field, dink over to O’Learys Tiki Bar and walk to Marina Jacks from there. Short walk to downtown and lots to do there. Marina Jacks has the best showers anywhere, if they only had a pool it would be perfect.
Cambren Davis
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Marina Operations/Marina Jacks
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Jun 10, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 27.4682,-82.69689999
Good Words for Bradenton Beach Marina, Gulf ICW Statute Mile 87

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Bradenton Beach Marina – Click for Chartview
Bradenton Beach Marina lies at the terminus of the charted, L-shaped channel cutting in from the Cortez Bridge’s southwestern corner in Bradenton Beach, FL
Stayed for two nights, had only planned staying one. Good solid marina, friendly staff, great location. Lots of restaurants nearby and cool free trolley on the island, great beach.
I would definitely stay again.
Cambren Davis
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Bradenton Beach Marina
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Apr 15, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Big Sarasota Pass Discussion
The series of messages below are copied from “The Cruisers’ Forum” (http://www.cruisersforum.com/), an alternate information outlet highly recommended by everyone here at the SSECN!
If you are not familiar with Sarasota, this community actually has two inlets, Big (Sarasota) Pass and New Pass. Having sounded both many times over the years, I can say unequivocally that I do NOT recommend that cruising size craft use either seaward passage. Even with the info very thoughtfully provided by the Sarasota Yacht Club (see below), it’s a dicey proposition at best to run Big Pass. Don’t even think about trying New pass!
A FAR safer plan is to come inside or out into the briny blue via naturally deep Venice Pass to the south or Longboat Pass, just to the north. Some of you may very well have a different opinion about all of this, and we would very much like to hear from you. Please use the “Comment” function below, or follow the “Click Here to Contribute Cruising News” link on the upper, right of this, and all (except Chart View) SSECN pages.
A few weeks ago we called a local towing comp. for local knowledge. Fog offshore was very thick. My plan was to enter Sarasota Bay skipping Venice inlet and the company advised us to go further north to Longboat Pass. When I called the bridge tender, he said I will raise the bridge when I see your vessel………. How is he going to see the vessel if i cant see 50ft in front of the bow? As we turned east there it was a few yards away!!!
After a few days I am wondering if it safe to enter/exit BP. I scouted the inlet from the end of Lido Key and could not see any nav aids west of green 9. Are there nav aids showing the inlet? Controlling depth? I understand that under some conditions (NW, W or SW with strong wind) its not recommended to use the inlet/pass.
Thanks
Velero49
It’s a dicey pass. The Sarasota Sailing Squadron has some directions at their website, let me see…
here’tis
http://www.sarasotayachtclub.org/Visitor-Info/Navigational-Items-of-Interest/Big-Pass-Information-405.html
tamicatana
The “pass” at Big Pass moves around a lot, virtually with every heavy weather event, and shoals up very quickly. It would be very foolish to attempt that pass in anything but a very shaol draft yacht. Either come in at Venice and run the ICW or at Longboat Pass although the channel there has moved around a lot as well and does not match the channel that appears on most charts (see various NTM). Note that Longboat is a narrow channel and is subject to sharp, strong, currents. You’ll want to enter there at slack water. If you can’t see the bridge from the channel entrace mark due to fog, continue north and come into Tampa Bay through the Southwest Channel.
svHyLyte
We kept our boat on the West coast for two years. It draws 4 feet. Sarasota Pass was always a no go because of the shifting shoals. We used Longboat Pass on a regular basis whenever we entered the intercoastal. It does have considerable current and is quite narrow. The bridge tenders seem to think that a sailboat can approach closely and remain steady in the strong current before they open the bridge. We never followed their orders and held at least 100 yards from the bridge and told them we would approach quickly once the bridge began to open. Numerous times, we had powerboats cut in front of us or attempt to negotiate the small channel at the same time. They were completely clueless. We also experienced a very rude catamaran charter captain, who used the pass daily, try to intimidate us into moving closer before the bridge had begun to open. We had a very serious conversation once both of us passed through the cut. If you choose to use Longboat Pass, be your own captain, exercise caution and safety and you’ll be fine. Be prepared for other boats also making the transit. Good luck and good sailing.
