Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Mar 28, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Mariner Exchange – Online Repair Service Recommendations for Cruisers
SSECN presents this website as a public service for our readers. We invite your comments on the usefulness of internet access to repair services. If you are already familiar with Mariner Exchange, let us hear from you.
Hi Larry,
My name is Alex and I’m the founder of Mariner Exchange, based in Annapolis, MD. We are a marketplace that connects boat owners with repair services, similar to what Angie’s List does for home owners. The boat repair industry is hyper-fragmented and it is often agonizing to find a reliable person to fix your boat. {expand title=”Read More”]
We launched our iOS app this past July and have grown quickly to 10,000 boat owners and 3,000 service companies on board. We just launched our Android app on Monday and expanded coverage to Florida, New England, and the Chesapeake. Please feel free to visit our website at MarinerExchange.com.
Thanks,
Alex
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Mar 28, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 36.0842,-76.40639999
Slip Specials at Albemarle Plantation Marina, Albemarle Sound, NC

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Albemarle Plantation Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! is located off the AICW, on the northern shores of Albemarle Sound, on Yeopim River/Creek. Good reports from boaters like Skipper Evans and descriptions of this facility make a side trip up the Albemarle Sound very inviting!

Buddy Lawrence PGA, CMAA
Albemarle Plantation
Interim General Manager
(252) 426-4653, Ext. 115
(252) 339-4216 Cell
Buddy.Lawrence@AlbemarlePlantation.com
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Albemarle Plantation Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Albemarle Plantation Marina
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Mar 28, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good News: USCG Avoids Budget Cuts
Our thanks to Winston Fowler for forwarding this article from DoDBuzz. Considering the volatility of the adminstration, we should all hold our breath, keep our fingers crossed, etc. etc. that this report will come true!
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE
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Mar 27, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 2 Comments
Advice Needed on the Gulf Stream
Here’s another opportunity for cruisers to help a fellow cruiser. Joe will thank you!
Larry,
I’m about to take my first offshore trip from WPB, Fl to Oriental, NC and could use some pointers on taking advantage of Gulf Stream currents.
I’m sailing a 31 ft Prout Quest catamaran with a 15hp yanmar diesel that gets 5.5 knots max speed if needed. The rhumb line takes us far offshore and I anticipate crew of 3 will be more than a days journey back inside should weather deteriorate so will be using a shore based WX service and Delorme explorer for communication.
Joe Volpe
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Comments from Cruisers (2)

Sykes DeHart - March 31, 2017 - 5:09 pm

Amazing how the East coast curves back to the West, which, as you point out, will put you considerable distance off shore with the max being around Charleston, SC. If you follow the rhumb line, you will be pretty much in the Gulf Stream the whole time. Max current in the axis (middle) is around 1.5 knots. You will want to exit the Gulf Stream at Beaufort, NC and follow the ICW another 20 miles to reach Oriental. Gulf Stream is only 40 miles off shore when you get up to Beaufort.
What you don’t want to do under any circumstances is be in the Gulf Stream when the wind is out of the North East. Wind against current produces dangerous waves you don’t want to be in.
Reply to Sykes

Miles - March 31, 2017 - 4:45 pm

I would find out where the current western wall of the Gulf Stream is and ride just inside it. The rumb line will take you about 150 NM offshore around the Florida Georgia border and you might end up east of the stream. Getting inside for weather will not be an option for you there. The mileage along the western wall will be more than the rumb line but may indeed be faster. I have done both but unless I’m dead sure about the weather I ride just east of the western wall. If winds become northerly you can quickly exit the stream that way. When it’s good it’s great but when it’s bad it really sucks.
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Mar 25, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 3 Comments 24.7088,-81.08829999
A Plea for Overhead Clearance at Boot Key Harbor, Marathon, FL

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Boot Key Harbor and its mooring field is actually bordered on its southern shore by Vaca Key in Marathon. The 65ft vertical clearance cable Peter describes is in the west side of the bascule bridge entering the harbor channel.
Boot Key Harbor, what a great anchorage. However, I can’t bring my boat past the bridge because of the wires. These really need to come down and be rerouted and buried under water. Why hasn’t this been done already ?? It is just a matter of time before this will need to be done and the longer it is delayed, the greater the cost will increase. Disappointing. I sail a 55 foot Beneteau with a 78 foot mast.
Peter Scherer
Click Here To View the Florida Keys Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Boot Key Harbor
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Boot Key Mooring Field
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Comments from Cruisers (3)

