Coast Guard on the Miami River

dmartinez069 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-08-2006

I was out last night with my brother. Great weather.... Anyways, coming back down the river, heading back to Dinner Key we got stopped by the Coast Guard at the mouth of the river for "going too fast." Gave us the required equipment check and the third degree. As we were not going "that fast," they only issued us a warning. Pheewww. Thank God we had everything they asked us for. Idle means Idle. There's always a first and last night was ours. We're getting into the holiday season and they're going to be extra vigilent. Stay safe.

bajanbum · #2 (**permalink**) 12-08-2006

I've been signalled to slow down a few times on the ICW, but never stopped. I guess no-wake means no-wake.

**admin** · #3 (**permalink**) 12-08-2006

Every now and then you may get boarded by the over-zealous 18 year old boarding officer, but the CG is a very professional organization with a lot of work to handle and not a lot of resources. There are occasions that you may seemingly get stopped for no reason at all, but if you're vessel is squared away, then you have nothing to worry about.

dmartinez069 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-08-2006

They didn't board us as we were stopped right next to their hq on the river. They were on land looking down on us... very intimidating...
They were however, very professional and looked almost even sorry to have scared the *&#$ out of us. Pretty funny looking back in hindsight. :biggrin:

bajanbum · #5 (**permalink**) 12-08-2006

I've never been up the river, what's up there to see/do? Is it scenic? Good restaurants?

ScarabChris · #6 (**permalink**) 12-09-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by bajanbum

I've never been up the river, what's up there to see/do? Is it scenic? Good restaurants?

In my opinion a drive up the Miami River is like a tour through a third world country. Its very dingy in some spots and it is and has been a heaven for crime for a long time. Most of the drug busts on ships takes place in the river. If you have never been up the river I would recomend it just to see what goes on but do it during the day. I was cruising up the river one night a while back and I didn't like the looks I was getting from some of the people standing on the banks. I was feeling like I was about to be boat jacked, though if someone wants to take my boat they better have guns.....because I do and I will return fire.

csvencer · #7 (**permalink**) 12-09-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by bajanbum

I've never been up the river, what's up there to see/do? Is it scenic? Good restaurants?

There is a new place called Finnegans (think thats what it is called) on the south side of the river not to far up. I have heard good things about it and it is close to the mouth so you don't have to travel to far up the river.

bajanbum · #8 (**permalink**) 12-09-2006

Wow! I have a friend who had a boat a few years back and he said he liked the river at night. But I'll take your advice, Chris. I'm not that curious.

csvencer, I see a restaurant not far from the river mouth when I pass by on the metrorail. I think that's as far up river as I'll go.

Wobbet60 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-09-2006

I'm not sure what CG HQ you're talking about on the Miami River b/c I don't think there isn't one. There is a City of Miami PD Marine unit office and slip just past the Brickell Avenue bridge. Not to sound like an ass, but "No Wake" means NO WAKE, more people whould be stopped for that reason.

Speaking of the River, there isn't much to do there at night b/c it is primarily a working waterway in an industrial part of the city. The Miami River is the only small ship cargo terminal in the area and the majority of incoming and outgoing Carribbean cargo goes thru this terminal. I've been up the River several times at night and its not that bad until you get past 27th Avenue. The only things that are worth going to on the river are Finnegans on the River, which really blows up on Friday nights, Garcia's Seafood Restaurant (probably the best seafood in town) and Grillfish. I have long been wishing for there to be more boater friendly access to the downtown area and more places to go. We can all dream can't we.

dmartinez069 · #10 (**permalink**) 12-11-2006

It wasn't the Coast Gaurd HQ... its a spot near the mouth where I see them hanging out a lot. Usually tied up next to one of the govt. building's dockspace. Newbies are allowed to make mistakes. While we were going a bit faster than Idle speed, it was nothing compared to some of the infractions I see committed by "experienced" boaters. Sometimes I feel like I'm on I-95 when I'm in the bay, that's why weekday boating is so fun.