All, this post may be more appropriate for the Destinations Forum, but I'll post it under General Interest. The Admiral has requested a two week expedition on relatively flat water where she can disembark frequently to stretch her legs. I am thinking strongly about the St. Johns River (Florida) and am inquiring about post hurricane conditions, points of interest, marinas and gunk holes, bridge clearances and draw spans, public and private access including town docks and launch ramps suitable for a H260. We are looking at a mid February time frame. Steve Kamp, H260 "Carolina Girl"
St.Johns River sailing
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Try Charlotte Harbor, FL
Lots of island as well as cities to visit. Plenty of protection. Water is shallow, but perfect for 260 I would think. I'm headed down to charter for the second time this this season on Feb 8th. Lots of guides available.
Lots of island as well as cities to visit. Plenty of protection. Water is shallow, but perfect for 260 I would think. I'm headed down to charter for the second time this this season on Feb 8th. Lots of guides available.
Lots to see and do in two weeks
If you're trailering your 260 you have all kinds of options. I'm not too familiar with the Jacksonville area but I'm sure there are lots of public ramps. Once in the water you can sail as far as Palatka and motor most of the rest of the way to Sanford where there is a huge 24-hr public ramp, marina, restaurant and hotel right on the water. Downtown Sanford is a two-block walk from the water. Daytona Beach and the Orlando attractions are less than an hour's drive away. There are many towns and several state parks with large springs along the St Johns River. This is a good time of year to visit, as the springs are full of manatees seeking warmer water. The parks won't charge admission if you arrive by boat but most don't have docks so you'll have to anchor out. I don't know if they charge for an overnight stay, but even if they do it's a nominal sum and well worth it for the showers and facilities. One way to maximize the trip and reduce back-tracking is the two-car method. Rent a car at the place where you put the boat in the water. Then drive your tow vehicle and trailer to your planned destination and leave them there. Both drivers then get into the rental, ride back to the start point and return the rental. When you get to your destination, the tow vehicle and trailer will be there waiting for you. As an example, Jacksonville to Sanford by river is about 150 miles (three to four days easy) but a little over two hours by car. If you're really feeling adventurous after the trip up the St Johns, tow the boat over to the coast from Sanford (Cocoa or Titusville are both good), put in there and drop the trailer in St Augustine or Jacksonville. Then take a few days and cruise north up the ICW, You can sail a good portion of the way and the ICW is fairly well protected. A good guide for both trips is Claiborne Young's "Cruising Guide to Eastern Florida". You should be able to find it at your local West Marine/BoatUS store. It's well worth the money and contains lots of little secrets that will make the trip fun. I hope this helps. Peter H23 "Raven"
If you're trailering your 260 you have all kinds of options. I'm not too familiar with the Jacksonville area but I'm sure there are lots of public ramps. Once in the water you can sail as far as Palatka and motor most of the rest of the way to Sanford where there is a huge 24-hr public ramp, marina, restaurant and hotel right on the water. Downtown Sanford is a two-block walk from the water. Daytona Beach and the Orlando attractions are less than an hour's drive away. There are many towns and several state parks with large springs along the St Johns River. This is a good time of year to visit, as the springs are full of manatees seeking warmer water. The parks won't charge admission if you arrive by boat but most don't have docks so you'll have to anchor out. I don't know if they charge for an overnight stay, but even if they do it's a nominal sum and well worth it for the showers and facilities. One way to maximize the trip and reduce back-tracking is the two-car method. Rent a car at the place where you put the boat in the water. Then drive your tow vehicle and trailer to your planned destination and leave them there. Both drivers then get into the rental, ride back to the start point and return the rental. When you get to your destination, the tow vehicle and trailer will be there waiting for you. As an example, Jacksonville to Sanford by river is about 150 miles (three to four days easy) but a little over two hours by car. If you're really feeling adventurous after the trip up the St Johns, tow the boat over to the coast from Sanford (Cocoa or Titusville are both good), put in there and drop the trailer in St Augustine or Jacksonville. Then take a few days and cruise north up the ICW, You can sail a good portion of the way and the ICW is fairly well protected. A good guide for both trips is Claiborne Young's "Cruising Guide to Eastern Florida". You should be able to find it at your local West Marine/BoatUS store. It's well worth the money and contains lots of little secrets that will make the trip fun. I hope this helps. Peter H23 "Raven"
Yes, and
Peter gave a good report -- but I wanted to add that there is sailing south of Palatka. The big sailing is in Lake George. Lake George is a large lake on the river lots and lots of room to sail -- I think it covers something like 48,000 acres. It is a good sailing lake, but be careful -- it isn't a deep lake, so if wind is up strongly you can get a nasty chop. While on the lake, take time to visit Silver Glen on the western shore. When you get to the Sanford area, you can sail on Lake Monroe -- much smaller and less secluded than Lake George, but still you can raise those sails. Have a good trip.
