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Author Topic:   St. Johns River Cruising Info

kmev posted 09-21-2011 10:04 PM ET (US)
I'm planning a cruise on the St. Johns River from Mayport to Sanford in mid-October. I checked out the local cruising charts on the shelf at the Jacksonville West Marine, but wasn't too impressed with any of them.
I ordered Kevin McCarthy's St. Johns River Guidebook. I don't expect too much navigational information here, but rather local history.
I do have a Garmin 440s chartplotter aboard, but that doesn't spell out no-wake zones, speed limits, etc. It's often inaccurate for inland waterways, too.
Is there a recommended navigational guide that I should get other than NOAA charts? Are no wake zones and speed limits readily posted? Is this early enough that I don't have to worry about Manatees? Anything I may be missing?
The plan is to take a leisurely, several-day trip upbound to Sandford (perhaps further?), and then make the trip back to Mayport in one day. I am hoping an inordinate number or no-wake zones does not preclude that plan.
Keith
Mambo Minnow posted 09-21-2011 10:46 PM ET (US)
I can not recommend a guidebook. However, boated the river extensively from Mayport to Lake George. Downtown JAX area has a no wake zone. Manatee zones are close to both banks of the river but plenty of room down the channel. River narrows near Palatka but deep. Gets shallower fast after Lake George near Astor. Then you are headed for airboat country. Look up a 2004 edition of now sadly defunct Trailer Boat magazine. They featured your prospective cruise.
phatwhaler posted 09-21-2011 11:25 PM ET (US)
The no wake and manatee zones are pretty well marked, and I doubt you'll see a speed limit posted too many places. The channel is marked well enough for large tug and barges that go to Sanford so I don't think you'll have much problem. I would keep an eye on your gas consumption because a marina you might be relying on for fuel could be closed or out of fuel.
kmev posted 09-22-2011 04:19 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the info. I'm happy to say that with my new Honda I can now travel the entire distance one-way on my 40 gallon tank.
It sounds like it's a pretty straightforward trip. I'm planning to anchor in out-of-the-way places at night and sleep aboard. Do many people do that?
Mambo Minnow posted 09-22-2011 06:12 PM ET (US)
Two good places to anchor overnight are Doctor's Inlet and Black Creek.
Both are half way from Mayport to Palatka and will get you out of the main river which does have some commercial barge traffic.
fishgutz posted 09-22-2011 08:18 PM ET (US)
Mayport to Sanford on 40 gallons of gas. That's would be amazing. It's about 140 miles by car on I95 and I4 and it's a lot straighter on the freeway. By water it will be almost twice that distance. What size boat and motor? Sounds like a fun trip, though. I agree with Mambo. Doctor's lake and Black Creek would be great places to "camp out". The bay at Governor's Creek would be a nice quiet stop too. There is a public dock with nice overnight slips at Spring Park in Green Cove with walking distance to a few restaurants. Keep in touch about your trip. I'll buy you a drink (or two) or we could sit on the pier and have a couple beers. I'm on the west side of the river between Black Creek and Governor's Creek.
kmev posted 09-22-2011 09:16 PM ET (US)
The boat is a smooth-side 21 Outrage with a new Honda 150. During the first 27 hours I've averaged 5.5 mpg. From everything I've seen, I gather its 160 to 180 miles via water. That wouldn't leave much of a reserve, but it would be possible. I do plan to fuel more often.
It looks like the trip will be pushed back to the week before Christmas. If the weather that week is going to be below normal temps it will be pushed back further until it warms up.
Mambo Minnow posted 09-23-2011 08:23 AM ET (US)
The last two winters were colder than average. I had some very cold Boy Scout campouts...ask me how I know! We had snow flurries in the air at Christmas if you can believe it.
However, nothing compared to what Fishgutz and I saw growing up in the North! I frequently boat into the holiday season since I have a cabin boat. Northeast FL has seasons that are detectable compared to more southerly parts of the state.
The nicest months are September/October and April/May. You escape the worst of the humidity and the bugs in these times.
Gas - You can get Valvtect ethanol free at the marinas and fish camps off Doctor's Lake. You then have a long run to Palatka before you might see a marina pump again until Astor/Sanford area.
fishgutz posted 09-23-2011 09:48 AM ET (US)
Ok, about half way between Lake George and Sanford is Orange City and Hontoon Island State park (gas stop) and Blue Springs STATE park (great swimming). You could easily spend a day or two exploring this area. Blue Springs is beautiful and has a cool history. Short walk and an easy float with a fun noodle from the spring to the river. Might even want a mask and snorkel.
Oops wait, I think swimming might not be allowed in December. It is a warm spot for manatees. No Swimming and NO WAKE!!!
