Everglades/Lostmans in a 20CC?

[SRQGator]

Call me crazy. I've been as far south as Darwin's in a Gheenoe and kayak. Would like to check out Lostman's this trip. If anyone knows, I'm assuming the depths, channels, cuts, bars, etc in the middle bays are similar to the north end? I'll have a 14' push pole on board to help in the tight spots. Of course, tides will be critical.

Ashamedly, I don't even know the draft of my boat. 89' 20CC with t-top, 150 Ocean Pro, standard trim/tilt. Anyone care make a ballpark estimate? I'm gonna guess I'm floating at about 20"?

I'm considering hauling a kayak or two. I understand they'll take up most of the deck space, but they can also be towed for part of the trip. Maybe just one kayak would not be so bad.

Also to consider, my buddy will have his flats boat so it's not like we'll be s.o.l. if the 20 ends up being difficult to fish from. We may end up beach camping anyway. The kids can make runs in the flats boat. I'll fish what I can from the Seacraft. It can hold more beer and alcohol than a flats boat.

Thoughts?

[DonV]

Check out Florida Marine Tracks!! Seems to be the latest and greatest for navigating new places. This thread has some good info.

http://mbgforum.com/topic/8473-i-wan...-would-you-do/

[SRQGator]

Thanks Don.

[kjsea]

Did you take your trip yet? I got the same crazy idea.

[cdavisdb]

Just returned from a week, Goodland to Flamingo and back. Its a good trip. Most of the shoreline has retreated several hundred feet and its deeper than charted. Shark river is plenty deep enough, pretty much as charted. Oyster bay seems to be as charted, plenty of water for a 3 ft draft. I inquired in Flamingo about doing Whitewater Bay to Shark River. Everybody I talked to seem to think that was no problem. Note: the canal to Whitewater is closed at Flamingo, boat ramp on either side, but you can't go through. Plenty of water getting into Lake Ingram from the north, did not proceed far into the lake because the SE wind was screaming. Lots of crocodiles on Cape Romano. Be careful with the tidal range in the 10,000 islands. Its more than you think and wind affects it a lot. I goofed once and ended up high and dry at low tide.

[Rybones]

Thanks for the info, I have been wanting to do the whitewater trail to flamingo and was unsure of depths for my 20. I'm thinking you did that rip in some bad weather and high winds..? I live in Naples and it hasn't been the best of weeks. Also very surprised to hear about crocs at cape Romano. You sure cape Romano and not cape sable? We spend a lot of time in the Romano are and haven't seen one. We camp on the shell islands in he gulf. Came back that way from Goodland on Sunday. I've seen them down at flamingo.

[cdavisdb]

opps,I do mean Cape Sable. They were thick in Middle Cape, some huge ones, only saw a few tracks at North Cape. Weather did not allow a visit to South Cape.

Yeah, weather was iffy part of the time. Seemed like it was blowing in my face no matter what direction I was going. Nothing that would bother a 25 Seafari, but not exactly calm. Squall one night that I was glad I was in a protected spot.

There are plenty of camping area on nice beaches at North and Middle Cape. Several tents at Middle Cape when I passed by. Bugs were minimal, even at night.

Maybe I should post a trip report.

There is a deep channel that runs in and out of islands on the west side of Whitewater Bay, plenty of water charted for the
Seafari. Plenty of water charted pretty much throughout Whitewater Bay. Local opinion seemed to indicate your draft would be no issue.

[Rybones]

As you know the bugs aren't bad because the rains haven't come yet but when they do, they can be super crazy thick up in that mangrove. I mean like black out a white t shirt thick. Definitely post a detailed report if you would please..with tips, advice and pics.