rclarke246
Senior Member
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2014
- Messages
- 450
- Location
- USA
- Vessel Name
- Lady Di
- Vessel Make
- 2012 Beneteau Swift Trawler 44
Hello,
We are planing our voyage from Annapolis to Marco Island, FL, (via Okeechobee waterway) this fall of 2014.
Here is a little background and some of our ideas that may help explain our situation:
I had some limited experience on the ICW 20 years ago, but it was in a go-fast boat. I do have previous and recent formal training in piloting & seamanship.
My 1st Mate (aka: 1st and last wife) only has the 130 hours of boating we have experienced together on our boat. We do not presently belong to a yacht club.
We know and plan to set no hard deadlines and are comfortable with "taking as long as it takes" to really savor the trip. Yes, we want to stop and smell the roses. We plan to avoid bad weather as we can.
We prefer marinas to anchoring and aren't too worried about the added expense, even though I'll gladly save a buck whenever possible. We certainly have anchored out overnight which we greatly enjoyed.
So, here's our very broad question:
With all of the vast experience that you "old salts" possess, what would be the 3 or 4 BEST TIPS that you can offer?
Topics may include:
Navigation, shoaling, hazards, passing / overtaking techniques (Yes, I read the fasinating TF thread), weather, "can't miss" stops, marinas, restaurants, great anchorages, security warnings & other cautions, equipment & supplies, iPad / iPhone apps, fueling, locks & bridges, publications, socializing, VHS, AIS, radar,
your mistakes, your successes, or anything else that would be at the top of your lists.
Obviously, we're taking this very seriously while still anticipating the fun!
Thank you in advance for your insight!
We are planing our voyage from Annapolis to Marco Island, FL, (via Okeechobee waterway) this fall of 2014.
Here is a little background and some of our ideas that may help explain our situation:
I had some limited experience on the ICW 20 years ago, but it was in a go-fast boat. I do have previous and recent formal training in piloting & seamanship.
My 1st Mate (aka: 1st and last wife) only has the 130 hours of boating we have experienced together on our boat. We do not presently belong to a yacht club.
We know and plan to set no hard deadlines and are comfortable with "taking as long as it takes" to really savor the trip. Yes, we want to stop and smell the roses. We plan to avoid bad weather as we can.
We prefer marinas to anchoring and aren't too worried about the added expense, even though I'll gladly save a buck whenever possible. We certainly have anchored out overnight which we greatly enjoyed.
So, here's our very broad question:
With all of the vast experience that you "old salts" possess, what would be the 3 or 4 BEST TIPS that you can offer?
Topics may include:
Navigation, shoaling, hazards, passing / overtaking techniques (Yes, I read the fasinating TF thread), weather, "can't miss" stops, marinas, restaurants, great anchorages, security warnings & other cautions, equipment & supplies, iPad / iPhone apps, fueling, locks & bridges, publications, socializing, VHS, AIS, radar,
your mistakes, your successes, or anything else that would be at the top of your lists.
Obviously, we're taking this very seriously while still anticipating the fun!
Thank you in advance for your insight!