Ft. Myers to Miami - across the lake and down ICW or south to the keys, then north?

CLC3

CLC3

Member
Sep 9, 2012
68
South Florida
Boat Info
480 Sedan Bridge 2003 - "Sea Casa"
Achilles Dinghy w/ Tohatsu 20
Engines
Cummins QSM-11s; Kohler Genset
Just bought a 1997 Sundancer 370 in Ft Myers and need to bring her home to Miami (Homestead Marina). Any tips or advice about the route alternatives of going across Lake Okeechobee to the east coast and then heading south (ICW or outside based on weather) vs. running south from Ft Myers, around the tip of the state to the keys and then north to the destination? I've had some "old salts" endorse both alternatives and I'm looking for more feedback to tip the scales.

Thanks in advance!
 
Last edited:
Ft. Myers to Miami - across the lake and down ICW or south to the keys, then no

Robert (Shadow9999) has done that trip both ways running his boat from the gulf coast to NJ & back. I would send him a PM and get his advice.


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Todd
 
Re: Ft. Myers to Miami - across the lake and down ICW or south to the keys, then nort

Congrats on the new boat. I previously owned a 97' 370 and loved it..... I've done the trip both ways also and personally would go thru the keys if seas are favorable. Why not make a vacation out of it and stop at Marco Island, then Duck Key or even Key West if you want to venture further.
Another thing to consider is the Okeechobee has been exceeding its capacity due to the rains and they have been letting the water flow into the gulf. I don't know how this affects navigation with currents and the locks(mainly the current as you approch the locks) but might be worth looking into. My dad lives in Ft. Myers and said the gulf right now is brown instead of the usual turquoise blue this time of year because of all the fresh water they released from the river.
Either way, you'll have a great trip with a new to you vessel.....
 
Ft. Myers to Miami - across the lake and down ICW or south to the keys, then ...

If the seas are calm head to the keys from Ft. Myers. You'll be there in a few hours and you can spend the night in key west.
 
Re: Ft. Myers to Miami - across the lake and down ICW or south to the keys, then nort

New boat, time, fuel... I would take the lake if the passage is good - check the website. I did it on day 1 of owning a 2.5 year old 2005 340. We bought it in W Palm and cruised home to Panama City, Fl (700 miles) in 4 days.
 
Re: Ft. Myers to Miami - across the lake and down ICW or south to the keys, then nort

another alternative would be to truck it down allegator alley. a few hours after pickup it could be in yor marina for around 2-3k. when you consider the cost of gas for making that trip along with the simple fact that you dont really know how reliable your new used boat is it may end up saving you money and a headache....just my two cents
 
Re: Ft. Myers to Miami - across the lake and down ICW or south to the keys, then nort

I brought my 52Db homw from Sarasota this May and went through the Okeechobee Waterway. It's only one day across from Ft. Meyers and then another day South to Miami. I would imagine the time would be about the same going South. I think the Okeechobee is less scenic (and a LOT less fun) than going through the Keys, which I love. Also, my boat was filthy after going through the waterway and needed a good cleaning when we pulled into Ft. Pierce. If it were me, I'd go South through the Keys.
 
Re: Ft. Myers to Miami - across the lake and down ICW or south to the keys, then nort

Hi all and thanks for the advice. This is to close the original inquiry with the facts of the trip.

We chose the southern route... departed Ft. Myers Saturday morning and ran down to Marco island where we topped off the tanks. Then south and east to go around the shallows of Everglades National Park. We connected with the keys at Long Key in the early evening. It was a nice open-water run with some chop south of Cape Romano. Saturday night we anchored on the Gulf side of Lower Matecumbe Key and then made the run up to Homestead on Sunday. Except for dodging lots of lobster pot buoys along the way, it was a flawless and enjoyable journey.

My pre-purchase excitement about the 370 DA now pales in comparison to the way I feel about it now. It's an ideal configuration for our family boating/cruising need in sunny south Florida. We look forward to many more good times in the years ahead. And, to active participation here seeking your further advice and contributing what I can as we become more familiar with the boat.

Thanks again.

Chip
 
Re: Ft. Myers to Miami - across the lake and down ICW or south to the keys, then nort

I have to admit that there were times during the loooong southbound leg of the trip that I wondered if I'd made the right decision considering the open water segment and a new-to-me boat. It's really "big" out there and we only passed two north-bound boats in about a 70 mile south-bound leg of the trip. Mechanical condition of the boat is good and I had some serious PM done before departing (thorough mechanical check-out, new impellers, fluids, belts, etc.) so I was generally confident and, as it turned out, I did not experience any issues. But, it could have been a different story and much more complicated ending. The trucking alternative is a worthwhile consideration especially with an unfamiliar vessel. Wise words...

Chip
 
Re: Ft. Myers to Miami - across the lake and down ICW or south to the keys, then nort

Great trip! Congrats.
 
Re: Ft. Myers to Miami - across the lake and down ICW or south to the keys, then nort

sfl larry said:
another alternative would be to truck it down allegator alley. a few hours after pickup it could be in yor marina for around 2-3k. when you consider the cost of gas for making that trip along with the simple fact that you dont really know how reliable your new used boat is it may end up saving you money and a headache....just my two cents
Click to expand...

I respectfully disagree! I understand your points but, assuming you have had the proper surveys, i say go for it! It would be a shame to pass up a good reason to take a trip like that.
 
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