Hi Dan.
I worked on 22 ton bladders for transporting wine/brandy/latex and they do have many benefits in many applications but anchoring one down on a boat in a rolling sea versus cost (don't forget I'm so tight fisted I can make a Jew look generous) availability/security etc I still think I'd err on the side of a couple of plastic drums.
Each vessel has its own specifics and what suits one may not suit another.
He does have an inreach as noted in post #6. I just checked his progress and it looks like the Mississippi will be no problem based on fuel. He's close to 300 miles from his departure from Clearwater and still heading north. Hope it was a smooth crossing and give us an update when you get some rest!
Think sprint-walk. Pull into Clearwater and re-fill to figure your usage at whatever you run there to from FM. Plan for running X hours at a good clip when water conditions allow and y hours at "hull" speed. Don't get greedy and use more x hours than you should if it looks smooth all the way.
Glad you are making good progress and that you have a good captain.
What is your fuel capacity? (400 gal gas?) per post 16, fuel capacity is 450 gallons
New alternator?? And no further explanation? Give us details. see post 35
Weather further north is supposed to be colder than a well digger's butt.
Yup, comes to fuel usage.... now that's a variable. We dont run one speed.
One might consider fuel usage on a particular leg and the next leg different.
Running with the current vs running against the current. Inside, outside, getting to a unfamiliar dock or perhaps a inlet, in the day light. Wave height etc. All these things will greatly effect the real world gph.
Regarding the alternator, I mentioned it in post 35. I wasn't putting anything out - likely never has been since I bought her. Voltage falls off across the day and we have been running the gen occasionally to top it off. Time to fix that.
Yes this one will be rebuilt and kept as a spare.
As we entered the bay we struggled to find the center of the channel. The red was there but we couldn't find the green. Well that's because it wasn't there - it's missing. Instead we found 3 ft of water. We were doing about 14 knots and hit bottom. BD
As we entered the bay we struggled to find the center of the channel. The red was there but we couldn't find the green. Well that's because it wasn't there - it's missing. Instead we found 3 ft of water. We were doing about 14 knots and hit hard.
BD
Which way were you entering the bay, from sea or from the ICW?
A friend owns TowBoatUS Mobile. Glade they were able to help.
Yes we've discussed those spots. I burn about 32 gph at cruise, so about 14 hours run time. To make the 250 miles I'd need to make good about 15 knots. Definitely possible, but there is a fuel delivery option too. Or of course we can go slower, but at some point we need to make way against the current, so...
BD
Will you be running an overnight crossing the gulf?
You might be surprised how little you use a radar - if at all.