ICW Boat Trip - NY to Florida Ep26 - Lake Okeechobee

Our intracoastal waterway trip finally takes us to “Lake O” through the center of Florida. We are nearing the finish line for this eastern loop trip and take the shortcut through the St Lucie canal that shaves a couple hundred miles off our trip (avoiding the Florida Keys) as we make our way from New York to Fort Myers/Cape Coral area via the Caloosahatchee river. We have to go through a couple locks on this day from Stuart to More Haven (St Lucie lock and Mayaka lock) as we prepare for the lake crossing and finding a safe anchorage as we await the lock opening at Morehaven lock.
Follow Captain Tom and Admiral Brigitt as we travel the 1700+ miles from NY to Florida on our motor yacht “Happy Ours”, a 2006 Meridian Sport Bridge.
Filmed in July 2022.
Get 10% off boating supplies at Boat Gear USA! Use promo code HAPPYOURS @ boatgearusa.co...

[@REDRACER400]

I’ve been a sail powered sailor for many yrs, but there is just something very peaceful and calming watching your videos which i have enjoyed.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

I’m hoping to get some real sailing experience soon. Being able to travel without using fuel is quite rewarding in itself.

[@scotthall3816]

I agree 👍💯 very nice and peaceful ☺️ very wonderful 👍 I injoy the traveling also but for sure 😁 the videos are very calming.

[@ralphholiman7401]

I haven't taken a boat through the Okeechobee Canal in twenty years. Your video brought it all back! Thanks!

[@notbassnectar]

I wish you'd do another canal trip like this. I enjoy seeing all the sights on your journey!

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

We will soon be returning to the east coast. Stick around!

[@TOPDadAlpha]

Great video. As a south florida boater who makes this voyage frequently.... 3 things to remember. ALWAYS check the lake depth before departure. Lake Okee runs 10-12 feet on average. The larger your craft the more import this becomes. I have a 63' with a 5 foot draft. Absolutely zero room for error. If you run a larger craft the slower the better not to push your stern/props further down. Second thing to remember is to wear your life vests in the locks. Lock Masters have zero tolerance for missing this requirement. Last is to check the weather on the lake. High winds and /or rain squalls can be dangerous on the lake (pushing you off the sometimes narrow channel). Safe sailing everyone.

[@renebriones9581]

VERY NICE ! GREAT TRIP AND EXPERIENCE ! REGARDS,

[@Timelt51]

Admiral is equivalent to a four star General. I love your videos. Both of you are great personalities and beautiful souls.

[@roelf8653]

That was a beautiful cruise up the canals and across the lake. I enjoyed every minute of it.

[@grub321]

Found your series fascinating and your narration excellent!

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Thanks for tagging along!

[@drumlover1687]

Maybe my favorite episode Captain! I was laughing out loud when you basically told Admiral Brigitt that her rank gives her top brass delegator authority over you. My other favorite comment, " they could care less if you fall in the river". 😂🤣

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Lol thanks!

[@ericautry4788]

Admiral looks better than captain!!!!Just kidding I love your video's!!!!

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

I would hope she would!

[@rodfair5698]

You probably won’t see this comment as you posted your video over a year ago but, just in case I am certified by the Royal Navy, to Captain twin engine pleasure craft up to 52 feet long. It was so nice to watch your video that showed that you knew what you were doing but, were still cautious regarding not only your selves, but also other boaters

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Of course I see your comment! I try to read every single one. Thanks so much!

[@Ultramagaextremist]

Lucky man nice boat beautiful fun old lady. Enjoy ur life friend.

[@captnikkireefworld]

Just did the trip through the Caloosahatchee Waterway for the hundredth time and it never gets old!

[@danguiffre6752]

Love the videos. I’ve been sick in bed with Covid and watching them helped a lot.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Best of luck and Feel better! Thanks for watching. Glad your enjoying them.

[@JKevinWilson]

Refreshing to watch a cruising video without overdubbed music. Love the real sounds.

[@DoubleDJ86]

I did this trip in the ‘80 on a ‘68 hull #4 a 42’ Grand Banks from Essex to Marco thanks for the awesome post! It brought me back. I’ve actually done Lake O a few times and even at night once, only once

[@jgross8572]

I was wondering how the hell you got to western Florida!!!! I couldn’t find this episode. Thanks

[@mikebradley4245]

i took a 50 ft ocean yacht sport fisher to trumps castle New Jersey from fort myers florida

[@eddysantana1504]

Bonito. Video.

