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Florida West Coast Trip - Status

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Rob Greenwood, Feb 14, 2023.

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  1. Rob Greenwood, Feb 14, 2023
    #1
    Rob Greenwood

    Rob Greenwood Member

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    Location:
    Long Island NY
    Hi everyone. I am planning a trip out of Stuart Florida and I would like to take the Okeechobee over to the west coast. I plan on hitting Longboat Key, Marco Island, and Naples. Have these areas recovered from Ian enough to make the trip? I know Marco Island and Ft Myers got wrecked, but I am hoping that the areas I mentioned are in good shape. Also, is it safe to do a trip like this or are there some hazards left from Ian? Any advice is greatly appreciated (including marina recommendations). Thanks!
  2. motoryachtlover, Feb 14, 2023
    #2
    motoryachtlover

    motoryachtlover Senior Member

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    Don’t know when you are planning to go but there is railroad bridge that has a closed clearance of 6’ or so that will be closed for 3 weeks beginning May 1. That bridge is the railroad bridge near downtown Stuart. Naples City Marina is one of only a couple of marina options in Naples. I don’t know if that is open or not. I have no direct knowledge but I think you can rule out Sanibel, Ft. Myers, & Ft. Myers beach. Naples is a maybe. I thought Marco was relatively unscathed. South Seas which I highly recommend is a maybe on the marina. I hear the marina did fairly well but the resort did not fair as well. I don’t know if they will open the marina if the resort is down. A buddy of mine told me Boca Grand Marina is open. That to me is a must stop. From there north you will be fine. Regarding obstructions what I am hearing is that the channels are clear but be careful if you stray. I don’t care for the Okeechobee. Anyway you can run down the east coast and do the keys and come up? Enjoy your trip.
    Rob Greenwood likes this.
  3. Rob Greenwood, Feb 14, 2023
    #3
    Rob Greenwood

    Rob Greenwood Member

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    Thank you for that. Has anyone ran the Okeechobee recently?
  4. motoryachtlover, Feb 14, 2023
    #4
    motoryachtlover

    motoryachtlover Senior Member

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    Your welcome. No I have not but my boat stays at River Forest in Stuart which is one lock in on the Okeechobee. I was down there 2 weeks ago and the water was very high. On my way back to River Forest they just started releasing water, but the water was as high as I have ever seen it. the drop down to the St. Lucie river was 14’.
  5. StillLearning, Feb 16, 2023
    #5
    StillLearning

    StillLearning Member

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    I will jump in, we are located on the west coast of FL, somewhat familiar with it.

    We love Long Boat key also.

    Have not been south of Venice since the hurricane, so no first hand knowledge.

    Someone mentioned that Boca Grande was open - we love that place. If you stop there make sure you reserve a golf cart.

    In between Boca Grande and Longboat is Venice. We usually stop at Crow's Nest, love it for an overnight and fuel. Convenient whether you are running inside or outside.
  6. boatpoor, Feb 18, 2023
    #6
    boatpoor

    boatpoor Active Member

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    I heard this morning that Tween Waters Marina is open on Captiva.
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  7. Rob Greenwood, Feb 20, 2023
    #7
    Rob Greenwood

    Rob Greenwood Member

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    Thank you everyone. We just left Tween Waters and it was great. FYI to anyone who draws 4ft of water. Do not attempt to go to Tween Waters on low tide. We waited for high tide to depart. Highly recommend!

    thank you!
  8. StillLearning, Feb 23, 2023
    #8
    StillLearning

    StillLearning Member

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    A friend with 5ft draft told me about going there. Loved Tween Waters, then he realized he was sitting on the bottom in the slip at low tide.

    We went there years ago on a previous boat which had a manageable draft. Current boat, have not even thought about it.

    Always hear positive comments about the place. Glad you enjoyed.

    Have you been into Boca Grande lately? We are thinking about heading there in the next month or two. Will be our first POST Ian visit.
  9. bayoubud, Feb 25, 2023
    #9
    bayoubud

    bayoubud Senior Member

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    A long time back we stayed at Tween Waters and had a good time. Was entertained by a pack of Otters raiding a cooler on a fishing boat tied up there, plus a Manatee with his nose out of the water drinking from a dripping dock faucet. It was fun. We were in a 45 Viking sf and the draft was ok but needed to stay in marked channels. Boca Grande was a treat too, rent a golf cart. Lots to see.
  10. Rob Greenwood, Mar 6, 2023
    #10
    Rob Greenwood

    Rob Greenwood Member

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    I have not made it to Boca Grande lately but it is on my list! I also would like to make it up to Longboat Key Club Moorings.
  11. StillLearning, Mar 7, 2023
    #11
    StillLearning

    StillLearning Member

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    We enjoy Longboat, much more so than the marina across the bay by downtown. Nothing wrong with Marina Jacks, well run place - just we like the laid back perspective at Long Boat.
    bayoubud likes this.