Has anyone done a Miami to Naples voyage?

[ardeprint]

I have a few friends who live in Naples. I am in Miami and I have been wanting to take a few days and do a Miami to Naples trip.

I know that there are a few ways to do it and I was wondering If anyone could chime in and give me some details and suggestions.

 

[missnmountains]

I do this run a couple times a year from Cape Coral (North of Naples) to Miami Beach Marina and back. It is a good stopping point for us to cross over to Bimini.

The best route going south is Hawk Channel to Boot Key cutting through Moser Channel. You then zig zag for a couple of miles (well marked) into Forida Bay. Head up towards Cape Sable and up to Naples. When heading north, I run outside the reef to get the Stream push.

We usually do this trip in one day stopping for fuel at the Marathon Marina in Boot Key (and free ice). It takes pretty much all day at 25 knots.

Be sure to clean your strainers after the trip as there is quite a bit of sea grass in Florida Bay.

Ken

 

[cod]

I've also done this trip. Not sure if you plan to make stops along the way but Duck Key is a nice stopover. Be sure to check the weather as Florida bay can get nasty. Also lots of traps to look out for..

 

[Mystic Dreamer]

Other than what Ken mentioned, you can consider taking "yacht channel" closer to the tip of Florida- I have done it many times and although the depth is skinny, I have never had a problem in my 380. If running from Miami via Hawk's, use Channel 5 (just south of Lower Matecumbe) to enter Florida Bay- Once in Florida Bay, just a little south you pick up the marked yacht channel with Green "1". The channel is marked, however there are a couple shoals so make sure you have your GPS waypoints and have current charts. Once you leave Yacht channel, you can head N/NW passing just offshore of Cape Sable. Then set your waypoints for a straight shot outside of the Cape Romano Shoals, which are just south of Marco. From there, it is pretty easy coastal cruising up to Naples.

Brian

 

[ardeprint]

Thanks to all!