Steve -  April 1, 2017 - 9:05 am

Keith is correct of course. I have the same problem Peter has, though. It’s amazing that Marathon has left that power line up all these years. An accident waiting to happen. Guess it’s as stupid as the city of Sarasota leaving their passes almost unnavigable as access to their beautiful city and bay.
Reply to Steve

doc vezin -  March 31, 2017 - 2:56 pm

Also Sister Creek to the South.
Reply to doc

Keith -  March 25, 2017 - 6:22 pm

With all respect, Peter… You chose your boat, right? And the “standard” for bridge clearance throughout the ICW system is 65′, I assume you knew that when you were planning your cruising?
So the problem – from the municipalitie’s point of view – is not the wires. The problem is that your boat is too big.
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Mar 25, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments 36.3004,-76.2189999
Boatswains among birds — the secret salts of Elizabeth City, NC Pasquotank River

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What a fine tribute to the men and women who serve in the US Coast Guard out of Elizabeth City, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. Long noted as the friendliest-to-boaters community on the Waterway, Elizabeth City is located on the Pasquotank River off the northeast corner of Albemarle Sound and at the southern end of the Dismal Swamp Canal Route.
Boatswains among birds — the secret salts of Elizabeth City
Feature Release
March 24, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic
Contact: 5th District Public Affairs
Office: (757) 398-6272
After Hours: (757) 434-7712
Seaman Nina Bowen and Chief Bert, the Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina, mascot, pose for a portrait in front of the station Feb. 14, 2017. Bowen is one of Bert’s primary caretakers at the station. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nate Littlejohn)
Petty Officer 2nd Class Calvin Hernandez, a boatswain’s mate and coxswain at Station Elizabeth City in North Carolina, rides aboard a 29-foot Response Boat-Small near the station, Feb. 14, 2016. Calvin and other boat crew members at the station routinely work with aviators from Air Station Elizabeth City. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nate Littlejohn)
Perhaps the best kept boat station secret in the Mid-Atlantic region lies nestled within the largest Coast Guard facility in the country, at Base Elizabeth City in Eastern North Carolina.
A view of Building 53 at Base Elizabeth City, North Carolina, March 10, 2017 – the location of Station Elizabeth City. Building 53 is shared by crew members from both the boat and air stations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nate Littlejohn)
Station Elizabeth City is easy to pass without realizing it’s there, located in an unassuming off-white building that looks like part of the neighboring air station complex. The boathouse on the nearby Pasquotank River is almost a hundred yards away. A view of Building 53 at Base Elizabeth City, North Carolina, March 10, 2017 – the location of Station Elizabeth City. Building 53 is shared by crew members from both the boat and air stations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nate Littlejohn)
The crew at the boat station is accustomed to the surrounding flurry of aviation activity — the base is also home to Air Station Elizabeth City and the Aviation Technical Training Center (ATTC), where all enlisted Coast Guard aviation personnel are trained in their chosen professions. Consequently, the vast majority of people coming and going from the base each day are connected to Coast Guard aviation in some way.
“Being stationed here is fun,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Calvin Hernandez, a boatswain’s mate and coxswain at the station. “Throughout the Coast Guard, boat and helicopter crews must work together to complete missions. A lot of the time though, crews talk to one another over the radio during training or on a case, but never actually meet in person. Here, we see aviation people every day.”
Hernandez acknowledged there’s an age-old rivalry between air and boat crews, but explained how he thinks it makes the service stronger.
“Our boat crews have about a 30 minute head start when we’re notified of a case since helicopter crews typically take about that long to launch,” he said. “We always strive to safely arrive on scene before the helicopter. We’re on the same team with the goal of saving lives, but working to get there first helps us all keep focused on the mission.”
Hernandez admitted there are times when it’s frustrating to respond on the water.
“Sometimes for search and rescue cases, we have to trailer our boats by vehicle an hour or more away, launch from a remote location, then spend 45 minutes traveling on the water before arriving on scene,” he said. “A helicopter crew taking off from here can be to the same place in 15 minutes once they launch. Sometimes after a case, we’ll get back to the station after long hours on the water and find that the aircrew we were working with bought us a meal and beat us back to the station with it. It’s always nice to come back to find food waiting and to feel appreciated.”
