If you follow the magenta line while running the ICW across the mouth of Tampa Bay, to Boca Ciega Bay, the indicated route would take you under the center section of the Sunshine Skyway bridge, and then back under the Misner Bridge, the northernmost part of the Skyway. Talk about going around your thumb to get to your little finger. I don’t know of anyone who actually does this.
Rather, the vast majority of cruisers use the “Skyway Channel,” which parallels the Skyway’s western face. The only trouble is that there is a bit of shoaling along the southermost part of this passage. The posting below is the latest on this page to indicate this skinny water.

Hi Claiborne,
I just got back from a week long trip from Clearwater Florida across the Lake to Stuart.
Items of note:
The Sunshine Channel just south of St. Petersburg and west of Sunshine Skyway Bridge had a low water depth of 6′ at southern marker “5”, otherwise plenty of water.
Mike Dickens

Embree Marine, the subject of the posting below, is located on Salty Creek, immediately south of the superb St. Petersburg Municipal Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS' NET SPONSOR)! Embree sounds like a good place to store a boat long term!

For the last three years I kept my boat (now sold) on the hard at Embree Marine in St. Petersburg, FL during hurricane season (May – Nov).  It worked great for my peace of mind, though it made no difference with my insurer as far as premium was concerned.  It was particularly nice for me as we spent a good part of the summer away from FL.
I had electricity available but I used it only for batteries and did not run the A/C.  Humidity did not prove to be a problem.  I had someone clean the deck every two weeks.
Dan Stone
St. Petersburg, FL

On 11/6/08, as part of a “Western Florida Wish List,” I posed the following question:

44. Moving up into Tampa Bay, cruisers will discover the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina (A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR) north of charted Albert Whitted Airport. This has always been one of the best city run marinas that I have researched in the last 28 years. Recently, this already fine facility went through an extensive rebuilding process. Can someone who has stayed here since the project has been completed please comment on this facility? Some nearby dining recommendations would also be most welcome.

Responses follow:

We just spent three days at St. Pete. It was our first time there, so I cannot make any comparisons to previous facilities. The quality of the docks and services was fine. The restrooms and showers were in good condition. Friendly staff and easy access. Highly recommended.
Best regards,
Gene and Sue Fuller
Punta Gorda, Florida

Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For St. Petersburg Municipal Marina

On 11/6/08, as part of a “Western Florida Wish List,” I posed the following question:

45. Just north of the St. Pete Marina, the Vinoy Resort Marina guards the northern banks of the `North Yacht Basin.’ This facility has also been completely rebuilt. Can someone please give us a report on the new incarnation of this marina?

Responses follow:

Hello
My name is Rick Medina. I am the Fleet Captain for Pasadena Yacht Club. I took our club to the New Vinoy Marina a year ago. We will return in April of this year during the art festival. The docks are massive concrete structures. They are very high. The Vinoy has installed ladders so small boats can get on and off. The dock help is helpful and very nice. The same amenities are still available such as their pool and health club which are a very short walk from the marina. Transient rates are approx. $2.50 a foot. There is plenty of water for those who draw 6 feet. It is also a gated marina for safety. The one draw back is [that] any Easterly winds will turn the basin into a roller coaster.
I hope this helps.
Rick Medina

The rebuilding appears to be complete, but the facility is nearly empty. The docks are concrete and quite massive. It seems that the majority of the facility is designated to be some sort of club. Not sure if a dockominium or not. Only about a dozen slips were occupied.
Best regards,
Gene and Sue Fuller
Punta Gorda, Florida

Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Renaissance Vinoy Resort Marina