Stuart to Port Charlotte

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Aquaholic101

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May be purchasing a boat (32 Wellcraft)located in Stuart, FL. We are thinking about running her home instead of a transport etc. Appreciate any advice? If you have done it your itinerary time frames etc..

Thanks
 
Depending on how the boat runs and how many fuel stops you need, I believe that you could make that trip thru the Okeechobee waterway in about 2 days. I made the trip from Stuart (Palm City actually) to South Seas on Captiva Island in 2 easy days. I cruise at 18 kts but with locks, no wake zones, canoes, small boats, and community docks, I averaged 12 kts. The trip was 135 nm. It looks like Port Charlotte is about another 30 nm. I usually fuel in Ft Meyers because it is less expensive than Stuart area.
 
The Okee waterway is a very scenic route, but I agree, I would count on two days. The water levels have been good for the last few years, you should make it without issues. However, if needed, there are campgrounds inside the Franklin and St. Lucie locks. I believe they are around $12.00 per boat the last time we did it (cheap). Price includes electricity & water.

Ken
 
Great..I am in no rush the wife and I need the experience, Crusiers.net had some great info as well, including you tube videos thats always helpful. We will take our time stop off at Cabbage Key before making the run up the harbor so I am looking at 3 days or so. Love the advice from everyone keep it coming
 
Check http://cruisersnet.net/ also. We made the trip from Stuart to Ft Myers last month. We stayed in Clewiston where you can re-fuel (they have a tiki bar), very scenic route and not many delays. Be sure you have a good cruising guide as you will have to negotiate four locks and at least one swing bridge. When you arrive Ft Myers, quite a few manatee zones and the channel marker numbering can be confusing the first time. Take time to go over it prior to running through it. You should have a great time. We left Clewiston at 0800 and arrived in Ft Myers at 1500. Keep the PM thunderstorms in mind and keep the closest marina as you transit the area.
 
Also check Active Captain.

If you stop at Clewiston, Roland Martin"s Marina, go to the Clewiston Inn for dinner. They will send a car for you. Food is OK but the old inn is very cool. As is their bar with a wall to wall mural that depicts Florida wildlife.

Indiantown has a cool old inn too.

Rialto Harbor is a neat stop.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Capt. Bill1

Also check Active Captain.
...Rialto Harbor is a neat stop.
Click to expand...

Stayed at Rialto this December and all aboard really enjoyed it!
 
Same here but bring your own food, Rialto Docks are only docks plus beautifully landscaped grounds.
 
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