Florida Gulf Coast Intercoastal

[phwrd]

Spent the week at a beautiful place called Palm Island, Florida. If you live on the island, the only way to get your car home is by car ferry.

This 65 foot ferry moves back and forth into the dark, up until 11 pm.

As an unexperienced boater, i wonder if anyone else would be confused by this large vessel, doing a u-turn in the middle of the channel.

It was lit by one small red/green bow light, one white stern light and 8 cars sitting with their brake lights on.

Where would cautionary information, like the movement of this obstruction be found ?

Thanks.

 

[phwrd]

Re: Florida Gulf Coast Intercoastal

Wondering why I haven't gotten any replies.

Just curious if there is any documentation of things like I previously described . CG alerts, charts or just any local knowledge I can get ?

Don't think my GPS or Depth guage are gonna do me alot of good in that kinda situation


thanks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Florida Gulf Coast Intercoastal

are you speaking of little palm island, in little torch key, Fl? where you catch the ferry at Dolphin Marina? just south of big pine key? i stayed on little torch and fished right by little palm's dock every day. left there the 2nd of sept. watched the Margaret Ann and Woodson go by everyday.

 

[phwrd]

Re: Florida Gulf Coast Intercoastal

This is just south of Sarasota, marine marker 9. Marina on one side, resort island on the other side of the intercoastal.

Really narrow at this point. With this big ole ferry doing round about's in the channel every 15-20 minutes.

Any information on things like this for us newbies ?

Thanks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Florida Gulf Coast Intercoastal

as in any situation, be aware of your surroundings, and all other boat traffic. He is larger than you, has less control, so he has the right of way.