Any experience with Manatee Bay Marine?

LarryandSusanMacDonald · #1 (**permalink**) 03-22-2010

We left Marathon heading north and now have a problem with our shaft seal. We are headed to Manatee Bay Marine in the upper Florida Bay tomorrow. Anyone have experience with entry channel. It is pretty shallow. Glad to hear any reports.

CaptainForce · #2 (**permalink**) 03-23-2010

I went in there and had a haul out a few years ago with my 4'3" draft. At the marina they have a guage that gives an accurate reading for the available depth in the entry from the sound. I would think you could call and get that information. Winds can have more effect here than the celestial tides. We found no difficulties with the charted passage and directions; however, my 4'3" draft was not passable all of the time. 'take care and joy, Aythya crew

LarryandSusanMacDonald · #3 (**permalink**) 03-24-2010

Thanks Captain Force. We ended up having be towed in as the shaft seal took on water if we but boat in gear. So we were towed through the silt bottom at some points. Working on problem now, hope we have better depths when we leave. Staff here seems great and knowledgable.

r1texas · #4 (**permalink**) 12-07-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainForce

I went in there and had a haul out a few years ago with my 4'3" draft. At the marina they have a guage that gives an accurate reading for the available depth in the entry from the sound. I would think you could call and get that information. Winds can have more effect here than the celestial tides. We found no difficulties with the charted passage and directions; however, my 4'3" draft was not passable all of the time. 'take care and joy, Aythya crew

Hello, I have a 4'3" draft sailboat too and I'm looking for a boat yard to make the bottom paint. Is the Manatee boat yard can work for me? When I look at the chart I can see 4 feet soundings...

Erwan.

CaptainForce · #5 (**permalink**) 12-08-2010

Of course, the 4' soundings are mean low tide. You can enter Manatee Bay Marina with as much as 5' at high tide, but, as said above, a day or two of brisk winds can alter the expected depth. I would not hesitate to attempt entering with my 4'3" draft again, but I would call the marina to ask for their reading at their tidal gauge. Take care and joy, Aythya crew

southwindphoto · #6 (**permalink**) 06-26-2011

I powered my 4 1/2 draft 35 Morgan out of Manatee Bay Marina last July.. Without issue.. Use your chart and stay in deepest area, and you should have no problems.

But beware of west winds.. Can push the water out of Blackwater Bay.