[@jim242]

Had my 100 ton license back in the 80’s went through the canals you talk about along with the Panama Canal 4 times just a beautiful ride and I enjoy the calmness in your videos looks like you both found the right partner kudos

[@kathryncrowleybryan5844]

Tyvm, I live here and have never seen the lake

[@StevenYoungcaptual]

Really loving all your videos. 👍 Fly over your head many times looking down from my office in the nose of a B757😎

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Cool!

[@bradward9164]

One of the coolest videos I’ve ever seen on here.gr8 job guys

[@timgarvey8179]

Great video!!!

[@peterfarrell9187]

did the ICW heading north on my brothers Mainship 40 trawler. All the same marinas different prices per' some had swimming pools, usually a car to shop and go out to dinner. Into the Chesapeake Sunday morning we were the only boat moving in Norfolk. Fantastic time and this was only the start of this vessels voyages..

[@EdEdelenbos]

Another great cruise day.

[@runltdan]

Great informative job on the videos…she us Laugh….! No need to look for gloves that fit, 🤣😂. My brother lived in Morehaven. Enjoy Every Day!

[@sirjustinlee]

@6:45 those are the Archimedes screws to lift water. So that farmers can water their crops period you are correct

[@Ryanrock2]

Very interesting video!

[@michaeleavenson6880]

Thanks for sharing. Hopefully will be taking the same trip

[@size-matters]

I really hope to do the same trip some day. New York to FL

[@colin1927]

You passed my house! I’m between the cut from 5:29 and 5:30, drive down this canal daily with my boat for fishing 😂😮

[@jrac863]

Hands down one of the best videos you guys made .Really enjoyed this trip cannot wait to see the second half when you guys arrive in Cape Coral

[@dianecrowther581]

Not Lake George NY but the next best thing. The ride from stuart to okeechobee is awesome by car too.

[@USAMOTORHOME]

Nice trip, hope to do it someday with my toy :)

[@RandomlyAwkward1]

Hey Tommy… another great video! We just did our first overnight in our boat down in Boca Grande. Beautiful weather for the whole excursion. You mentioned one of your engines not behaving. We had a similar issue where it ran fine but would not plane all of the sudden. Turned out to be an obstruction in the fuel filter that got stirred up somehow. Once we get more comfortable with the boat and all of the aspects of cruising, we may plan a trip East across the “Big O” and head over to Stuart. Keep the awesome videos coming!

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Thanks! I’m hoping we figured out the rpm issue but haven’t had a chance to take her for a new test run. Hopefully later this week. Good luck in your travels!

[@JefferyDollars]

Always makes my day when I see a new upload from Happy Ours! Perhaps the next big adventure you take the Mississippi up to the Great Lakes and back into NY??? 😊

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Always best to go down that river!

[@leanneadams2549]

That was great ! I never knew you could hop across the state threw locks ! Good to know for when I get my boat in about a thousand years lol. Anyways, thanks guys I enjoyed the vid !!

[@dianarodriguez9783]

If haven’t been to the keys have to head there. Key west is a blast. Nice to have the cut across but you should visit the keys great boating area.

[@admiralbrigitt]

We are looking forward to making that trip!

[@thatoneguy8706]

What I would give to do a trip like that! I lived in the panhandle while serving in the Air Force 20 years ago. My wife and I play around with the idea of moving back down there. I love Kentucky but Florida weather spoiled me. Love the video’s!

[@stevenmarrone1526]

I’m dreading the day I cross that lake, those rocks out there pretty scary

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Just stay in the channels you’ll be fine

[@MegaBait1616]

It's been cold windy lousy weather lately around Cape Coral area......be well.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Sure has. I’m freezing! I must have lost my northern blood already. Lol

[@MegaBait1616]

@@AdventuresofHappyOurs , I'm over where the hurricane hit Florida.. Only reason I can get internet is I've got a booster on my phone 📱.. Later this week should Warm back up.. Have a healthy Happy New Years..

[@kathryncrowleybryan5844]

I am surprised at a 14 ft drop in FL

[@ryd_513]

Miss the review of your trip spreadsheet at the end of the video

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

I will be doing a full trip recap video where we analyze the spreadsheet in depth.

[@ryd_513]

@@AdventuresofHappyOurs that’s gonna be great. Thanks.