Peter gave a good report -- but I wanted to add that there is sailing south of Palatka. The big sailing is in Lake George. Lake George is a large lake on the river lots and lots of room to sail -- I think it covers something like 48,000 acres. It is a good sailing lake, but be careful -- it isn't a deep lake, so if wind is up strongly you can get a nasty chop. While on the lake, take time to visit Silver Glen on the western shore. When you get to the Sanford area, you can sail on Lake Monroe -- much smaller and less secluded than Lake George, but still you can raise those sails. Have a good trip.
Can't help with ramps...
I can't offer any advice about ramps but can offer a report of river conditions. Stay away from here until mid week after superbowl. It will be crazy - especially on the river downtown.
Most of the damage from the hurricanes was on the west shoreline of the St John's. I know that there are many private clubs / private docks that are still in need of repair, but for the most part all is well for sailing up the St. John's right now. I know that our Marina - Whitney's Marine at Dr.'s Inlet in Orange Park is definitely repaired and open for business. Regarding bridges and such. You don't really have much to worry about until you get to the Shand's Bridge which is around 45 ft I think it is. You might want to check on the current state of the Main St. Bridge downtown as it has been requiring 1 hour notice for almost of year now (due to repairs) and was not opening at all from 6:00 PM until 6:00 AM for a while. These restrictinos may be gone now as it was for work leading up to the superbowl and when we were dowtown this weekend, I didn't see any extra equipment on the bridge that led me to believe that construction was on-going. Regarding places to drop hook... Close to downtown is a place called Exchange Island that is East of downtown and a pretty safe / shallow place to anchor (but it is not very quiet due to bridge nearby). You can tie up downtown at the Landing and grab a bite to eat and walk around at some shops. About 1-2 miles North of the Shand's bridge is a place called Hallow's Cove on the east side of the river, good anchorage and quiet. On the South side of the Shand's bridge on the east side is a tributary called Six Mile Creek. If you head up the creek you will get to a restaraunt called "Outback Crab Shack". I think you can tie up there overnight with no facilities. Downtown can have a strong current. There is also a railroad bridge that you need to be aware of. It stays open, but a horn sounds when it is going to close - and sometimes they don't give you a lot of warning - so just like when you are in your car - don't try to "beat the train". email me with any other specific questions. I have been all the way out the St. John's offshore - but not any further than Green Cove Springs southward. Darren dmayes@iwon.com
I can't offer any advice about ramps but can offer a report of river conditions. Stay away from here until mid week after superbowl. It will be crazy - especially on the river downtown.
