What size boat or yacht can I dock on the Las Olas Isles?
(This article was updated on April 5, 2024)
Part of the magic of living in Fort Lauderdale, is the ability to traverse the neighborhood and region by boat. Many of the hottest places to be in the city are located along marinas or on the beautiful canals of the Intercoastal Waterway. The Las Olas neighborhood, the central hub for dining, nightlife, and attractions in Fort Lauderdale is a beautiful canal system consisting of over 25 canals, laid out like streets, truly making Las Olas the “Venice of America”. The canals are home to thousands of luxury properties that feature full service marinas, and all the storage and services needed for your water toys. When considering luxury property in Fort Lauderdale, it is important to factor in the topography of the surrounding canal system to ensure safe and convenient travel for your vessel.
Las Olas Isles Boat Dockage Guide – Canal Widths, Setbacks and Depths
As a whole, the Las Olas canal system is built to accommodate some of the largest recreational vessels available, from yachts to superyachts and vessels over 50+ feet. The canal is deepest along Nurmi Drive (W 10ft+ E 9ft+) and Royal Palm Drive (W 9ft+ E 9ft+) and Seven Isles (W 9ft) situated in the northern boundary of the neighborhood. The minimum depth in any area is W 5ft+ E 5ft+, the canals can handle very large vessels and offer plenty of maneuverability as well. Minimum canal widths are W 85 E 90 at Coral Way, but the majority of waterways offer W 100+ E 100+, with the northern deeper areas 150+. Following the “30 percent rule”, meaning the length of a docked vessel should only be 30% of the canal width, this allows plenty of room for vessels under 30 feet to maneuver comfortably anywhere in the system and the ability to accommodate vessels over 100 feet in main waterways and in the northern canals of Las Olas mentioned above. Setbacks are 10+ feet in most areas, 5 in some, but generally speaking, the canal system has the capacity to comfortably dock your dream yacht directly outside of your luxury residence.
Las Olas Bridges
It’s also important to consider what adventures you plan to embark on, which directions you’ll typically be coming and going from, when you’ll be going, and how to best safely and comfortably access your dock. The area contains two bridges, the The Las Olas Bridge, along the major east-west thoroughfare in Las Olas Boulevard, and the The 17th Street Causeway Bridge just north of the Port Everglades cut. Both of these drawbridges have maximum height considerations that should always be taken into account along with active water conditions. For example, if a morning spent having brunch or fishing off the coast of South Florida is appealing, it may be easier for you to access the Atlantic Ocean from the southern portion of the neighborhood, especially if your vessel has height limitations with either of the drawbridges. Drawbridge operations do have limitations and schedules of operation that should be considered before choosing your home base for your new dream yacht and dream home.
Las Olas Yacht Map
