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Looking for passages across FL, west to east.

Discussion in 'Yacht Captains' started by MYCaptainChris, Aug 19, 2007.

  1. MYCaptainChris, Aug 19, 2007
    #1
    MYCaptainChris

    MYCaptainChris Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2005
    Messages:
    316
    Location:
    Melbourne Beach FL
    I heard it is possible to get across Florida but have no charts to tell me where.
    My Nav software on my computer shows two canels across the state that look navigatable but I am unable to zoom in.
    Does anyone have knowledge of this, I may buy a boat on the west FL coast and bring it across, and it would be much better than going all the way around.
    Look at a Grand Banks or older Chris Craft, both of which will have a fair air draft. Are there bridges to consider, what draft can you get through on?

    Thanks all
  2. CaptTom, Aug 19, 2007
    #2
    CaptTom

    CaptTom Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2006
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    Location:
    Palm Beach to Ft Lauderdale
    Chris,
    The passage takes you across the state via Lake Okeechobee. Be aware that due to the drought, the lake is still a few feet lower than usual, so definitley use local knowledge. Also, there are several locks and I think they are on a restricted schedule, so you'll have to get that info also. I'll look around and see what I can find.

    Ok, looking at the FL chart from the lake east, you have fixed bridges with approx min 55 ft clearance, plus some swing bridges and the St Lucie locks on the esat end of the Okechobee Waterway.
    The channel in Lake O where you enter from the west (near a town called Clewiston) looks narrow, so you may want to plan the trip at high tide (not sure if there is a tide change, or how much it may be).
    I've heard of many transitting the lake, just not sure since the drought.
    You will end up at the St Lucie Inlet, and not sure if that is too far north for you.
    Good luck.
  3. MYCaptainChris, Aug 19, 2007
    #3
    MYCaptainChris

    MYCaptainChris Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2005
    Messages:
    316
    Location:
    Melbourne Beach FL
    good info

    So far I haven't found a boat, but there seems to be a few on the west coast worth considering.
    It may be worth going around just to get some time in the keys.
  4. Capt Mike, Aug 20, 2007
    #4
    Capt Mike

    Capt Mike New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2007
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    Location:
    Naples, Fl
  5. MYCaptainChris, Aug 20, 2007
    #5
    MYCaptainChris

    MYCaptainChris Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2005
    Messages:
    316
    Location:
    Melbourne Beach FL