Boca Bash 2012 Set to Rock Lake Boca

UPDATE: BOCA BASH HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND 5/6

Just when our excitiement for the return of the Lauderale Air Show (formerly the Air & Sea Show) was reaching it's pinnacle, we've found another object of our South Florida Affection: Boca Bash.

Boca Bash is set to take place on April 29, 2012 on Lake Boca ("Boca Lake" to some) in Boca Raton, Florida. This informal gathering of boats has been growing in size every year and it seems each year the party gets a little bit crazier.

Boca Bash is best known for large raft ups - sometimes of dozens of boats, hot bodies, and plenty of libations. It also has somewhat of an infamous reputation for underage drinking and inexperienced, inebriated teenagers attempting to operate Mommy and Daddy's boat.

My advice for Boca Bash is anchor on the north end of Lake Boca in the deeper water. Here, your boat will be safer and the crowds of wandering drunkards will be far enough away in the shallower, knee deep water over the sandbar. Bring a dinghy or swim over to the sandbar to get a closer look at the festivities, all the time knowing that your prized watercraft is safe and sound.

A word about BWI / BUI (Boating While Intoxicated / Boating Under the Influence)...

After an unfortunate near drowning of an underage party goer a few years ago, Boca Raton Police Department and FWC have stepped up patrols and efforts at the event. My experience is that they typically leave people alone, but they will conduct their usual safety inspections (so make sure you have enough life jackets) and if they suspect you have been drinking prepare to be breathalyzed. In Florida, the BAC limit for a boat is .08 - the same as a car. For minors (under 21), the limit is .02 BAC.

The only way to get to Boca Bash is by boat. So make friends with someone who has a boat, or consider one of of our Boca Raton Fishing Charters - our captain will be happy to skip the fishing and anchor out for the party.

Lake Boca is located in Boca Raton, Florida just inside Boca Inlet. It's just north of the Camino Real Bridge and Boca Inlet Bridge and south of the Palmetto Park Road Bridge.

Things to Know about Lake Boca

• Boca Inlet is prone to constant changes in shoaling. With an east wind and outgoing tide, the inlet becomes impassible to small craft. SAFE PASSAGE REQUIRES LOCAL KNOWLEDGE.
• Lake Boca is dredge around the outside and is very shallow in the center - less than 2 feet in some areas at high tide. The northern edge of the lake from the shore out approximately 200 feet is deeper 5 - 8 feet and is the only safe place for boats with a deeper draft. Lake Boca is a frequent party spot and unfortunately, beer caps and bottles litter the bottom and at certain times of the year, sea urchins can be found. Foot protection is advised.
• The Camino Real Bridge opens on the hour and every twenty minutes thereafter. The bridge has a very low clearance, around 4-5 feet at high tide.
• The Boca Inlet Bridge opens on demand. The bridge has a relatively high clearance and typically can accomdate a sportfish without a tuna tower and with outriggers lowered.
• The Palmetto Park Road bridge opens on the hour and on the half hour. The bridge has a relatively high clearance and typically can accomdate a sportfish without a tuna tower and with outriggers lowered.