Boating on Ono Island: A Homeowner’s Guide to Bridge Clearances, Canal Depths, and Boat Choices
By Meredith Amon, Licensed In Alabama and Florida
Owning a waterfront home on Ono Island is one of the great joys of living on the Gulf Coast. As a real estate advisor and homeowner on Ono myself, I’ve learned how important it is to understand the unique boating considerations here on the island. From bridge clearance and water depths to finding the right boat that fits both your lifestyle and your canal, this guide is based on my personal experience and the many conversations I’ve had with neighbors and fellow boaters.
Whether you’re a seasoned mariner or just starting your coastal journey, here’s everything you need to know about boating and homeownership on Ono Island.
Ono Island Bridge Clearance
The Ono Island bridge is a fixed span with an average clearance of about 24 feet at high tide. That clearance improves slightly at low tide, adding another foot or two, which means a vessel around 25–26 feet in height might pass under during a favorable tide. This is critical information when considering a boat with a flybridge, radar arch, or tall tower.
Most center consoles, cruisers, and pontoons fall well within this limit. Personally, I’ve found that even larger 30- to 38-foot boats, like a Grady-White Canyon or a Cruisers 38 GLS, comfortably pass under the bridge with room to spare. Homeowners with exceptionally tall vessels often choose lots on the north side of the island—along Bayou St. John—to avoid the bridge altogether and gain direct access to the Gulf.
Water Depth Around the Island
Bayou St. John typically offers 10 to 12 feet of water depth near many of the docks, making it ideal for deeper-draft boats and larger vessels. Old River, on the south side of the island, is slightly shallower with depths around 7 to 8 feet mid-channel, and some fringe areas may dip as low as 5 feet at low tide.
Within Ono’s private canals and harbors, depths vary, but many are naturally deep or have been dredged to accommodate boats with 3 to 5 feet of draft. If you're considering a home on a canal, I always recommend checking the depth at your dock at low tide—especially if you're planning to bring in a larger boat.
Beam and Width Considerations
Beam is almost never a concern when boating around Ono. The bridge spans a natural channel with plenty of horizontal clearance. Boats with beams of 10 to 13 feet are common and easily navigate the waters here. The only caveat is when docking at your own slip—make sure it’s wide enough to allow maneuvering room.
Recommended Boat Types and Models
Center Consoles
Cobia 350 CC: 34′4″ LOA, 11′2″ beam, ~2 ft draft. Priced around $400k+. A fantastic Gulf boat with offshore capability and a comfortable ride.
Regulator 30 XO: 30′7″ LOA, 10′2″ beam,
Other center consoles from brands like Boston Whaler, Everglades, and Sea Hunt in the 25- to 38-foot range are also excellent options and very popular with Ono residents.
Cruisers and Pocket Yachts
Cruisers 38 GLS: 38′ LOA, 12′6″ beam, 3′8″ draft, ~12′9″ bridge clearance. Expect pricing from $600k to $800k+ depending on options.
Sea Ray Sundancer 370: 37′ LOA, ~12′ beam, sleek lines and practical hardtop design. Great for overnighting or sunset cruising.
These boats offer luxury features while still remaining within bridge and depth limitations for most Ono properties.
Pontoons and Deck Boats
Bennington 30QX: Up to 30 ft long, 10 ft beam, low profile, shallow draft (~2 ft). With twin outboards, they can fly at 60+ mph. A high-end model might run $250k+.
Harris Crowne 250: ~25 ft long, 8.5 ft beam. Stylish, fast, and extremely bridge-friendly. Priced from $100k to $150k.
Pontoons are truly ideal for relaxed cruising around the island—they're easy to handle and great for entertaining.
Docking and Real-World Considerations
Here on Ono Island, many choose to install boat lifts for added convenience and protection. Saltwater and tides can be tough on a hull, so a lift keeps your boat cleaner and better maintained. Be sure your lift matches your boat’s size and weight—especially for wider boats.
Keep in mind:
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Tide Awareness: Know your dock depth at low tide.
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No Wake Zones: Our residential canals are all no-wake areas, and enforcement can be strict.
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Storm Planning: Have a storm strategy. Whether it’s hauling out your boat or securing it with extra lines, preparation matters.
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Private Boat Launch: Ono Island has a residents-only boat ramp—a game-changer for trailerable boats. I use it often to launch my smaller skiff and avoid the public ramps.
Final Thoughts
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The boating lifestyle is one of the best parts of living on Ono Island. With the right boat and a little local knowledge, you'll enjoy quick access to the Gulf, scenic cruising in our back bays, and relaxing time on the water right from your own dock. Whether you're into offshore fishing, sunset cruising, or anchoring off Bird Island, Ono is truly a boater's paradise.
If you're dreaming of a home with a dock to fit your perfect boat, or need help navigating which homes work for your vessel's size, I’d love to help. Let’s find the right property that fits your lifestyle—on land and on water.
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Meredith Amon is a Gulf Coast Expert Real Estate Advisor, licensed in Alabama and Florida. She specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate the buying and selling of homes along the Gulf Coast.
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