Palm Beach to Haulover

D

dfny36

Member
Joined
Sep 26, 2009
RO Number
31729
Messages
14
Hi,

Can anyone estimate how long it would take to cruise the ICW from Palm Beach inlet to Haulover Park (on a Sunday in January)?

As for bridge openings, would be in a 40ft with 14ft clearance, so I know I'll need to wait for some, but not all bridges. But I'm expecting it'll be mostly no-wake-zones that will take the time.

Thanks!
 
Why not try going outside instead of using the ICW..
It's a nice ride down non-stop and there is a Marina as soon as you re-enter the ICW at Haulover..
That area around Haulover at the ICW has a serious issue with wakes
and is STRICTLY enforced by at least two different Dept.LEO.
Just be aware!
The area is Beautiful, clean and with some good areas to anchor out.
Google Florida ICW bridges for opening schedules.
Have Fun and Enjoy!
 
Thanks for chiming in with local knowledge. If the ocean is calm, the outside route will be my first choice. But if the seas kick up even a little, I'll want to go inside - I'll have a little kid on board that won't appreciate getting bounced around.
 
Palm beach to haulover is one long day... 10 hours or so.. bridges aren't a big deal they're all pretty much synch'd. NWZ are the issue... the run down the ICW is VERY nice if you have time

enforcement is a non issue, jsut respect them, if you do, they leave you alone.

no wake issues at Haulover, jsut go slow by the shoal south of the inlet, you have to anyway since it's very shallow. if you go south of haulover, HUG THE GREEN SIDE by the shoal if you draw over 4'...
 
Sundays can be a real beating going down the ICW. Lots of traffic, and although you are in pretty good shape bridge wise, there will be boats clustered at the bridges waiting for openings that you will have to pick you way through even if you clear. As Pascal says, you may as well just keep your speed enough to get to the next opening in time, as it can be a real circus trying to hold position with a group of other waiting boats. Once you get past Boca, you will all done with openings. Here is a handy guide for planning your trip

http://www.aicw.org/bridge.htm

Me, I will avoid ever having to do it in my big boat again at a busy time.

George
Hatteras 56MY
Boston Whaler 130 Sport
 
i usually end up doing that stretch on week ends for some reason and dont' find traffic to be a problem. if there are too many boats waiting for a bridge and i get there a little early i just wait further up and get close when it's time. really not a big deal.
 
Easier said than done, in my experience. People who don't know the timing usually have the "front row seats" already taken, then speed up again and there they are at the next bridge. Then all the clueless small boats that like to come through the middle of the span just as you try to bring the big boat through, and so and so on. It just ain't my idea of fun. It is kind of fun to do, once, in the middle of the week, as a sightseeing exercise. But for me, given the choice, Ft. Pierce to Biscayne Channel is all Atlantic Ocean time.

George
 
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