rognvald
I sail a morgan 28 with a 4.5 draft and have come in and out Big Pass many times. You must check with the Sarasota yacht club, they maintain the bouy markers and are always moving. I have never seen less then 7ft, however it can become very narrow when the monster size boat with his noise high comes barreling through the Chanel with wakes 3-4ft high. As far as being able to moore up a nice spot is just north of the ringling bridge to the east, there is a fishing shop and a nice size cove that will protect from heavey north winds… From Sarasota Bay have fun sailing and hope to see ya around.
Autumns Wind
I am a local, and the pass is more than just dicey these days. Over the past year’¦last week we sailed our Mariner 31 outside and back, drawing 3’10’³, and saw 5’6’³ at high tide. That’s down from 7′ only a few months ago. Be careful if you must come into Big Pass, pretend you are a large barge and make wide turns around the floating markers on your way in.
Captain Ray
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Venice Pass
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Mar 20, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Praise for Longboat Key Club Moorings, Western Florida ICW Statute Mile 77.5, Sarasota, FL

Longboat Key Club Moorings - Click for Chartview
Longboat Key Club Moorings guards the western shores of Sarasota Bay, north of the city of Sarasota, and south of Longboat Pass. And, of course, these good people are a SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!!
LBK Club Moorings is top notch facility! We wish we had planned to stay longer so we could have taken advantage of all they have to offer. Dennis Matthews’ (Director of Marina Operations) staff are all very helpful, friendly and go out of their way to make your stay pleasant. Facilities are 4Star, clean and very well manicured. Very accomodating shuttle service to St Armand’s Circle. Will definitely be back for a longer stay in the near future. Make your reservations in advance and request `H’ dock for short stays (closest to facilities, pool, ship’s store).
The Kellys
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Longboat Key Club Moorings
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Mar 20, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Don’t Dare Miss Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant New Jewfish Key Anchorages (Western Florida ICW Statute Mile 85)
Not only is the food really GOOD at Moores, but it is also located within sight of the excellent anchorages, just off the Western Florida ICW, behind Jewfish Key. Follow the links below to learn more about the nearby anchorages, but, at whichever place you drop the hook, don’t dare miss dinghying to Moore’s Stone Crab!
Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant, Longboat Key, FL – Great seafood (Oysters). Accessible by boat; located In the bight, east of G-ICW, just south of Longboat Pass, north of Sarasota Bay; overnight docking is free to patrons; no services. Can also anchor off the restaurant in a well-protected bight if you get there early; room for 8 – 10 boats; very busy with locals on weekends.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
Best oysters in Sarasota. Sit at the bar with Barb; you can’t go wrong.
Whit Sibley
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Jewfish Key South Side Anchorage
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Jewfish Key South Side Anchorage
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For the Jewfish Key Anchorage
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Mar 4, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Good Dining and Beer In Downtown Sarasota, Florida (off the Western Florida ICW at St. M. 73)
Sounds like Darwin’s would be a great place to unwind and slake a healthy appetite after a long day on the water!
Darwin’s on 4th in Sarasota is a great upscale restaurant and brewery that just won several awards in Tampa. And the bonus is that right next door is the Blue Rooster, a blues bar serving southern foods, that has great bands 7 nights a week, including Sunday afternoons! Don’t miss this one, not far from Marina Jack’s!
Allan and Cheryl Goode
Actually this restaurant and all the great restaurants in downtown Sarasota are about a 10 minute walk from Marina Jacks (0.6 mile) so no taxi is necessary. Enjoy Barnacle Bills, Floribbean, Patricks, El Greco, Etc.
