New River Fort Lauderdale
- Thread starter buzzk
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They are on demand and are closed during rush hours. 7:30-9;00 and 4;30-6:00. With 25 feet you'll have to open them all. If you have outriggers or antennas that can squeeze you down, you must lower them or you will get some grief. The Andrews avenue morning guy never failed to say he thought I could clear at low tide as I was going through. I'd say "you buyin' if I can't?" and he'd laugh and say something like "just think you should re-measure one more time.".
Big boat traffic uses Ch 9 for communication, bridge tenders don't mind since they have an interest in who's coming and going. Monitor 9 and 16 and do not be afraid to call for help to other boats or a bridge. The tenders are the best in the business, in my opinion, they really work to make things go smoothly. I think going out in the early morning before they shut down for rush hour is the best strategy, though that's when a lot of the megayachts under tow are moving too. It helps to learn all the nicknames for places that are used for boats to describe where they are. Also be aware the RR bridges close at will. The one downtown has a timer on it if a train is approaching.
We have kept the Hatt up at Marina Bay and Yacht Haven several times, so it's burned into memory at this point. The first trip in a larger boat is an "interesting", to say the least. We got to really enjoy it, with some practice.
George
Hatteras 56MY
Boston Whaler 130 Sport
Big boat traffic uses Ch 9 for communication, bridge tenders don't mind since they have an interest in who's coming and going. Monitor 9 and 16 and do not be afraid to call for help to other boats or a bridge. The tenders are the best in the business, in my opinion, they really work to make things go smoothly. I think going out in the early morning before they shut down for rush hour is the best strategy, though that's when a lot of the megayachts under tow are moving too. It helps to learn all the nicknames for places that are used for boats to describe where they are. Also be aware the RR bridges close at will. The one downtown has a timer on it if a train is approaching.
We have kept the Hatt up at Marina Bay and Yacht Haven several times, so it's burned into memory at this point. The first trip in a larger boat is an "interesting", to say the least. We got to really enjoy it, with some practice.
George
Hatteras 56MY
Boston Whaler 130 Sport
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HA! LMAO Geo, it is indeed an experience the first time. We may wind up there prior to hitting the Bahamas this year as well.
The advice on 9/16 is most appropriate. You will hear some big yachts talking about where they are and unless you are familiar you should call for clarification. Like, what is the "kink"?
The advice on 9/16 is most appropriate. You will hear some big yachts talking about where they are and unless you are familiar you should call for clarification. Like, what is the "kink"?
Not sure Pascal has ever taken a boat up or down the New River. I've taken my Hatt a dozen times at least, plus a lot of pleasure trips on the Whaler. Actually, Capt Bill1 would be the big boat veteren for that stretch.
Dan, The Kink (seldom used term) is right past "The Benihana" in The Wiggles, but before River Reach and The Ducks. I was headed up there once when a Viking lost a gear and made a sharp left right in front of me. Not too far from the 58 Hatt LRC that doocks along there. I was very glad that my Allisons could take a hard fast shift into reverse! I think I posted the whole litany of nicknames in upstream order here some time in the last year or so. Wil be glad to go through it again if needed.
Dan, The Kink (seldom used term) is right past "The Benihana" in The Wiggles, but before River Reach and The Ducks. I was headed up there once when a Viking lost a gear and made a sharp left right in front of me. Not too far from the 58 Hatt LRC that doocks along there. I was very glad that my Allisons could take a hard fast shift into reverse! I think I posted the whole litany of nicknames in upstream order here some time in the last year or so. Wil be glad to go through it again if needed.
Capt. Bill1
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Thanks George.
Basically just follow what George has said.
But I might add you should try and time your trip so that the tide is against you but not at full flow so you have more control and are not getting sucked toward the bridges.
I also recommend making a cheat sheet with the nick names and bridge names in order of appearance. That way as you hear the securite calls you can easily relate to where that vessel is in regards to where you are if you are not familiar with the area.
And also as George noted, be prepared for the unexpected. Cause you never now what is going to be around the next bend. Oh, and try not the get in front of the Jungle Queen tour boat. They tend to fly up and down the river and if you get in front of them you may feel a bit "pushed" or hurried.
