Cruise from Ches to FL and back?

[MikeP]

We are doing some long range planning for a trip down to FL from the Ches Bay and then back up. I'm trying to get an idea of what folks think would be a reasonable amount of time to budget for such a trip, including a leisurely run down the ICW, stopping for a day or two at interesting places, spending maybe 20-30 days somewhere (where?) in FL and then going back up to the Ches. Since we would be going/returning via the ICW, it would seem reasonable to stop/visit certain towns on the way down, different on the way back.

In addition to an estimate for time needed I'd like to hear recommendations for the time of year to do so - decent weather/less boat traffic, etc.

Also, we prefer anchoring to marinas. I realize that an ICW guide would have info about that but a general comment about the ACTUAL feasibility of anchoring on the ICW in general would be helpful.

 

[rsmith]

I've made the trip quite a few times. Did it twice a year for 20 years Used to leave Cape May Nj up the Del to the C+d and anchor off Maltbie Island. then to Annapolis for Thanksgiving and on to Fla the first week of Dec. I've made the trip in as little as 5 days(spring time running mostly outside) and as long as 2 weeks. there is lots to see. You dont want to be in Fla from mid July to October or any of the southern states due to hurricanes. I also used to scout out cheap fuel stops mostly comercial docks where the shrimpers and tugs fill up. you need to take on at least 400 gallons to get the discounts.
Take your time and enjoy. If you get to Vero Beach stop by I've got plenty of room and deep water at my dock.

 

[Pascal]

3 weeks from the ches to Miami is about right for reasonable days and a a few lay days

plenty of places to anchor along the way although i often pick my own spots instead of following the guides.

Making calls the day before to find cheap fu will save you slot

salty s cruisernet.net is a great resource although often too alarmist, active captain is great too

 

[GJH]

Mike, we too have made the trip a few times now in the past few years. We allow at least a month for that stretch, as the journey is the destination, so to speak. Early fall is nice, except it is still hurricane season, which is usually less of an issue in SC and GA. We too anchor out a lot, it is one of the primary reasons we boat.

You may be doing less touring of the Ches since you are based there, for instance we take 4 days to a week just to get from Baltimore to Norfolk. There are places where you should consider going outside in at least one direction.

I can provide a long list of anchorages we like all the way down; you can do the whole trip on the hook with a little planning. We have a few favorite marinas and restaurants though we mostly eat on the boat.

I'd be happy to meet up somewhere and walk you through it or provide installments here. We love this trip, more for the many places of wilderness and natural beauty only experienced by boat, than for towns and places we could do by car.

 

[holtcl]

Mike,

Just made that trip year before last- can fill you in when you get here...have all the det's in our log.

Best,
Mike & Cheryl

 

[bobk]

Mike, I'm on my 18th trip at trawler speed, Baltimore Yacht Club to south Florida and Keys. We too anchor as much as possible and stop overnight in marinas when we want to sight see or reprovision. Get Skipper Bob's Anchorage guide and get the latest bridge opening schedule. Three to four weeks makes for a leisurely trip. Early fall is a good time to go unless you like cold weather. We are on the way north now, taking a diversion along the St. Johns River. Happy to discuss anything you want to know about the trip.

BTW, MTOA will be having a rendezvous in Baltimore in September and a lot of trawler-minded folks will start south after the meet.

Bob
Chateau de Mer
1981 48MY

 

[MikeP]

Thanks guys - great information! As I said, it's long range planning at the moment because although I can spend the time (being retired), my wife cannot just yet. But we've been talking about this for a while and it's something we'd really like to do. The longest we have ever spent "out" on the boat at one stretch is 7 days. 90 (or more) percent of all our boat use has been probably 3 days, occasionally 4 at a time. So we'd really like to do some extended cruising.

I am on the boat for extended periods - usually 2 months at a time twice a year but I just use it as a "house on the water" until my wife can take some time off and join me for about a week in the middle of each stay. I have no interest at all in going out by myself. It's not that I can't handle the boat alone - that's not the issue at all. It's just no fun without her. Of course, I get a lot of maint work done (and find plenty to do).

 

[MarioG]

4 to 6 weeks would be about right. We did it in about 28 days running at hull speed. Yaisy and I agreed that 2 more weeks would have been about right to really get some sight seeing along the way. lots to see and very easy to do. We will do it again one day. Stop in Kent island, say Hi to Eric and have my fill of crabs and beer while were there.

Have fun!

 

[jim rosenthal]

A month minimum for each leg, plus stayover down there. And why not? Plus, you need a ship's surgeon; count me in.

On second thought, I'll stay home and take car of your car.