I've run the Okeechobee Waterway both ways and it is an absolute blast. Just off "the Lake" is Roland Martins Marina, bass guru of the world. He has a nice facility, good dockage, hotel rooms available, courtesey cars from local restaurants to provide rides. A "must see" is the Clewiston Inn, restaraunt and then the bar, which has a 360 degree "Everglades scape" painted all the way around, bathed in tourquoise lighting. Unbelievable. Very few slow speed zones along the entire way. Just check and be sure all the "locks" are open. Once in a while one is down for repairs or something. These people just flip over seeing one of them "ceeeegggaaaarrrrrr" boats. All of those people run the "bass" boats. If Bob Russell and his "Can You Hear Me Now" ever pulled up to Roland Martin's Marina, well that would be the stuff "folklore" would be about.
It is a beautiful trip, and all fresh water. Highest recommendation to do this run.

Well, I guess I will have to do it!!!!!

I always wondered about the depth of the lake, Is there a specific channel you need to run in????

Maybe when Cuda comes over, we will meet him halfway, ad run back with him.

THE RPBA (RICHMOND,VA) HAVE A TRIP IN THE PLANNING TO FLORIDA IN MARCH 19-28. WE WERE WANTING TO SOME INFO ON THE CONDITIONS OF THE WATER, AROUND FT. LAUDERDALE AREA OR SHOULD WE GO TO THE GULF SIDE AND BOAT, WE WANTED TO THEN RIDE TO THE KEYS. KEEP IN MIND THAT WE WILL BE STAYING ON THE BOATS FOR A WEEK, NEED LOTS OF MARINAS TO STOP AT FOR THE NIGHT.

Back to the original topic...

You said Miami to the Keys.
Yes you can run on the inside if you'd rather not do the whole trip via ocean.

Launch out of Haulover Marina. You can go out the cut there, or stay in the Biscayne bay and go south. I'd say actually 80% of the bay is 30mph, or "normal safe operation"
Run south through the east line through the bay, pass Government Cut and out to the south. Then you're in the real Biscayne bay.
Check your chart, as there is really only ONE channel through the center of the bay. It'll run 60ft deep, then 3' deep. So it's best to keep your head screwed on straight. Once through that little pass it's pretty open. Pass the twin stacks and Elliot Key then keep on goin'.
FYI- We run this line about once a month.

Oh yeah, and I'd love to run with any of you that decide to come down this winter!
Conditions right now are terrible. We have a nasty wind blowing 4-5 swells, with the wind knocking the tops off! Fine if you have a 41 Apache, or TG....

Nasty you say.... Sounds perfect!

they roll up the side walks and the water at night on the geezer coast. Nothing but crab pots and sea weed

Geezer Coast, LMFAO!!!!