Lake Okeechobee Crossing Route Recommendation

[CaspersCruiser]

This is for folks planning to transit Lake Okeechobee to or from the SW Florida rendezvous using the rim route.

I made the trip westbound today and used a route modification recommended by Rich Odendahl. After exiting the Port Mayaca lock and turning south on the rim route, at Green Marker “3”, take up a course direct to Red Marker “60” near Pahokee. This takes you out of the rim route channel, but there is plenty of depth. I never saw less than seven feet.

This course avoids an unmarked submerged obstruction in the rim route channel near Red Marker “6” that several boats have hit, including one the way home from the rendezvous last year.

On Rich’s suggested route, there is a charted submerged wreck that you’ll have to watch out for, but if you accurately navigate the direct course between the two markers, you’ll pass about a half-mile east of it.

For an eastbound crossing, reverse the course between the markers mentioned.

Happy cruising.

 

[Matty]

Thanks
Was thinking of taking route across lake but windy conditions forecast. Will keep this in mind.



⁸

 

[Boatdreamer]

Hi Matty, I’ll be leaving from the St. Lucie locks at dawn Wednesday morning. I’m hoping to be at Port Mayaca lock by 10 and across the lake by noon before the winds kick up but if I stick my nose out into the lake and it doesn’t look good then it’s the rim canal for me. When will you be leaving?

Tim and Donna
Gratitude

 

[Matty]

We are rookies on this trip but here is the plan.
Wednesday New Smyrna Beach to Stuart
Thursday Stuart to at least clewiston - hopefully a bit further.
Friday to Burnt Store Marina.

Not that we want to go fast but we can if we are cutting it to close.

 

[Boatdreamer]

Hi Matty, that’s a pretty aggressive schedule but with an R27 OB you should be able to do it. I can only cruise at 12kts so you’ll passing me at some point. Watch the charts closely from Stuart to Clewiston lots of skinny water to deal with. Have a safe trip and we’ll see you there.

Tim and Donna
Gratitude