Here is a great post from yachtforums(dot)com on the New River by a lady captain who knows her stuff:
"Navigating the New River in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
The New River in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is very popular with boats and yachts. There are several boat yards up the river which cater to large yachts as well as many restaurants and entertainment venues.
I thought I’d offer a little information for yacht and boat operators who may not be familiar with navigating the New River. This information is directed mainly towards the boat and yacht owner operators who may not be quite as knowledgeable with the communication between other vessels and bridges as the professional skippers who operate on a daily or near daily basis. I am not going in to detail all the way up the river. I just thought the following information might help make traveling on the New River a little bit safer and more enjoyable for everyone if they were a little familiar with some basics. This is not trying to tell anyone what to do and I take no responsibility in any kind of mishaps or accidents which might occur if following this information. The operator of the vessel must always use their own best judgment.
The river is rather narrow for larger vessels and when the current is moving it makes navigation a bit more challenging. The current does usually run a bit faster on an outgoing tide. On weekends and holidays boat traffic is heavier which adds to the sport.
The tow boats quite often tow 100 foot yachts and larger up and down the New River to and from the yards. Sometimes even yachts in the 140’ range. So you can imagine it can get a bit tight sometimes.
All of the commercial vessels, such as the tour boats, tow boats and fuel barge boats monitor vhf channel 9 as do the bridges. Most larger yachts who know the area monitor channel 9 as well.
I will be referring to the New River going inbound or up river starting at markers 5 and 6. The river is very straight forward from there to marker 11 where you enter what is known as Tarpon Bend where there is the first “S” turn to maker 12. It is customary and appreciated if you are operating a vessel over about 40 feet in length or with more than about a 14 foot beam that you give a security call on vhf channel 9 giving your boat name, location and size as you are entering the river. Your first security call should be given before you approach marker 11 or in other words before you enter Tarpon Bend. Then again once you pass marker 12. I used the boat sizes only as a rule of thumb. If you happen to be quite new to boating and you are running a 30 footer that you tend to get sideways quite often, it would be nice if you gave a call as well. You might keep in mind that an 80 or 100 plus foot yacht can not stop and get out of the way nearly as easy as a 35 footer. Also keep in mind that the vessel that is going with the current has the right of way. As you go up or down the river, the best places to give at least a brief security call is as you approach the turns where you can’t see other boats coming. You will hear boats calling out nicknames as to their locations such as, “The Girls School” or “Little Florida”. These are spots where rather narrow turns are located. If you are new to the area you won’t know these areas by the nicknames. The best bet is to be aware of your location with a chart and listen to the radio and when approaching a turn, give a quick call on channel 9. You will know areas on the chart where US1 goes under the river. This is quite obviously referred to as The Tunnel.
From marker 12 it is a rather easy straight shot for about a quarter mile to the next bend. Please keep in mind when meeting an oncoming vessel, normally it is expected that you will pass port to port which is known as a one whistle pass or each boat keeping to their right. There are times, because of any number of circumstances, where you might pass on the other side or starboard to starboard a two whistle pass. In these cases it is good to make these situations clear between each boat over the radio before you meet.
The first bridge you come to is Third Ave. Bridge. Call the bridge tender on channel 9 if you need the bridge to open for you. The bridges usually have a marker or gauge that indicates its lowest point. If you ask the bridge to open and you don’t need it, the bridge tenders are not happy and it could result in a hefty fine. The next bridge is Andrews Ave. Just after Andrews Bridge there is a train bridge. This is always open unless a train is coming. This train bridge is automatic and no one stands by a radio for it. There is an electric sign that indicates if the bridge is coming down. If it is, you just have to wait. After this train bridge is the Seventh Ave. Bridge, and then on to Davie Blvd. Bridge. After this you will come to the train bridge immediately after the tall I95 bridge. This train bridge does have a bridge tender and stands by channel 9.
Please keep in mind that I gave an indication as to the size of boat that should give a security call. I am not giving any official rules of the road here. You should keep up with that on your own. If you think you are too small it is still a good idea that you listen to channel 9 so you know if a big boat is on its way toward you and you can take appropriate action."
