St. John River in North Florida

[Pete]

How far south can you cruise on the St. John river with a 5 foot draft, without asking for running gear damage? Thanks

Pete

 

[Jaxfishgyd]

Lake George

 

[Pete]

Charlie, thanks for the response. Could you expand a little on the waterways south of Lake George and the conditions that make them unfriendly to running gear? Thanks

Pete

 

[Jaxfishgyd]

I have a 3' 6" draft and have at times bumped bottom in the Lake.
When the water is low (aka, storms) there are time boats South of the Lake cannot even leave their docks if they have a 4' draft. Sanford is as far South as any boat of size can go.
But the ride down to Lake George is a great cruise. Palaka is where the St Johns River really becomes a great ride....

 

[Hat52MY]

The water levels are up and if you stay in the channel (it’s well marked) you can safely travel all the way to Lake Monroe (Sanford, FL). There are several large boats (including mine with a 5' draft) in the area. If by chance you do venture into a shallow area, it’s typically soft mud and will not do any damage. If you need fuel the marinas will allow you to have it delivered. It’s a beautiful trip and full of nature & wildlife. If you do make the trip, you have to make a stop in Palatka and say hello to "Skeeter" the dock master at the Boat House Marina (approach: green marker South of Bridge straight line to Boat House T-Dock). Very nice place to spend a couple of quiet days.