The Boating Forum - longboat pass

We'll be coming in the longboat pass in a 65' Motor Yacht that draws 5.5 feet.

Can I (safely) go south after coming under the bridge and proceed to Mar Vista anchorage area? We will be coming through around 11AM Fri Jun 22

Or, do I need to go north around the island (jew fish key) before heading into the anchorage?

Thanks as always

Dustin

MV Accu Venture

You seem to be asking a lot of navigation questions for someone running a 65 footer. Can't the owner of a 65 footer get himself or herself some decent paper and electronic charts of the region?

I have all of the appropriate navigational charts, both paper and electronic.

I am simply asking for some local knowledge due to a shifting shoal that is in that area.

Just trying to be extra cautious.

Thanks for your concern and cynicism.

Dustin

Its called local knowledge. Much more valuable than Paper and electronic charts. Particularily in area like W Florida and this particular pass, where the shoals can change quite often. I would try to cover all bases to if I were piloting a 65' motoryacht.

Wow, you're helpful Menzies!

The deeper channel is to the north of Jewfish Key then south once you hit the ICW main channel. Be careful because once you get going south the channel is very narrow and seems to be shifting west toward the island so you want to stick to the starboard side of the channel when heading south. Not sure how deep it is south of the island directly after the bridge. I do know that there is a huge shallow sand flat just west of Jewfish Key that will just barely float my 20' CC. Be careful navigating the area. There are very shallow flats everywhere and you're in a large boat considering all the intersecting narrow channels, flats fishing boats and sea kayaks running around.

Good luck with your trip!

jbutah3000 - 6/21/2007 9:57 AM

Its called local knowledge. Much more valuable than Paper and electronic charts. Particularily in area like W Florida and this particular pass, where the shoals can change quite often. I would try to cover all bases to if I were piloting a 65' motoryacht.

Exactly. I don't have a boat that large or valuable, but I look for local knowledge whenever possible. It's the smart thing to do...

Nothing like a little class warfare in the morning :roll

Mike

Menzies- little too much fiber?? How else would a guy get knowlege on this one and not risk getting stuck and further ridiculed? Sounds like a tricky channel, good thing to ask the locals.. Good luck on your trip.

Once you clear the bridge going east there is an unmarked natural channel on your starboard side. The channel is starting to shoal up and you might be pushing it with a 5.5 foot draft. Once you are over the shoal the channel opens up and will bring you right into the anchorage area.

Your best option is to proceed to the ICW, go south past Jewfish key and turn west following the natural channel around the southerne tip of Jewfish kry. Make sure you make the turn well before markers 38 and 39 as this area is shoaling up as well.

Have fun!

Thanks to all...except Menzies...for all of your input.

This is exactly the type of local input I was hoping for!

See you on the water!

Dustin
MV Accu Venture