ICW - Norfolk to FL Keys

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captainpat

captainpat

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Feb 10, 2004
204
Hunter 426 Rock Hall, MD
I made the trip to the Keys from Barnegat NJ via ICW in '03. I am planning to make the move this fall. In '03 I used Skipper Bob "Marinas" and "Anchorages", The ICW Flip Chart (name??) and the Relevant cruising guides in addition to the required charts. Is Skipper Bob still a good source since his passing? Does anyone have any other suggestions?

In ’03 I went 100% ICW heading South until Channel 5 crossover. Although I will most likely do more ocean this time around I will plan for the ICW. How are recent conditions? I know the inlets in No. and So. Carolina were a problem in ’04 because of lack of dredging. Hopefully that has changed. My boat has a 5’ draft.

As far as bridges go I’m good until Ft. Lauderdale with a 61’ bridge clearance requirement.
 
cbsailor

cbsailor

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Jul 8, 2004
155
Hunter 33.5 Portsmouth VA
Skipper Bob publication is now owned by Waterway Guide and Ted Stehle supposedly manages the editing and updates. The new editions appear to be little changed in the format of text info/descriptions and are still reasonably priced. There is also available a download version for use with a reader. I still refer to my 3 year old editions of Skipper Bob Publications (Anchorages and Marinas). I plan to be heading south again this year and may invest in new issues. I find them very helpful plus I have lots of my hand written notes from previous trips.
If you combine the Skipper Bob books with other info sources such as Active Captain https://activecaptain.com/ and Salty Southeast Cruisers Net http://cruisersnet.net/ you should be well informed. Have a safe trip.
 
Sailgunner

Sailgunner

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Jun 4, 2004
1,087
Mainship Piliot 34 Punta Gorda
Made the trip north eariler (started in April) and currently heading back. I use the Waterway Guides and Skipper Bobs but also use Active Captain a lot. It has good information on problem issues, anchorages and marinas. I only use the ICW when I have to. We will bounce in and out whenever we can, mostly NC south. The ICW is nerve racking with its shallow depths, even when it is not suppose to be. You must draw less than my 5'4" because we have to take the outside from Miami to Marathon. The problem with Miami to Georgia is the number of bridges. BTW, I am currently in the ICW in Coinjock NC as I write this.
 
captainpat

captainpat

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Feb 10, 2004
204
Hunter 426 Rock Hall, MD
To all: Great responses and most helpful; thanks. With my 5' draft I would opt to go outside whenever possible but need to prep for the tedious ICW.
 
C

Crazy Dave Condon

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Jun 8, 2004
10,456
-na -NA Anywhere USA
There is one bridge on the ICW in North Carolina with a 64 clearance between the Pamlico going south to Beaufort, core creek bridge, but I think it is a little off as I use to clang the VHF antennas on it. FYI
 
S

suds

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Nov 16, 2010
36
N/A N/A N/A
You might want to subscribe to Tom & Mel Neale's East Coast Alerts. I know there are a couple of bridges that have applied to reduce clearance to 61 ft for maintenance in FL
 
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