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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Florida , few concern

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Silar_Phas
Deckhand

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Canada
22 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/22/2009 : 07:06:30

I am planning on going to Florida this march,I am not used whit tides

-What is the approximative difference betwin high tides and low tides in feets , close to miami ?

- what will happen if i get stuck on ground in low tides whit a 250 wb ?

-Is there a real danger whit sharks , i mean can we swim anywhere or do we absolutly need a small boat to get to shore ?

Sebas, quebec ,proud owner of 250wb 2007 hull #926 ...

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5904 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2009 : 10:27:57

I can't tell you the tidal range in the Miami area. Based on distant memory, the normal range on the Gulf coast is about 1 1/2 feet, but it can be more or less than that, depending on predictable factors such as the phase of the moon, and less predictable factors such as the weather. Tides in the Miami area are probably similar. Tide tables for the area will tell you what to expect generally. If a storm is expected, anchor in a little deeper water, because a storm can blow water out of bays and the ICW, leaving your keel touching bottom. At the onset of a storm, you could go to sleep, and wake to learn that you're grounded alongside the dock, and you might not be able to get underway until the tide rises again. If the depth alongside isn't enough to leave you floating despite the weather, then you should think about finding a deeper slip. If you can't, then be prepared to sit there and wait until the water depth returns to normal. These are things to be aware of, but they don't really happen often. If you get stuck, you're usually not in danger, unless you get grounded some place where the boat is exposed to rolling seas. You just have to wait until the water rises again.

If you ground, try to go back out in the direction from which you came. You <u>know</u> the water is deep in that direction. You'd be guessing about the water's depth in any other direction.

Unless you have towing insurance, avoid calling for a tow, because the cost is very high. Unlimited towing insurance costs about $120., and, if you are a first-time cruiser in shallow waters, such as around the Keys, I would recommend you get it. The first time you cruise, you'll make mistakes, and towing insurance will permit you to make a beginner's mistake without having to pay a $650. tow fee. For $120. you'll have peace of mind on your first cruise.

The tide not only affects the depth of the water, but it also creates currents that should be considered. A strong, 7 knot tidal current might be flowing during a storm, and, if it's flowing south, and you want to go north through a bridge, it might make it impossible for a small sailboat to get through the bridge. You might have to anchor somewhere and wait until the current abates.

One other thing to think about with tides is that, if the bottom is shoaling around the entrance to a pass or at the mouth of a bay, the combination of the two can create dangerous breakers. In severe conditions, avoid such passes or entrances, and, if you can't avoid them, then stay in the center, and watch carefully for white water. Through good planning and good judgment, you should be able to avoid those conditions.

Don't be afraid of these things. We all deal with them, and you can, too.

Edited by - Steve Milby on 01/22/2009 10:30:26

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2009 : 15:36:04

Sebastian good questions:

We sail in Biscayne Bay, the keys, and in the Gulf NW of the keys in our C250 WB #841 2005.

As Steve said, tides are typically under 2'

We have only gone aground once in over 3 years and then it was on a sandy bottom. Could have waited for the tide to lift us off, but instead I blew the ballast with our air pump and was afloat within 15 minutes.

Most of the Biscayne bay channels from the shore-side marinas are long, narrow and rocky bottom. But they are well dredged and are about 12' in the center, getting shallow really quickly, so we tend to stay in the middle of the channels and only move towards the edge to allow the power-boaters to pass.

There's plenty of dolphins in Biscayne Bay, we've never seen a shark down here but they must be around, and we swim both in the Bay, the Ocean and the Gulf.

We have the unlimited tow package from BoatUS, never had to use it, hope I never do, but that's how it is with insurance.

Where are you planning to be when you come down here. We will be taking JD out for a long weekend in March (we live about 70 miles from Biscayne Bay and tow JD every trip.)

Paul

Edited by - britinusa on 01/22/2009 15:37:03

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2009 : 16:05:21

Here's one of many interactive [url="http://tbone.biol.sc.edu/tide/tideshow.cgi"]tide charts[/url] on the web. You can select a location, time period, and presentation type...

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 01/22/2009 16:28:42

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