We are looking at taking our Hunter 33.5 from Pensacola to the Keys in late October (pending any severe weather). We don't want to beach hop as it will extend the trip multiple days, but do a straight shot from Pcola to the Marathon (keys). Is this boat reasonable for this trip?? We have decent skils, but will practice overnights on our local lake (Pontchartrain which is HUGE and get's rolling waves in wind).
Hunter 33.5 Passage from Pensacola to Keys
- Thread starter Elizabethgrave
- Start date
Welcome aboard the forum!!
Shouldn't be a problem on that boat if checked carefully and prepped.. (epirb and a raft, which can be rented ). have papers in order and check on your insurance coverage. The weather and the currents in the gulf are worth considering carefully.. The loop current today would favor a more "central" gulf crossing to intercept the southeastward flow then more easterly to avoid the north flowing current north of the keys. A fun trip !!
earth.nullschool.net
Shouldn't be a problem on that boat if checked carefully and prepped.. (epirb and a raft, which can be rented ). have papers in order and check on your insurance coverage. The weather and the currents in the gulf are worth considering carefully.. The loop current today would favor a more "central" gulf crossing to intercept the southeastward flow then more easterly to avoid the north flowing current north of the keys. A fun trip !!
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jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,819
Hi Elizabeth. Welcome to the forum.
As you will discover on the forum when newer boat owners ask the question, "is the boat capable?" the answer is more often are the skipper and crew capable.
As @kloudie1 wisely shared if you choose your weather and you mind the currents and seas the boat is capable of sailing the passage you are considering.
My concern with your query is :
Sailors and Pilots do not need the pressure of a time clock when it comes to considering their cruising activities.
Stay safe and fair winds. Looks to be a fun passage.
As you will discover on the forum when newer boat owners ask the question, "is the boat capable?" the answer is more often are the skipper and crew capable.
As @kloudie1 wisely shared if you choose your weather and you mind the currents and seas the boat is capable of sailing the passage you are considering.
My concern with your query is :
It implies you have a limited time frame. There is nothing worse for a skipper and crew to be on clock when considering sailing and weather conditions. It tends to cause them to say "well that storm front looks a bit bad, but it will blow north and we might be ok if we go right now before that next storm gets any closer."
Sailors and Pilots do not need the pressure of a time clock when it comes to considering their cruising activities.
Stay safe and fair winds. Looks to be a fun passage.
Welcome Elizabeth! What John says above is very important. The most dangerous thing on a sailboat is a schedule.
It isn't that we CANNOT extend the trip, we just would rather try to do a passage. We have allotted 8 days and multiple different date ranges to choose from for the 3.5 day passage, so if we saw bad weather, we would be ok taking the boat in. Also, we are ok with saying, ok...weather isn't going to cooperate, let's just head to Destin and call it good. I was more concerned with the size of the boat...wanting to check all my options before trying our first overnight passage.
THANKS!
THANKS!
The distance as the crow flies from Pensacola to Marathon ia approximately 450 nautical miles. As you will not likey be able to sail a straight line to maintain a desirable speed I do not think your time schedule of 3.5 days is realistic. I would not recommend you do your first passage in the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. October is stiil inside Hurricane season.
Take the coastal route and be near safe harbor quickly.
Perhaps the return trip would be better to take the challenge.
The Caribbean is now the greatest source of Hurricane Fuel or Heat.
Jim...
As was previously mentioned the distance is more like 450 miles which translates to 5 days at sea. That's pretty grueling depending on how many people are on watch. If there are only 2 people the watch schedule will become tiring rather quickly especially if you have to hand steer for segments of the trip. Depending on conditions, unlike a below deck AP, a wheel pilot may not be up to the task . Make sure you have spare belts, hoses and filters for your engine should it be necessary to motor against prevailing winds or dead calms. The boat in and of itself is definitely capable of the trip. Preparation is the key. I have done 3 day offshore trips in mine in what I would call less than ideal conditions (20-25 knot winds and 6 -9 foot seas). The boat handled it better than I did ( lee cloths for the settee would have made a world of difference ) getting bounced out of your bunk in the middle of the night is no fun.
I would not recommend it. Not of enough fuel to motor so you are dependent on the wind. That time of year likely to get some wind and waves that can push your limits. I know of sailors caught in the middle of the gulf in huge seas and bad storms.
how did the October trip work out?
That's no small trip and very open ocean. I would love to read all about it.
-Will (Dragonfly)
That's no small trip and very open ocean. I would love to read all about it.
-Will (Dragonfly)