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First Time to the Clearwater Beach Area - Any Tips?
Ric232	#1  Posted on 09/07/08 - 8:39 AM
Member Posts: 194 Comments: 0 Joined: 05/11/08	Depending on the track of Hurricane Ike, I'm planning to make my way over to the Clearwater area in the next 2 weeks with my 130. I'll mainly be scouting the area in preparation to take my family there for a 4-day weekend in early October. I plan to launch either at the Seminole ramp or at Dunedin Marina and visit Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island and Anclote Key. I've been warned about water depth but I'm wondering how much I need to be concerned in a 13'. I don't have a depth finder. I do have a handheld GPS. Any helpful hints or suggestions? Thanks. Ric 2008 130 Sport Merc 40hp 4-stroke
OldManWhaler	#2  Posted on 09/07/08 - 12:56 PM
Member Personal Page Project Albums Posts: 26 Comments: 3 Joined: 03/11/07	I have a house in Dunedin. I too have a 13' Whaler, I use the ramp at the City Marina, Seminole is usually to crowded. As for water depth, the channel is clearly marked. Very easy to navigate. You should be just fine. If you decide to use the Mariana ramp you will have to go upstairs and pay the out of towner fee, I think it is $10. Have fun.
Ric232	#3  Posted on 09/07/08 - 6:36 PM
Member Posts: 194 Comments: 0 Joined: 05/11/08	Isn't trailer parking in short supply at Dunedin Marina? Ric 2008 130 Sport Merc 40hp 4-stroke
Binkie	#4  Posted on 09/07/08 - 7:57 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 2012 Comments: 0 Joined: 12/19/05	No need to worry about water depth in Clearwater. Once you get north of New Port Richey the rocky areas and shallow water comes into play. Also check out Lake Tarpon, although maybe you`ve had your fill of lakes in Orlando. rich
Ric232	#5  Posted on 09/08/08 - 2:39 PM
Member Posts: 194 Comments: 0 Joined: 05/11/08	Binkie wrote: No need to worry about water depth in Clearwater. Once you get north of New Port Richey the rocky areas and shallow water comes into play. Also check out Lake Tarpon, although maybe you`ve had your fill of lakes in Orlando. rich I don't plan to go north of Anclote Key. You're right about having had my fill of lakes in Orlando. Is there anything special about Lake Tarpon? Crystal clear water at 20 ft depth or anything like that? Ric 2008 130 Sport Merc 40hp 4-stroke
Binkie	#6  Posted on 09/08/08 - 3:10 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 2012 Comments: 0 Joined: 12/19/05	Its a nice lake with lots of gators and bass, and just about the best ramp I have ever seen anywhere, but of course its crowded on weekends. rich
Ric232	#7  Posted on 09/08/08 - 5:19 PM
Member Posts: 194 Comments: 0 Joined: 05/11/08	Binkie wrote: No need to worry about water depth in Clearwater. Once you get north of New Port Richey the rocky areas and shallow water comes into play. Also check out Lake Tarpon, although maybe you`ve had your fill of lakes in Orlando. rich How much does the water level change with the tide? I'm hoping to anchor near shore at some of the islands (such as Anclote Key) but I don't want to stuck when the tide goes out. Ric 2008 130 Sport Merc 40hp 4-stroke
OldManWhaler	#8  Posted on 09/08/08 - 5:33 PM
Member Personal Page Project Albums Posts: 26 Comments: 3 Joined: 03/11/07	There is plenty of parking for trailers at the marina. You will have no problem there.