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

27. Farther to the north, Charlotte Harbor leads to the Peace River and the boater rich community of Punta Gorda. Besides two superb FCYC Yacht Clubs here, cruisers can visit Fishermens Village Marina or the new City Marina, between the Highway 41 fixed bridges. I have visited the city facility, and have been MOST impressed. This is pretty much a powerboat facility, due to the adjacent 45-foot fixed bridge. Can some of you please give us reports on either or both Fishermens Village and/or the Punta Gorda City Marina.

Responses follow:

Charlotte Harbor is now a great cruising destination, especially Punta Gorda. Laishley (City) Marina has great new floating docks and all the facilities for visiting boaters. A new restaurant is under construction, along with an interactive fountain and other attractions. Downtown Punta Gorda has recently undergone a major rebirth with much to see. Some of the town’s best restaurants are an easy walk, along with a West Marine and grocery. Fishermen’s Village is completely renovated. It has a new fuel dock, pump-out facility and other transient facilities. The mall has many shops to browse. This is one of the best marinas I have visited. Let me know if know of a better Dockmaster crew! You can anchor on the north or south side of the river and dingy into Fishermen’s Village or Laishley Marina. This is a great place to bring bikes because you can ride along the entire length of the Punta Gorda Waterfront and easily get around town on a bike. You won’t find a more boater-friendly environment!
Jake Dye

Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fishermens Village Yacht Basin

Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Laishley Marina

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

24. Boca Grande Pass inlet (with its picturesque lighthouse) divides Cayo Costa and Gasparilla Island. This is an important inlet. Who can give us a current status report on this seaward passage, AND its so-called “Swash Channel,” west of the lighthouse.

Responses follow:

Entering or leaving Boca Grande Channel on the South side is deep if you keep off Johnson Shoals.  The north side of the channel is shallow and you shouldn’t try to cut it short.  That’s where Swash Channel comes in.  Departing through Swash Channel takes you through the obvious deep water that follows the tip of the island.  Pass close to the old dock, again in the obvious deep water.  Continue north from here about the same distance (about 300 yards) off shore for the next half mile before you start to gradually move off shore.
Jake Dye

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

20. Farther to the north on Pine Island Sound, cruisers can break off the west and visit Tween Waters Marina on Captiva Island. Can someone give us a recent report on this facility?

Responses follow:

‘Tween Waters Marina is as good as ever. We were there recently and all facilities were great. Anchorage in Roosevelt Channel is pretty thin, however. It is very hard to find any low water depth over four feet up in the protected part of the channel.
Bob Cormier

Please don’t tell anyone how great Tween Waters is, or we won’t be able to find space! Seriously, this is a great marina with lots to do while there. The Dockmaster is helpful and the docks are in good repair.
Jake Dye

Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Tween Waters Marina

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

11. Capri Pass Inlet cuts the WF coastline immediately north of Marco Island. Can someone please give us a report on this inlet’s current depths and aids to navigation?

Responses follow:

Capri Pass has adequate depth, but pay attention to the navigation aids.  If you wander out of the channel, you can be in trouble, and it’s easy to miss a turn if you are not familiar with the pass and aren’t on top of your chart.
Jake Dye

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

10. Just about everyone knows that Marco Island has been the center of an anchoring controversy. Who has anchored near Marco recently? Were you hassled by the local water cops?

Responses follow:

I’ve been into Factory Bay twice this year and each time the police pass, wave and keep going. There have always been other boats anchored there, as well.
Jake Dye

Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For The Factory Bay Anchorage

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

6. Those not familiar with the WF coastline often do not appreciate that there is no official Intracoastal Waterway serving the southwestern Florida coastline. However, there is an unofficial waterway that flows through Coon Key Pass, behind Marco Island, and eventually north to Gordon Pass and Naples. Who has run the Cook Key Pass end of this channel lately? Did you find some MLW depths of as little as 4 ½ feet?