Most of the damage from the hurricanes was on the west shoreline of the St John's. I know that there are many private clubs / private docks that are still in need of repair, but for the most part all is well for sailing up the St. John's right now. I know that our Marina - Whitney's Marine at Dr.'s Inlet in Orange Park is definitely repaired and open for business. Regarding bridges and such. You don't really have much to worry about until you get to the Shand's Bridge which is around 45 ft I think it is. You might want to check on the current state of the Main St. Bridge downtown as it has been requiring 1 hour notice for almost of year now (due to repairs) and was not opening at all from 6:00 PM until 6:00 AM for a while. These restrictinos may be gone now as it was for work leading up to the superbowl and when we were dowtown this weekend, I didn't see any extra equipment on the bridge that led me to believe that construction was on-going. Regarding places to drop hook... Close to downtown is a place called Exchange Island that is East of downtown and a pretty safe / shallow place to anchor (but it is not very quiet due to bridge nearby). You can tie up downtown at the Landing and grab a bite to eat and walk around at some shops. About 1-2 miles North of the Shand's bridge is a place called Hallow's Cove on the east side of the river, good anchorage and quiet. On the South side of the Shand's bridge on the east side is a tributary called Six Mile Creek. If you head up the creek you will get to a restaraunt called "Outback Crab Shack". I think you can tie up there overnight with no facilities. Downtown can have a strong current. There is also a railroad bridge that you need to be aware of. It stays open, but a horn sounds when it is going to close - and sometimes they don't give you a lot of warning - so just like when you are in your car - don't try to "beat the train". email me with any other specific questions. I have been all the way out the St. John's offshore - but not any further than Green Cove Springs southward. Darren dmayes@iwon.comPeter Suah, Michael, and Darren Mayes
Guys thank you for your suggestions. My intent is to run up-river from Jax (after the Super Bowl weekend) as far as possible before running into bridge problems. Clearance for the 260 is 40 ft, and I will add 3 more flexible ft for the VHF antenna. This will clear the bridge at Green Cove Springs. Fading memories of running up and down U.S.17 (pre I-95 days) point to a concrete arch bridge with a drawspan at Palatka, and at Sanford the railroad and U.S.17 bridges are draws with I-4 being fixed and high. Darren, the web page for Whitney's shows what looks like a ramp next to the travel lift in the photo taken from the bridge. Does any one use it for launching or is it just for the dealership? Peter, I have used the shuttle vehicle concept often with canoes for downriver runs where current precluded an upriver return. For this trip I would rather leave the truck and trailer at one point and then return to it. Would any of you be open to a Hunter rendevous on the River later in the spring? Would any one at Whitney's look at sponsoring an event like this? Have any of you participated in the Mug Race sponsored by the Jax Rudder Club and and the Palatka club? Thanks for your help, Steve Kamp
Guys thank you for your suggestions. My intent is to run up-river from Jax (after the Super Bowl weekend) as far as possible before running into bridge problems. Clearance for the 260 is 40 ft, and I will add 3 more flexible ft for the VHF antenna. This will clear the bridge at Green Cove Springs. Fading memories of running up and down U.S.17 (pre I-95 days) point to a concrete arch bridge with a drawspan at Palatka, and at Sanford the railroad and U.S.17 bridges are draws with I-4 being fixed and high. Darren, the web page for Whitney's shows what looks like a ramp next to the travel lift in the photo taken from the bridge. Does any one use it for launching or is it just for the dealership? Peter, I have used the shuttle vehicle concept often with canoes for downriver runs where current precluded an upriver return. For this trip I would rather leave the truck and trailer at one point and then return to it. Would any of you be open to a Hunter rendevous on the River later in the spring? Would any one at Whitney's look at sponsoring an event like this? Have any of you participated in the Mug Race sponsored by the Jax Rudder Club and and the Palatka club? Thanks for your help, Steve Kamp
Steve
