I'm writing to get some insight to a Boston to Miami trip a friend is attempting. He will be leaving Boston for Miami in a 22ft Cape Dory. He intends to leave within the next couple of days. It would be great if some people who have made this trip chime in to give me picture of what this trip entails, minimum requirements, sea conditions at various areas along the coast , motor needed, and of course the best route to take given the small vessel. I'm curious to whether this trip is a good thing to try in a 22 foot sailboat. He is very knowledgeable, has a USCG MMC and has instructor credentials, but has not done a long trip like this. Thanks in advance for any insight to conditions He will face. He is attempting this solo. Just curious. And NO it's not me who's sailing lol. Just wanted to get the insight of others about what he will be facing and any advice. I'll pass it along. Thanks.
Sailing a 22ft Cape Dory from Boston to Southern Florida
- Thread starter palcuz
- Start date
The trip is close to 2,000 miles, but it is not a 2K mile trip. It is a series of 35-50 mile day trips which can be done in a 22 foot boat.
With the possible exception of the stretch from NYC to Cape May it can be done in protected waters for its entire length by staying in the ICW.
The biggest challenge will be logistics, carrying enough fuel, water, and food for the trip and dealing with digested food, can't just dump that overboard. There are plenty of anchorages along the way, especially for a small shallow draft boat.
A VHF is important as is a good charting program, such as Aquamaps which runs on a tablet. Which brings up managing electrical demands.
Can this trip be done in a 22 foot boat, yes. Would it be more comfortable in a larger boat, most definitely. Will your friend be in great danger, not if he uses his head follows weather forecasts and doesn't do stupid stuff. Would I do this trip in a 22 foot boat? No, I'm too old and I just did the trip last year in a 36 foot boat. However, 2 friends did the same trip from Lake Ontario in a Catalina 22 40 years ago.
It is a grand ambitious venture. He will have many stories to tell. If he uses a website like this he can keep you up to date. I believe it is free or very inexpensive. Great product, combines a simple blog, with a map, and space for photos.
Wish him well.
travelmap.net
And here's a link a friend's blog on that site
circe.travelmap.net
With the possible exception of the stretch from NYC to Cape May it can be done in protected waters for its entire length by staying in the ICW.
The biggest challenge will be logistics, carrying enough fuel, water, and food for the trip and dealing with digested food, can't just dump that overboard. There are plenty of anchorages along the way, especially for a small shallow draft boat.
A VHF is important as is a good charting program, such as Aquamaps which runs on a tablet. Which brings up managing electrical demands.
Can this trip be done in a 22 foot boat, yes. Would it be more comfortable in a larger boat, most definitely. Will your friend be in great danger, not if he uses his head follows weather forecasts and doesn't do stupid stuff. Would I do this trip in a 22 foot boat? No, I'm too old and I just did the trip last year in a 36 foot boat. However, 2 friends did the same trip from Lake Ontario in a Catalina 22 40 years ago.
It is a grand ambitious venture. He will have many stories to tell. If he uses a website like this he can keep you up to date. I believe it is free or very inexpensive. Great product, combines a simple blog, with a map, and space for photos.
Wish him well.
Create a free TravelMap blog
Create an account to trace and share your travel itineraries on an interactive map. Connect your tracking devices and attach your photos, videos, etc.
travelmap.net
And here's a link a friend's blog on that site
Southern Chesapeake 2024 - Harry & Kati
A short (2 week) jaunt from our home port near Solomons, Maryland, down to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay at Portsmouth & Norfolk and back home.
circe.travelmap.net
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,746
Sounds like a grand adventure. Certainly doable. Dave provides sound advice.
We had a member here Roger Long, who over several years documented his travel s aboard his boat Strider from Maine to Florida. His postings might help to give you the flavor of the trip and the adventure that is coming. See the link below:
We had a member here Roger Long, who over several years documented his travel s aboard his boat Strider from Maine to Florida. His postings might help to give you the flavor of the trip and the adventure that is coming. See the link below:
Roger Long - Cruising on Strider
Tales of cruising, prep, and generally interesting comments from Roger Long, naval architect
forums.sailboatowners.com
September seems like the least favorable month to start a trip like this. If he can wait until November... at the very least he needs to map out several huricane holes along the way and keep a regular eye on the forecast.
