ICW Boat Trip - NY to Florida Ep26 - Lake Okeechobee
Our intracoastal waterway trip finally takes us to “Lake O” through the center of Florida. We are nearing the finish line for this eastern loop trip and take the shortcut through the St Lucie canal that shaves a couple hundred miles off our trip (avoiding the Florida Keys) as we make our way from New York to Fort Myers/Cape Coral area via the Caloosahatchee river. We have to go through a couple locks on this day from Stuart to More Haven (St Lucie lock and Mayaka lock) as we prepare for the lake crossing and finding a safe anchorage as we await the lock opening at Morehaven lock.
Follow Captain Tom and Admiral Brigitt as we travel the 1700+ miles from NY to Florida on our motor yacht “Happy Ours”, a 2006 Meridian Sport Bridge.
Filmed in July 2022.
Get 10% off boating supplies at Boat Gear USA! Use promo code HAPPYOURS @ boatgearusa.com/?bg_ref=yCAHP...
Пікірлер: 111
Great video. As a south florida boater who makes this voyage frequently.... 3 things to remember. ALWAYS check the lake depth before departure. Lake Okee runs 10-12 feet on average. The larger your craft the more import this becomes. I have a 63' with a 5 foot draft. Absolutely zero room for error. If you run a larger craft the slower the better not to push your stern/props further down. Second thing to remember is to wear your life vests in the locks. Lock Masters have zero tolerance for missing this requirement. Last is to check the weather on the lake. High winds and /or rain squalls can be dangerous on the lake (pushing you off the sometimes narrow channel). Safe sailing everyone.
Refreshing to watch a cruising video without overdubbed music. Love the real sounds.
I haven't taken a boat through the Okeechobee Canal in twenty years. Your video brought it all back! Thanks!
I’ve been a sail powered sailor for many yrs, but there is just something very peaceful and calming watching your videos which i have enjoyed.
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
I’m hoping to get some real sailing experience soon. Being able to travel without using fuel is quite rewarding in itself.
@scotthall3816
5 ай бұрын
I agree 👍💯 very nice and peaceful ☺️ very wonderful 👍 I injoy the traveling also but for sure 😁 the videos are very calming.
I wish you'd do another canal trip like this. I enjoy seeing all the sights on your journey!
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
9 ай бұрын
We will soon be returning to the east coast. Stick around!
You probably won’t see this comment as you posted your video over a year ago but, just in case I am certified by the Royal Navy, to Captain twin engine pleasure craft up to 52 feet long. It was so nice to watch your video that showed that you knew what you were doing but, were still cautious regarding not only your selves, but also other boaters
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Ай бұрын
Of course I see your comment! I try to read every single one. Thanks so much!
Just did the trip through the Caloosahatchee Waterway for the hundredth time and it never gets old!
I did this trip in the ‘80 on a ‘68 hull #4 a 42’ Grand Banks from Essex to Marco thanks for the awesome post! It brought me back. I’ve actually done Lake O a few times and even at night once, only once
That was a beautiful cruise up the canals and across the lake. I enjoyed every minute of it.
Maybe my favorite episode Captain! I was laughing out loud when you basically told Admiral Brigitt that her rank gives her top brass delegator authority over you. My other favorite comment, " they could care less if you fall in the river". 😂🤣
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
Lol thanks!
@ericautry4788
Жыл бұрын
Admiral looks better than captain!!!!Just kidding I love your video's!!!!
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
I would hope she would!
Admiral is equivalent to a four star General. I love your videos. Both of you are great personalities and beautiful souls.
i took a 50 ft ocean yacht sport fisher to trumps castle New Jersey from fort myers florida
Tyvm, I live here and have never seen the lake
Lucky man nice boat beautiful fun old lady. Enjoy ur life friend.
Found your series fascinating and your narration excellent!
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for tagging along!
Had my 100 ton license back in the 80’s went through the canals you talk about along with the Panama Canal 4 times just a beautiful ride and I enjoy the calmness in your videos looks like you both found the right partner kudos
One of the coolest videos I’ve ever seen on here.gr8 job guys
VERY NICE ! GREAT TRIP AND EXPERIENCE ! REGARDS,
did the ICW heading north on my brothers Mainship 40 trawler. All the same marinas different prices per' some had swimming pools, usually a car to shop and go out to dinner. Into the Chesapeake Sunday morning we were the only boat moving in Norfolk. Fantastic time and this was only the start of this vessels voyages..
Great informative job on the videos…she us Laugh….! No need to look for gloves that fit, 🤣😂. My brother lived in Morehaven. Enjoy Every Day!
Love the videos. I’ve been sick in bed with Covid and watching them helped a lot.
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
Best of luck and Feel better! Thanks for watching. Glad your enjoying them.
Thanks for sharing. Hopefully will be taking the same trip
Hands down one of the best videos you guys made .Really enjoyed this trip cannot wait to see the second half when you guys arrive in Cape Coral
Bonito. Video.
Not Lake George NY but the next best thing. The ride from stuart to okeechobee is awesome by car too.
I really hope to do the same trip some day. New York to FL
Great video!!!
Another great cruise day.
Very interesting video!
Really loving all your videos. 👍 Fly over your head many times looking down from my office in the nose of a B757😎
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
Cool!
That was great ! I never knew you could hop across the state threw locks ! Good to know for when I get my boat in about a thousand years lol. Anyways, thanks guys I enjoyed the vid !!
I am surprised at a 14 ft drop in FL
Nice trip, hope to do it someday with my toy :)
You passed my house! I’m between the cut from 5:29 and 5:30, drive down this canal daily with my boat for fishing 😂😮
What I would give to do a trip like that! I lived in the panhandle while serving in the Air Force 20 years ago. My wife and I play around with the idea of moving back down there. I love Kentucky but Florida weather spoiled me. Love the video’s!
@6:45 those are the Archimedes screws to lift water. So that farmers can water their crops period you are correct
Always makes my day when I see a new upload from Happy Ours! Perhaps the next big adventure you take the Mississippi up to the Great Lakes and back into NY??? 😊
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
Always best to go down that river!
Hey Tommy… another great video! We just did our first overnight in our boat down in Boca Grande. Beautiful weather for the whole excursion. You mentioned one of your engines not behaving. We had a similar issue where it ran fine but would not plane all of the sudden. Turned out to be an obstruction in the fuel filter that got stirred up somehow. Once we get more comfortable with the boat and all of the aspects of cruising, we may plan a trip East across the “Big O” and head over to Stuart. Keep the awesome videos coming!
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! I’m hoping we figured out the rpm issue but haven’t had a chance to take her for a new test run. Hopefully later this week. Good luck in your travels!
I was wondering how the hell you got to western Florida!!!! I couldn’t find this episode. Thanks
It's been cold windy lousy weather lately around Cape Coral area......be well.
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
Sure has. I’m freezing! I must have lost my northern blood already. Lol
@MegaBait1616
Жыл бұрын
@@AdventuresofHappyOurs , I'm over where the hurricane hit Florida.. Only reason I can get internet is I've got a booster on my phone 📱.. Later this week should Warm back up.. Have a healthy Happy New Years..
On the east side of Lake Okeechobee it’s the St. Lucie River and on the west side it’s the Calusahachie River.
You know when it's a good trip, when a girl has her feet on the dash.
If haven’t been to the keys have to head there. Key west is a blast. Nice to have the cut across but you should visit the keys great boating area.
@admiralbrigitt
Жыл бұрын
We are looking forward to making that trip!
👍🎣⛵💯
I’m dreading the day I cross that lake, those rocks out there pretty scary
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
Just stay in the channels you’ll be fine
Salboaters beware of low clearance locations on this route. There is a youtuber called Southern Star who has some good info.
@Mad1Mike
Жыл бұрын
Totally get that. All good info!
@jeffhallel8211
Жыл бұрын
@@Mad1Mike The Port Myaca railway lift bridge is the sketchiest I have ever seen. Did you know that the capacity of Lake Okeechobee is over 1 trillion gallons? Thanks for your video, it is wonderful, the real Florida.
@dianecrowther581
Жыл бұрын
Lake pretty deep right now 12/22.
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
That’s good for Florida!
One day I will do that trip. I moved here in 1990 and my friend at the time did this every year. On big sailboats now, the Keys and Bahamas are great, but on charter boats. A smaller boat to do this trip would be a blast! I bet it got a bit cold, but no bugs. The best time to do this? Have you done it before?
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
We travelled down in July. Great time of year for it.
The boat will run much better in fresh water than salt
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
Less corrosion in fresh water for sure but mechanically should run the same.
Miss the review of your trip spreadsheet at the end of the video
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
I will be doing a full trip recap video where we analyze the spreadsheet in depth.
@ryd_513
Жыл бұрын
@@AdventuresofHappyOurs that’s gonna be great. Thanks.
Happy New Years 🎉
Very quiet not many boats
Do they Charge for the Lock down there? and we know well about the Hudson as we kept a Boat at Stony Point and would travel always east going into the Sound or Atlantic to visit friends.
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
No charge for the locks!
Not sure your set up,. But seem to me 4K rpm a 20 MPH is way to many rpms especially a dual engine set up I assume u r running Big Block 454 that should pull a higher pitch no problem My boat at 4K going 34 mph LOL..
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
It’s a small block and 4k is a common for 20mph on this boat. My problem is I should be able to get 4800 at like 27mph. But she’s an big old girl.
What was minimum water depth?
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
We didn’t see anything I. The channels less than 6 feet.
Is there a charge to go through a lock?
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
No charge!
That 35 footer can really pick up her skirt and hussle.
Is there any trips u can hire a trip
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
What do you mean?
Is that a 341?
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
Yes sir. 2006
@jhanick
Жыл бұрын
@@AdventuresofHappyOurs I had a 2006 368. Lost it in a fire. Was a good boat.
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
Omg that’s horrible. Sorry to hear that.
Tom it’s episode 25 not 26.
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
It’s 26. One was accidentally deleted so I reposted it so they appear out of order but they are there. Here is episode 25 ICW Boat Trip -NY to Florida ep25 - St. Lucie/Stuart kzread.info/dash/bejne/eYRs2Jmuetq8Y5s.html
Must be nice to be rich
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
Far from it. Work hard, work smart, live within your means and save as much as you can for retirement. I started as a blue collar union worker.
i have dont the trip 4 times now.. I have been to bimini... one trip .. KEY west.. one trip... NORTH CAROLINA one trip... Miami one trip
i live in fort myers @ the fort myers yacht basin...
i got lost right there 20 years ago
do not take the narrow morehaven canal??? man it has been years.. but some kids said go that way... little narrow canal... full of weeds
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
Seemed fine to us. Or maybe there was another section?
We can't get boats to go the speed limit in NY. What makes you think we can get you to wear a life vest?
Over 3850 rpm ?????? Omg poor boat
17:22 this poles is for ship comersiale ships to lean in to for waiting area !!!! Not for small boats like yours😂😂😂
Did you notice a yacht moored on the south side of the St Lucy canal after you passed thru the St Lucy lock, named HONEY FITZ? That was JFKs personal yacht.
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
I don’t recall but I’ll look at video again to see if I caught it.
i have 34 ft searay sundancer
you should know , you cannot tie up to fender systems,,,
@AdventuresofHappyOurs
Жыл бұрын
I can find no regulations, nor signs specifically restricting it. the lock master said nothing to us about it in the morning. Considering the lock was closed and we left on first opening, I see no harm in it. many locks we have been through permit tie ups along the walls immediately outside the spillways.