1,243 miles
Statute miles from Norfolk to Key West. Keep a close watch on those huge barges. Watch out for power boats. Channels shift and fill in, so keep an eye on depth. Learn all about daymarks, lights, bouys, and colors pertinent to the ICW. Have VHF radio to communicate with bridge tenders and tugs. It is a good idea to hail every tug you meet on Ch 13 to make sure of passing situation. Get bridge opening schedules since some do not open on demand. There are locks controlling passage thru Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal and thru dismal Swamp. Lots of potential for trouble. Learn protocol when meeting or being overtaken by powerboats. October and Nov are busiest time for migration of boats south. Watch for Manatee zones once in Fl. Watch out for crab and lobster pots all over the ICW. Got to have-depth sounder, vhf radio, and binoculars. Nice to have - gps, towing insurance. Check out cruising guides to your route by Claiborne Young. And the chartbook noted by Norm. Look up information on the great circle route. I cruised the gulf coast ICW and did a lot of research on the east coast ICW, but have not got to do it yet. Looks like I probably never will. If you do this trip, planning is critical. Have a wonderful, safe trip.