[@Mad1Mike]

One day I will do that trip. I moved here in 1990 and my friend at the time did this every year. On big sailboats now, the Keys and Bahamas are great, but on charter boats. A smaller boat to do this trip would be a blast! I bet it got a bit cold, but no bugs. The best time to do this? Have you done it before?

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

We travelled down in July. Great time of year for it.

[@jeffhallel8211]

Salboaters beware of low clearance locations on this route. There is a youtuber called Southern Star who has some good info.

[@Mad1Mike]

Totally get that. All good info!

[@jeffhallel8211]

@@Mad1Mike The Port Myaca railway lift bridge is the sketchiest I have ever seen. Did you know that the capacity of Lake Okeechobee is over 1 trillion gallons? Thanks for your video, it is wonderful, the real Florida.

[@dianecrowther581]

Lake pretty deep right now 12/22.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

That’s good for Florida!

[@annsheridan12]

On the east side of Lake Okeechobee it’s the St. Lucie River and on the west side it’s the Calusahachie River.

[@richmiller2501]

Do they Charge for the Lock down there? and we know well about the Hudson as we kept a Boat at Stony Point and would travel always east going into the Sound or Atlantic to visit friends.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

No charge for the locks!

[@markbohart9435]

What was minimum water depth?

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

We didn’t see anything I. The channels less than 6 feet.

[@hoopoo3721]

You know when it's a good trip, when a girl has her feet on the dash.

[@FradyKatt]

Not sure your set up,. But seem to me 4K rpm a 20 MPH is way to many rpms especially a dual engine set up I assume u r running Big Block 454 that should pull a higher pitch no problem My boat at 4K going 34 mph LOL..

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

It’s a small block and 4k is a common for 20mph on this boat. My problem is I should be able to get 4800 at like 27mph. But she’s an big old girl.

[@VincentConnolly-y6t]

👍🎣⛵💯

[@jhanick]

Is that a 341?

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Yes sir. 2006

[@jhanick]

@@AdventuresofHappyOurs I had a 2006 368. Lost it in a fire. Was a good boat.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Omg that’s horrible. Sorry to hear that.

[@George39280]

Is there a charge to go through a lock?

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

No charge!

[@SuperQdaddy]

Very quiet not many boats

[@AnthonyWalsh-tt7vx]

The boat will run much better in fresh water than salt

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Less corrosion in fresh water for sure but mechanically should run the same.

[@cecilmartin5065]

Is there any trips u can hire a trip

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

What do you mean?

[@benwintfeld2983]

Tom it’s episode 25 not 26.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

It’s 26. One was accidentally deleted so I reposted it so they appear out of order but they are there. Here is episode 25 ICW Boat Trip -NY to Florida ep25 - St. Lucie/Stuart kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYGbp2qrf9yJaZo

[@mikebradley4245]

i have dont the trip 4 times now.. I have been to bimini... one trip .. KEY west.. one trip... NORTH CAROLINA one trip... Miami one trip

[@mattmayo3539]

That 35 footer can really pick up her skirt and hussle.

[@rpalmer274]

Must be nice to be rich

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Far from it. Work hard, work smart, live within your means and save as much as you can for retirement. I started as a blue collar union worker.

[@mikebradley4245]

i live in fort myers @ the fort myers yacht basin...

[@mikebradley4245]

do not take the narrow morehaven canal??? man it has been years.. but some kids said go that way... little narrow canal... full of weeds

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

Seemed fine to us. Or maybe there was another section?

[@williammiller2750]

We can't get boats to go the speed limit in NY. What makes you think we can get you to wear a life vest?

[@Lordlindef]

17:22 this poles is for ship comersiale ships to lean in to for waiting area !!!! Not for small boats like yours😂😂😂

[@mikebradley4245]

i got lost right there 20 years ago

[@Lordlindef]

Over 3850 rpm ?????? Omg poor boat

[@fredbrillo1849]

Did you notice a yacht moored on the south side of the St Lucy canal after you passed thru the St Lucy lock, named HONEY FITZ? That was JFKs personal yacht.

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

I don’t recall but I’ll look at video again to see if I caught it.

[@mikebradley4245]

i have 34 ft searay sundancer

[@mikebradley4245]

you should know , you cannot tie up to fender systems,,,

[@AdventuresofHappyOurs]

I can find no regulations, nor signs specifically restricting it. the lock master said nothing to us about it in the morning. Considering the lock was closed and we left on first opening, I see no harm in it. many locks we have been through permit tie ups along the walls immediately outside the spillways.