I believe the ramp is only usable by Whitneys and people with slips at Whitneys. I don't have a trailer so I am not sure. It is pretty steep though. I would definitely be open to a Hunter rendevous. "Soledad" is getting her hurricane repairs done right now. What would be involved in sponsoring the rendevous? Whitneys might be open to it - but I can't be sure. FWIW, There is usually a Veteran's Weekend trip from Whitneys up to Cumberland Island. There have been a few folks who have been talking to me about going on a group trip up river to some of the springs... I am talking with some co-workers right now about participating in the mug race this year. Last year you coldn't see the middle of the river at Whitney's when the storms hit - so I am glad I skipped last year. The year before was beautiful and we went out and got to the Shands about the time that the first boats were getting there and came back with the pack... Darren
I believe the ramp is only usable by Whitneys and people with slips at Whitneys. I don't have a trailer so I am not sure. It is pretty steep though. I would definitely be open to a Hunter rendevous. "Soledad" is getting her hurricane repairs done right now. What would be involved in sponsoring the rendevous? Whitneys might be open to it - but I can't be sure. FWIW, There is usually a Veteran's Weekend trip from Whitneys up to Cumberland Island. There have been a few folks who have been talking to me about going on a group trip up river to some of the springs... I am talking with some co-workers right now about participating in the mug race this year. Last year you coldn't see the middle of the river at Whitney's when the storms hit - so I am glad I skipped last year. The year before was beautiful and we went out and got to the Shands about the time that the first boats were getting there and came back with the pack... Darren
Steve -- Highway 17/92
The 17/92 bridge over the St. Johns in Sanford is no longer a draw bridge -- but it is a high bridge. The railroad bridge right next to the highway is a draw. I4 is a high bridge. The other two bridges south of Palatka-- SR. 40 and SR 44 are both draw bridges.
The 17/92 bridge over the St. Johns in Sanford is no longer a draw bridge -- but it is a high bridge. The railroad bridge right next to the highway is a draw. I4 is a high bridge. The other two bridges south of Palatka-- SR. 40 and SR 44 are both draw bridges.
to Steve of Fountain, SC.....
Your post has started me thinking about the same trip. My father has a 260 on the trailer here in NC for the winter. (We have a boat problem that runs in the family.) This sounds like a great trip mid-winter trip for us on his boat. I have the Claiborne Young guide to eastern Florida and there is an extensive section (100+ pgs) on almost the entire St. Johns's. Read most it last night and it really sounds like a great tip, especially with the 260 where draft isn't necessarily an issue. I would definitely recommend the guide if you go. I'm still trying to get a handle on the ramp issue in the area. The guide doesn't really cover that issue and as you know, it has to be somewhere to leave the truck and trailer for a period of time. I'm doing some net research on it today. I like the idea of going down/up the river, then across land and back up to St. Augustine via ICW. Please keep me posted on what you find/plan. Perhaps we can compare notes. I'm usually on here at HOW or via email, dcdon@hotmail.com
Your post has started me thinking about the same trip. My father has a 260 on the trailer here in NC for the winter. (We have a boat problem that runs in the family.) This sounds like a great trip mid-winter trip for us on his boat. I have the Claiborne Young guide to eastern Florida and there is an extensive section (100+ pgs) on almost the entire St. Johns's. Read most it last night and it really sounds like a great tip, especially with the 260 where draft isn't necessarily an issue. I would definitely recommend the guide if you go. I'm still trying to get a handle on the ramp issue in the area. The guide doesn't really cover that issue and as you know, it has to be somewhere to leave the truck and trailer for a period of time. I'm doing some net research on it today. I like the idea of going down/up the river, then across land and back up to St. Augustine via ICW. Please keep me posted on what you find/plan. Perhaps we can compare notes. I'm usually on here at HOW or via email, dcdon@hotmail.com
More notes
The public ramp at Sanford is huge, open 24 hours a day, well lit and secure. There's no charge for use and I'm pretty sure you can leave a truck and trailer for several days if you needed to. I'd suggest letting somebody in the marina office (it's right at the ramp) know your plans so they can keep an eye out for you. Draft on the St Johns is not an issue. The river is navigable to commercial traffic all the way to Sanford. NOAA charts are available and the aids to navigation are pretty good. If you anchor in the river at night, pick a spot that's sheltered from the wake of passing fuel barges. They typically run at night and the towboats push a big bow wave. Enjoy the trip. Peter H23 "Raven"
