I'm thinking about taking my boat south next fall. I've never been on the ICW before and would like to buy a good guide. Also need infor on time it takes to do the entire trip, cost, and any other info or Suggestions or advise that you might have. Thanks for the help
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Lamar
This one will get you through Georgia.
"The Georgia Coast, Waterways and Islands" by Nancy and Tom Zydler. I use this book to plan our trips down the ICW of Georgia. Charts, maps, Marinas of every river, creek, island, anchorage, restaurants and more. Lots more. There is probably a book on the whole Ditch out there. Good luck. Time and money not answered here.
"The Georgia Coast, Waterways and Islands" by Nancy and Tom Zydler. I use this book to plan our trips down the ICW of Georgia. Charts, maps, Marinas of every river, creek, island, anchorage, restaurants and more. Lots more. There is probably a book on the whole Ditch out there. Good luck. Time and money not answered here.
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David
Richard, this is not
a book but it is a great guide. Go to; www.toad.net/~tdove/icw.html This is Tom Dove's waterway guide. It has been very accurate in the areas of the ICW that I have been on.
a book but it is a great guide. Go to; www.toad.net/~tdove/icw.html This is Tom Dove's waterway guide. It has been very accurate in the areas of the ICW that I have been on.
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Dick Carey
ICW/Atlantic Coast Guide
Richard, Look at the Embassy Guide - Atlantic Coast. It is produced for those transiting the Atlantic coast from Maine to Florida. I used it on a trip in early half of November from RI to Annapolis, MD on a 2004 Jeanneau 40 and was very satisfied with the info provided. Dick Carey S/V Puffin 1990 H-33.5
Richard, Look at the Embassy Guide - Atlantic Coast. It is produced for those transiting the Atlantic coast from Maine to Florida. I used it on a trip in early half of November from RI to Annapolis, MD on a 2004 Jeanneau 40 and was very satisfied with the info provided. Dick Carey S/V Puffin 1990 H-33.5
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Steve Zweigart
The Intracoastal Waterway...
I like "The Intracoastal Waterway, Norfolk to Miami", by Jan & Bill Moeller. I've got the fourth edition, published in 1997. Well written and seemingly complete.
I like "The Intracoastal Waterway, Norfolk to Miami", by Jan & Bill Moeller. I've got the fourth edition, published in 1997. Well written and seemingly complete.
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Dan
J
Jack Tyler
Richard, you'll be buying a bookstore...
As you can see, opinions on (and experience with) guides varies by boat and crew. I think your question was a bit broader than that, so let me try a different answer: 1. Shop guides (e.g. at West Marine; perhaps you have a nautical bookstore near you, as well) to find one that combines the right blend of info for your interests and covers the entire East Coast run (usually this will be from Norfolk to Miami). Don't zoom in on regional guides (e.g. the Zydler's excellent Carolina guide) unless you decide you have the time and inclination to explore a given area; you'll find such guides in those areas. The most commonly used pilot (nav aids, bridges, shoal areas, changes since your chart was printed) is the Waterway Guide (tho' it does offer some history, as well) so you might look at that along with others. It is sold in regional titles, and you may need/want the one covering the Chesapeake as well as the two that cover the run from Norfolk to Maimi. I emphasize personal choice here because you don't tell us how much info you need or what your past experience is...and also because the different guides resonate differently with those of us using them. (E.g. Claiborne Young's guides are, for me, tedious and emphasize restaurants and marinas far more than I care). 2. Re: costs, the norm is that you will be able to usually anchor out if you plan ahead (off a good guide) and have that preference. There are stretches where this isn't possible and there will be logistics stops you'll need to make, but essentially the boat requires fuel and the occasional dock & water spigot, while the crew requires food. Groceries are readily available in many areas of the ICW, despite there being long stretches inbetween where you won't be near a town. How much you dine out and how often you stay in marinas are the two big expenses (aside from fuel) and are highly controllable by you. 3. The point of the trip is to experience a part of America (and Americana) that still remains but is hidden from the media and most of our combined awareness. Waterborne commerce, small towns, colorful local history, change wrapped in tradition - transiting the waterway is like peeling back the soul and the history of our country, and hurrying along so you can get to the other end would be a wasted opportunity. Consequently, it can take as long as the time you have, but surely a few months is not too much to give to a once in a lifetime experience. Tom Dove's on-line info has always been useful (altho' it's not comprehensive but rather cherry-picks sections of interest or concern). Also, pull out your atlas or road map and just trace the route with your finger. Note the names that the map offers you, and perhaps reflect back on a business trip, high school history class or previous vacation to see what generates a little excitement on your part. Being able to visit Charleston (with public transport easy and berthing to fit most budgets) or anchor out adjacent to Cumberland Is. and its wild horses and tours by the national park service thru the old Carnegie Mansion are truly special opportunities...and there are an infinite number of those along the ICW. Come to think of it, I'm eager to do it again...and we've been up/down 4 times now. Jack
As you can see, opinions on (and experience with) guides varies by boat and crew. I think your question was a bit broader than that, so let me try a different answer: 1. Shop guides (e.g. at West Marine; perhaps you have a nautical bookstore near you, as well) to find one that combines the right blend of info for your interests and covers the entire East Coast run (usually this will be from Norfolk to Miami). Don't zoom in on regional guides (e.g. the Zydler's excellent Carolina guide) unless you decide you have the time and inclination to explore a given area; you'll find such guides in those areas. The most commonly used pilot (nav aids, bridges, shoal areas, changes since your chart was printed) is the Waterway Guide (tho' it does offer some history, as well) so you might look at that along with others. It is sold in regional titles, and you may need/want the one covering the Chesapeake as well as the two that cover the run from Norfolk to Maimi. I emphasize personal choice here because you don't tell us how much info you need or what your past experience is...and also because the different guides resonate differently with those of us using them. (E.g. Claiborne Young's guides are, for me, tedious and emphasize restaurants and marinas far more than I care). 2. Re: costs, the norm is that you will be able to usually anchor out if you plan ahead (off a good guide) and have that preference. There are stretches where this isn't possible and there will be logistics stops you'll need to make, but essentially the boat requires fuel and the occasional dock & water spigot, while the crew requires food. Groceries are readily available in many areas of the ICW, despite there being long stretches inbetween where you won't be near a town. How much you dine out and how often you stay in marinas are the two big expenses (aside from fuel) and are highly controllable by you. 3. The point of the trip is to experience a part of America (and Americana) that still remains but is hidden from the media and most of our combined awareness. Waterborne commerce, small towns, colorful local history, change wrapped in tradition - transiting the waterway is like peeling back the soul and the history of our country, and hurrying along so you can get to the other end would be a wasted opportunity. Consequently, it can take as long as the time you have, but surely a few months is not too much to give to a once in a lifetime experience. Tom Dove's on-line info has always been useful (altho' it's not comprehensive but rather cherry-picks sections of interest or concern). Also, pull out your atlas or road map and just trace the route with your finger. Note the names that the map offers you, and perhaps reflect back on a business trip, high school history class or previous vacation to see what generates a little excitement on your part. Being able to visit Charleston (with public transport easy and berthing to fit most budgets) or anchor out adjacent to Cumberland Is. and its wild horses and tours by the national park service thru the old Carnegie Mansion are truly special opportunities...and there are an infinite number of those along the ICW. Come to think of it, I'm eager to do it again...and we've been up/down 4 times now. Jack
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