Wayne,
Sorry for the last post it should have read....As I remember...Longboat
Pass was good for 6'. If turning south on the ICW just past marker #40 and
then turning back to the west there is a very good anchorage. You can drop
the hook in 12' of water or tie up at the dock and have lunch or dinner.
Heading further south between markers #39-#38 it shoals to around 5' you
will have to play the tides there. Further down the stream and across
Sarasota bay you should'nt have any problem. If you need fuel, water ect.
or want a break you can pull into Marina Jacks turning north east just
past marker #10. The channel is well marked. If you want to spend a bit
more time, you can take a trolly ride from the marina to St.Armands key,
lots of shops restrants ect. also there is a West Marine close by. Hope
this is of some help.
Bill,