Of course, anytime they want to be appreciated, crew members at Station Elizabeth City can always turn to their station dog, Chief Bert, for his unconditional affection.“
The crew adopted Bert, a German Shepherd and former explosive detection dog who worked for six years with the Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team in Galveston, Texas. He’s arguably the most popular guy on base.
“Bert makes me feel like I’m home when I’m here,” said Bowen. “I look forward to coming here and seeing him. I think he brings a light-heartedness to the station and even the entire base that people are drawn to.”
Bowen said that after Bert, what she likes most about Station Elizabeth City is the opportunity to see all the Coast Guard jobs conducted around her.
“I’m lucky here,” she said. “In addition to the variety of jobs I get to explore at my station, I’m also exposed to the aviation jobs being performed right outside our door. We provide a lot of support for helicopter training flights for the air station and the training center. It’s neat I get to be around all that stuff and be a part of it.”
“The boat station crew allows us here at the rescue swimmer training school to offer our graduating aviation survival technicians a pre-graduation flight where they complete a free fall into the Pasquotank River,” said Chief Petty Officer Claude Morrissey, an instructor at ATTC. The boat crew provides a platform to pick up our swimmers from the water, and is there to respond in case any emergency should arise.”
Even while they assist with helicopter training missions, Station Elizabeth City crews are responsible for responding to emergencies in an area of responsibility that spans 1,700 square miles, includes 10 rivers and three sounds as well as the Intracoastal Waterway and Dismal Swamp Canal.
“We operate inshore and in areas that are very difficult to navigate due to shallow waters and multiple hazards to navigation,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua Talys, executive petty officer at Station Elizabeth City. “Unlike most Coast Guard Stations which normally have a search and rescue season in the summer months, we have a transit season, which equates to periods of heavy vessel traffic moving up and down the
Intracoastal Waterway in the months preceding summer and winter. Our job is to ensure these boaters are safe and in compliance with federal laws and regulations.”
“Since we have such a large area of responsibility and none of it is open ocean, we operate in a wide range of environments,” said Hernandez. “There are swampy areas, areas where people like to wakeboard and areas popular for fishing. I think all the different nooks and crannies we have to be familiar with is what keeps it interesting here.”
Hernandez said they do their best to cross train in each other’s jobs at the station. “Lots of people here can do almost any job required at the station,” he said. “We have seamen and machinery technicians that want to become coxswains, and we have boatswain’s mates who work with our engineers if they need help with a project.”
When they aren’t actively working, Coast Guardsmen on the base engage in sports, often competing with teams from different units. The station crew says they enjoy heated ultimate frisbee showdowns with the rescue swimmer shop, and basketball games against the MH-60 Jayhawk team from the air station. That recreational competition keeps the healthy rivalry alive and thriving in a service of the same status.
A student at the Aviation Technical Training Center (ATTC) in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, plunges from an Air Station Elizabeth City MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter into the Pasquotank River, Feb. 14, 2017. Four aviation survival technician (AST) A school students at ATTC graduated and became ASTs Feb. 17, 2017. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nate Littlejohn)
“This station is very unique to the Coast Guard,” said Talys. “Being co-located with Air Station Elizabeth City gives us direct insight into all the hard work and training the flight crews conduct every day.”
Seaman Nina Bowen shows some love to Chief Bert, Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina’s mascot, near the boathouse at the station Feb. 17, 2017. Chief Bert is a retired explosive detection dog who worked for six years with the Maritime Safety and Security Team in Gavelston, Texas. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nate Littlejohn)
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Mariner’s Wharf Elizabeth City Docks
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Mariner’s Wharf Elizabeth City Docks
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Mar 25, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 3 Comments 25.7864,-80.1519999
Banned Anchoring Zones in Sunset Lake and Middle River, Fort Lauderdale, FL, near AICW Statute Mile 987

