Hi, Can the atlantic icw be done using a catalina 27 with inboard diesel. Is this a large enough sailboat to do the trip. Norfolk to palm beach. If anyone has done this please let me know Thanks Russ
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Research
Russ, I think what Moody is implying is if yo have asked then you have not done any research. I just conducted a session with high school juniors and gave a presentation linking their science class (wx, oceans, geology) to sailing blue waters. I have only sailed on inland lakes in TX. My goal in 10 years is to sail on the Atlantic ICW with my wife. I am doing research now. Google is the 1st place to start. There are tons of individuals that have sites full of information. Your question about boat size would be answered in the first 10 minutes of research on any of these sites. Take some time and investigate. The implication is if you cannot find this information on your own, how will you find the important stuff. You haven't even thought about keel depth, provisions, spares, daily legs, locks, fuel, anchorages, etc. Take a look at www.snowbirder.net and review the information gathered. Then look up other sites. RG
Russ, I think what Moody is implying is if yo have asked then you have not done any research. I just conducted a session with high school juniors and gave a presentation linking their science class (wx, oceans, geology) to sailing blue waters. I have only sailed on inland lakes in TX. My goal in 10 years is to sail on the Atlantic ICW with my wife. I am doing research now. Google is the 1st place to start. There are tons of individuals that have sites full of information. Your question about boat size would be answered in the first 10 minutes of research on any of these sites. Take some time and investigate. The implication is if you cannot find this information on your own, how will you find the important stuff. You haven't even thought about keel depth, provisions, spares, daily legs, locks, fuel, anchorages, etc. Take a look at www.snowbirder.net and review the information gathered. Then look up other sites. RG
Maybe
... this is his first step. That's ok, there are plenty of both opinions and information here. The answer I suppose is that it depends. People have circumnavigated in Cat 27s, but I wouldn't give a blanket yes to the question of whether it's big enough to do it or not. The stick is "do a lot of research first". The carrot is yes, with proper preparation and experience it's not out of the question. Have you read Lin and Larry Pardey's books? They cruised the world in an even smaller boat (maybe size is the wrong question?), along with of course a great deal of experience and preparation.
... this is his first step. That's ok, there are plenty of both opinions and information here. The answer I suppose is that it depends. People have circumnavigated in Cat 27s, but I wouldn't give a blanket yes to the question of whether it's big enough to do it or not. The stick is "do a lot of research first". The carrot is yes, with proper preparation and experience it's not out of the question. Have you read Lin and Larry Pardey's books? They cruised the world in an even smaller boat (maybe size is the wrong question?), along with of course a great deal of experience and preparation.
Yes
Most of the ICW is very protected. Much of it is rivers and creeks which have been connected by cut canals. NY NY to AC NJ needs to be done out side but that is about the only place of concern and there are places to get into like Manasquan inlet. The blance of NJ ICW while difficult, is doable. One would most likely do better day running down the coast and popping in at night. The run up the Delaware bay can get rough if the wind and tide are against each other but just don't do it then, wait and it will lay down. Jersey is the worst part. The lower Chesapeake can get pretty big but your still inside and a little sense will take you a long way. Leave plenty of time, get the ICW charts, get the ICW cruising guide and enjoy the float, plenty to see.
Most of the ICW is very protected. Much of it is rivers and creeks which have been connected by cut canals. NY NY to AC NJ needs to be done out side but that is about the only place of concern and there are places to get into like Manasquan inlet. The blance of NJ ICW while difficult, is doable. One would most likely do better day running down the coast and popping in at night. The run up the Delaware bay can get rough if the wind and tide are against each other but just don't do it then, wait and it will lay down. Jersey is the worst part. The lower Chesapeake can get pretty big but your still inside and a little sense will take you a long way. Leave plenty of time, get the ICW charts, get the ICW cruising guide and enjoy the float, plenty to see.