Hurricanes can be an issue, waiting is also problematic. After mid September the fall cold fronts start passing through. These bring high winds and rain, sailing a 22' boat down the Chesapeake in 20kts of wind is not my idea of fun.
Last year after the middle of October we would have 2 good days to travel followed by one or two days of awful conditions, high adverse winds and lots of rain. By the first of November it starts getting cold. The coldest weather we saw was in the last half of November in NC. Morning temps in the cabin were in the 40s and low 50s. This drove our marina costs up as we would stay in a marina with shore power when he cold fronts came through.
If the boat doesn't have any source of heat, he is probably in for a cold trip eventually. Is he using Spot or Inreach to display his track on the internet? I think that would be a good idea. Gives you real-time information on progress and safety. September will get him to the Chesapeake for sure. I think many south-bounders wait for November to travel south of Virginia just because of the hurricane situation and insurance requirements for larger boats. But, if no heating system and being on such a small boat, I would probably get south as early as possible. Hurricanes are predictable for at least a week in advance. He won't be offshore and I think I would bet on being able to find a hiding place for a 22' boat relatively easily. I'd also get off the boat if necessary.
New Jersey can be broken up pretty easily by ducking into Manasquan, Barnegat, Absecon, Great Egg Harbor and Cape May as necessary for overnight stays. He won't need each of those ... just 2 or 3 as needed. Sandy Hook to Barnegat, Barnegat to Absecon or Great Egg, and then to Cape May would be a relatively simple 3 day trip. In that boat, it can be done inside the NJICW very easily from Point Pleasant to Atlantic City (Manasquan to Absecon) but the current in the Point Pleasant canal can be a sleigh ride at the wrong time.
Sounds like fun and very do-able when time is not an obstacle!
New Jersey can be broken up pretty easily by ducking into Manasquan, Barnegat, Absecon, Great Egg Harbor and Cape May as necessary for overnight stays. He won't need each of those ... just 2 or 3 as needed. Sandy Hook to Barnegat, Barnegat to Absecon or Great Egg, and then to Cape May would be a relatively simple 3 day trip. In that boat, it can be done inside the NJICW very easily from Point Pleasant to Atlantic City (Manasquan to Absecon) but the current in the Point Pleasant canal can be a sleigh ride at the wrong time.
Sounds like fun and very do-able when time is not an obstacle!
In no particular order, just jutting down things as they come to mind.
Due to the size of the boat he will be running mostly on the intracoastal. On good days you can do 50nm but would likely average around 40. I would run an 8 HP and it should burn 3/4 GPH or 7.5 gallons for a 10 hour run. Limited chance for sailing. There are a few open water estreches which could require waiting for a small weather window. Work out some efficient provisioning for food, fuel and water, and a plan for restocking along the way. Schedule some Marina overnight stops to take a shower, have a hot meal and recharge batteries. Have a VHF radio to talk with the Bridge Tenders. A cruising guide is a must for planning. Know the water draft and the Air draft of the boat and have tides predictor table or app in your phone. Make a list of spare parts and take extra lines, a spare anchor, electrical connectors, nuts and bolts, motor oil. Shade is essential, the boat must have a bimini top. A first aid kit. A couple of good working torches or powerful flashlights. Stay put at nights either in an anchorage or Marina, not very safe nor comfortable to run at night. A small marine chart plotter, compass, and depth sounder will be required for navigation. Get Tow Insurance, is good to know that if you get stuck out there you can call and they will come out and get you. Have extra fenders and dock lines. Tools, bolt cutters, manual water pump. Don't forget bug repellent and fly swatters. Plan ahead on having places along the way where you could store the boat for a week or more in case you have to interrupt the trip for whatever reason. Roughly estimate the trip would take a month.