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A big thank you to Bill Murdock and our friends at Waterway Guide for submitting this Sunset Lake anchoring ban notification. Click Here for a March 2017 report on anchoring there.
Florida anchoring ban takes effect July 1
Date Posted: 2016-06-23
Source: Waterway Guide Staff
Florida legislation banning overnight anchoring in certain areas popular with cruising boaters takes effect July 1, 2016. It will be illegal for any vessel to be at anchored any time during the period between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise in the areas noted, with some exceptions.
Areas where overnight anchoring will be banned starting July 1, 2016. Four areas in Miami Beach (left) and Middle River in Fort Lauderdale (right). Graphic and interpretation: Mike Ahart, News Editor, WaterwayGuide.com
Waterway Guide sent the above graphic to law enforcement for confirmation of the areas, particularly the sections between certain islands along the Venetial Causeway. The area designations have been confirmed by members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Miami Beach Police Marine Patrol. “Your “tip to tip” interpretation (of the banned areas between the islands) is an interpretation we share,” wrote Capt. Tom Shipp of FWC in an email response. “In our training we show Officers map slides with the areas affected by the statute “circled” for reference…we then discuss the applicability issues, including the boundaries.”
“I spoke with our Captain who oversees (the Marine Patrol) operations – the graphic you provided appears to be correct,” said Ernesto Rodriguez, Public Information Officer for the Miami Beach Police Department.
“There will be no special enforcement per se…we will be dealing with any folks in violation on a case by case basis and enforce the Florida State statute to the best of our ability,” said Rodriguez.
Currently, there are several small sailing dinghies in Sunset Lake anchored adjacent to the residence of Fredric Karlton – a vocal advocate of anchoring bans in Miami Beach. In a public workshop held by the State Affairs Committee of the Florida House of Representatives on October 8, 2015, Karlton stated that he anchored the boats there to restrict others from the ability to anchor near his house. According to the new law, Karlton must remove the boats or risk citations. “The owner of those (boats) has already been spoken to and is aware of the law, and we hope there will be compliance by the time this takes effect,” said Officer Rodriguez.
According to Rodriguez, one other sailboat is anchored in the soon-to-be banned areas between the Venetian Islands, and Miami Beach Police is attempting to get in contact with owners.
Each of the other banned areas is adjacent to the residences of other vocal advocates of anchoring bans. The section of Middle River in Fort Lauderdale is adjacent to the family home of a co-sponsor of the legislation, Rep. George Moraitis, Jr.
The Anchoring Limitation Areas bill was approved by Florida Governor Rick Scott on March 24, 2016. Many boating and cruising advocacy groups were against the legislation, and had representatives speak at each of the hearings during the 2016 Florida Legislative Session, including the Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA), America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA), BoatUS, and the Marine Trawler Owners Association (MTOA).
Boaters and cruisers have expressed concern with losing these particular anchorages, but many are more concerned that other safe anchorages will be added to the ban year after year in municipalities all over Florida, and in other states.
The provisions of the law will sunset if and when new legislation is enacted as a result of the recommendations from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Anchoring & Mooring Pilot Program – its report is due to be submitted to the Florida legislature by January 2017.
According to the legislation, starting July 1, 2016, it will be illegal to anchor at any time during the period between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise in the areas noted, with exceptions outlined below:
The section of Middle River lying between Northeast 21st Court and the Intracoastal Waterway in Broward County. (Middle River is one of the very few viable anchorages for cruising-sized boats in the Fort Lauderdale area.)
Sunset Lake in Miami-Dade County. (This Miami Beach anchorage is popular for cruisers waiting for a weather window to cross to the Bahamas, and in the past afforded easy access to Miami Beach for services and provisioning. The City of Miami Beach recently passed an amendment to an ordinance which now makes it unlawful to tie a dinghy to the canal wall to visit the city, leaving only limited dinghy access – see related WaterwayGuide.com article: Miami Beach cracks down on dinghy access. Miami Beach has also been issuing warnings and citations to vessels anchored more than seven days “within city limits,” citing a 2005 municipal code which considers such vessels as “live-aboards” even if they are being used for active cruising – see related WaterwayGuide.com article: Miami Beach cracks down on anchored vessels).
The sections of Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade County lying between Rivo Alto Island and Di Lido Island, San Marino Island and San Marco Island, and San Marco Island and Biscayne Island (these areas are also considered in the jurisdiction of Miami Beach).
The exceptions:
If the vessel suffers a mechanical failure that poses an unreasonable risk of harm to the vessel or the persons onboard unless the vessel anchors. The vessel may anchor for 3 business days or until the vessel is repaired, whichever occurs first.
If imminent or existing weather conditions in the vicinity of the vessel pose an unreasonable risk of harm to the vessel or the persons onboard unless the vessel anchors. The vessel may anchor until weather conditions no longer pose such risk. During a hurricane or tropical storm, weather conditions are deemed to no longer pose an unreasonable risk of harm when the hurricane or tropical storm warning affecting the area has expired.
During events described in statute 327.48 or other special events, including, but not limited to, public music performances, local government waterfront activities, or fireworks displays. A vessel may anchor for the lesser of the duration of the special event or 3 days.
Vessels owned or operated by a governmental entity for law enforcement, firefighting, military, or rescue purposes.
Construction or dredging vessels on an active job site.
Vessels actively engaged in commercial fishing.
Vessels engaged in recreational fishing if the persons onboard are actively tending hook and line fishing gear or nets.
The bill provides that “any person cited for a violation of any provision of this subsection shall be deemed to be charged with a noncriminal infraction, shall be cited for such an infraction, and shall be cited to appear before the county court. The civil penalty for any such infraction is $50, except as otherwise provided in this section. Any person who fails to appear or otherwise properly respond to a uniform boating citation shall, in addition to the charge relating to the violation of the boating laws of this state, be charged with the offense of failing to respond to such citation and, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. A written warning to this effect shall be provided at the time such uniform boating citation is issued.”
SSCA, MTOA and AGLCA formed the Boater’s Heritage Freedom PAC to raise funds to contribute to legislators who are for preserving anchoring rights. All Florida legislators are running for election this fall and the campaigns are in full swing. “We need to support our legislative supporters with our pocketbooks, so please act now,” stated Phillip Werndli, Chairman of the PAC. “When the election is over, it will be too late. If you are a Florida resident, you can also help by attending local candidate forums to urge them to support boater’s rights. There will be a strong fight this next (Florida legislative) session and we need the members to know we are a force.”
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Anchorage Directory Listing For Monument Island
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Monument Island
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Comments from Cruisers (3)