Responses follow:

Coon Key Pass is shallow.  I’ve been through east and west of Coon Key several times and I’m still not sure which is the best route.  If you go through at low tide, you’ll see a lot of 4.5’ of water until you get past Coon Key.  There are a few other shallow areas along the pass, but I was told by a Fish & Wildlife Ranger to follow the center line of the pass (about 20’ off the markers) and that seems to always work.
Jake Dye

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

5. Who has run the Indian Key Channel to Everglades City lately? What was the minimum depth you observed? Did you dock at the old Rod and Gun Club? Please describe this facility! Can you give some dining recommendations in Everglades City?

Responses follow:

I was there in April and June. As you follow the channel to Everglades City, a good anchorage is just north of FG 7. In this area just off the channel, before Russell Bay, you’ll find 7′ + with good holding. It’s deeper where the current flows through from Russell Pass, but the bottom is hard and holding is poor. Fishing boats come through early morning & evening, but it’s a minor problem, unless you are anchored in the pass. You are out of the way of traffic from Everglades City.
It’s a good idea to plan your trip up to the Rod & Gun Club at slack tide. The current can be quite stiff. Turning around could be tricky, especially for underpowered boats. I don’t remember depths of less than 8′, but depth isn’t as much of an issue as current. There is plenty of seawall by the Club, but it is not well maintained. Good fenders are in order, as well as good dock & spring lines. There are some power stations along the wall, but several are not operational. The Club is interesting to see and is very `Old Florida.’ Food was good, but not spectacular. It’s a good place for lunch and having a beer on the porch is very enjoyable. There is no place to buy fuel that I have been able to find, but there are a few small seafood places along the river as you proceed past the Club. If you anchor down by Russell Bay, it’s a fun dinghy trip up the river to the Rod & Gun Club. If you can’t get your dink on plane, it will be a long, slow ride against the current!
Jake Dye

Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Rod and Gun Club

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

15. The community of Fort Myers Beach sits on Estero Island. Just north of this isle, was once located the most popular anchorage on this portion of the WF coastline. Some time ago, this anchorage was converted to a mooring field, and we have previously received impressive reports about the shoreside amenities (showers, waste pump-out, Laundromt, etc) that the city of Fort Myers Beach has constructed to support this mooring field. Who has berthed in the Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field in 2008? Please give us a full report on what you found here!

Responses follow:

Hi:
Regarding item #17 (Fort Meyers Beach), on 10/21/08 approximately 15 boats from the Punta Gorda Sailing Club spent the night at the mooring ball field in Fort Myers Beach. There were plenty of vacancies and all of us were able to contact Mantanzas Inn–the folks who operate the mooring ball field– by cell phone or VHF to announce our arrival. The young lady at the desk who signed us up and took our money (around $13.50) was very pleasant. There were no complaints from our group about any problems with the mooring balls.
I have no information for you regarding the shower facilities (We are fortunate to have a sailboat–a Catalina 350– with a great shower so we rarely use dockside facilities of that type.) And, I failed to ask others in our group about that amenity.
Our group all convened for cocktails at the second story outdoor patio of the Mantanzas Inn and had a blast. You get your drinks on your own from the bar and bring them over to the patio area (which saves $ on tips, etc.) Several of us went downstairs later for dinner and found the food and service to be good. Entree prices were in the $20 range–a bit higher than we had expected. None of our group made it to the beachside restaurants on this trip, although, as you know, there are a number of fun ones.
We had to abandon our plans to head South to Marco and Naples because of the front that blew in that week, but the trip to Fort Myers Beach — preceded by a couple of nights in Pelican Bay– was pretty cool.
Bill Welsch
S/V “Escapade

Message: The Ft. Myers Beach Mooring Field is a great place to visit. We live in the area and frequent it several times a year. There is a public dinghy dock under the Matanzas Bridge and you are in walking distance to the beach and a host of restaurants and shopping (although not too close for a major grocery for provisioning – there is a trolley that will take you to a local Public Supermarket). The Mooring Field is managed by Matanzas Inn and boater patrons are able to utilize all of their facilities, including showers, laundry and the pool. They do have a pump-out boat that makes its rounds but we haven’t used it. Steve and Regina Smith, M/V Island Time.
Regina Smith

We stayed at the Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field a couple of weeks ago. The overall quality of this facility is still very good. The only gripe we had is that the pennants for some of the mooring balls are really, really nasty with marine growth. The mooring we picked up was the worst I have ever seen. I highly recommend that anyone planning to use this facility should have a pair of sturdy work gloves available.
Best regards,
Gene and Sue Fuller
Punta Gorda, Florida
Yorkshire Rose
(Catalina 42 sailboat, 5 foot draft)

Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For The Fort Myers Beach Mooring Field

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

12. Gordon Pass Inlet lies just south of Naples. This important seaward cut has been shoaling. PLEASE someone give us up-to-the-minute info on this channel.

