Stuart, FL - Pirates Cove Marina????

[waymaker]

I am looking at taking the boat to the Stuart area from Fort Myers in March for about a month. I have stayed at the Pirates Cove Resort before. It looked as though they had nice facilities. I docked for a couple of nights with our 24' bay boat that we trailered over there. We would like to take the 46'.
So I am looking for any recommendations from the guys that have experience and local knowledge of the area. I want to try and do some sailfishing or whatever else would be good for that time frame. I have never done it before so any help I can get will be appreciated. I have fished but not that type of fishing. So looking for advice as to where to stay and anything about the fishing that you would be willing share?

Thank you!

 

[DeeRow]

Steve,
Since I don't fish, I'll let others answer those questions. However, check out http://www.stlucieinlet.com/ The inlet was scheduled to be dredged starting in December but the dredge company has had some delays. The plan is to run a pipe down the beach to the south of the inlet. Since the deep water is on the south side of the inlet, I would think that they will have to close the inlet while they dredge. There were some fishing tournament boats (70 footers) that ran aground in December, and many of the contestants ran up the ICW to Ft. Pierce rather than use the St. Lucie inlet. The local guy who fish will have some more local knowledge of the inlet.

Since I just finish a trip thru the Okeechobee waterway, I DO know that you need to stay south of marker 52 which is east of Port Mayaca lock!

Mark

 

[waymaker]

Since I just finish a trip thru the Okeechobee waterway, I DO know that you need to stay south of marker 52 which is east of Port Mayaca lock!


Mark I read about your trip. How was it? Other than the Marker 52 deal.
Any problems with depths? I have been to Clewiston but never on across.

 

[captddis]

The problems from west to east are
1 after the miserable mile follow the magenta line on the chart as the shoal extends out to near the can at the entrance to the river, then follow the ranges.
2 after Moorehaven lock, pay attention and do not turn left into lthe rock filled ditch.
3 At the Clewiston cut into the lake, stay mid channel or favor the red side.At low water they usually put in temporary cans, there are rocks on the south side of the channel.
4 as mentioned #52 after Port Mayaca, It is well marked and always had a arrow sign as well.
5 The junction at Manatee pocket is always shoaling. Go slow and pay attention. Sort out the markers before you get there as well as they can get confusing.

 

[Capt.Erich]

Finest Kind Marina has always treated me well when I have passed through on a delivery.

Finest Kind Marina
3585 SE Saint Lucie Blvd
Stuart, FL 34997
772.223.4110

They are easy to get in and out of and you can see the inlet from there. Sailfish Marina is next door. They are pretty good as well. YOU WILL WANT TO GET LOCAL INFO ABOUT THE INLET.

 

[waymaker]

Finest Kind Marina has always treated me well when I have passed through on a delivery.

Thank you Capt. Erich I have put a call in for the dockmaster.

Thanks

 

[waymaker]

Captddis I appreciate the info. The west side I know pretty well as that is where I am from. But the east side I have heard alot about the St Lucie inlet. I have been in & out of the inlet several times but not in my 46 just my 24 bay boat.
Again Thank you for the info.

 

[captddis]

Steve,
My pleasure. I have the twin to yours. I would love to hear about yours. Maybe we could compare notes sometime. Dave

 

[Calcutta]

I'm looking at moving my boat to a slip with more water. I called Pirates Cove earlier this week...the dockmaster told me that they were booked solid.

I would call around, space is very tight.

 

[waymaker]

I'm looking at moving my boat to a slip with more water. I called Pirates Cove earlier this week...the dockmaster told me that they were booked solid.

I would call around, space is very tight.

Gregg,
Thanks I am calling a few more places now. I will let you know what I find out.

Steve

 

[Chapeaux!]

I had a post all made up. Then I got busy and my page timed out. To make this short, most of the places in Manatee Pocket are booked with waiting lists ('04 storms and places going "Condo"). Try Mariner Cay Marina. The last time I talked with Bruce Unger, the dockmaster, they were full also, but Bruce likes to help fellow boaters out. See what he has to say.

Also, I know that, when I talked with them in December, Northside Marina (now Harborage Yacht Club) had some docks available, both for monthly rental and annual contracts. Seems like they had around a dozen of the longer docks. Check them out at: http://www.harborageyachtclub.com/ Although their website doesn't reflect rentals, if you call the main number, they will point you in the right direction. Not on Manatee Pocket, but, a reasonable run to the inlet...on the inlet side of the Roosevelt Bridge.

