Longboat Key marina and pass

[mcomte]

We are moving our sailboat from Palm Beach to Longboat Key Marina, we draw 6'10'', but I say 7' when loaded. According to charts, 7' will be problematic.Anyone have knowledge, experience in that area?
Thank you.

[denverd0n]

7' will be problematic. In fact, anywhere along the west coast, 7' will require close attention to charts and tides, and will still limit where you can go.


I'm sure that's not what you were hoping to hear, but the fact is that there is a lot of shallow water on the west coast. Personally, I would not even consider a boat with greater than 5' of draft, if I were planning to keep and use it long-term on this side of Florida.


Good luck.

[WSMFP]

I would try to find a different Marina like harborage in St. Pete. Much deeper approach.

[mcomte]

Thank you, we only plan on cruising this area for less than a year, then off we go. We are considering Regatta Pointe in Palmetto, any knowledge or experience with that area?
Thank you

[MV Wanderlust]

Originally Posted by mcomte

Thank you, we only plan on cruising this area for less than a year, then off we go. We are considering Regatta Pointe in Palmetto, any knowledge or experience with that area?
Thank you

You might want to call the dockmaster at Regatta Point to confirm the best approach route. However, you should be fine. Stick to the channel markers in the river and you should stay in the 10-14 foot range. Stay within the markers when you turn from the marked channel toward Regatta Point; there is a mound to the south of the marina approach markers that is only about 3' below the surface at low tide. The dockmaster should be able to coach you through which entrance to take into the marina.

[Group9]

Originally Posted by mcomte

We are moving our sailboat from Palm Beach to Longboat Key Marina, we draw 6'10'', but I say 7' when loaded. According to charts, 7' will be problematic.Anyone have knowledge, experience in that area?
Thank you.

You're not going to love boating in west Florida with that much draft. The St. Pete suggestion is a good one.

[Shanachie]

I would seriously rethink your plan. Buy a cruising guide and charts, and you'll see why.

Basically, large chunks of the Intracoastal will be off limits to you because of choke points where the water is less than 7 feet. Even more interesting, these are not always known because the sandy bottom shifts constantly.

Due to inadequate dredging, many passes along the West Coast of Florida have difficulty handling boats with 5-foot drafts, let alone 7. For example, all of the passes in the Sarasota area are unavailable to you.

In sum, many of the most interesting stops along the West Coast won't be reachable by you. There are a few major stops -- Tampa Bay, for example -- where you can go. But you won't be able to get into all of those cozy little bays and harbors nearby.

It's just the wrong boat. Simple as that.