I was thinking about taking my 260 to the tortugas , I know with the water balast it is very tender and was wondering if any one has taken there 240, or 260 out on the ocean..thanks ...jim
tortugas on a 260
- Thread starter jim22191
- Start date
- Status
From where?
If you trailer to Key West and launch there I would think you would be OK if you watch the weather. I think it's 75 miles from Key West-- almost as far as Cuba! When I went to the DTs we left from Punta Gorda so it was a long way across the open Gulf, and I wouldn't recommend that it in a 260.
If you trailer to Key West and launch there I would think you would be OK if you watch the weather. I think it's 75 miles from Key West-- almost as far as Cuba! When I went to the DTs we left from Punta Gorda so it was a long way across the open Gulf, and I wouldn't recommend that it in a 260.
Look in the photo/project forum...
Brian and Stephanie have been kind enough to share at least 3 groups of photos of their trips to the Tortugas on their Hunter 25, Empty Pockets, including how they outfitted the boat for the trip. Keep the photos coming, Empty Pockets!
Brian and Stephanie have been kind enough to share at least 3 groups of photos of their trips to the Tortugas on their Hunter 25, Empty Pockets, including how they outfitted the boat for the trip. Keep the photos coming, Empty Pockets!
you betcha!
With good planning, a good weather window, and the right gear, you absolutely can and should make that trip! We typically sailed in May and have made that trip all the way from Tarpon Springs non-stop to the Tortugas 6 times. The tendency for stronger wind is at night in the Gulf, so if you plan for an overnight run as we usually do, just be sure that you have reefed and secured your loose items by dark. We have seen other boats in the 25 foot range there besides our own Hunter 25.5. You can view a log of our 1st voyage there through the related link "Tortugas in a 25.5" Fair Winds!
With good planning, a good weather window, and the right gear, you absolutely can and should make that trip! We typically sailed in May and have made that trip all the way from Tarpon Springs non-stop to the Tortugas 6 times. The tendency for stronger wind is at night in the Gulf, so if you plan for an overnight run as we usually do, just be sure that you have reefed and secured your loose items by dark. We have seen other boats in the 25 foot range there besides our own Hunter 25.5. You can view a log of our 1st voyage there through the related link "Tortugas in a 25.5" Fair Winds!
...as if you needed additional incentive,
...here are some additional photos from that first trip.
...here are some additional photos from that first trip.
Go with a group
You might consider going with a group. These folks (mostly Mac sailors) have done the Tortugas and the Bahamas in water-ballast boats. I think a 260 has gone with them on some cruises.
You might consider going with a group. These folks (mostly Mac sailors) have done the Tortugas and the Bahamas in water-ballast boats. I think a 260 has gone with them on some cruises.
Absolutly
Watch the weather, of course. Bring enough water as there is none available there. A larger than sugested Fortress anchor has always held for us, others have had problems dragging. The Marquesas are a good place to stop if you do not have enough crew to sail straight through. We usually leave from Boca Chica between noon and 1600 and go straight through. Finding a buddy boat is a good idea as well. Bring also enough beer to trade for fish and lobster. Don't listen to these folks who have probably never been on a 26 or 260. This probably reads very fragmented but I am on my way out and do not have time to edit it well. Of yeah the green flashes there are wonderful. Have fun
Watch the weather, of course. Bring enough water as there is none available there. A larger than sugested Fortress anchor has always held for us, others have had problems dragging. The Marquesas are a good place to stop if you do not have enough crew to sail straight through. We usually leave from Boca Chica between noon and 1600 and go straight through. Finding a buddy boat is a good idea as well. Bring also enough beer to trade for fish and lobster. Don't listen to these folks who have probably never been on a 26 or 260. This probably reads very fragmented but I am on my way out and do not have time to edit it well. Of yeah the green flashes there are wonderful. Have fun
Pick your weather.
Should not be any problem but you need to watch the weather. Beware of trading beer for fish or lobster as if the Marine Patrol pulls you over and the fish is under size, protected, or out of season you'll be responsible as if you caught it. Also if you are taking a Dingui make sure you have your registration and the numbers are affixed according to law. A T/T or "tender to" lettering with no registration is allowed for emergency use only. The Marine Patrol at the Tortugas has made a living of ticketing unregistered dinguies being used for recreational purposes. Have a good trip.
Should not be any problem but you need to watch the weather. Beware of trading beer for fish or lobster as if the Marine Patrol pulls you over and the fish is under size, protected, or out of season you'll be responsible as if you caught it. Also if you are taking a Dingui make sure you have your registration and the numbers are affixed according to law. A T/T or "tender to" lettering with no registration is allowed for emergency use only. The Marine Patrol at the Tortugas has made a living of ticketing unregistered dinguies being used for recreational purposes. Have a good trip.
Distance and boat size are not really the issue. People have rowed across the Atlantic in boats half the size of the H260. The key is preparation, skill and a bit of luck.
It can be done
Just plan properly, take plenty of water and wait for a good weather window. I went a few years back (not on my boat) and it was a great trip. Peter H23 "Raven"
Just plan properly, take plenty of water and wait for a good weather window. I went a few years back (not on my boat) and it was a great trip. Peter H23 "Raven"
thanks
Thanks every one for all the info,,after doing some preparation i will probably go...thnaks..jim
Thanks every one for all the info,,after doing some preparation i will probably go...thnaks..jim
- Status