I've lived in Stuart for the past six years. During that time, the inlet has been dredged or touched up a lot. I don't recall it being closed for dredging. Don't think it is a probability. It does, however have issues....the marks move seemingly daily. Heavy seas in the inlet can get you on the bottom. It is shoal for the first couple hundred yards west of the jetties and just west of the crossroads. It is a usable inlet, but changes frequently and is subject to shoaling and rough seas. Take care to follow the ever-changing marks. Although she's never been aground in the inlet, Chapeaux! has kicked up some serious sand in flat seas around low tide coming through St. Lucie inlet. It never hurts to give Towboat US a call before running the inlet. they usually spend enough time at the inlet that they know current conditions and are happy to share their knowledge. Fortunately, a very good alternate for rough weather is located about fifteen or so miles to the North at Ft. Pierce.

As far as getting into and out of Manatee Pocket, there is really no problem. It is very strictly "no wake". The marks are pretty straight forward. It is sometimes a little confusing, the first few times through, picking out the ICW marks from the local channel marks. Red right returning, and a chart never hurts the first few times in and out. Outside the St Lucie channel it is very shoal (it dries at low tide) to the North of the entrance to Manatee Pocket...take care not to miss the turn to the East or West as you come out.

If you decide to make Stuart your cruising area for a while, please get in touch. We'd like to have yarn with you.

 

[Calcutta]

Steve,
I just a confirmed slip @ Sailfish Marina right up from Pirates Cove. It was not cheap! 772.283.1122 I spoke to Kay...very helpful.

Chapeaux! It is a bizzare inlet, indeed!
I was in town last weekend. I found out that if you have a south wind 15k or higher, the onshore swell can push your boat all over that tiny inlet between the rocks...very tricky. Heading out of the inlet, there were pairs in channel markers leading up to the mouth, them bam- a single red marker planted in the middle of the mouth of the inlet. ..talk about a mess. As to the depth, I did show 7' at the lowest point.

I cannot wait to see what has changed there this weekend.

 

[waymaker]

Chapeaux
I have put a calll into The Harborage Yacht Club. Just waiting on the return call. I will follow up again tomorrow. Thanks for all the info. There is nothing like getting local knowledge of an area.

Gregg,
I will call Sailfish Marina tomorrow as well. I just need it for 1 month.
What kind of prices are they wanting now?

I am looking forward to meeting some of our forum members. I am not the party type, don't drink. But I tell you I sure like to fish and really like the Hatteras.
Again guys I appreciate the responses to this thread!
Have a good evening!

 

[Calcutta]

Steve,
The rates are up...way up, compared to what I pay in SC. Expect to pay $20 p/ft long-term and upwards of $40 p/ft short term .

Let me know where you end up. I will be in town through March.

Best -

 

[waymaker]

Steve,
The rates are up...way up, compared to what I pay in SC. Expect to pay $20 p/ft long-term and upwards of $40 p/ft short term .

Let me know where you end up. I will be in town through March.

Best -

Good Morning, I spoke with Kay this morning and she did say itwould be 40 at least for right now unless I would stay thru April she would make it 25.
Chapeax told me about Harborage Marina they are in the process of rebuilding however she gave me price of 18 plus electric. They do have slips available she said. But she is hoping to have cable & internet by then not sure though.

Thanks for your help I think I am going to secure that slip. Mariner Cay wasn't sure yet if they would have anything and wanted me to call as it gets closer. But I like the idea of a bird in hand is better than two in the bush.
I have a couple of more calls today and I am also waiting on couple of return calls then I will make a decision

 

[Chapeaux!]

But I like the idea of a bird in hand is better than two in the bush.


Amen to that!! Glad to hear you're close to getting set up. Keep us posted.

 

[Chapeaux!]

BTW, Waymaker.. I PM'ed you. Have a look when you get a chance.

 

[waymaker]

Chapeaux,

Yes I got your P.M. Thanks I did contact Bruce and he wasn't really sure this early he asked that I call back when it gets a little closer. Real nice guy and good price but couldn't give anything firm. I got your telephone number and will let you know as we get closer about our plans. But it looks like as of now 2/28/07 - 3/27/07. I will also let you know where we settled in at.
Thanks for all your help. As well as all of the forum members. Thanks for all the imput.

 

[thoward]

Looks like a Hatt tourney in the making.... Now if only the wind would agree.

 

[thoward]

If you don't mind being a little North, we are happy at a small marina called Fort Pierce Inlet Marina, it is right next door to the Pelican Yacht Club and I think we only pay around $11 per ft on an annual, I don't know the rate for monthly. You can't beat the short run out the inlet

Ginger