down river to jacksonville; and was wondering what info. people have. Good marina's, cool anchorages or camping spots, gator problems, problem spots, sqeeters, fishing, or anything else that might be deemed significant. looking at charts the depth seems sufficient. Thanks.
Considering sailing the St. John's river from lake george
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What's your mast height?
I sail the St. John's often, but can't go south of Green Cove Springs because of a fixed bridge with max clearance of 35'. If you can make it to Jax under the bridge there's free parking at the Landing downtown (lots of bars and resturants) but no power hook ups, same at the municiple marina at Metro Park near the sports complex (without the bars and resturants). Other than that there are several marinas in the Ortega river just before you get downtown. I've never parked at one so can't tell you the cost. If you are retired, active or reserve military, the marina a NAS Jacksonville just past the I-295 bridge is very cheap with access to an air conditioned club house with grills, a kitchen, direct t.v., computer access, as well as, friendly locals with access to adult beverages.
I sail the St. John's often, but can't go south of Green Cove Springs because of a fixed bridge with max clearance of 35'. If you can make it to Jax under the bridge there's free parking at the Landing downtown (lots of bars and resturants) but no power hook ups, same at the municiple marina at Metro Park near the sports complex (without the bars and resturants). Other than that there are several marinas in the Ortega river just before you get downtown. I've never parked at one so can't tell you the cost. If you are retired, active or reserve military, the marina a NAS Jacksonville just past the I-295 bridge is very cheap with access to an air conditioned club house with grills, a kitchen, direct t.v., computer access, as well as, friendly locals with access to adult beverages.
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Actually the Shands Bridge has a fixed clearance of 45' and an additional 2' in the center. I know cause I live at the Green Cove Springs Marina. I made it under the bridge over the weekend. I have a mast clearance of 47 feet. We have been really low tides the last couple of weeks. As to the marinas you can stop in Palataka at the city marina or the hotel, used to be the Holiday Inn, just north of the Palataka bridge. The city marina is south of the bridge and both are on the west side. Down River and just North of the Shands Bridge 45' plus 2' on the west side of the river is Green Cove Springs Marina. Showers, laundry, me. Just north of there is the Green Cove Springs City Docks. Restaurants, movie, hardware all within walking distance. I have lots more if you need. Zaphro has it spot on with the rest of the info. Stop by and say hi I will probably be at the Marina. Fair Winds Cap'n Dave
Actually the Shands Bridge has a fixed clearance of 45' and an additional 2' in the center. I know cause I live at the Green Cove Springs Marina. I made it under the bridge over the weekend. I have a mast clearance of 47 feet. We have been really low tides the last couple of weeks. As to the marinas you can stop in Palataka at the city marina or the hotel, used to be the Holiday Inn, just north of the Palataka bridge. The city marina is south of the bridge and both are on the west side. Down River and just North of the Shands Bridge 45' plus 2' on the west side of the river is Green Cove Springs Marina. Showers, laundry, me. Just north of there is the Green Cove Springs City Docks. Restaurants, movie, hardware all within walking distance. I have lots more if you need. Zaphro has it spot on with the rest of the info. Stop by and say hi I will probably be at the Marina. Fair Winds Cap'n Dave
Sounds good Capn Dave!
I'm actually not sure if it's gonna be the "sugar bowl" (anchorage off pensacola) and round that area or lake george to jacksonville. I'm leaning towards the lakes/river cause it's new territory. My mate wants pensacola cause it has ocean/beach. They both sound good to me. pensacola is great, but known...the river trip...I don't know...it could have skeeters and gators, ruralness (till near jacksonville) and powerlines... I was actually wondering, aside from bridges, are their power lines to be concerned about? Think I'm gonna have to contact some Fla. state department or something!
I'm actually not sure if it's gonna be the "sugar bowl" (anchorage off pensacola) and round that area or lake george to jacksonville. I'm leaning towards the lakes/river cause it's new territory. My mate wants pensacola cause it has ocean/beach. They both sound good to me. pensacola is great, but known...the river trip...I don't know...it could have skeeters and gators, ruralness (till near jacksonville) and powerlines... I was actually wondering, aside from bridges, are their power lines to be concerned about? Think I'm gonna have to contact some Fla. state department or something!
Charts are good
The St. Johns River is navigable by commercial traffic all the way south to Sanford. It is one of the few rivers in the country where the USCG has jurisdiction, in addition to the Florida Wildlife Commission and various county sheriffs. Since coal and fuel oil could be shipped by barge at relatively low cost, several large power plants were built along the river. Power lines cross at several locations but their positions and vertical clearance information are clearly shown on the charts. If memory serves me correctly, two charts cover the river from Mayport to Lake Jesup, which is south of Sanford. Claibourne Young's Cruising Guide to Eastern Florida includes extensive coverage of the St. Johns, with all kinds of useful information. Good luck and enjoy the trip. Peter H23 "Raven"
The St. Johns River is navigable by commercial traffic all the way south to Sanford. It is one of the few rivers in the country where the USCG has jurisdiction, in addition to the Florida Wildlife Commission and various county sheriffs. Since coal and fuel oil could be shipped by barge at relatively low cost, several large power plants were built along the river. Power lines cross at several locations but their positions and vertical clearance information are clearly shown on the charts. If memory serves me correctly, two charts cover the river from Mayport to Lake Jesup, which is south of Sanford. Claibourne Young's Cruising Guide to Eastern Florida includes extensive coverage of the St. Johns, with all kinds of useful information. Good luck and enjoy the trip. Peter H23 "Raven"
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