Fort Pierce to Marathon to Punta Gorda

[seadaddler]

I have been getting a lot of advice about making my trip from Fort Pierce
down to Marathon than up to Punta Gorda and want to thank every one.
Also any one else want to add any thing on making this trip or any parts of please do so.
I am getting closer to sailing off on my trip,just a few more things left to do and than off sailing around the keys we go.
Nick

 

[Chuckbear]

In reverse

We did the trip in the opposite direction but you might be able to get some information from it on our web site. Start with this post, http://sea-trek.blogspot.com/search/label/0017. Fort Myers Beach to Marathon Florida , then scroll down the left column to the next posts after that, 0017, 0018, 0019, etc. for as far as you might want to go. Hope it helps.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Nick, I also did part of that trip in the opposite direction. But differently from Chuck above. We left Tampa Bay and sailed non-stop right to Pancho's fuel dock on Marathon. With bad weather approaching we spent four days at the Marathon Yacht Club(for free with reciprocity). Then we went out into Hawk Channel and non-stop to West End.

So are you doing day hops or overnighting? I think that given the state of my finances we will stay out as much as possible when we leave NC in February. Are you in enough of a hurry that you have considered crossing through the canals and Okeechobee?

 

[seadaddler]

Enjoy Trip

Looking to enjoy the trip and depending on weather and crew how much of hurry.
Planning off shore from Fort Pierce down to Biscayne bay depending on weather or inside ICW when necessary,stop, anchor enjoy a day or two along
the keys before Marathon.
Marathon to Boca Grand straight through with maybe a stop off along way depending on the weather.
Everything depends on any weather delays.
I think I would have given the Okeechobee a shot but my mast is 55 + and that 49 RR bridge even with the help of heeling over is border line and last I talked to the guy that does the heeling said the water level is higher than normal,plus a lot of the other bridges along the route in the Okeechobee are 55 also,so I think my 55 + mast would be a problem.
Nick

 

[Benny]

Nick if you go in Biscayne Bay through Cape Florida to get rest and supplies go back out the same way to Hawcks Channel to continue your trip. Biscayne Bay is a beautiful sailing venue but it can be a little disconcerting for a first timer. The Bay is divided between upper and lower Bay and both are connected by a narrow channel. Currents and wind through the channel may keep you on your toes. The lower part is shallower than the upper and sailing in close proximity to the bottom may cause a skipper to doubt his instruments and question his wisdom. The last obstacle is getting out. The pass at Angelfish Creek has about 3 1/2' of water (MLW)at the ocean side outside markers. It best be navigated at high tide especially if you draw 5' or more. I would recommend that you come back at a later time and sail the Bay at your leisure but not when you are trying to complete tha last leg of a long trip.

 

[Buck420]

Nick... having done this run (in both directions) many times, I would continue to suggest the following:
Wait for a decent weather window; NE under 20 is OK, in fact good, because you will be running downwind, just offshore; inside the Stream. Go right out Ft Pierce Inlet at daybreak. Run down the coast staying about 1/2 mile offshore in not more than 100' of water to stay inside the stream. You will be off Lake Worth inlet by 15:00. Off Miami by 21:00 or so. If you want to come in and anchor in (or just outside of) No Name Harbor on Key Biscayne, fine... but if the weather is nice, run Hawk Channel over night. You have a good chartplotter, trust it; it really isn't that difficult. Just set waypoints along the course changes down Hawk Channel and you will be fine. You'll be into Marathon for lunch the next day.
If you could go thru Hatteras Inlet in not so good weather back in Nov., you can certainly do Hawk Channel overnight. ... Have a great time.
Buck

 

[seadaddler]

Many Thanks

Many thanks guys for all the great advice you all have given me,I guess after making the trip down to Florida from NY I should not say I don't have much
offshore experience any more.
That's what I love about this forum it just keeps on going and going with great help from all you guys having been there and done it.
Really thanks again and again to Buck,Benny,Bill Bell,Chuck,ED and hope I didn't miss any body else.
My new crew does not have experience with this kind of trip and I was thinking of going easy on them with easy day trips,I don't want to scare the shit out of them,I did on my first night time offshore trip.
I really always wanted to just go off shore with most of the trip until one of my crew complained about night sailing.
I will plan a shake down sail before we go outside to make sure every thing is good to go with the Autopilot and the crew also.
Hey guys that's what's great here so every one else on the forum gets to hear all this advice and info.
Nick

 

[Ed Schenck]

Hawk Channel vs. inside?

What about the inside of the Keys instead of Hawk Channel? I realize that the water is shallower. There were quite a few crab pots in the channel. Are there more on the inside route? Seems like you would save some miles unless your destination was Key West.

 

[seadaddler]

Too Shallow

Not recommended for 5 ft Draft,Too shallow for 5 ft draft,have checked the charts and very hard with out proper tides.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

The Hawk Channel is a great and easy ride down to Marathon. Lots of places to anchor and see on the way. It is like sailing or motoring down a river. Better than the ICW and protected for the mostpart. When you get to Marathon you can anchor out on the east side of the bridge, or find a slip in a marina. The first marina to the left has a nice restaurant and bar to relax in and you can fuel up there too.
Go under the bridge and that is the Moser Channel. It winds its way through the shallows on that side, but it is well marked with buoys to follow in the right direction. Once deeper into the Gulf it is a nice ride to Boca Grande and into Charlotte Harbor. Just pick your weather for a good window.