JMYS Trawler Skills - Locking through the Okeechobee waterway

#TrawlerSkills

Welcome to a summary video of what it is like to go through the Saint Lucie Lock and Dam, in Stuart, FL.

Here are the names and phone numbers of the five locks on the Lake Okeechobee waterway that connect the Gulf (Fort Myers) to the Atlantic (Stuart):

W.P. Franklin Lock 239-694-5451
Ortona Lock 863-675-0616
Moore Haven Lock 863-946-0414
Port Mayaca Lock 561-924-2858
St. Lucie Lock 772-287-2665

Traffic runs west bound and east bound and it is best to contact the lock master by VHF radio as you arrive to learn about timing and next lock through opportunity.

Earlier this year, the American Tug 435, Odyssey, came though the St. Lucie Lock and Jeff was there to greet them and film their transit.

The process of locking is routine to regulars, but a bit of a learning curve to newcomers.

The Army Corps of Engineers, manages the locks and are almost always incredibly helpful.

The amount of time it takes to enter the locks, change to the water level on the other side, and then depart the locks varies by the number of boats going through, but it’s normally a short diversion and can be completed in under an hour each way.

There is a bit of tedium, the expression, “hurry up and wait” comes to mind, so we tried to fast forward the video clock to make viewing this video more appealing.

The St. Lucie Lock construction is over 100 years old (and has been upgraded over time). Hours of operation vary, but normally the lock is ready from morning to evening, during daylight hours (commonly 7am – 5pm).

For more information on the Lake Okeechobee Locks System here is a helpful link from the Army Corps of Engineers website:

https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missio...

The America Tug 435 Odyssey featured in the video is sold. We filmed a video of her that you may enjoy, here is the link:
   • AMERICAN TUG 435 – ODYSSEY – [Talk View To...  

Thank you for watching and sharing your encouragement, thumbs up and comments.

We have plans to film more instructive (and hopefully interesting) videos for trawler aficionados like you!

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