The public ramp at Sanford is huge, open 24 hours a day, well lit and secure. There's no charge for use and I'm pretty sure you can leave a truck and trailer for several days if you needed to. I'd suggest letting somebody in the marina office (it's right at the ramp) know your plans so they can keep an eye out for you. Draft on the St Johns is not an issue. The river is navigable to commercial traffic all the way to Sanford. NOAA charts are available and the aids to navigation are pretty good. If you anchor in the river at night, pick a spot that's sheltered from the wake of passing fuel barges. They typically run at night and the towboats push a big bow wave. Enjoy the trip. Peter H23 "Raven"
Ramps
There are two ramps on Lake Monroe -- the one to the north isn't too nice -- but as Peter says the main one in Sanford is very nice. I used to keep my boat in that marina -- it is clean and well maintained. Security is pretty good -- though the parking lot is open and so you nver know. My boat was broken into once -- along with several along the dock I was on. But not a thing was taken -- so who knows. The manina called me early the next day to notify me. I liked them there --- I'd still be there, but not super fond of the lake -- I'm over at Lake Harris now. Anyway, the ramps are good and so is the marina. http://www.monroeharbour.com/
There are two ramps on Lake Monroe -- the one to the north isn't too nice -- but as Peter says the main one in Sanford is very nice. I used to keep my boat in that marina -- it is clean and well maintained. Security is pretty good -- though the parking lot is open and so you nver know. My boat was broken into once -- along with several along the dock I was on. But not a thing was taken -- so who knows. The manina called me early the next day to notify me. I liked them there --- I'd still be there, but not super fond of the lake -- I'm over at Lake Harris now. Anyway, the ramps are good and so is the marina. http://www.monroeharbour.com/
Plans for St Johns River trip
are firming up as information flows in from knowlegable sources. The most info I could find re: boat ramps in Jax area was on a site acesofjax.com Most of the ramps listed were either on a tidal creek upstream of fixed bridges or in the immediate downtown area with cautions noted for strong currents at ramp and/or heavy commercial vessel traffic. Others were not much more than throw in points for canoes/kayacks, or were encumbered by shallow depth. As I gain more information I believe that the extra drive to Sanford will be compensated by the relative security presented by the marina mentioned by Peter and Michael. A trip downstream from Sanford and return will be just as rewarding as one starting at Jax, and while in the Jax area I can check out the various facilities from the water. Don, as it looks now we will leave the S.C. piedmont Feb. 10 in the early morning, arriving Sanford that evening. Peter, we will leave a float plan at the office, and will look for Raven and you too if you're around. Darren, we will stop at Whitney's and try to make contact with you if Candace will give us your contact info. Thanks to all of you, Steve and Sheila Kamp H260 Carolina Girl
are firming up as information flows in from knowlegable sources. The most info I could find re: boat ramps in Jax area was on a site acesofjax.com Most of the ramps listed were either on a tidal creek upstream of fixed bridges or in the immediate downtown area with cautions noted for strong currents at ramp and/or heavy commercial vessel traffic. Others were not much more than throw in points for canoes/kayacks, or were encumbered by shallow depth. As I gain more information I believe that the extra drive to Sanford will be compensated by the relative security presented by the marina mentioned by Peter and Michael. A trip downstream from Sanford and return will be just as rewarding as one starting at Jax, and while in the Jax area I can check out the various facilities from the water. Don, as it looks now we will leave the S.C. piedmont Feb. 10 in the early morning, arriving Sanford that evening. Peter, we will leave a float plan at the office, and will look for Raven and you too if you're around. Darren, we will stop at Whitney's and try to make contact with you if Candace will give us your contact info. Thanks to all of you, Steve and Sheila Kamp H260 Carolina Girl
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