Yes, ICW is do-able
Russ--Yes, the Catalina 27 can handle the Atlantic ICW. You've got a few considerations: 1) bridge clearance (the C27 ought to be able to clear any of the fixed bridges south of Norfolk. In NJ, there are some fixed bridges with 35 foot vertical clearance, meaning a C27 would not fit). 2) draft: depth in the ICW varies greatly, and charts can be inaccurate. But staying in the marked channels will generally give you enough water for the C27. Talk to others you encounter making the same trip (there are lots of people doing it in the spring and fall.) They may be able to offer tips on newly shoaled areas. 3) anchorages or marinas: there are some good areas to anchor, and a bunch of marinas. Consult charts or crusing guides for good reference material. 4) your engine: you will be doing a lot of motoring, especially if the wind is against you. Make sure your engine maintenance is up to date, and that things like your cooling system are functioning properly. You should know your fuel economy (gallons per hour) before departing, to make sure you have enough capacity. With a diesel, you're likely to have plenty of capacity if you monitor your consumption. There are places to fill up, but in some stretches, there can be quite a distance between fuel docks. 5) liveaboard space: how many will be aboard? For 2 or 3 people, you've probably got enough space, especially if you are docking at a marina at night to get off the boat and stretch your legs. If you've got 4 or 5 people, it's going to get mighty crowded, as the C27 really can't accomodate that many with all their gear and supplies. On nice waether days, a well maintained C27 is perfectly capable of handling some ocean work, too (we do it all the time). Check your weather, and make sure you have good inlets available for re-entry (having more than one option is always good in the event some weather blows up during the day.) Good luck. Randy
Russ--Yes, the Catalina 27 can handle the Atlantic ICW. You've got a few considerations: 1) bridge clearance (the C27 ought to be able to clear any of the fixed bridges south of Norfolk. In NJ, there are some fixed bridges with 35 foot vertical clearance, meaning a C27 would not fit). 2) draft: depth in the ICW varies greatly, and charts can be inaccurate. But staying in the marked channels will generally give you enough water for the C27. Talk to others you encounter making the same trip (there are lots of people doing it in the spring and fall.) They may be able to offer tips on newly shoaled areas. 3) anchorages or marinas: there are some good areas to anchor, and a bunch of marinas. Consult charts or crusing guides for good reference material. 4) your engine: you will be doing a lot of motoring, especially if the wind is against you. Make sure your engine maintenance is up to date, and that things like your cooling system are functioning properly. You should know your fuel economy (gallons per hour) before departing, to make sure you have enough capacity. With a diesel, you're likely to have plenty of capacity if you monitor your consumption. There are places to fill up, but in some stretches, there can be quite a distance between fuel docks. 5) liveaboard space: how many will be aboard? For 2 or 3 people, you've probably got enough space, especially if you are docking at a marina at night to get off the boat and stretch your legs. If you've got 4 or 5 people, it's going to get mighty crowded, as the C27 really can't accomodate that many with all their gear and supplies. On nice waether days, a well maintained C27 is perfectly capable of handling some ocean work, too (we do it all the time). Check your weather, and make sure you have good inlets available for re-entry (having more than one option is always good in the event some weather blows up during the day.) Good luck. Randy
Lovely Experience
Russ, Folks do the ICW or portions of it on anything and everything that floats!! A Catalina 27 is a great boat for the ICW; compact, shoal draft, self sustaining, etc, etc. I did the ICW back in the 80's when ordinances did not exist as they do now at a number of municipalities to control boaters. You do need to do your research and if you have a big budget and your plans are for docking at a marina every night your going first class! If however, you plan to stay a number of days per week on the hook, KNOW your anchorages and get this info. from all the ICW guides and books written over the years that are available. Mark these on your charts and arrive early to get a good spot. You should count on a danforth and a plow for both sand and muddy bottoms for anchoring. You will need a lot of chain on each anchor line (10+ feet) about 150 feet of anchor line and a crew who has a stout back!! As anchorages get crowded and tight, the art of anchoring becomes more critical, so pratice, perfect