Due to the size of the boat he will be running mostly on the intracoastal. On good days you can do 50nm but would likely average around 40. I would run an 8 HP and it should burn 3/4 GPH or 7.5 gallons for a 10 hour run. Limited chance for sailing. There are a few open water estreches which could require waiting for a small weather window. Work out some efficient provisioning for food, fuel and water, and a plan for restocking along the way. Schedule some Marina overnight stops to take a shower, have a hot meal and recharge batteries. Have a VHF radio to talk with the Bridge Tenders. A cruising guide is a must for planning. Know the water draft and the Air draft of the boat and have tides predictor table or app in your phone. Make a list of spare parts and take extra lines, a spare anchor, electrical connectors, nuts and bolts, motor oil. Shade is essential, the boat must have a bimini top. A first aid kit. A couple of good working torches or powerful flashlights. Stay put at nights either in an anchorage or Marina, not very safe nor comfortable to run at night. A small marine chart plotter, compass, and depth sounder will be required for navigation. Get Tow Insurance, is good to know that if you get stuck out there you can call and they will come out and get you. Have extra fenders and dock lines. Tools, bolt cutters, manual water pump. Don't forget bug repellent and fly swatters. Plan ahead on having places along the way where you could store the boat for a week or more in case you have to interrupt the trip for whatever reason. Roughly estimate the trip would take a month.
Excellent rundown from @Benny17441, someone who has done it and knows it well. But I can't imagine doing it in a month. My rough estimate would be a minimum of 2 months to cover up to 2000 miles in a small boat. I made Cape Cod to Barnegat in 6 days, that was 275 miles or about 45 miles per day. That's just a small sample, but it was running a typical route, each day was a significant travel effort, and we didn't take any days off. I'd bet that if he leaves now, in early September, he could make to Miami by Thanksgiving and have a helluva time doing it!
Thanks so much for your insight. I will certainly pass this along to him.The trip is close to 2,000 miles, but it is not a 2K mile trip. It is a series of 35-50 mile day trips which can be done in a 22 foot boat.
With the possible exception of the stretch from NYC to Cape May it can be done in protected waters for its entire length by staying in the ICW.
The biggest challenge will be logistics, carrying enough fuel, water, and food for the trip and dealing with digested food, can't just dump that overboard. There are plenty of anchorages along the way, especially for a small shallow draft boat.
A VHF is important as is a good charting program, such as Aquamaps which runs on a tablet. Which brings up managing electrical demands.
Can this trip be done in a 22 foot boat, yes. Would it be more comfortable in a larger boat, most definitely. Will your friend be in great danger, not if he uses his head follows weather forecasts and doesn't do stupid stuff. Would I do this trip in a 22 foot boat? No, I'm too old and I just did the trip last year in a 36 foot boat. However, 2 friends did the same trip from Lake Ontario in a Catalina 22 40 years ago.
It is a grand ambitious venture. He will have many stories to tell. If he uses a website like this he can keep you up to date. I believe it is free or very inexpensive. Great product, combines a simple blog, with a map, and space for photos.
Wish him well.
Create a free TravelMap blog
Create an account to trace and share your travel itineraries on an interactive map. Connect your tracking devices and attach your photos, videos, etc.
And here's a link a friend's blog on that site
Southern Chesapeake 2024 - Harry & Kati
A short (2 week) jaunt from our home port near Solomons, Maryland, down to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay at Portsmouth & Norfolk and back home.
He has no time frame. He will be making many stops for various reasons. Thanks for the reply.
Thanks so much for responding. There are definitely some details mentioned here that he has not thought of! I will pass this info along! I will also post updates. Thanks again!
Time is no obstacle for him. He will take it slow. Again some great information here and much appreciated. I will pass it along! Thanks so much!
Wow thanks for this. I will pass this along to him. I'll do my best to post some updates. He should be embarking this upcoming week. Thanks so much!
Something that has been discussed on here already is human waste.
2 solutions
A composting toilet or I know some that set a course for 3 miles offshore to dump it.
There is no dumping in the Chesapeake Bay or the intercoastal water way. The intercoastal water way does offer numerous marinas to pump out at.
One issue with the intercoastal water way this time of year is the annual migration of boaters heading south for warmer weather and warmer waters.
I hope he has a great trip.
2 solutions
A composting toilet or I know some that set a course for 3 miles offshore to dump it.
There is no dumping in the Chesapeake Bay or the intercoastal water way. The intercoastal water way does offer numerous marinas to pump out at.
One issue with the intercoastal water way this time of year is the annual migration of boaters heading south for warmer weather and warmer waters.
