Anchoring on/near sandbars and how close to anchor to the beach

[Monroe Boater]

Hello,

We recently moved to Sarasota. As we get comfortable boating in the area we would like to be able to anchor on or near one of the many sandbars in the area. I can't seem to figure out how to do it correctly, I usually wind up to far off the bar, or end up drifting up to it and then in the shallow I get nervous that I will beach the boat. I am very envious of the center console boats that can raise their outboards out of the water and get right up on the bars!

Also, how close to siesta key beach can I anchor? My wife and daughters want to be able to wade to the beach from the boat.

Anyone with experience boating in this area willing to share a few tips and tricks with this newcomer?

 

[k9medic]

With out 23' boat we usually anchor bow out just outside of where the waves are breaking and run a second anchor to the shoreline. The best way I have found to do this is to anchor on low tide.

For our bigger boat we are about 75' from the shore and generally have to swim in since I need 3.5' of water minimum.

 

[rmlsll]

I usually drop bow anchor and have my wife let out rode as I back towards shore with outdrive trimmed up. Watch / listen to depth finder as you go. when your sort of close to were you want to be, set the anchor. I'm usually in waist deep water. If needed, walk stern anchor to shore.

 

[griff4]

We do the same as above. I need 3 feet of water and must watch the tide, which seems to be 3 feet or so. I used to trim-up the drives, but don't anymore. We are usually at Shell Key or Egmont Key. Now that the water is cold, the ladies won't get into the water anymore! They insist on 75 degrees or better! In winter time we do luncheon cruises instead. The American legion 273, the Pub, Sea Critters, The Warf, and so on. Griff4

 

[MrHappy]

We do the same as above. I need 3 feet of water and must win or tch the tide, which seems to be 3 feet or so. I used to trim-up the drives, but don't anymore. We are usually at Shell Key or Egmont Key. Now that the water is cold, the ladies won't get into the water anymore! They insist on 75 degrees or better! In winter time we do luncheon cruises instead. The American legion 273, the Pub, Sea Critters, The Warf, and so on. Griff4

Weenies. 75 degrees is considered hot in Lake Michigan. In July it was 69 on Monday, 51 Friday. It is what it is.

I agree with the above posts as to anchorage. We drop the bow anchor and back in to 5 feet of water. I then jump in to the 51 degree water to carry the stern anchor to shore. Exhilarating to say the least.

 

[Westie]

We go skiing up here in the late fall when the air temp is close to freezing and the water temp is about 8.
No other boats around so no other wakes to deal with.