Florida Intercoastal

B

Beverly

Jan 22, 2002

#1

Does anyone know the lowest clearence for going from the east coast to the west coast of Florida thru the intercoastal and Lake Okeechobee,from Jupiter to Fort Myers?

K

Ken Cobb

Jan 22, 2002

#2

49'

This was discussed in a thread under "cruising notes" at this site. Here is the key response in that thread that answers your question:"Submitted by Jim Ewing of North Palm Beach, FL on 01/14 at 09:13AM regarding General_interest The St Lucie Canal runs from Stuart on the East to Lake O at Port Mayaca. Limiting factor is a 49' lift bridge just before the lake. Indiantown Marina will come to your boat and tip it over and get get up to 53' under the bridge. All the remaining bridges are 55'. Transit the lake or go around the rim canal to the Caloosahatchee River which enters the gulf at Ft Meyers."

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AL S

Jan 22, 2002

#3

Check water depth before attempting...

I believe they're up to normal, but I'm not sure.

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Vince

Jan 23, 2002

#4

Florida Sailor wants to try the same!

I'm docked on the east coast in lauderdale and am very interested in trying such a voyage. I didn't ever imagine it was passable with a sailboat, I was planning on hugging the coast by the keys and seeing all of Florida, but would rather come back your way to avoid seeing the same view twice. Can you fill me in on any info on which inlet you begin from and any lakes or rivers you'll cross, thanks, Vince.

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Vince

Jan 23, 2002

#5

florida sailor wants to try the same

email me details on the route, I want to try the same .cptvince @yahoo.com

W

Wanderer138

.

Jan 26, 2002

#6

Good reference (for Vince)

Try Claiborne Young's "Cruising Guide to Eastern Florida". You should be able to find it in West Marine. Although it was written for large cruising powerboats there is plenty of info for the cruising sailor (including who to contact for help to get under the railroad bridge if your mast height is just over the 49 ft limit). The guide covers the entire Okeechobee waterway from Stuart to Fort Myers. For the Keys, Frank Papy's guide is one of the better ones. Have a good trip.PeterH23 "R1aven"