Chris Barlow
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Marina Jacks/Marina Operations
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Jan 11, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report and Comments on Bradenton Beach Anchorage (Western Florida ICW, Statute Mile 87)
The anchorage under discussion below lies just south of the Cortez Bridge, west of the ICW.
Two important notes need to be considered when evaluating this anchor down spot. First, successful entry can be very tricky for first-timers, AND the city of Bradenton Beach has twice tried to regulate this anchorage, first by creating a mooring field, and later by city registration of boats. Both attempts failed, but who knows what may happen here in the future!
I am writing this as I am anchored here today (the first time in four years). I have always found this to be a great anchorage due to the fact that it has just about everything for onshore that a cruising sailor would want. A beach, a fair number of good places to eat and drink, a free trolley to take you up and down the beach to get to West Marine and the grocery stores and other places to eat and drink (circle K convenience store is just a block away).
I have never had a problem navigating the pier entrance (draw 4 feet) but the first time I grounded when I tried to enter the anchorage directly off the ICW and hit the shoal. So go in as directed.
There are still some derelict boats, one is sunk. It is somewhat noisy mostly from the road traffic going over the bridge or pier fisherman. The anchorage is shallow and the charts do a fairly accurate job of showing the depth. Holding is mud and I have dragged a little bit is a 20 knot blow. As for the the winds out of the south east, this is a lot better than jewfish key anchorage. However, any winds coming from the south or northeast, above 20 knots, I would find another anchorage.
For the politics here, I had a conversation with a local town rep and they said the problem was not the cruising sailors, it was some of the local anchored live aboards that were creating some police issues and had some assorted conflicts amongst each other as well as some theft. The town was trying reduce those issues by putting in a mooring field’¦. . However, the town cannot do it as this is part of the ICW.
As far as I am concerned, people need a place to live and in this economy, this offers an economic refuge in relative paradise. But, people have to be responsible for their selves and their assets and respectful of others and the environment too. Unfortunately, because some people do not follow this, that cruisers and local live aboards suffer from this tide of regulation.
Brad
Yep, and complain about the junk boats and their owners and you will be labelled `politicaly incorrect’ keep going, all of the rights of the hard working will be gifted to the non caring, layabout drug smoking forgiven , who will, take away all your fun and enjoyment. Proof of the pudding’¦
Dennis McMurtry
As a local, I regularly traverse this section of the ICW heading to/from Tampa Bay or the Manatee River. Seems that after the creation of the Marina Jack mooring field, some members of that `Floating Junk Flotilla’ moved North. Cortez folks may be more tolerant, probably not over time.
Blake Whitney
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Anchorage Directory Listing For the Bradenton Beach Anchorage
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Dec 24, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
High Praise for Marina Jacks, Sarasota, FL, Statute Mile 73
Everyone refers to the large, downtown Sarasota, Florida “city marina” as “Marina Jacks” but, in reality, that is the name of the on-site restaurant, and the maritime part of the operation is officially known as “Marina Operations.” For twenty years, I’ve never heard a single, fellow cruiser use this official moniker.
Whatever you call it, the food at Marina Jacks is certainly good, In March of 2012, I had the pleasure of speaking to the Sarasota Power Squadron, upstairs at Marina Jacks. A GOOD time was had by all, particularly yours truly!
We had just started exploring the Gulf Coast, the first fuel stop being Marina Jacks. Our experience was so pleasant that we decided to extend our stay (with 6 kids in tow this time). The dock manager (Sam), and deck hand who assisted us (Keith), were so welcoming that it was almost disconcerting to us New Yorker’s ‘“ being generally accustomed to a more `reserved’ attitude at local marinas, yc’s and fuel docks. If you’re in the Sarasota area and looking for a very family friendly, spotlessly clean, & welcoming environment ‘“ Marina Jack’s is the place.
