What a day... After waiting well over a year, I was finally able to dock Eleuthera at her own slip. I purchased the slip on the Ocheechobee Waterway just west of the St. Lucie Lock back in early 2007. Because of the drought here, the water levels were too low for her 4'4" draft, even after dredging this past year to increase the depth by two feet. Well enough rain has fallen and the SFWMD has stopped the needless dumping of millions of gallons of water. The combined effect was a gradual increase in the water depth. So... at 3pm on the last day the lock would operate before shutting down to boat traffic for repairs, I came through and was securely tied to the dock by 5. The lock will be closed until late August. Oh well, I don't sail much in the hot months anyway and this will give me a chance to do some maintenancein calm fresh water.
By the way, these slips are a bargain at $40,000. Nearly new and under a 99 year lease with the state (97 years remaining). $100.00 per Quater maintenance (yes I said PER QUARTER) which INCLUDES water AND electric (30 and 50 amp), 45' max and 14' beam, max draft now is at 5' I would guess. I am hoping for a better rainy season and bring the water level higher still. If anyone is interested, contact me and I'll get you the company info. There is a $200.00 per year cost for any owner who does not live in the community which is me but still a bargain. I used to pay $250.00 a month and that was goimg up drastically.