I have an ODay 28 and am planning a retirement trip down the ICW from Annapolis to Mobile Bay Alabama departing September 2017. I went to a seminar on the trip (to Florida) and got ideas but it sparked many questions I want to put forth to this site for inputs/recommendations:
1. Get a heater. Any ideas?
2. Refrigeration system, tips?
3. Windlass, worth it? Any recommendations?
4. Washdown system
5. Anchor... I have a danforth. I hear I need a spade. My boat weighs 8,500 pounds. I'm thinking of adding a spade and using the danforth as the 2nd anchor. Most specs suggest a 14 pounder but I've been told go up to 22 lb which is supposed to accommodate up to a 50 foot boat. In the end I'll be living off Mobile Bay so that bottom certainly matters too.
6. any tips on a dinghy? I'm told to get a hard bottom inflatable with a large diameter and a gas motor. is that overkill for a 28 footer to tow?
7. wifi booster - I have a mac book air
Finally, I was planning to join the Sail Magazine sponsored flotilla called the Snow Bird Rally that leaves from Norfolk to Florida in late October. I just learned they are no longer doing this. There is a 4-day seminar on the ICW in Hampton in mid October where sailors also network and journey together. I may go this year to meet people who also are delaying till next year. Most people there I understand are leaving right away. Anyone have other ideas how to find fellow sailors planning the ICW trip in September 2017 to connect with?
Thanks
Randy - the Wanderer
1. Get a heater. Any ideas?
2. Refrigeration system, tips?
3. Windlass, worth it? Any recommendations?
4. Washdown system
5. Anchor... I have a danforth. I hear I need a spade. My boat weighs 8,500 pounds. I'm thinking of adding a spade and using the danforth as the 2nd anchor. Most specs suggest a 14 pounder but I've been told go up to 22 lb which is supposed to accommodate up to a 50 foot boat. In the end I'll be living off Mobile Bay so that bottom certainly matters too.
6. any tips on a dinghy? I'm told to get a hard bottom inflatable with a large diameter and a gas motor. is that overkill for a 28 footer to tow?
7. wifi booster - I have a mac book air
Finally, I was planning to join the Sail Magazine sponsored flotilla called the Snow Bird Rally that leaves from Norfolk to Florida in late October. I just learned they are no longer doing this. There is a 4-day seminar on the ICW in Hampton in mid October where sailors also network and journey together. I may go this year to meet people who also are delaying till next year. Most people there I understand are leaving right away. Anyone have other ideas how to find fellow sailors planning the ICW trip in September 2017 to connect with?
Thanks
Randy - the Wanderer