R. Holiman -  March 25, 2017 - 8:30 pm

Is there anything money can’t buy in Florida?
Reply to R.

Mr. L. Joyce -  March 25, 2017 - 2:18 pm

I didnt think this would be possible. In navigatable waters. Under Common Law. Does the Coast Guard actually enforce this ? Last I remember any other Law enforcement other than Coast Guard has no Jurisdiction. If a Soveriegn state citizen Anchors there they would more than likely beat such a citation in any court using common law. Whats tge reason ? To much night time traffic ?
Reply to Mr.

Wally Moran -  March 31, 2017 - 1:53 pm

The reason for this is that the people on Sunset Lake, including perpetual pita Frederick Karlton, have lots of money and influence. There is NO other reason.
Reply to Wally
Mar 24, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 1 Comment
Coast Guard Seeks Public Help to Identify Hoax Callers
News Release
March 24, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Tampa Bay
Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Tampa Bay
24/7 duty cell: (305) 965-4672
Coast Guard seeks public help to identify hoax callers
Coast Guard officials seek the public’s help to identify hoax callers in the Cape Coral area, Monday, March 20, 2017. Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida, watch standers received a steady stream of suspected or confirmed hoax calls over the past year; persons found guilty of a hoax call are subject to prosecution as a Class D felony and are subject to civil penalties of up to $5,000. U.S. Coast Guard video
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Coast Guard asks for the public’s help Friday to identify hoax callers in the Cape Coral area.
For the past year, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watch standers received a steady stream of suspected or confirmed hoax radio calls along the Gulf Coast – the majority of the calls are within the Cape Coral area.
The calls were made on VHF-FM marine band channel 16, a channel designated only for hailing and distress calls. A call is considered a hoax when there is an intent to deceive the Coast Guard or emergency responders.
“Hoax calls are costly to the taxpayer and our service,” said Charles ‘Marty’ Russell, resident agent-in-charge of the Coast Guard Investigative Service office in St. Petersburg. “When the Coast Guard receives a distress call, we immediately respond, putting our crews at risk, and risking the lives of boaters who may legitimately need our help.”
Penalties for making a false distress call can include six years in prison, $250,000 criminal fine, $5,000 civil fine and restitution to the Coast Guard and local agencies.
If you have any information leading to the identification of a hoax caller, please contact the Coast Guard Investigative Service tip line at 727-535-1437, ext. 2308.
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Comments from Cruisers (1)