I hope he has a great trip.
This can be a blessing and a curse. With the increased traffic there is almost always someone near by if there is trouble, a blessing.
While most power boats captains are courteous and will request a slow pass and minimize their wake. There are always a few who are not and think nothing of passing by throwing a 3 foot or higher wake close to your boat.
It is important to learn the protocol for a slow pass. Usually the overtaking boat will hail the (sail)boat they want to pass and request a slow pass and indicate a pass to port or starboard. The boat being passed acknowledges the call and slows down so the power boat can pass at a reasonable 5-6 knots. If the slower boat does not slow down the powerboat is forced to go by at a higher speed which throws a bigger wake. Once the pass is complete the passed boat thanks the captain and wishes him or her a safe journey. Having a working VHF is essential. Having an AIS transponder is very helpful as the boat can be hailed by name. The part some sailors don't get is the need to slow down so the powerboat can pass slowly and safely.
We took a 50' power boat from Edgewater MD to Fl. It was February and the boat could cruise at 20 knots. Figure about 80 nm a day -February days are short. About like October. We were unencumbered by other traffic. It would take the Cape Dory around three days for every one of ours. Probably worse because at the choke points, there will be considerable waiting.
My impression of South of Chesapeake VA was one of isolation. I would describe it as wilderness. There were not to my eye a lot of stops. There is Coinjock, Bellhaven and then Beaufort NC. I think these are more than a days travel at 4.5 knots. I didn't see places to fuel, dump waste or provision. We used the canals so maybe a different route would offer more. I understand that in the canals barges operate at night and I don't think non-commercial traffic is allowed. There are poles at the side to tie to. But a night of barge wakes tied to a pole would take the starch out of me. We never had to do that.
South of Beaufort SC we took hops in the ocean. Again speed was our friend. It is usually several miles from a inlet's sea buoy to shelter inside the inlet. You need to subtract at least two hours of travel time every day (At 4.5 kts.) to go East or West (Not South) to enter and leave ports. That assumes there is a good anchorage close to the inlet.
We stopped at. Charleston, Savannah and other ports South of there (We had engine issues). In some we found traveller friendly services and others quite the opposite. In one I was unceremoniously told that I had to get off the dock or pay because it was five o'clock and the dock master wanted to go home. The Capt had gone to Melbourne by Uber to get a filter. Finally I was able to get the Capt on the cell phone and get the CC info. But the dock master was a complete a hole throughout the process. If the OP's friend expects shoreside service to join in on the adventure - he should be prepared for disappointment.
This was my experience. Others my differ.
My impression of South of Chesapeake VA was one of isolation. I would describe it as wilderness. There were not to my eye a lot of stops. There is Coinjock, Bellhaven and then Beaufort NC. I think these are more than a days travel at 4.5 knots. I didn't see places to fuel, dump waste or provision. We used the canals so maybe a different route would offer more. I understand that in the canals barges operate at night and I don't think non-commercial traffic is allowed. There are poles at the side to tie to. But a night of barge wakes tied to a pole would take the starch out of me. We never had to do that.
South of Beaufort SC we took hops in the ocean. Again speed was our friend. It is usually several miles from a inlet's sea buoy to shelter inside the inlet. You need to subtract at least two hours of travel time every day (At 4.5 kts.) to go East or West (Not South) to enter and leave ports. That assumes there is a good anchorage close to the inlet.
We stopped at. Charleston, Savannah and other ports South of there (We had engine issues). In some we found traveller friendly services and others quite the opposite. In one I was unceremoniously told that I had to get off the dock or pay because it was five o'clock and the dock master wanted to go home. The Capt had gone to Melbourne by Uber to get a filter. Finally I was able to get the Capt on the cell phone and get the CC info. But the dock master was a complete a hole throughout the process. If the OP's friend expects shoreside service to join in on the adventure - he should be prepared for disappointment.
This was my experience. Others my differ.
After Bellhaven is Oriental, then Beaufort. Along the south shore after Beaufort is Swansboro, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Southport. These hops will be a little long for a 22 ft boat to complete in a day, however there are plenty of anchorages. Get a copy of Skipper Bob's anchorages along the ICW. Very handy.