New Pass/Big Sarasota Pass
 

Anybody been through either lately?

Need 6’ and understand both have had issues in the recent past.

Both are navigable as of November - Big pass has a sharp turn left heading out and you then have to stay in channel going south - no short cuts and you are good. New Pass changes constantly but marked as they work on it. I see the big boats work through it, but I draft 2 feet - so maybe wait until the cats with sport fishes weigh in.

Man if you don't know that pass and you need 6 foot you are really risking it IMO. I've been on my buddy's Viking through there many of times and it's hairy and a nail biter.

That’s why I’m asking. I’ve been through both a hundred times, but not in years. Generally bypass them but may need/want to run into Sarasota.

I delivered a 53’ Hatt to Longboat Key just north of New Pass a few weeks ago but ran the ICW from Anna Maria. Will do that again unless I can confirm. This is a 60 Hatt.

I was in and out a few times this summer, used Longboat Pass. Never saw less than 15’. Bridge opens on demand. When passing under bridge, hug structure with a quick turn southward then along Jewfish Key to pick up ICW, very easy to read the water in any conditions your likely to be running in. Overall, will add little if any additional time to your trip.

Even though I have local knowledge, I personally avoid the Sarasota passes you mentioned, too unpredictable (can change with passage of cold front). Running a 75’ Hatt that drafts 6’+.

Thanks for your input. I remember years ago when I kept a boat at what was then Gulfwind Marine on New Pass, Longboat was the problem child of the three. In this case, it would be preferred.

This^^^^^^^^^

You might want to give Gallati yachts a call as they are always running boats around there. It seems the last several years those passes From Tampa south change by the weeks except for a select few. Probably from all the beach re-nourishment they are always messing with.

From Sarasota Yacht Club... my hands start sweating thinking about this pass. LOL

NOTE: navigation of Big Sarasota Pass requires local knowledge due to shoaling and shifting sands. Proceed with caution. The following points were updated on January, 12 2020.

Big Pass Waypoints:

SYC BIG PASS ROUTE DATA

WAYPOINT LATITUDE LONGITUDE DEPTH

Data collected on January 12, the conditions were a breeze was coming out of the East at 8-15 with the sea state a little choppy. The tide was at its max low tide of the day at -.8. Below are the updated coordinates.

BP1 N 27 16.646 W 82 34.334 5.2'

BP2 N 27 16.565 W 82 34.328 5.1'

BP3 N 27 16.470 W 82 34.245 5.0'

BP4 N 27 16.413 W 82 34.216 4.9'

BP5 N 27 16.351 W 82 34.187 6.0'

BP6 N 27 16.288 W 82 34.153 6.1'

BP7 N 27 16.189 W 82 34.123 7.3'

BP8 N 27 16.124 W 82 34.118 8.2'

BP9 N 27 16.018 W 82 34.100 7.4'

He just ran aground 4 times with that 6 foot draft.:grin:

Delivered a brand new boat for a boat show several years back. Scared the crap out of me cause the water was stirred up and you couldn't read it.

I am somewhat new to Sarasota boating. Which inlet is "safest" if you want to go outside ? If one were to cruise up the bay from Nokomis, and want to return via the gulf, which inlet is easiest to navigate?

Long Boat.

Got it,,,, Thanks

I went out of New Pass 3 times over Christmas vacation. I was on a 27' cc and never seen more than 3-4' at the shallowest spot. I think it would be extremely sketchy with a 6' draft. We always go idle speed over the bar.

Venice is closest to Nokomis and a very easy inlet. We’ll be there Tuesday and Thursday.

This is is a little shakedown cruise before we take the boat to Racine, WI in April or May. Decided to run outside to Clearwater after a stop in Fort Myers and Cabbage Key. We’ll come back via the ICW to Venice and back outside again as we work our way back to Stuart. Wanted to take them to Star Fish Company for lunch. That’s why I was asking. Decided it would be better on the way back.

Ended up taking the old gal through Longboat Pass this afternoon after running the ICW from Venice to Star Fish Company in Cortez where we had lunch.

Decided to forgo Clearwater and ran outside back to Venice to beat these storms. Been a fun trip, even though most of it has been on the port engine only. Starboard transmission sprung a leak, so I locked the shaft and kept on trucking. Will address it when we get back to Stuart on Sunday.