Stuart, FL Marina

[RVr2]

Greetings one and all. We just purchased a Cutwater 30 which is being delivered around the first of November. After a month or two in the Florida Panhandle, we would like to head to the east coast of Florida to winter - crossing thru Lake Okeechobee to Stuart, FL. Any suggestions about Lake Okeechobee or recommendations for marinas in the Stuart area are greatly appreciated. We are new to Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats, but not boating or RVing. Think we have found the perfect boat for RVing on water!

 

[Dale777]

RVr2,

Karin and I in our R27, with friends in an R29, made the Okeechobee Waterway crossing and return from Ft. Myers Beach to Stuart then down to North Palm Beach in late April, 2013.

Before crossing, you might consider stopping off at Estero Island in Ft. Myers Beach, a fun place with lots of broad white sand beaches. From one of these marinas you can explore the many islands in this area or even venture south to Naples or Marco Island. Some marinas:
http://pinkshell.com/fort-myers-beach-marina/ floating docks & walk to beach
http://www.saltysamsmarina.com/ floating docks
http://www.mossmarine.com/mainmenu.html fixed docks & walk to beach
http://matanzas.com/dockage/ mooring field

When heading up the Caloosahatchee River, you might stop off at the Ft. Myers City Docks (Fort Myers Yacht Basin):
http://www.cityftmyers.com/Yacht-Basin.aspx

Just so you are aware, another favorite stop along the Waterway is now permanently closed:
Rialto Harbor Docks (about 15 miles east of Fort Myers Yacht Basin)

Next stop heading east might be La Belle City Dock, but there is dockage for only about 6 boats where you need to dock stern-in with an anchor out to keep the bow from swinging:
http://www.marinalife.com/reservations/ ... a-belle-fl

Just beyond La Belle City Dock is:
http://portlabellemarina.com/ Nice protected marina in an oxbow off the river.

And hidden on the north side of the river a few miles farther east in an oxbow is:
http://www.riverforestyc.com/ A full service yachting storage and service center that also has tie-ups in their yacht basin for over-nighting. We truly enjoyed the solitude and beauty of our stay there.

Next stop is at Lake Okeechobee, just before crossing:
http://www.rolandmartinmarina.com/ a fun marina, home to Little Man the best dockmaster in the world.

After crossing Lake Okeechobee, you might stop at Indiantown or just continue on to Stuart:
http://www.indiantownmarina.com/

In Stuart, we truly enjoyed our stay at:
http://www.sunsetbaymarinaandanchorage.com/ - a short walk to the old downtown and shops.

 

[mmcdonald47]

Sunset Bay marina is right downtown, good spot but crowded. On the other side of the bridge is Loggerheads. I always stay there on their floating docks, plenty of room and amenities and great potlucks Tuesday and Friday. It is a short walk over the old bridge to downtown and even shorter on a bike. Either way Stuart has a vibrant downtown atmosphere, but if you are going down in season get to the restaurants early.

 

[kevinflanagan]

My husband and I are headed to Staurt soon and also asked for recommendations, here are 2 that our boat dealer referred us to, Sunset Bay( as mentioned above), and also Pirates Cove Marina in Port Salerno.

Hello Dale and Karin !!! Sounds like your crossing was a good trip!

 

[Boatdreamer]

Hi RVr2, you will love Stuart, either marina talked about above are very good places. Here are a couple of places to stop on your way across the state. Moore Haven city docks are a great place to stop before you cross the lake. It's quiet and the docks are in great shape. I think it's still a $1.00 a foot including power and water. Another nice stop would be the St Luice Locks, it's just before the last lock before you get to Stuart. The have nice docks too and they are cheap. It takes us about 7 hours from Moore Haven to the St. Luice docks. All five locks are very easy to deal with and the lock masters are very helpful if you have any questions. I'm sure we will see you around this winter, as this is our home and we are out on the water a lot. Good luck with you delivery in November, and have a safe trip to Stuart.

Tim
Gratitude R 27

 

[RVr2]

Thanks all for taking the time to respond in such detail. I can assure you that we devour such excellent information. Knowledge is power! Look for a claret red Cutwater 30, Defiance, cruising Lake Okeechobee and the waterways of Stuart this December.

 

[kevinflanagan]

Hello, I have been trying to send a private message to the people who live in Stuart, and having problems.
I have a question and wanted to check with you both about something. Would you mind sending me a message and I can reply? Thank you in advance!

 

[Boatdreamer]

Hi Kevin, I just sent you a PM, Let me know if you get it.

Tim