Miami to Captiva

MHK

MHK

New Member
Oct 19, 2006
10
Miami Beach
Was curious if anyone has made the trip from Miami to the the west coast of Florida by traveling down to Marathon and then around Everglade National Park? I have read several guide books and have plotted the trip. While based on the charts it appears I should be able to make the trip, I keep hearing about how shallow the area can be and all of the shoaling that exists crossing via Everglade National Park; as a result, I am trying to figure out if I can make it in my 52 Sedan Bridge (4'2" draft) or if I need to take an alternate route. Thoughts would be appreciated.
 
I assume you are referring to the trip under the channel 5 bridge and through the Yacht Channel. I have made the trip 3 times. Most recently January 06 Naples to Duck Key in our 42. At that time there was a great deal of shoaling and some missing markers due to Wilma. There were more then a few times that I had that bad feeling in my gut as I watched the bottom moving up. We never hit bottom and some of my anxiety was due to piloting the 42 for the first time. I understand the markers are all back up now. I would not hesitate to make the run again. It is a beautiful trip. A lot of fun. Just stay on course.
 
That is the course I am referring to. Did you find the Yacht channel confusing? I understand coming out of the ICW heading towards the Yacht channel you need to head around the two markers in some form of S fashion.

Out of curiosity, what speed did you cruise at? How long did it take you to get from the Channel 5 bridge to the northwest end of Everglades National Park (Cape Sable)? Finally, what is the draft on your 42?

Thanks for your assistance.
 
The yacht channel is well marked but you must stay within the markers. The course is S shaped with rocks just below the surface. particularly on the west side. Put all the markers in your GPS.
We cruised at 22-24 kts.

My boat is listed at 40" draft. I saw some 1s and 2s on my sounder as I approached the yacht channel from the west. I determined I was off course about 30' to the N . I have about another 3' below my depth sounder 0 setting so I figure I was in 4 -5 ft of water. I never kicked up any mud or hit bottom. Most of the reason for being off course was inexperience with the SeaRay navigator. We picked up the boat and took off with no planning. I entered the waypoints as I went. Not the best approach.
This was the only part of the trip that was dicey. There is plenty of water as you exit the channel 5 bridge and approach the yacht channel. There are lots of everglades park markers that can be used to confirm your course as you head toward Cape Sable.

I don't recall the exact times to way points anymore. I seem to remember it took us about 5 - 6 hrs from Naples to Hawks Cay.

I recommend this trip. I have made it twice in a 24' Dancer from Hawks Cay to Captiva and back and once in the 42. Florida Bay is beautifull. The run around Cape Romano is cool and there is nothing like seeing Marco Jump into view after being out in the open water for hrs. I am planning to make the same trip next summer.

Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
 
Thanks for the detailed response. I have a 4 foot 2" draft, sounds like I might kick up some mud, probably if I go during high tide, I should be OK.
 
A bit more info for you. I spoke with a friend of mine that went through there last week. He is a professional Captain. He was in a 58' Sport Fish, 3' - 4' draft. He saw plenty of water. I asked him about your boat - You should have no problem just stay within the markers.

Hope this helps.
 
Ah, suicide channel at Arsenic Bank..... :grin:

Done it well over 10 times, usually in a 46 Post (5' Draft) I ALWAYS slow down, and idle through.
If you can. plan to be in that area around noon. You should be able to see the channel, and the bad stuff around it quite clearly.
Florida Bay can get choppy, especially right before and right after a front comes through. Have fun!

PS
Prepare yourself for Bahamas dock rates if you stay at South Seas Resort. (3.25/ft per night last May)
 
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With a five foot draft, were you able to make it all the way up without hitting bottom? Where was the tide at when you went through Yacht Channel?

Did you like the Marina at South Seas? Others that you would recommend?
 
MHK said:
With a five foot draft, were you able to make it all the way up without hitting bottom? Where was the tide at when you went through Yacht Channel?

Did you like the Marina at South Seas? Others that you would recommend?
Click to expand...

I don't run aground.... :grin:

The tide is more current than rise and fall in the keys. Be careful off of Cape Romano shoals (stay offshore). Yacht channel is deeper than parts of Florida Bay, so don't worry about that.

South Seas is a great marina, and more stuff should be open now than it was last May. Charley did quite a number on that whole area. 180 million in damage just to South Seas Resort.

How far North are you going when you get to the West side? You mentioned Captiva.
 
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