As a realtor in Sarasota who also owns a boat, I understand the unique considerations that come with purchasing a waterfront home. One critical factor that often gets overlooked is the height of your boat in relation to the bridges in Sarasota Bay. This aspect can significantly impact your boating experience and should be a key consideration when choosing a waterfront property. In this article, we will explore how bridge heights in Sarasota Bay affect your choice of boat and provide practical advice for prospective waterfront homeowners.
Navigating Sarasota Bay
Sarasota Bay is home to several bridges, each with varying clearances. These bridges include:
- Ringling Causeway Bridge: Clearance of approximately 65 feet (fixed span)
- Siesta Key North Bridge: Clearance of approximately 18 feet (draw bridge)
- Stickney Point Bridge: Clearance of approximately 18 feet (draw bridge)
- Blackburn Point Bridge: Clearance of approximately 9 feet (swing bridge)
Knowing the clearance of these bridges is essential when selecting a boat, especially if you plan to navigate different parts of the bay, unimpeded. Boats with high superstructures, such as sailboats and certain motor yachts, may face limitations due to these bridge heights.
Choosing the Right Boat for Sarasota Bay
Bridge Clearance: Ensure that your boat's height, including antennas and other superstructures, is less than the clearance of the lowest bridge you plan to pass under. For example, if you frequently navigate under the Siesta Key North Bridge with an 18-foot clearance, your boat should be shorter than this height.
Draft: The draft of your boat, or how deep it sits in the water, is also crucial. Some areas in Sarasota Bay can be shallow, and a boat with a deep draft, more than 4 ½’ may face difficulties. Research the average depths of your preferred boating routes.
Purpose and Usage: Consider how you plan to use your boat. If you enjoy sailing, you might need to navigate taller bridges. For fishing or casual cruising, a smaller boat might be more practical and flexible in navigating the bay.
Popular Boats for Sarasota Waterfront Homes
Center Console Boats: These are versatile and popular for fishing and day cruising. Their height typically fits well under most bridges in Sarasota Bay.
Bowriders: Ideal for family outings and watersports, bowriders generally have a low profile, making bridge clearance less of a concern.
Pontoon Boats: Great for leisurely cruises and entertaining, pontoon boats usually have a low clearance height.
Express or Cabin Cruisers: While larger cruisers may have higher profiles, many models can navigate under Sarasota's bridges with careful selection.
Sailboats: If sailing is your passion, opt for models with a mast shorter than 61’ for bridge passages in our local area.
Tips for Navigating Sarasota Bay Bridges
- Plan Your Routes - Before setting out, plan your routes based on bridge clearances. Chart a course that avoids bridges too low for your boat.
- Check Tide Levels - Tides can affect bridge clearances. During high tide, the clearance might be reduced, so always check tide charts before heading out.
- Use Bridge Openings - Some bridges in Sarasota are drawbridges and can be opened upon request. Know the schedule and procedures for requesting a bridge opening if needed.
- Stay Informed - Keep up-to-date with local boating regulations and any changes to bridge heights or operating hours.
Real Estate Considerations for Boaters
As a prospective waterfront homeowner in Sarasota, understanding how bridge heights affect your boating options can influence your property choice. Here are some real estate tips for boaters:
- Proximity to Bridges: If you own a taller boat, consider properties located in areas with higher bridge clearances or fewer bridges.
- Private Docking Facilities: Look for homes with private docks that can accommodate your boat's height and draft.
- Community Amenities: Some waterfront communities offer marinas with services like boat lifting and storage, which can be advantageous for larger boats.
Conclusion
Selecting the right boat and waterfront property in Sarasota requires careful consideration of bridge heights and other navigational factors. By understanding these elements and planning accordingly, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable boating experience. Whether you're an avid sailor or a casual boater, finding the perfect balance between your boat and your waterfront home is key to making the most of Sarasota's beautiful waterways.
If you're in the market for a waterfront home in Sarasota and need expert advice on navigating these unique considerations, don't hesitate to reach out. As a realtor with firsthand boating experience, I'm here to help you find the perfect property that meets all your boating and lifestyle needs.
