What Books Info Heading South

[seadaddler]

I am hoping to Sail my boat To Florida next fall.I am constantly reading other forums and listening to people who have made the trip.So what books should I be reading to get ready and take along tohelp me get to Florida with out making too many screw ups.It's a lot to take in all the info so far and kind of scary listening to someof the problems on the ICW.So much info out there,what books did you really use.Nick

 

[Ross]

Buy a copy of Reed's Nautical Almanac

It gives you tides, currents and a pilot for the entire east coast.

 

[LANCE ON CLOUD NINE]

And take a laptop with a wireless card

When you anchor at night, tell this group where you are. They will mull it over and tell ya what to watch out for the next day. In the morning, over coffee, click on to a local marine weather sight, figure how far ya plan to go and weigh it against all advice given. Make it like a bunch of really fun day sails all hooked together. Extract the most fun and safety you can from each day. Or atleast this is the way I would do it if I was a lucky bas like yourself

 

[Gary_H]

May be usefull

Skipper Bobs "Anchorages along the Intracoatal Waterway" Could be usefull for docks, marina and anchorage info, also bridge and lock restrictions and waterway shoaling.

 

[sailaway78]

NY to Fla.

Sea daddler,I have done this trip twice. 2005 and 2006. It isn't nearly as scary as many would have you believe. We had no problems whatsoever either time. Some of the bridge schedules can be a little frustrating, but it's really nothing but frustration, and something to bitch about. Much better than the gulf coast. Lots of marinas, lots to see and do. Many marinas have courtesy cars, and most have at least some service facilities. The Skipper Bobs book is probably the best one to have. I had another ICW guide book, and rarely opened it. Wifi is available at some marinas, but I would agree with taking a wireless card for you laptop. And you won't be alone. Seems like we were always traveling with four of five other boats all heading the same way. Many of them make the trip every year.

 

[seadaddler]

Nice & Easy

Did you go around the keys.Even if there was water my mast is listed at 55' but Ihave been told it's more like 58'.Weather and weather and good crew and shoaling with my 5'daft are the biggies.I was thinking Oct is good time to start but Nov. is goodbut too cold.I do have two laptops with cards along for the ride,C-80-Radar.I will be looking to buy some books listed here soon.Thanks everyone,I am sure I will be asking more questions here.So everyone keep the info coming.I am going back to florida the end of week and back to NY in April and will live on our Hunter-36 this summer.Nick

 

[seadaddler]

55' And No Water

I have been told about that barrel trick but the max is still suppose to be is a 55' mast,but the water level from what I've beentold is much worst and the locks are all closed for even power boats.If I do sail down I will need to leave after OCT 17 from Greenportand go around Montauk off shore to cape may if weather is OK.Nick