Dudley Fort - March 31, 2017 - 2:27 pm

Whee are these fake calls being made. I have heard no fake coast guard calls in Sarasota, FL
Reply to Dudley
Mar 24, 2017by: Larry Dorminy 7 Comments 27.5173,-82.59489999
Navigation Assistance Requested, Palmetto, FL to Fort Myers

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.Route suggestions are requested from a fellow trawler. Palmetto is on the north shore of the Manatee River opposite Bradenton. Fort Myers is south at the western terminus of the Okeechoebee Waterway. Local knowledge anyone?
With our Grand Banks 46, what is the fastest way from Palmetto to Ft. Meyers?
Tom van Straaten
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Tom van Straaten -  March 29, 2017 - 9:21 am

Thank you, everyone, for your suggestions. I’nm new at this (took delivery of the GB on March 24 and left Palmetto at 2 PM). Due to AA 3 hr. delay, crew didn’t arrive on time (doe they ever?). We went outside and spend the night at Boca Grande (only ran aground once trying to anchor). Left at early light through locks and beautiful canals and got to Roland Martin Marina (funky, fun and very tough alligator bits to eat).
Started out in dark to Lake Okeechobee and crossed easily in light winds. From Stuart went inside to spend night in Palm Beach. Last day went outside, arriving in Miami at noon.
A wonderful experience in a new boat (for me as a former sailor).
I want to reverse the traverse in the future with no time table, proceeding south from Ft. Meyers around the Keys to Miami.
Thank you again for your thoughtful replies to my inquiry.
Thank you all for your comment
Reply to Tom

Phil Gelber -  March 26, 2017 - 7:32 pm

I have done this with our (stabilized) 46 GB several times.
You don’t indicate in your post whether this is a pleasure run which would allow for a few days or just a trip to get from point A to point B.
If you are trying to make some time, the inside route is pure torture, albeit pleasant torture. Between narrow channels and multiple bridges and no wake zones, you will be hard pressed to make it to Boca Grande in one day, although it can be done. But it won’t be fun. ]
Far better to take 2-3 days to get to Boca Grande, anchoring in Pelican Bay, and relaxing as you traverse Pine Island Sound on the last day to get to Ft. Meyers.
If you go on the outside, it will be one very long day, but if you have a fast 46, you can make it. If you have 135 Fords, forget it.
Phil
Reply to Phil

Keith Wenzel -  March 25, 2017 - 8:56 am

A note of caution, if you come in Boca Grande Pass keep in mind the entrance is approximately three miles off shore due to shallow water on the north side of the pass.
Reply to Keith

joe volpe -  March 24, 2017 - 4:42 pm

I sailed up and down that stretch in January and would suggest avoiding Sarasota’s Big Pass inlet. I found it difficult to get accurate information on shoaling and conflicting reliability of changing marker locations. If you can stay offshore past Sarasota do it. Long boat pass is good.
Reply to joe

John Jorgensen -  March 24, 2017 - 3:43 pm

Yes, fastest on the outside but much nicer inside. Stay at Marina Jack in Sarasota and Boca Grande on the way down.
Reply to John

Capt Dana -  March 24, 2017 - 7:05 am

This is not an easy question to answer. I have driven many Grand Banks and am assuming your average cruising speed to be 10kts. Also I lived on the Manatee River for 10 years so have made the trip you are asking about often.
If your desire is to get there as fast as possible you should go outside but you must be willing to do a long, long day or 2. Go out Long Boat Pass which has recently been dredged and go in either at Boca Grande Pass or San Carlos. This route takes you out of your way because of shallow areas but you avoid bridges and minimum wake zones.
If you are doing this for pleasure, it is my opinion you should go inside and plan for 3 days. Stay in Venice at Marker 4, then anchor in Pelican Bay at Cayo Costa, just south of Boca Grande Pass or Stay at Cabbage Key. Then on to Downtown Ft Myers. If you have more questions you can contact me at dana@captdana.com
Reply to Capt

David Burnham -  March 24, 2017 - 6:30 am

Tom,
Weather permitting, offshore from Tampa Bay to Boca Grande, then inside on the GICW to Fort Myers.
Reply to David
Mar 23, 2017by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Shared Photo – Bahamas Guide Signs
Bahamas Guide Signs by Sue Fowler At Compass Cay, Exumas
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