H33c from Rochester New York to Key West

[Redskyatnight]

I am planning on taking my 1981 hunter 33 from Rochester New York to Key West. I have most everything figured out. However I'm struggling with the dinghy situation. I would like to use the hard bottom zodiac (cadet 250) that's about 8 1/2 feet long. Would like to use davits however the Stern on the 33's are small as some of you may know. Forespar makes a great davit system that looks like it would work. Anyone have advice for the davits and/or trip?

 

[frankies56]

I am planning on taking my 1981 hunter 33 from Rochester New York to Key West. I have most everything figured out. However I'm struggling with the dinghy situation. I would like to use the hard bottom zodiac (cadet 250) that's about 8 1/2 feet long. Would like to use davits however the Stern on the 33's are small as some of you may know. Forespar makes a great davit system that looks like it would work. Anyone have advice for the davits and/or trip?

Hi when I had a cal 28, I used a west marine roll up dinghy. rolls up a stows and when you need it just inflate and tow.there was not much drag.I also used a 3 hp outboard 2 stroke great for two.

 

[CATBOAT WILLY]

If your experience is any thing like my trips from Shark River NJ to Miami, (26 days) you'll probably not need the dink on your entire trip. Why not ship your roll up dink to Marathon, FL and pick it up there?
If you have not got one as yet think about buying it when you get to Florida.
BTW . Most of Floridians do not go to Key West as the dockage costs are astronomical. Think about making Boot Key Harbor you final destination and take the bus to Key West from there. Another alternative is rather than go direct to Key West, cross Lake Okeechobee to Fort Myers and sail down the west coast of Florida. A much kinder way to go at that time of year.....:dance:
Have a great trip and we'll see you when you get here.....

 

[Redskyatnight]

Hi when I had a cal 28, I used a west marine roll up dinghy. rolls up a stows and when you need it just inflate and tow.there was not much drag.I also used a 3 hp outboard 2 stroke great for two.

Thank you very much for the advice- I just ordered the zodiac cadet 260 rollup and found a 2 1/2 hp Yamaha four stroke for 400 bucks. my wife and I are looking forward to the trip down the ditch.

 

[Redskyatnight]

If your experience is any thing like my trips from Shark River NJ to Miami, (26 days) you'll probably not need the dink on your entire trip. Why not ship your roll up dink to Marathon, FL and pick it up there? If you have not got one as yet think about buying it when you get to Florida. BTW . Most of Floridians do not go to Key West as the dockage costs are astronomical. Think about making Boot Key Harbor you final destination and take the bus to Key West from there. Another alternative is rather than go direct to Key West, cross Lake Okeechobee to Fort Myers and sail down the west coast of Florida. A much kinder way to go at that time of year.....:dance: Have a great trip and we'll see you when you get here.....

Very good advice. I knew about the Lake Okeechobee cut but didn't think about it for some reason. Guess I was fixated on making it to Key West just to say we went as far as we could. Since I'm retired Navy I can stay on the Naval Station in Key West for affordability. We think we're going to end up in the Naples area. I ordered a rollup just to have it if we decide to anchor or go on a short excursion here and there on the way down.