On to Sebastian River, FL

From Fort Pierce to Sebastian River - July 1, 2016

Miles Today:  29.7 NM
Total Miles:  52.1 NM

We headed out of the Harbour Isle Marina and turned to starboard (right) to join the ICW again.

As you can see, the first thing we encounter is a bridge 65' high that connects downtown Fort Pierce to Hutchinson Island.   We don't have to worry about making it under such a high bridge, but we do have to be watchful for strong currents that can push us into the pilings or into a boat we might meet going in the opposite direction.   Our cruising resources warn us that tidal currents under this bridge can be ‘strong and turbulent.’  On this day we glided through easily and alone.

Clearance boards can be found at the bottom of most bridges.  This one is showing 64’ – the height from the waterline to the highest point under the bridge.  The ‘fence’ is often on either side of the deepest, safest and recommended bridge expanse to use. 

There are also much lower bridges along the ICW.  The next bridge was a bascule or drawbridge with only a 22-24’ clearance, depending on the tides.  Now, we have measured and re-measured the maximum height of Bazinga and we are less than 18’ including the tallest item on the boat - our radar mast.  (We can be fined if we ask a bridge to open when we could have actually made it under if we lower any nonessential equipment (e.g., antennas not used for navigation)). 

So, we should be able to clear this drawbridge no problem, right?  Binoculars are up and focused on the clearance board at the bottom of bridge – currently showing 22 feet.  As we approach we start second guessing our measurements and the thought, “are we really going to get under this?!” keeps going through our minds.

Lookin' pretty low up ahead!

Is that really 4' of clearance?!

We made it with feet to spare! We now know we can get under these lower bridges that are 18 feet or more of clearance, without calling ahead for an opening.  One down, only 100+ to go!

It was beautiful, but still a very hot and humid day, as we cruised the almost 30 miles to Sebastian River Marina.

All alone on the ICW

Million $ homes along Indian River Shores

Some even come with Greek columns and statues

As we approached Sebastian River Marina, we weren't not too proud to let the Dockmaster know we are new to our boat and to docking.  Russ, at the Hinckley Boatyard, told us that even though he’s been boating for 30 years, when he approaches a new marina he’ll say, “Can you send someone down to catch our lines?  I’m a terrible captain and I’m not sure how good I’ll dock this thing!”  lol 

A marina staff is usually understanding and helpful – they want to protect the other boats in their marina! 

Luckily, we had practiced backing in with Capt Chris.  The available slip was a skinny 15’ wide (Bazinga is 13.8’) and had very short ‘finger’ docks.  If we went bow (front) in, the dock isn’t long enough to reach mid-ship and it would be next to impossible to get on and off the boat.

Jim did an amazing job backing up, going forward, backing up, straightening out and slipping between 2 pilings and 2 trawlers without hitting anything.  The marina staff was terrific and patient with their instructions and kind assistance catching our lines.  

Unfortunately, the wind came up and the chop coming off the ICW had us bouncing around all night.

Sebastian River Marina and Boatyard
Waterway Guide, Southern Edition