Paul & Hakuna Matata’s crew
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s Western Florida Marina Directory Listing For Marina Operations/Marina Jacks
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Dec 9, 2012by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Shallow Depths Encountered at Field Yacht Club (Sarasota, FL – Statute Mile 71)
Be sure to read all the remarks in both messages below before drawing any conclusions about the Field Yacht Club in southern Sarasota. As you will see, there are many positive attributes reported, but depths are clearly a problem at this facility for some vessels.
I have had the good fortune to make presentations at the Field Club on many occasions over the years, and I have always been very impressed with the clubhouse and the greeting I received. As far as the wet slip dockage is concerned though, looks like it’s time for a dredging project!
Yesterday we went into the SFC at mid-tide. We have a 50′ Ocean Alexander with a 4′ draft. They were expecting us. In the channel approaching them, our depth finder was reading .2!! We continued very slowly into the marina
to our assigned slip. As we backed into the slip, we were churning up mud. We waited 3 hours for high tide and left. The marina had never warned us.
Mark & Allyn Callahan
After reading the above note, which originally appeared on the “GL” (Great Loop) Mail List, we e-mailed Captains Mar and Allyn, and asked for clarification as to whether the “SFC” was indeed the Field Yacht Club in southern Sarasota. We received the following affirmative reply:
Yes it is the Field Yacht Club in Sarasota. A beautiful Club but for us the approach was very thin and the slip we got would have been a problem at dead low, which was in the morning when we would have had to leave. Don’t want to take anything away from the Club and they were great let us wait for the tide to come up and then we left, no charges for Electric or the slip. Very accommodating.
Mark Callahan
Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Field Yacht Club
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Sep 17, 2012by: Claiborne Young 1 Comment
Cruising Southwestern Florida Coastline With a 5-foot Draft
Here’s an interesting discussion, which originally appeared on the American Great Loop Cruisers’ Association Forum (an organization we continue to heartily endorse) about cruising the western coastline of the Sunshine State, between Sarasota and Captiva Island, with a 5-foot draft.
My experience having researched this coastline since 1992, which reflects the remarks below by Captains Gina and Chuck, is that 5-feet of draft will be fine for most marinas and many anchorages. There are some exceptions, and if your vessel has 6-feet of draft, it can start to get a bit tricky!
The message below from our good friend, Captain Chuck Baier, former General Manager for Waterway Guide, is particularly useful. Most (but not all) of the marinas he mentions as being too shallow are not even listed in the SSECN’s “Western Florida Marina Directory” as they are too small and shallow to really serve cruising size craft. Nevertheless, this is superb information!
My husband and I are chartering a 50′ Trawler for a week out of Sarasota. We are beginning to seriously look at various style trawlers available as we get closer to retiring and beginning a cruising lifestyle for awhile. My question is, as I am studying the waters in this area, Given the depths and tides, am wondering if we are going to have trouble getting in/out of marinas etc. with a draft of 5′ Any suggestions as to how best navigate this area and where to stay would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Mary
It shouldn’t be a problem. We made the trip from Cape Coral to Tarpon Springs and back last year. We draw 4 ft and our friends who traveled with us draws 5ft (a 53 ft Carver). Marinas were fine. South of Sarasota we stayed at Crows Nest (Venice) and Palm Island Marina. We did the whole trip inside via ICW (except for the section north of Tampa where the ICW ends) and didn’t have a problem. Between Sarasota and Captiva we did have to watch the tides through Lemon Bay as it can get skinny there.
Enjoy your trip. It’s a beautiful area. It’s been our cruising area for 15 years.
Gina
M/v Island Time
Cape Coral, Fl
Mary,
We traveled the entire west coast of Florida on several occasions with a 6 foot draft. There are some shallow areas but be sure and have
current charts and you won’t have any issues. Most marinas will be accessible to you. If you get to Sanibel, Adventures In Paradise Marina might be a problem. On Pine Island Sound, Four Winds Marina will be a no go and Jensen’s Twin Palm Resort will also be iffy. In Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda Marina and Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club are very shallow. In Lemon Bay, Stump Pass Marina is shallow and in Little Sarasota Bay, Turtle Beach Marina will be too shallow. In Sarasota, the problem marinas will be Sara Bay, Sarasota Cay Club and Cannon’s Marina. Some of these will be too small for you but might be considered for fuel stops. If in doubt, call ahead and ask. Other than that, pay attention to your charts and if the chart says it’s shallow it is. There will be plenty of available anchorages if you want to get away by yourselves.