Lets see how this works: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=orange+city+fl&hl=en&ll=28.954982,-81. 3517&spn=0.086818,0.117588&t=h&z=13&vpsrc=6
kmev posted 09-23-2011 11:02 AM ET (US)
I'm from Wisconsin, so as long as the December temps are close to average - 73 high, 48 low - it's like summer for me. I will be driving down the weekend before Xmass for a couple weeks. If the forecast is going to be really cold I'll just leave the boat in Wisconsin.
I'm not too keen on December for a few reasons - colder temps, short days, and more manatees. One of the goals is to dive the springs, so if they close them off completely in the winter that's one more reason to put it off until spring.
I'll be back down for a few weeks in May, but I have a much busier schedule then and getting away for a week is more difficult.
Thank you for the info on fuel and anchoring. I ordered a chartbook for the river, so I'll mark those areas out and get a general feel for where everything is located.
fishgutz posted 09-23-2011 12:16 PM ET (US)
I'm a Wisconsin transplant. Lived in Milwaukee my whole life until just over 4 years ago. Moved here and love the weather, the water and all the summerlike recreation. I live on/in
Fleming Island now as does Mambo Minnow. http://maps.google.com/maps?q=fleming+island+fl&hl=en&ll=30.092861,-81. 718712&spn=0.171693,0.308647&sll=37.926868,-95.712891&sspn=38.104367,79. 013672&vpsrc=6&t=h&z=12
If you come in winter you may want to try swimming with the manatees in the only legal place you can do it, Crystal River FL. We've gone with Bird's Underwater on 2 unbelievably great trips. No scuba allowed. It scares the manatees. Usually only in 4-5 feet of water anyway.
fishgutz posted 09-23-2011 12:20 PM ET (US)
Some info about Blue Springs state park: http://www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/activities.cfm#37
Scroll down to SCUBA, Snorkeling and Swimming. Can't swim Nov.15 to Mar.1.
kmev posted 09-28-2011 12:53 AM ET (US)
I'm from Madison, and although I'm too young to be a snow bird I'm trying to make the best of it.
I've rented pontoons for the Manatee thing over in Crystal River. To be honest - I don't care for Manatees. I grew up on a dairy farm, but swimming with underwater cows just isn't for me.
It looks like I may do the week before Thanksgiving. Everyone else is bailing so it may be solo trip. I would be happy to hook up with whoever is around. If the weather is cooperative I would even be up for a Bahamas trip if there is anyone going that week.
Draftsmanswife posted 10-04-2011 02:42 PM ET (US)
Lake George to Sanford are my stomping grounds! All the marina's south of St. Rd. 44 are ethnol free. There isn't much between Lake G and the bridge, but after that, there are several marina's who have hotel rooms and restaurants. Feel free to email me for more information. And maybe we'll see you on the river. My 13' is at Holly Bluff Marina. Happy Whalering!
Janis
TommyWhaler posted 10-08-2011 06:58 AM ET (US)
Well kmev, you said "I don't care for Manatees. I grew up on a dairy farm, but swimming with underwater cows just isn't for me". Many of us who have been boating on the St. Johns for the past 30 years don't dislike them, but we aren't too fond of the increasing "no wake" zones as a result of them. Every year, they add another stretch. Pretty soon it will be no wake from J'ville to Sanford. Beautiful river though, enjoy your trip.
kmev posted 10-26-2011 10:31 PM ET (US)
As long as the weather is seasonal and reasonable I will be launching from Mayport the evening of November 20th and working my way upriver to at least Palatka (and hopefully Sanford).
Two weeks ago I took a driving trip to Palatka. I had no idea one could pull that many shrimp from the river as far inland as Palatka. Hopefully there are a few still running when I launch. I also hope to find some blue crab and flounder along the way.
I did purchase Tom Krantz's cruising guide to the St. Johns. Its a bit dated, but has provided a lot of good info and has been been quite usefull in planning the trip.
My plan is to anchor the first night somewhere between Blount Island and Mayport in one of the tidal creeks. The rest of the trip will be played by ear. Let me know if you're in the area. Otherwise, keep an eye out for a smooth-sided 21 Outrage named Dawn Treader.
WT posted 10-26-2011 11:15 PM ET (US)
I don't know if this is of interest to you. Navionic for my PC is pretty helpful for planning out routes at your desk.
Here are some examples. (You can zoom in a lot closer too.)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Maps/Mayport.gif
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Maps/Mayport1.gif
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Maps/Mayport2.gif
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Maps/mayport3.gif
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Maps/mayport4.gif
I think the program is about $50 and covers the USA.
Have a great trip.
Warren
WT posted 10-26-2011 11:36 PM ET (US)
Wow, I just mapped the route from Mayport ramp to Sanford ramp. 160 miles one way, looks like a interesting route too.