Responses Follow:

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

13. Transient dockage along the Naples waterfront has become something of an endangered species. Non FCYC yacht club members have only the Naples City Pier and the Naples Boat Club to pick from. PLEASE give us reports on both these facility’s current condition, and what you found when you docked here.

Responses follow:

At this time there are slips available for long term lease and plenty of room for transient boaters. There is a free pump out on the dock.Only minor repairs can be made at the city Dock and these must be from approved contractors. Minor bottom maintenance is still allowed but no boats can undergo major bottom cleaning at this location. (major scraping and cleaning) regular bottom maintenance from monthly divers is still allowed at this time.
Terry Forshier
SV BAKALUKA
Naples

Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Naples City Pier

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

14. Naples is supposed to be installing a new state approved mooring field. Can someone please update us on when this new field might begin operating?

Responses follow:

I visited the Naples City dock this week and found out that they have been ready for 2 months to open the Mooring fields but are still waiting for the OK from the State. They expect it "any day".  I have attached copies of the mooring field regulations. Anyone expecting to use the field should call ahead.   239 213 3070
Terry Forshier
SV BAKALUKA
Naples

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

18. Before entering the ICW, captains can choose to break off the southwest and visit Sanibel Island Marina. Anyone stayed here lately? What did you find? Did you eat at Grandma Dot’s restaurant? Is it still as good as ever?

Responses follow:

Subject: Sanibel Marina
Message: Last year we stayed at Sanibel Marina on our 44′ MY. Despite making reservations several weeks in advance and confirming that AM they had no space available until late in the afternoon and we had to stand off for quire awhile until the finally decided to put us at the west end of the fuel dock. The Frequent coming and going of fueling boats made this an undesirable location. There is a boat broker on site and that may have filled all the normal transient slips, I don’t know.
There is no public transport on Sanibel so we walked many miles eventually arriving at Randy Whites restaurant which was fine then to the Ding Darling area then taxied back. Things are spread all over the island so getting about isn’t easy. Bikes will help but not much. Gramma Dots is OK but very busy and the entire Sanibel marina experience was not worth it, we wont be back.
Bruce

Yes, great food – and the channel was dredged. You will bump on low tide if draw over 4 feet. The best water is starboard going into the marina and the dock master is terrific.
Richard

Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Sanibel Marina

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

52. Dunedin Marina guards the mainland shores, north of Clearwater. I’ve always liked this small, city operation. And, dining in downtown Dunedin, with Sea Sea Riders, and Kelly’s Bistro has always been outstanding. Can someone please give us a current report on this marina and its nearby dining opportunities.

Responses follow:

Subject: Duneden marina
Message: Dunedin Marina is well located and shelterd however it seems always fully rented with no permanent transient slips. They may have an opening if someone is out but advanced reservations are not possible according to the dock master as of last year.
Bruce

Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Dunedin Municipal Marina

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

42. North of marker #39, the Waterway flows east of a long, thin island known as Jewfish Key. Two very popular anchorage can be found west of Jewfish Key. Safe entrance to this haven is different than it was a few years ago. Can someone please comment on how to best access these two anchorages? Who has dined at either of the two restaurants here? Was the food still good? Did you have any trouble with the local water cops?

