need advice

[Bonzai]

Hello guys!I may finally be ready to make the jump from trailerable boats.Am looking at a 35' boat near Daytona.Am going down tomorrow to see it up close and determine its condition.I will be wanting to move it to the Panama City area where I have reasonably affordable dockage.It will still be a 6 hr drive to boat from home, but it's as close as I can find as I live near Atlanta,Ga.My compound question; How tuff a job am I looking at, if boat is in reasonable sailable and motoring condition? Has 4'8" draft and a strong 50HP Perkins.I believe it's inside all the way but not certain.I appreciate any advice!

 

[Ross]

Get out the charts and your dividers and allow 4 knots average speed for the trip. You only have to do one day at a time.

 

[Bonzai]

Hey Ross! Not going to be in a hurry at all...am allowing a full week for the trip but hope to make it in 4 or 5 days. It's all brand new territiory to me so will be an adventure regardless.....If anyone wants to ride sign up now!

 

[MrBill_FLL]

how tall is the mast? are you are planning on going thru Stewart? (Big O)

you'll could go outside from Jax to stewart, then ft myers to panama city. but I would think with a new boat you'll motor almost the entire way...

add 4 days if you go thru the keys..

that's a lot of motoring... I'd be sure to have a good dingy and engine in case you need to tow the boat.

 

[Bonzai]

I think bridge clearance is about 42'.I am going to spend a week or 2 cking boat out at its current location before taking off. And, of course, depends on what the weather wants me to do...lol.

 

[sailaway78]

Not much time

Thats not much time for this trip. If you can do the Okeechobee, will save a lot of time. You can get through there with a mast up to 55'. Under 49' and you won't need a tilt over. You can contact Bill, who does the tip over through Indian Town marina. You can stay in the ICW as far north as Anclote Key. I have done several crossings like this. Figure on 4 days when you come out of the Okeechobee at Ft.Meyers. Don't think 5 days will do it from Daytona. A week would probably be pushing it.
You also need to watch the weather closely, and time the trip between fronts. Usually will be pretty settled between them, and the normal winds are very favorable.
PM me if I can be of any more help, or offer any more advice.

 

[Bonzai]

Re: Not much time

Did some mileage checking and will definitely take a week at best. Mast is plenty low enuff...really good info and will be taking the cut across Okeechobee for certain. Really appreciate the help and will PM with questions galore later I am sure... Thank you.

 

[sailaway78]

Don't plan

Don't plan on making landfall at Appalachicola when you come across, unless you can get some good local info. I am hearing that the entrance just inside the jetties has shoaled up, and is basically no passable to sailboats. I have never gone in at Carabelle. If your mast is over 50', you will have to pretty well stay outside to Panama City.

 

[dscribner]

Bonzai,

What ever happened with the Buccaneer?

Don

 

[seadaddler]

Check

Check the water level in the lake and maybe good since we did get alot of rain this rainy season and if 42 not a problem but make sure mast height.
When you planning to make the trip,you could use ICW if weather is bad outside east coast Florida but will be slower going.
It took me 3 days going outside each day anchoring out each night from Ft Pierce to 5 mile bridge and over night to Ft Myers,my mast too high for the lake.
If I did not have rotator cuff surgery in August I would be interested in making part of the trip,when you going.
Make sure to have extra engine parts for this trip like belts, oil,fuel filters and impellers,good tools and charts and mapping out all possible places to safe anchor,good planning is important.
When you can give more info about the boat and sea-tow not bad idea if the new to you boat breaks down will cost$$$$$ with out it,planty help here for your trip.
Nick

 

[ggrizzard]

I've done most of it, both ways. Send me a PM with details and proposed date when you decide.
G.

 

[Bad Obsession]

What is the make, model, and year of the boat? Just curious. Congratulations.

If you have a 35' boat you may have a taller mast than you say. My Catalina 30 has a bridge clearance of 46'.

I made the mistake of not allowing enough time during my transport for weather. I hit some nasty weather and it delayed me a day which cause a mess with my work.

 

[Bonzai]

Bonzai,

What ever happened with the Buccaneer?

Don

Hey Don!Still have the Buc. Got the sole all cut out and ready for new core but has been on back burner for a while due to new business i started several months back. Havent decided if i am gonna try to finish it or just keep my Lancer as a lake boat at home. Tuff choice but my Lancer needs almost nothing and the Buc needs about 60-80 hrs work plus a bit of money for paints and materials to finish.It may be worth it tho...i swear it has almost as much interior room as the 35 fter!Am going down to new boat again this weekend or next to get started on a few jobs needs doing...will get some pics and post em here.Fantastic to cyu again!

 

[Bonzai]

Re: Check

Seadaddler,Griz and BO..thanks for all the input and help.Watch out for me to take u up on it.....Gonna def have to ck mast height...sailboatdata.com doesnt give it and forgot to ask...Boat is a 1964 Chris-Craft Sail Yacht 35.Seems rock solid.Gonna stay where is thru December I think as dockage taken care of thru then.Merrit Island area.Will b getting to work on it asap...needs only a good weekend of work to b ready to start sailing it....all systems check and engine recommish etc.and of course a haircut and shave for the bottom.Thanks again guys...all great info and advice and I appreciate it! Will post pics here soon and keep forum updated on activities.Thanks again!