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FL to CT trip complete: ICW hot spot warnings

Discussion in 'Marinas & Waypoints' started by CTdave, Jun 3, 2004.

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  1. CTdave, Jun 3, 2004
    #1
    CTdave

    CTdave Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2004
    Messages:
    877
    Location:
    Greenwich CT/ Stuart FL
    I recently completed my seasonal trip & thought I'd let people know of a few problem spots along the way.
    First, I try to go offshore as much as possible in my 42' Post Sport Fish but 25 knot winds out of the Southeast kept the seas running 6-8' so much of the jorney was on the ICW from Stuart FL.

    The problem spots:
    As you pass Cape Canaveral, the second bridge (swing bridge with 12' clearance) is under construction and only opens every 3 hrs. We arrived at 3pm and had to wait till 4pm with quite a few others.

    Palm Valley FL, just about 12 miles South of Jacksonville:
    Traveling along a very long, straight cut with no markers, there is a very small creek on the West side that has filled in the ICW. Stay 15' off the private docks on the East side.
    Unfortunately, we found this out the hard way.
    A new moon tide had the water level lower than normal & we were at best, 5-10' left of center of the ICW, cruising along at 20kts when the port prop started to dig in, dragging us instantly to the port. We ground to a fairly violent stop & I assumed we ripped everything off the boat.
    TowboatUS was there within minutes and soon, he was hard aground too. Several others grounded out ahead and behind us. The towboat guy said the Corps. was supposed to have dreged the area for the past two years.
    End result; 1 1/2 days down time with two bent props. It could have been worse!

    Lockwoods Folly inlet/ICW
    Though reports say only 3' of water at low tide, we went through just after low tide. There was a tug & barges and another 42' Post aground but they were just outside the channel. We made it through with 5' under the boat (I draw 3').

    I'll be back later with some good photos of the trip!
    Dave
  2. YachtForums, Jun 3, 2004
    #2
    YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2002
    Messages:
    20,626
    Location:
    South Florida
    Welcome back, Dave!

    Really sorry to hear you turned your sportfish into an artificial reef! I bet you haven't been grounded since you were a teenage rebel. For what it's worth, few people make the trek without incident.

    I've made the trip from colder climates twice and both times, ended up re-shaping my props into something that resembled cauliflower. On one trip, we ran over a submerged log on the Mississippi River south of Memphis. We had to lay over a week waiting for a new prop, while keeping company with the cast from Deliverence!

    Glad to hear your back. How much of a diameter reduction did you inflict on the screws?

    Carl
  3. Captn Hank, Jun 5, 2004
    #3
    Captn Hank

    Captn Hank New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2004
    Messages:
    11
    Location:
    Stuart, FL
    Hot Spots....

    Dave.... I was going to make that same trek this spring. What changed my mind? The wife wanted to cruise to the Keys this summer and the winds seem liked they would never stop blowing during mid-April.

    My plans were to have run outside until NC. Like you stated.... high seas would have prevented that route.

    I'm in New Jersey now, it's raining, according to the weather forcast, the water temp is cold. I can't wait to get back to Florida.
  4. aeronautic1, Jun 15, 2004
    #4
    aeronautic1

    aeronautic1 Member

    Joined:
    Jan 31, 2004
    Messages:
    201
    Location:
    Ft. Lauderdale
    I just completed my 143rd Florida to Northeast delivery and had no problems the entire route. Fuel prices ranged from $1.70 in Port Canaveral to $1.16 at Alligator River Marina. If you have any questions or inquiries, please PM me.