Orlando Area

redfalcon

Cadet
Joined
Jun 2, 2008
Messages
23
I bought a Crownline 94 and I am in the process of restoring it. In the meantime I would like to know about boating destinations or recommendations around Orlando area. I was thinking about going to Jacksonville via St Johns river but I have never took a boat to the river. Thanks
 

robert graham

Admiral
Joined
Apr 16, 2009
Messages
6,908
Your best bet might be to put your boat in at Sanford and cruise up the river as far as Palatka....lots to see and do, springs to swim in, great fishing, motels/resorts on the river, a few restaurants, marinas with gas, etc....above Palatka the St. John's gets wider, bigger, not as scenic towards Jacksonville. Welaka and the Ocklawaha River are nice areas to check out....that's where we're heading tomorrow....it's almost heaven....
 

series9

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 27, 2012
Messages
48
I agree with Robert. I live in DeLand and have regularly travelled the St. Johns from Lake Monroe to Palatka. There are many restaurants and destinations. Start with Swamp House in Debary. It's one of my favorites.

There is a LONG slow/idle zone between Debary and DeLand, but after that, it's pretty wide open all the way to Astor. After a few slow downs prior to Lake George, it's full speed all the way up.

Astor has two good restaurants. Welaka also has two.

I've done DeLand to Palatka in one day, with stops in Astor for lunch, Silver Glen for swimming, Welaka for dinner and Palatka for the overnight at a waterfront hotel.

Lake George can be very dangerous in bad weather, so plan accordingly.
 

robert graham

Admiral
Joined
Apr 16, 2009
Messages
6,908
Yep, we always try to cross Lake George earlier in the morning before the heat of the day brings the wind/whitecaps.....
 

TCATTC

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 9, 2015
Messages
100
Got caught in that coming back across last time we were there. It will beat you to death in a pontoon.
 

Tooth fairy 62

Recruit
Joined
Sep 5, 2015
Messages
2
Hi fellow Boaters,
I go by CK and just got a nice 25 foot Glastron cabin cruiser with a blown engine.getting it fixed right now.
I was planning to go on St. John's river as well from Sanford for my first ride. Of course after testing the boat couple hours in the lakes.
Question would be is there any interest to go together to have a little bit more security in case something doesn't go as planned.
Let me know by PM or post something in here.
Since this is my first bigger boat is someone willing to help me to gain a bit expierence with it?
The boat should be ready by the end of September

Thanks CK
 

Fireman431

Rear Admiral
Joined
Sep 17, 2007
Messages
4,292
St. Johns is an easy river to navigate. As far as the long idle zone, it's actually a couple....Blue Springs is a long one and Hontoon Marina area is a long one. After that, there's an easy ride. Look into the dead river (runs parallel with the St. Johns). Slow ride, but scenic old Florida. As far as assistance, spend the $150 a year and get Sea Tow or Tow Boat U.S.
 
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