Responses follow:

Subject: Longboat Key Anchorage
Message: My copy of your book is in the hoist out back, so I don’t know if you warn of the risk of anchor dragging in high wind conditions – even for us seasoned boaters. If not, please do. The villian is the shape of the bottom – sort of like a bowl.
Bill Cromer

Subject: #42 re: Jewfish Key anchorage
Message: This is one of our favorite anchorages. We were there for two nights October 14-15, 2008 and again for one night on 10/20. The wind was strong out
of the east and we were concerned that holding would be a problem, but we did not have a problem at all. There is a place to come ashore with a dinghy at a
public boat ramp next to the Mar-Vista Restaurant. Also, there is a trash receptable which is always a plus for cruisers. We had nice dinner at Mar-Vista. Moore’s Crab House appeared to be open but didn’t have an occasion to dine there on this trip. We were sad that the little grocery store nearby had closed. Local law enforcement was friendly and waved as they went by. A great anchorage! Steve and Regina Smith, M/V Island Time
Steve and Regina Smith

The best entrance to these anchorages is quite close to Jewfish Key. I did quite a bit of sounding (in the dinghy) and discovered that the best water is almost up to marker 40. I found the deep channel (16 to 18 feet) extends to within about 50 feet of the south side of the island. The southern half of the potential entrance space between marker 39 and marker 40 is shallow and should be avoided.
Best regards,
Gene and Sue Fuller
Punta Gorda, Florida

Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Jewfish Key South Side Anchorage

Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Jewfish Key Anchorage

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

22. Cabbage Key Inn and Marina’s entrance channel cuts west from the Waterway, near Statute Mile 21.5. I have heard that the reception for cruisers is friendlier here now than in times page. Can someone who has recently docked and/or ate at Cabbage Key Inn please comment on this facility?

Responses follow:

We found the dockmaster at Cabbage Key very helpful and friendly. He really helped with our lines both upon arrival and departure. He also helped a nearby boat with engine trouble. Lunch was good, not fancy, but good and the service was good.
Doug Kendrick

Cabbage Key is still a great place to stop for lunch or dinner.  Our grandson call it `The Cheeseburger in Paradise Place.’Â  The new Dockmaster is a big improvement and is actually nice.  It’s easy to anchor just off Useppa and dinghy into lunch.
Jake Dye

Dear Cruising Writer,
I wanted to pass on some information about a recent stay at Cabbage Key.  I have stayed there a handful of times over the past few years and have had a delightful experience with each visit.  During the day, Cabbage Key can be a busy, bustling place and cruisers, and visitors alike, should be patient on their approach as the Dockmaster jockeys the many vessels to their docks.  This man single handedly docks legions of boaters daily many of who don’t speak English or have the first clue about operating their rental boats.  With this understanding and patience, you’ll find him to be quite likable and extremely helpful.
Once you’re docked, stroll up the hill to the restaurant and have lunch.  I recommend the cheeseburger, potato salad and a Cabbage Creeper ‘“ a tasty drink that will soak the stress from your pores.  While on the island, be sure to explore the nature trail with its well marked flora and fauna as well as climb the water tower for its amazing views over the ICW.  From Cabbage Key you can cross the ICW to Useppa Island or scoot around the corner to Cayo Costa for one of the most amazing beaches in Southwest Florida.
One of the best kept secrets about Cabbage Key is the dinners.  The restaurant transforms at night as the staff puts on a bit more formal attire, the white linens come out and the food is absolutely fantastic.Â
As far as amenities, dockside electric is conveniently located near each slip, but there is no dock water available as it’s a limited resource on the island.  On our last trip our water pump failed so we needed to use the bathroom and shower facilities at the foot of the dock.  The bathrooms were always clean, modern and spacious ‘“ frankly I remember thinking I might use them on our next visit as opposed to the confining, and shared, bathroom onboard.Â
Overall Cabbage Key is a great destination whether you’re staying overnight or just for a meal.  Its quaint charm harkens back to times past, a friendly old Florida that’s sometimes hard to find on the mainland.  I’ll be back.
Sincerely,
Matt
Fort Myers

Excellent reception and food, also the dock master was very friendly. The owner however was as nasty and grumpy as ever!
Richard

Click Here To View the Western Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Cabbage Key Inn and Marina

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

17. The official Western Florida Intracoastal Waterway begins in San Carlos Bay, and initially runs west on what is known as the “miserable mile.” Someone who has navigated the “miserable mile” lately, please give us a report. Did you have trouble with the sideways setting current trying to sweep your vessel out of the channel?

Responses follow: