Clearwater to Ft. Myers

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Boca Grande lighthouse from taking the shortcut through the pass

Fishing boats in Boca Grande Pass.
Great tarpon fishing.


Useppa Island 

Averaging 18.5 knots, it was a pleasant 6 3/4 hr, 126nm trip from the Clearwater Harbour City Marina up the Caloosahatchee River to Legacy Marina. A mile or two off the beaches the seas were calm in the lee of the coast. Crossing the entrance to Tampa Bay at Egmont Key the waves were up a bit, owing to the long fetch across the bay.

In our experiences over the past five years cruising on Bay Breeze, the ICW from Boca Grande to Ft Myers has the most rude or novice boaters. Excessive speeds, poor boat handling and heavy traffic make for a stressful segment. But there is one small redeeming aspect; dolphins that have become accustomed to the large wakes and put on a great show!

We met Dan from ABC Fire Equipment to service the automatic engine shut off and fire suppression system. Tomorrow the mechanic that has maintained the engines on AQUAVIT (formerly Mr. Goodbar) will meet us to service the 300hp Caterpillar diesels and the generator. There are differences in cruising aboard this powerboat from sailing. Obviously, speed, noise, and fuel consumption are vastly different.

But there are some more subtle ways we stumble across. Going six knots under power on Bay Breeze, there’s time to read a book in between markers. On AQUAVIT, at 20 knots, you are upon the marker in a blink and frantically searching for the next aid to navigation.

Limited capacity of water and wastewater tanks limits staying on the hook as much as we would prefer. While we’ve added more 12v DC capacity, the boat is more adapted to plugging in to shorepower at a marina. But, this boat is well made and comfortable for the two of us. We’re pleased with our decision to get a Tiara for this trip. By the time we are at the journey’s end, we might be comfortable with the systems and features and less intimidated by the deep rumble of 600 horses beneath the helm.

5.03.2018
Sunset at Legacy Marina


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