Okeechobee waterway speeds

[timjet]

I'm planning on a cruise from the downtown area of Ft Myers to Rolands Marina on Lake Okeechobee a distance of about 70 miles. I would like to do it in a day which would mean an average speed of about 10 kts. I will transit 2 locks which I am figuring will add about an hour.
Anyone know if it's possible to average 10 kts on this portion of the waterway? I'm concerned about wake and manatee zones that would prevent me from getting that average.

 

[Mystic Dreamer]

I went through the OKE last May... although there are areas of no wake, most of the waterway can be done on plane. As usual, the courteous plan would be to slow down whenever passing other boats, docks, etc. Assuming no lock restrictions, I see no problem getting to Roland Martins from Ft. Myers in one day- I went from St. Pete to Roland Martins in about 10 hours, and that was with a stop a Cabbage Key for lunch. My cruise speed is 24kts.

My understanding is that the waterway is now on restricted lock openings due to reduced lake water levels. You will definetly want to check the lock schedule...here is a recent notice from Feb 10:

Okeechobee Waterway, reduced lock operations - update

Due to reduced water levels in Lake Okeechobee, The St. Lucie and WP Franklin Locks are operating on a reduced schedule. Lockages will be every two hours beginning at 7:00am and ending at 7:00. These hours will remain in effect until the lake level increases to 12.5 feet. If the level declines further additional restrictions will be put in place.

To view the Navigation Notice published in December outlining the restrictions, go to the USACOE Jacksonville District site: http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Divis...tins/2010/NTN20101214_OWWLockRestrictions.pdf

 

[fwebster]

We made it from West Palm Beach to Boca Grande in about 16 hours last March. There were no restrictions and we only waited for one lock to clear all day. Your trip is certainly possible.

 

[timjet]

Thanks guys for the info. I called the Franklin locks and they confirmed what Mystic Dreamer said about the reduced schedule which only applies to the outer locks at this time.

 

[riptide]

Don't forget to take plenty of" SKETTER "spray! The last time I was there I orded a drink and they brought my drink and set a can of" OFF" beside it...RIP