intercoastal waterway

[stevo1]

what size Mac would you do parts of the ICW in?? there are 2 of us and we would stop and restock every couple of days. We are into small boats < 23 ft thanks stevo

 

[Night Sailor]

Size doesn't matter...

Any size Mac will do. It is important however to have enough motor power to counter 5+ knot currents, and bow waves and prop wash of large vessels and barges you share the channels with. I"d suggest using the highest HP your boat is rated for. Get the latest notices to mariners because depths on charts are not accurate thanks to budget cutting for dredging and maintenance by politicians who don't own boats.Macs are great for IC cruising because we can raise the keel if necessary and get off into interesting side creeks for exploring or provisioning, or out of the channel if danger looms in the form of rude barge drivers. Carefully tie up at night, as far from the channel as possible. Besides tidal changes to consider, bow waves from larger fast vessels and barges can push you out of the bunk.

 

[Billy W]

Rude?

Never ran across a rude barge Captain. Seen some get on their bull horn to chastise and try to find out the intentions of some small boat captain that was oblivious to the rules of the road and to the danger of not being aware of the huge barges. ICW was made for those barges. They are not just real maneuverable so it is up to pleasure boaters to stay out of their way. It is best to always signal (horn or radio) your intentions to the tug Captain if confusion or doubt may be involved.I don't know what your plans are but there is some great sailing and fishing from Sabine Pass(Tx,La border) around to Corpus Christi with several days spent around Galveston and Clear lake. Happy sailing.

 

[stevo1]

thanks, all the info is great

thanks for the info, the gulf side looks like a great area, my trips to the panhandle of florida (not sailing) show a area that is not to overcrowded and with friendy folks and fish. Any books about this ara thanks stevo

 

[Billy W]

Fl panhandle

Al / Fl coast great area. Start at LU LU's right off 59 in Gulf Shores, Al. Very protected waters all the way to Panama City, Fl. Great anchorages all along the way. I don't think this area has as much barge traffic as the Tx coast. Sail inside along ICW or outside in the gulf. Check out "Cruising Guide to the Northern Gulf Coast, 3rd ed." by Claiborne S. Young (Pelican Publishing). Spring or fall best cruising times, especially Feb to first of June, at least IMHO.