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Outside Navigation NE US to SWF

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by ksbguy, May 21, 2021.

  1. ksbguy, May 21, 2021
    #1
    ksbguy

    ksbguy Member

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    Hello,

    I've done the ICW from NY to South West Florida (across Okeechobee) and there were sections like Georgia which I would have rather have ran outside due to the amount of turning involved. I'm helping a friend run the trip again and wanted some input on favorable inlets/sections that would be recommended/safe to run outside without local inlet knowledge. We will be picking up the ICW in Norfolk this time and It's a 44 motoryacht...

    Also if the lake isn't deep enough when we get there and we go around looking at charts I thought the following would be 4 sections to break up the trip.

    Stuart - Miami.
    Miami - Marathon (Hawk Channel)
    Marathon - Marco Island
    Marco Island - FT Myers.

    Curious your input and Thanks!
  2. NYCAP123, May 21, 2021
    #2
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Depending on your range and speed outside Beaufort to Georgetown, Charleston or Hilton Head all bring you through easy inlets. From Charleston or Hilton Head you should be able to make at least Jacksonville, St Augustine, Canaveral or Ft. Pierce.
  3. ksbguy, May 21, 2021
    #3
    ksbguy

    ksbguy Member

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    Thanks cap. 16-18 knots and 200- 225mile range
  4. NYCAP123, May 21, 2021
    #4
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Pleasure cruising I'd say Beaufort to Georgetown, then Charleston or Hilton Head then Jacksonville then Ft. Pierce or Canaveral. Except for the leg from S.C. to Fl. you have several decent Plan Bs available along the way like Wrightsville (Masonboro) and Cape Fear. Charleston is a loooong entrance channel. Don't shortcut it, but it's straight and well marked.
  5. ksbguy, May 21, 2021
    #5
    ksbguy

    ksbguy Member

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    Wow I just looked at Charleston and it’s marked almost 16nm out to the inlet buoy

    Thanks again for the words of wisdom.
  6. NYCAP123, May 21, 2021
    #6
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    If I remember correctly you can take it at the #4 but beyond that you've got some rock piles and then the breakwater.
  7. ksbguy, Jun 30, 2021
    #7
    ksbguy

    ksbguy Member

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    How’s St Augustine Inlet? I remember a long slow stretch in the ICW from Jacksonville to St Augustine. The inlet looks a bit shallow on the chart.

    If Jacksonville what Marina would you recommend there?

    Thanks again.
  8. Capt J, Jun 30, 2021
    #8
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    St. Johns river entrance is deep and easy and 2 marinas just inside. St. Augustine has been missing all of the inlet markers for some time, there was a massive dredge there a few months ago, call Seatow St. Augustine for more information on current status. Ponce inlet is good if you hug the northern side.
  9. ksbguy, Jun 30, 2021
    #9
    ksbguy

    ksbguy Member

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    Thanks Capt J
  10. Sea Gull, Jul 1, 2021
    #10
    Sea Gull

    Sea Gull Member

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    I went through St Augustine 4 weeks ago. It’s definitely more challenging than some, but the first channel markers are visible from the sea buoy and from there you can see each one or each set in turn. Basically head toward the giant cross on shore and you’ll be fine. Also note several channels converge, just inside the inlet.
  11. Scott M, Jul 6, 2021
    #11
    Scott M

    Scott M Member

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    None of the inlets mentioned are challenging (although watch wind against current in some) . Beaufort, Masonboro, Georgetown, Charleston, Hilton Head, Brunswick, St Augustine, Cape Canaveral, Lake Worth are all straight forward with plenty of facilities. Use your eyes and experience. I would skip Jacksonville.
  12. Capt Ralph, Jul 6, 2021
    #12
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    The markers in the StAug channel are moved as needed. They will never be charted.