Take lots of pictures.
Warren

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Author	Topic: St. Johns River Cruising Info
kmev	posted 09-21-2011 10:04 PM ET (US) I'm planning a cruise on the St. Johns River from Mayport to Sanford in mid-October. I checked out the local cruising charts on the shelf at the Jacksonville West Marine, but wasn't too impressed with any of them. I ordered Kevin McCarthy's St. Johns River Guidebook. I don't expect too much navigational information here, but rather local history. I do have a Garmin 440s chartplotter aboard, but that doesn't spell out no-wake zones, speed limits, etc. It's often inaccurate for inland waterways, too. Is there a recommended navigational guide that I should get other than NOAA charts? Are no wake zones and speed limits readily posted? Is this early enough that I don't have to worry about Manatees? Anything I may be missing? The plan is to take a leisurely, several-day trip upbound to Sandford (perhaps further?), and then make the trip back to Mayport in one day. I am hoping an inordinate number or no-wake zones does not preclude that plan. Keith
Mambo Minnow	posted 09-21-2011 10:46 PM ET (US) I can not recommend a guidebook. However, boated the river extensively from Mayport to Lake George. Downtown JAX area has a no wake zone. Manatee zones are close to both banks of the river but plenty of room down the channel. River narrows near Palatka but deep. Gets shallower fast after Lake George near Astor. Then you are headed for airboat country. Look up a 2004 edition of now sadly defunct Trailer Boat magazine. They featured your prospective cruise.
phatwhaler	posted 09-21-2011 11:25 PM ET (US) The no wake and manatee zones are pretty well marked, and I doubt you'll see a speed limit posted too many places. The channel is marked well enough for large tug and barges that go to Sanford so I don't think you'll have much problem. I would keep an eye on your gas consumption because a marina you might be relying on for fuel could be closed or out of fuel.
kmev	posted 09-22-2011 04:19 PM ET (US) Thanks for the info. I'm happy to say that with my new Honda I can now travel the entire distance one-way on my 40 gallon tank. It sounds like it's a pretty straightforward trip. I'm planning to anchor in out-of-the-way places at night and sleep aboard. Do many people do that?
Mambo Minnow	posted 09-22-2011 06:12 PM ET (US) Two good places to anchor overnight are Doctor's Inlet and Black Creek. Both are half way from Mayport to Palatka and will get you out of the main river which does have some commercial barge traffic.
fishgutz	posted 09-22-2011 08:18 PM ET (US) Mayport to Sanford on 40 gallons of gas. That's would be amazing. It's about 140 miles by car on I95 and I4 and it's a lot straighter on the freeway. By water it will be almost twice that distance. What size boat and motor? Sounds like a fun trip, though. I agree with Mambo. Doctor's lake and Black Creek would be great places to "camp out". The bay at Governor's Creek would be a nice quiet stop too. There is a public dock with nice overnight slips at Spring Park in Green Cove with walking distance to a few restaurants. Keep in touch about your trip. I'll buy you a drink (or two) or we could sit on the pier and have a couple beers. I'm on the west side of the river between Black Creek and Governor's Creek.
kmev	posted 09-22-2011 09:16 PM ET (US) The boat is a smooth-side 21 Outrage with a new Honda 150. During the first 27 hours I've averaged 5.5 mpg. From everything I've seen, I gather its 160 to 180 miles via water. That wouldn't leave much of a reserve, but it would be possible. I do plan to fuel more often. It looks like the trip will be pushed back to the week before Christmas. If the weather that week is going to be below normal temps it will be pushed back further until it warms up.
Mambo Minnow	posted 09-23-2011 08:23 AM ET (US) The last two winters were colder than average. I had some very cold Boy Scout campouts...ask me how I know! We had snow flurries in the air at Christmas if you can believe it. However, nothing compared to what Fishgutz and I saw growing up in the North! I frequently boat into the holiday season since I have a cabin boat. Northeast FL has seasons that are detectable compared to more southerly parts of the state. The nicest months are September/October and April/May. You escape the worst of the humidity and the bugs in these times. Gas - You can get Valvtect ethanol free at the marinas and fish camps off Doctor's Lake. You then have a long run to Palatka before you might see a marina pump again until Astor/Sanford area.
