It really depends on the boat, its condition, equipment, range, etc... i v only done that trip once, the other way aruond actually From FLL with a 53 that was in no shape to run far offshore. Being december weather was a problem too.
I ended up running the ditch from carabelle all the way to galveston. Because of strong northerly winds a more direct route was out of the question. The first half of the ditch to NOLA was fine, but from NOLA on to galveston it wasnt fun... fog so thick we often couldnt see anything and massive barge traffic. And an 8 hour delay at th lock in NOLA.
With a "new" boat i d run the ditch out of galveston for at least a day before heading offshore. Things can pop up after a few hours of running that a survey will not detect. Then if it s all good head out and do the next section outside.
If you havent yet, sign up for activecaptain.com and start planning the various fuel stops. The info there is up to date. Keep in mind it can be 15 or 20nm in before you can get to fuel so that will greatly shorten your days.
If the weather isnt ideal, or if the boat has issues, just run th ditch. I think i did the trip in 7 days, better than waiting for a westher window.