Have a great trip.
Chuck Baier
Mary ‘” We live in the city of Punta Gorda at the far northern end of Charlotte Harbor and sail our Ericson 38 sloop drawing 5’1’³ throughout the waters you indicated. I would agree with the comments above with the added mention of northerly winds particularly in the winter months which result in lower than normally predicted tides. Come on up Charlotte Harbor to Punta Gorda for a visit to a really quaint, beautiful waterfront community.
Noel Hyde
We live in Punta Gorda and have a 35′ Compac, fully loaded we consider her a 5 foot draft. We have had no issues in this area along the coast line, nor have we had any with the ICW. There are areas that you have to watch the markers and aids to navigation in the ICW, but outside is `clear sailing’ so they say. You should have no problems being you have major power, but like everyone mentioned above, follow your charts and if at all possible, get some local knowledge when going into a new marina or channel or canal. Relax and enjoy!
Lynda Leonard s/w Choctaw Brave
Careful attention to charts and the depth sounder will keep you out of trouble.
Most of the ICW is trouble free with 5’ if you stay in the channel. There are many places to go and some you cant but they are usually obvious. A week is not a very long time to explore the area. Sarasota is north of the middle of the SW Florida cruising area of Clearwater to Naples and the keys. You wont have time for the keys unless you want to do long days and short stops.
Going north, Marina Jack in Sarasota, St. Petersburg muni marina, and Clearwater beach are all easily accessible with the only trouble spot being near marker 40 near longboat pass. To the south Venice, Boca Grand, Cayo Costa anchorage (no marina), South Seas resort, ( entrance a little shallow) Ft Meyers, Ft Meyers beach and Naples are all different and interesting. Narrow or shallow entrances are common but should not be a problem with proper attention. Check for current information on this site as conditions do change from charted depths.
IMO for the best sample of area cruising go south, take your time and stay in the ICW. It is a shame to miss the St. Pete waterfront but you cant do everything in a week.
Bruce
Fortunately, most of the shoreline of the Gulf from Louisiana to Florida is soft albeit shallow. Keep one eye on the charts and the other on the tide tables. Frustrating as it ma be, sometimes the different tide charts seem to not agree. Live with it.
I have sailed the Gulf along Florida’s West coast for the past 14 years and have ‘˜found’ most of the shoals. I could have avoided them with little bit of caution but was able to free myself with no injury or damage and sailed away with minimal delay and another sailing story.
I think the Gulf coast has some of the best anchorages of anywhere I have been. Very well protected, plentiful and shallow. I don’t like to anchor in more than 8-10′ of water- too much work to haul the anchor and to figure swinging area.
Always FOR SAILtoo
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Tom van Straaten - March 23, 2017 - 5:54 am

With our Grand Banks 46, what is the fastest way from Palmetto to Ft. Meyers?
Reply to Tom
Jun 18, 2012by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Cortez Cove Boatyard & Marina (near Gulf Waterway Statute Mile 87)
The entrance to Cortez Cove Boatyard and Marina cuts to the east of the Waterway, south of the Cortez Bridge.
Cruising News:
The Cortez Marina is under new management. The marina has been taken over by Yachts Solutions. The new yard is capable of hauling boats up to 70 feet and shipwrights at the yard are capable of building anything from new teak decks to hard tops and swim platforms. These craftsmen are the best I have seen at very fair prices. Of course they do basic yard work like bottom jobs and repairs. See the website, http://www.yachtssolutions.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Cortez Bridge and the Above Described Facility
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