New to the forums here. Anyone been down the intercoastal form Jax towards Port Canaveral lately. Just wondering about the depths and stuff right now. I recently bougth a '74 Hunter 25 from a marina up there and it's got a 3'11" draft. Didnt know about shoaling around Ponce maybe. Any info would be appreciated. I'll probably have to motor it back on the kicker since it needs some new lines and some other work. Dont want to put up the sails and risk trouble since I know it needs a few things. Anyway, let me know any info you guys have. THANKS IN ADVANCE!!
Florida Intercoast From Jax To Port Canaveral.....
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Did that run going north about 2 years ago (Inside run from Ft. Lauderdale to Brunswick Ga). in a 6' draft boat.. we did touch a couple of times but it was very close to the sides of the channel. With 4' of draft, you should have no problems in the channel.. seems like we had thin water around the Tomoka Basin just north of Daytona.. Keep ya eyes on the markers and enjoy the ride.. I wouldn't try to travel after dark, even in a shallow draft boat.. We tried and quit after two nights.. Our experience was the Intercoastal on the Gulf coast where the markings are very good and the channels are wide.. NOT the case in that section of the Intercoastal. Good Luck on the trip!
Thanks Chuckbear....that is useful. Kinda confirms what a friend was telling me recently about that area around St. Augustine. I seem to remember Ponce inlet bring pretty shallow at times though also right around the inlet. Guess I might have to "get out and push" a bit if it happens huh??
We made the run from St. Augustine to Jax last month with 4.5' draft with no issues at all. The intersection of the St. Johns River and the ICW to the south does not have markers as often as you might like to see.
Try to time your run with the tides or expect to only make 3-4 knots at times if you are fighting the tide.
Have heard several reports of shoals near Ft. Mantanzas south of St. Augustine so call for local knowledge as you approach that section of the ICW.
Good Luck,
--Eric
Try to time your run with the tides or expect to only make 3-4 knots at times if you are fighting the tide.
Have heard several reports of shoals near Ft. Mantanzas south of St. Augustine so call for local knowledge as you approach that section of the ICW.
Good Luck,
--Eric
I have done it with 4'6"
I have done it with 4'6" draft with no problems. I would strongly recommend getting one of the cruising guides. I have a couple and strongly prefer Skipper Bobs. You can also go to Cruisers Net online and get very good info that is up to date, everything you need to know from anchorages, marinas, fuel prices and lots of other info. And it's free.
I have done it with 4'6" draft with no problems. I would strongly recommend getting one of the cruising guides. I have a couple and strongly prefer Skipper Bobs. You can also go to Cruisers Net online and get very good info that is up to date, everything you need to know from anchorages, marinas, fuel prices and lots of other info. And it's free.
Getting a cruising guide for the first time sounds like a good idea! Takes away from the spirit of adventure though!
Cruising Guides
I know, I know. It's rough out there. It's almost like having to be forced to drive to unfamiliar places without a map or a road GPS. How cruel.
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