Has anyone out there done the ICW from the Great Lakes to Florida in a Hunter 35.5? Any particular advise/essential gear for such a trip? I understand there is a sizable migration of southbound boats on the ICW. Anybody have an opinion on a favored departure month?
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Barry
Leave Now
That way you can take your time, be ahead of the cold weather and still be in Annapolis for the boat show. Lots of cruisers stop there for good deals on gear. Unless your staying in marinas all the way be sure to bring a dingy. They're helpful to have if you run aground and need to take an anchor out. A small motor is a plus. I have a 8' roll up inflatable and a 3.5hp motor on my h34. For communications I got "Pocketmail" that allows me to easily send email from a pay phone or cell phone. Barry
That way you can take your time, be ahead of the cold weather and still be in Annapolis for the boat show. Lots of cruisers stop there for good deals on gear. Unless your staying in marinas all the way be sure to bring a dingy. They're helpful to have if you run aground and need to take an anchor out. A small motor is a plus. I have a 8' roll up inflatable and a 3.5hp motor on my h34. For communications I got "Pocketmail" that allows me to easily send email from a pay phone or cell phone. Barry
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Ed Schenck
"Year in Paradise"?
Have you read the Waterson's book Gene? See Related Link. I met them at the Catawba BoatUS store and bought an autographed copy. If they can do it then we can do it. Their book is full of great stories, outfitting info, and budgeting. They had such a great trip on a 32-footer. Our plan was to go next year but now it will it be 2004(weddings and kids and things). My only concern is the mast work through the Erie Canal. My H37C mast is keel-stepped and a lot of work. Have considered the St. Lawrence but not confident enough in my abilities to handle offshore around New England. When do you plan to go?
Have you read the Waterson's book Gene? See Related Link. I met them at the Catawba BoatUS store and bought an autographed copy. If they can do it then we can do it. Their book is full of great stories, outfitting info, and budgeting. They had such a great trip on a 32-footer. Our plan was to go next year but now it will it be 2004(weddings and kids and things). My only concern is the mast work through the Erie Canal. My H37C mast is keel-stepped and a lot of work. Have considered the St. Lawrence but not confident enough in my abilities to handle offshore around New England. When do you plan to go?
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Gene Thompson
leaving next summer
The plan is to leave around the middle of next summer. We are thinking about having the cockpit enclosed, how to best haul the dinghy, and what to use to stay in touch with home. The pocket mail sounds like a good idea. At this point, were thinking of entering the New york canals at Oswego. There are lots of things for us to consider, but thats a good thing. Makes good distraction from work. Ed; I went to your link and ordered the book, Thanks Gene
The plan is to leave around the middle of next summer. We are thinking about having the cockpit enclosed, how to best haul the dinghy, and what to use to stay in touch with home. The pocket mail sounds like a good idea. At this point, were thinking of entering the New york canals at Oswego. There are lots of things for us to consider, but thats a good thing. Makes good distraction from work. Ed; I went to your link and ordered the book, Thanks Gene
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Jay Kent
Ed is right when he recommended
the book "A Year In Paradise". Stuart and Margaret Watterson really did a nice job with this book. These wonderful folks dock in my marina and are truly delightful to know! Their book tells the stories as they enjoyed their trip (and even is written to let you enjoy their "issues" as they arose, too). A good, easy read with lots of great thoughts and ideas. Hope you get half of the enjoyment out of it that we did!! Good Luck with your trip!
the book "A Year In Paradise". Stuart and Margaret Watterson really did a nice job with this book. These wonderful folks dock in my marina and are truly delightful to know! Their book tells the stories as they enjoyed their trip (and even is written to let you enjoy their "issues" as they arose, too). A good, easy read with lots of great thoughts and ideas. Hope you get half of the enjoyment out of it that we did!! Good Luck with your trip!
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fred miller
Don't Forget Mast Height
Gene; I have a 35.5 also [1992] and often thought about the trip to FL. My mast height is 55 feet+ and here in Jersey that won't get me under most of the bridges even at low tide. Also don't forget the iddy biddy holding tank on the 35.5 [13 gallons]and distance between pump out stations. A friend of mine carried a porta potty as a back up. . Fair Winds Fred Miller S/V M Squared
Gene; I have a 35.5 also [1992] and often thought about the trip to FL. My mast height is 55 feet+ and here in Jersey that won't get me under most of the bridges even at low tide. Also don't forget the iddy biddy holding tank on the 35.5 [13 gallons]and distance between pump out stations. A friend of mine carried a porta potty as a back up. . Fair Winds Fred Miller S/V M Squared
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Jay Eaton
Additional Info
FYI, go to http://home.swbell.net/lhooks/homeport.html and click on ENDLESS SUMMER, PART 1.
FYI, go to http://home.swbell.net/lhooks/homeport.html and click on ENDLESS SUMMER, PART 1.
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Chuck
Stop in Buffalo
If you go next year stop in Buffalo & I will buy the beers. Acouple of good places to unstep your mast. I also vote for "A Year in Paradise". The Admiral got me a copy last year...Great reading. Chuck Dickhut S/V Kililani h31
If you go next year stop in Buffalo & I will buy the beers. Acouple of good places to unstep your mast. I also vote for "A Year in Paradise". The Admiral got me a copy last year...Great reading. Chuck Dickhut S/V Kililani h31
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