and get secure with your techniques. On a majority of the ICW (Virginia south), your pretty much under power so the health of your engine is critical. If I had to focus on one aspect of my vessel, I would be sure my engine is functioning well, I had spares onboard and proper tools as well. Do not forget the zincs since your coming out of fresh water. You will encounter your most intense tidal currents in the Carolina's and Georgia if you stay inside. I would opt for getting towing insurance (Boat US or Sea Tow program). If you had to be towed for repairs, the price of a US Boat membership w/tow package would be well worth the investment. You will find the good with the bad so all may not be idyllic as I found out sometimes! Delivery boat captains and local power boaters may toss you a bad wake in a narrow channel once in awhile that will test your vessel and your skills. You might be crossing an inlet, staying close to the markers and run aground because the Corps may not have dredged the location for years! Maybe encounter a Dockmaster who might push you off the dock to take that Hatteras 65 footer who will spend hundreds of dollars in gas over your 10 gallons!! This is the worst stuff and I have personnally experienced those things. On the flip side the ICW is a magnificent scenic adventure full of great sights and sounds and wonderful places to visit. I recommend stop overs at Charleston, SC, Beaufort, Buford and Hilton Head, Savannah, St. Simons Island, St. Mary's, GA and Fernadina, St. Augustine, Fla, etc, etc, etc. These places and so many others makes the voyage so rich. Its a great spirit of freedom and independence that will stay with you for a lifetime. You will be okay in your 27......she is a great vessel, just plan well and prepare. Start by buying the lastest official waterway guide and hit the internet for ICW info. Have a great and safe voyage Bob Catalina 30
Russ, Folks do the ICW or portions of it on anything and everything that floats!! A Catalina 27 is a great boat for the ICW; compact, shoal draft, self sustaining, etc, etc. I did the ICW back in the 80's when ordinances did not exist as they do now at a number of municipalities to control boaters. You do need to do your research and if you have a big budget and your plans are for docking at a marina every night your going first class! If however, you plan to stay a number of days per week on the hook, KNOW your anchorages and get this info. from all the ICW guides and books written over the years that are available. Mark these on your charts and arrive early to get a good spot. You should count on a danforth and a plow for both sand and muddy bottoms for anchoring. You will need a lot of chain on each anchor line (10+ feet) about 150 feet of anchor line and a crew who has a stout back!! As anchorages get crowded and tight, the art of anchoring becomes more critical, so pratice, perfect and get secure with your techniques. On a majority of the ICW (Virginia south), your pretty much under power so the health of your engine is critical. If I had to focus on one aspect of my vessel, I would be sure my engine is functioning well, I had spares onboard and proper tools as well. Do not forget the zincs since your coming out of fresh water. You will encounter your most intense tidal currents in the Carolina's and Georgia if you stay inside. I would opt for getting towing insurance (Boat US or Sea Tow program). If you had to be towed for repairs, the price of a US Boat membership w/tow package would be well worth the investment. You will find the good with the bad so all may not be idyllic as I found out sometimes! Delivery boat captains and local power boaters may toss you a bad wake in a narrow channel once in awhile that will test your vessel and your skills. You might be crossing an inlet, staying close to the markers and run aground because the Corps may not have dredged the location for years! Maybe encounter a Dockmaster who might push you off the dock to take that Hatteras 65 footer who will spend hundreds of dollars in gas over your 10 gallons!! This is the worst stuff and I have personnally experienced those things. On the flip side the ICW is a magnificent scenic adventure full of great sights and sounds and wonderful places to visit. I recommend stop overs at Charleston, SC, Beaufort, Buford and Hilton Head, Savannah, St. Simons Island, St. Mary's, GA and Fernadina, St. Augustine, Fla, etc, etc, etc. These places and so many others makes the voyage so rich. Its a great spirit of freedom and independence that will stay with you for a lifetime. You will be okay in your 27......she is a great vessel, just plan well and prepare. Start by buying the lastest official waterway guide and hit the internet for ICW info. Have a great and safe voyage Bob Catalina 30
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