I also have a very good article on file titled "Local Knowledge of the New River" by a tow boat captain. It's in a PDF so if you would like it I could Email it to you?
Basically just follow what George has said.
But I might add you should try and time your trip so that the tide is against you but not at full flow so you have more control and are not getting sucked toward the bridges.
I also recommend making a cheat sheet with the nick names and bridge names in order of appearance. That way as you hear the securite calls you can easily relate to where that vessel is in regards to where you are if you are not familiar with the area.
And also as George noted, be prepared for the unexpected. Cause you never now what is going to be around the next bend. Oh, and try not the get in front of the Jungle Queen tour boat. They tend to fly up and down the river and if you get in front of them you may feel a bit "pushed" or hurried.
Here is a great post from yachtforums(dot)com on the New River by a lady captain who knows her stuff:
"Navigating the New River in Ft. Lauderdale, FL
The New River in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is very popular with boats and yachts. There are several boat yards up the river which cater to large yachts as well as many restaurants and entertainment venues.
I thought I’d offer a little information for yacht and boat operators who may not be familiar with navigating the New River. This information is directed mainly towards the boat and yacht owner operators who may not be quite as knowledgeable with the communication between other vessels and bridges as the professional skippers who operate on a daily or near daily basis. I am not going in to detail all the way up the river. I just thought the following information might help make traveling on the New River a little bit safer and more enjoyable for everyone if they were a little familiar with some basics. This is not trying to tell anyone what to do and I take no responsibility in any kind of mishaps or accidents which might occur if following this information. The operator of the vessel must always use their own best judgment.
The river is rather narrow for larger vessels and when the current is moving it makes navigation a bit more challenging. The current does usually run a bit faster on an outgoing tide. On weekends and holidays boat traffic is heavier which adds to the sport.
The tow boats quite often tow 100 foot yachts and larger up and down the New River to and from the yards. Sometimes even yachts in the 140’ range. So you can imagine it can get a bit tight sometimes.
All of the commercial vessels, such as the tour boats, tow boats and fuel barge boats monitor vhf channel 9 as do the bridges. Most larger yachts who know the area monitor channel 9 as well.
I will be referring to the New River going inbound or up river starting at markers 5 and 6. The river is very straight forward from there to marker 11 where you enter what is known as Tarpon Bend where there is the first “S” turn to maker 12. It is customary and appreciated if you are operating a vessel over about 40 feet in length or with more than about a 14 foot beam that you give a security call on vhf channel 9 giving your boat name, location and size as you are entering the river. Your first security call should be given before you approach marker 11 or in other words before you enter Tarpon Bend. Then again once you pass marker 12. I used the boat sizes only as a rule of thumb. If you happen to be quite new to boating and you are running a 30 footer that you tend to get sideways quite often, it would be nice if you gave a call as well. You might keep in mind that an 80 or 100 plus foot yacht can not stop and get out of the way nearly as easy as a 35 footer. Also keep in mind that the vessel that is going with the current has the right of way. As you go up or down the river, the best places to give at least a brief security call is as you approach the turns where you can’t see other boats coming. You will hear boats calling out nicknames as to their locations such as, “The Girls School” or “Little Florida”. These are spots where rather narrow turns are located. If you are new to the area you won’t know these areas by the nicknames. The best bet is to be aware of your location with a chart and listen to the radio and when approaching a turn, give a quick call on channel 9. You will know areas on the chart where US1 goes under the river. This is quite obviously referred to as The Tunnel.
From marker 12 it is a rather easy straight shot for about a quarter mile to the next bend. Please keep in mind when meeting an oncoming vessel, normally it is expected that you will pass port to port which is known as a one whistle pass or each boat keeping to their right. There are times, because of any number of circumstances, where you might pass on the other side or starboard to starboard a two whistle pass. In these cases it is good to make these situations clear between each boat over the radio before you meet.
