On Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:15:24 GMT, "Janet O'Leary"
wrote:

The boat would be coming from Tampa. Heading toward Ft Lauderdale..
So, if she can't get through the canal [ not enough depth ] or the mast is
too high ..

Then she must be sailed all the way to Key West? And then around, and up?
Is that correct? How far is that?

Are there harbors along the way?

Is it better to go outside, then down to Key West?

Don't have any charts as yet.

By way of qualification, I live in the Ft Myers area, approximately
halfway between Tampa and the Keys. Your limiting factor for the
Okeechobee Waterway will be mast height, roughly 49 ft unless you heel
the boat. Your other choice is to go through the Keys - either at
Marathon which should be doable, or all the way around Key West.
Going around Key West adds about 100 miles vs Marathon/Moser Channel.
The Okeechobee Waterway saves about 250 miles and is protected water
the entire distance. The outside run from Tampa can be rough in a
winter nor'wester, pick your days and route carefully. Coming south
from Tampa there are overnight options at Venice, Boca Grande, Sanibel
Island, Ft Myers Beach, Naples and Marco Island. If the tide is
right you can get in behind the islands near Everglades City or anchor
at Little Shark River in the Everglades. If the wind is out of the
east, and it frequently is in the winter, you can anchor north of
Middle Cape Sable for the night.

Charts are available on the web he

http://demo.geogarage.com/noaa/

In addition to charts you will want to pick up a "Southern Waterway
Guide" - it has lots of good information:

http://www.waterwayguide.com/edition...=southern_2009


You really need to have some experienced help for the trip. While
not extremely difficult, it is not a complete cake walk either,
especially in the winter time. It would be money well spent to hire
a licensed delivery captain for your first big adventure. They will
have the knowledge and experience to stay out of trouble, and the
ability to deal with problems if they do arise. Just my 2 cents
worth.