fishgutz	posted 09-23-2011 09:48 AM ET (US) Ok, about half way between Lake George and Sanford is Orange City and Hontoon Island State park (gas stop) and Blue Springs STATE park (great swimming). You could easily spend a day or two exploring this area. Blue Springs is beautiful and has a cool history. Short walk and an easy float with a fun noodle from the spring to the river. Might even want a mask and snorkel. Oops wait, I think swimming might not be allowed in December. It is a warm spot for manatees. No Swimming and NO WAKE!!! Lets see how this works: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=orange+city+fl&hl=en&ll=28.954982,-81. 3517&spn=0.086818,0.117588&t=h&z=13&vpsrc=6
kmev	posted 09-23-2011 11:02 AM ET (US) I'm from Wisconsin, so as long as the December temps are close to average - 73 high, 48 low - it's like summer for me. I will be driving down the weekend before Xmass for a couple weeks. If the forecast is going to be really cold I'll just leave the boat in Wisconsin. I'm not too keen on December for a few reasons - colder temps, short days, and more manatees. One of the goals is to dive the springs, so if they close them off completely in the winter that's one more reason to put it off until spring. I'll be back down for a few weeks in May, but I have a much busier schedule then and getting away for a week is more difficult. Thank you for the info on fuel and anchoring. I ordered a chartbook for the river, so I'll mark those areas out and get a general feel for where everything is located.
fishgutz	posted 09-23-2011 12:16 PM ET (US) I'm a Wisconsin transplant. Lived in Milwaukee my whole life until just over 4 years ago. Moved here and love the weather, the water and all the summerlike recreation. I live on/in Fleming Island now as does Mambo Minnow. http://maps.google.com/maps?q=fleming+island+fl&hl=en&ll=30.092861,-81. 718712&spn=0.171693,0.308647&sll=37.926868,-95.712891&sspn=38.104367,79. 013672&vpsrc=6&t=h&z=12 If you come in winter you may want to try swimming with the manatees in the only legal place you can do it, Crystal River FL. We've gone with Bird's Underwater on 2 unbelievably great trips. No scuba allowed. It scares the manatees. Usually only in 4-5 feet of water anyway.
fishgutz	posted 09-23-2011 12:20 PM ET (US) Some info about Blue Springs state park: http://www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/activities.cfm#37 Scroll down to SCUBA, Snorkeling and Swimming. Can't swim Nov.15 to Mar.1.
kmev	posted 09-28-2011 12:53 AM ET (US) I'm from Madison, and although I'm too young to be a snow bird I'm trying to make the best of it. I've rented pontoons for the Manatee thing over in Crystal River. To be honest - I don't care for Manatees. I grew up on a dairy farm, but swimming with underwater cows just isn't for me. It looks like I may do the week before Thanksgiving. Everyone else is bailing so it may be solo trip. I would be happy to hook up with whoever is around. If the weather is cooperative I would even be up for a Bahamas trip if there is anyone going that week.
Draftsmanswife	posted 10-04-2011 02:42 PM ET (US) Lake George to Sanford are my stomping grounds! All the marina's south of St. Rd. 44 are ethnol free. There isn't much between Lake G and the bridge, but after that, there are several marina's who have hotel rooms and restaurants. Feel free to email me for more information. And maybe we'll see you on the river. My 13' is at Holly Bluff Marina. Happy Whalering! Janis
TommyWhaler	posted 10-08-2011 06:58 AM ET (US) Well kmev, you said "I don't care for Manatees. I grew up on a dairy farm, but swimming with underwater cows just isn't for me". Many of us who have been boating on the St. Johns for the past 30 years don't dislike them, but we aren't too fond of the increasing "no wake" zones as a result of them. Every year, they add another stretch. Pretty soon it will be no wake from J'ville to Sanford. Beautiful river though, enjoy your trip.
kmev	posted 10-26-2011 10:31 PM ET (US) As long as the weather is seasonal and reasonable I will be launching from Mayport the evening of November 20th and working my way upriver to at least Palatka (and hopefully Sanford). Two weeks ago I took a driving trip to Palatka. I had no idea one could pull that many shrimp from the river as far inland as Palatka. Hopefully there are a few still running when I launch. I also hope to find some blue crab and flounder along the way. I did purchase Tom Krantz's cruising guide to the St. Johns. Its a bit dated, but has provided a lot of good info and has been been quite usefull in planning the trip. My plan is to anchor the first night somewhere between Blount Island and Mayport in one of the tidal creeks. The rest of the trip will be played by ear. Let me know if you're in the area. Otherwise, keep an eye out for a smooth-sided 21 Outrage named Dawn Treader.
WT	posted 10-26-2011 11:15 PM ET (US) I don't know if this is of interest to you. Navionic for my PC is pretty helpful for planning out routes at your desk. Here are some examples. (You can zoom in a lot closer too.) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Maps/Mayport.gif http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Maps/Mayport1.gif http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Maps/Mayport2.gif http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Maps/mayport3.gif http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Maps/mayport4.gif I think the program is about $50 and covers the USA. Have a great trip. Warren
WT	posted 10-26-2011 11:36 PM ET (US) Wow, I just mapped the route from Mayport ramp to Sanford ramp. 160 miles one way, looks like a interesting route too. Take lots of pictures. Warren