The first bridge you come to is Third Ave. Bridge. Call the bridge tender on channel 9 if you need the bridge to open for you. The bridges usually have a marker or gauge that indicates its lowest point. If you ask the bridge to open and you don’t need it, the bridge tenders are not happy and it could result in a hefty fine. The next bridge is Andrews Ave. Just after Andrews Bridge there is a train bridge. This is always open unless a train is coming. This train bridge is automatic and no one stands by a radio for it. There is an electric sign that indicates if the bridge is coming down. If it is, you just have to wait. After this train bridge is the Seventh Ave. Bridge, and then on to Davie Blvd. Bridge. After this you will come to the train bridge immediately after the tall I95 bridge. This train bridge does have a bridge tender and stands by channel 9.
Please keep in mind that I gave an indication as to the size of boat that should give a security call. I am not giving any official rules of the road here. You should keep up with that on your own. If you think you are too small it is still a good idea that you listen to channel 9 so you know if a big boat is on its way toward you and you can take appropriate action."
I also have a very good article on file titled "Local Knowledge of the New River" by a tow boat captain. It's in a PDF so if you would like it I could Email it to you?
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it's indeed Bill's backyard, not mine. i've been up to the city docks just before Andrews Av a few times (best value in transient dockage in so fl) but that's about it. a little tight but not that bad. never had to go further.
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By the way, I might add that a security is a good idea if you are pulling away from the dock in the wee hours or at night. We almost got T-boned by a fast moving upstream bound tour boat that came around the bend just South of the city docks. Why it was moving so fast before dawn and way before the bridges open was beyond me.
Capt. Bill1
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Sounds like the Jungle Queen. 
They move fast for two reasons, they move up and down that river everyday so they know it very well. And they use that speed to their advantage to help them maneuver.
Other than the times Geoge noted, the bridges are manned 24/7.
They move fast for two reasons, they move up and down that river everyday so they know it very well. And they use that speed to their advantage to help them maneuver.
Other than the times Geoge noted, the bridges are manned 24/7.
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Bingo!
He was pushy trying to get around past our transom and I had yet to finish spinning. So I sat there and walked over to the side of the helm and stared at him. He made another move at the transom and I sat there. I put my arms up in the air, and he finally backed off so we had room to spin.
He had complete control and easily held station while we spun and moved around.
Lesson: Keep your eyes open and make the calls on the radio so you (hopefully) know who's coming.
He was pushy trying to get around past our transom and I had yet to finish spinning. So I sat there and walked over to the side of the helm and stared at him. He made another move at the transom and I sat there. I put my arms up in the air, and he finally backed off so we had room to spin.
He had complete control and easily held station while we spun and moved around.
Lesson: Keep your eyes open and make the calls on the radio so you (hopefully) know who's coming.
Capt. Bill1
Active member
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Yeah, they sometimes can act like they own the river. And he was probably ticked that it was early so he was thinking/hoping there would be no traffic to deal with.
That and the fact you didn't make a securite call.
That and the fact you didn't make a securite call.
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Figure 45 minutes to 1 hour. It takes me between 1 hour 45 min to 2 hours to go from my house on the Dania Cutoff Canal thru the crosscut to New River at Marina Mile to Port Everglades depending on incoming or outgoing tide as long as I don’t have to wait for the rail road bridges. I don’t have to wait for the other bridges at 17 feet clearance.
Thanks guys. When I double checked my heights I realized I was thinking wrong. I need 17'- 19' not 25'. My outriggers are 25'. My boats only a 33 Bertram but I have a half tower and radar. I realize I'll have to lower my outriggers which is no problem but it still sounds like a real hassle between the boat traffic and the bridges. I've been looking at a 2nd home in the Citrus Isle area for a couple of years. After looking for a while and now that prices have come down I'm thinking about a condo around SE 15th St. with a boat slip. I've even given thought about leaving my Bertram in NC. Maybe only taking my 24 Carolina skiff down or buying a 23 Regulator and leaving it in dry storage when we're not down there. Leaving it in the slip when we're down. Thanks Buzz
To each his own. I think it is a lot more fun than hassle, but then again, if you are going to be making the trip all the time, say once a week, I could see it getting old pretty quickly, even with 17'. You have good taste in boats, by the way...