Has anyone gone through the ICW lately with a 36’ NS? I’m wondering how tight the fit is UNDER the fixed bridges and depths UNDER the keel. ( I’ve measured the mast a bunch of times and come up with 63’ 3" without antenna..fixed bridges were designed at 65’ ) .. Also interested about anchorages along the way and how the southern portion of the ICW survived last years hurricane… The web site “Active Captain” looks to be a great resource but I’m looking for personal experiences along the route. We are taking the year off with our two kids and planning a trip to the Bahamas…(and beyond??)
Jamie Alcock
36’NS “Jeannie B”
Stage Harbor, Chatham, MA
There are several 65’ bridges that are of a concern. 63’’ 3’ is not too bad. Active captain is sill the best source of the latest info. The worst ones I remember are just north of Belhaven and south of Atlantic Beach in NC.
Joe Valinoti
S/V IL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
I don’t have my materials in front of me since I’m not on my boat. However, I believe the vertical clearance shown on charts is based on clearance at mean highest high water (i.e., clearance at the average of the highest tides at the location). This gives you close to the worst case situation. The absolute worst case is that you’d have even less clearance than shown on the chart if you tried to pass under during an extreme high tide.
The way to get the best case, and gain considerable clearance over what’s shown on the chart, is to schedule your passage through tight fits to coincide with low tides.
Also, many bridges have graduated markers. By looking at the number visible closest to water level, they show you how just much air draft you have at the moment.
FWIW, a number of nautical guides point out that you can get bounced a couple of feet up by wakes from passing boats, and recommend allowing some additional margin because of that. You might want to factor that in also in planning your moves.
I did parts of the ICW in a boat with 64’ air draft, although only in Florida. So, I understand your concerns. IMHO, the best ratio of good to bad experiences go to those who proceed with caution, as opposed to both those who proceed without caution and those who don’t proceed.
Pardon the promotion, but perhaps it will give you or others some help in your ICW trip planning.
My friend and fellow Poughkeepsie Yacht Club member is currently in Key West and about to begin his journey back to PYC on his 8th annual round trip to the keys. Bob and his wife Ann sail a 38’ Beneteau 423 and he publishes an annual cruising guide to the ICW, available on Amazon. Bob was also just named Cruising Editor for the Atlantic ICW for Waterway Guide. He is a frequent contributor to Active Captain and specializes in monitoring the constantly changing shoaling of the ICW. You can read more about his activities on his blog: http://fleetwing.blogspot.com/ Post a message to him on his blog and I’m sure he will respond.
Hi, if you haven’t left yet, there is a bridge (Julia Tuttle causeway) at Mile 1087 near miami that has a clearance of 56 feet. Everything else North of that is 65, nominally. So when you are heading South you need to go outside at Fort Pierce. There are no more easily navigable outlets to the ocean South of Ft Pierce. As someone else pointed out, you need to watch the tides too.
Have fun
So exciting! On the S side of the Ft Pierce outlet there is a small man made lake accessed via a canal heading E from the ICW. It has a sandbar part way along but I cleared it with a 5 foot draft. It makes for a very peaceful anchorage for two or maybe three boats and houses all around.
Thanks again Jim for the great information. I’m adding it to my log… every tid-bit is greatly appreciated! We draw 5 1/2 feet but I don’t mind dragging the keel if necessary…high tide in and out??? worth the try
You can stay in the ICW all the way to Ft Lauderdale. Fort Pierce is not the best outlet to the Ocean. There are a lot of bridges between Palm Beach and Ft Lauderdale, but it is doable. From Ft Lauderdale to Miami you will need to go outside. I live in Ft Lauderdale and have sailed both north and south from here; usually outside to either Palm Beach or south to Miami, it saves a lot of time and aggravation.
I happen to be staying in Palm Beach today. Watching the several sailboats head north from my hotel room. No Nonsuches yet. But, looks like fine conditions to head north. Wish I was out there.