Dry Tortugas

The park officer's post the weather forecast daily on a bulletin board. Another possible resource would be the daily ferry crew. My avatar pic was taken at anchor there.
 
It just may be a lot less pressure to leave your boat in a Key West Marina and take one of the two high speed ferries to the island and enjoy the ride. By the time you stress over loading, carrying and storing extra fuel on board, transferring it to your tanks and the potential of running out of it.....it may make more sense to order another Rum Runner and let someone else drive the boat.

https://www.drytortugas.com/rates-reservations/

Well, that is probably the most logical and rational approach. But, its something my wife and I want to do on our own. Its why we bought a 320 - to cruise, do overnights, etc. We do plenty of the relaxing around the pubs near the mainland marinas. Will plan this trip as well as we can and then go after it. We don't climb mountains, sky dive, etc. I no longer scuba dive onto wrecks. Will be exciting and we'll make it one way or another. :)
 
The park officer's post the weather forecast daily on a bulletin board. Another possible resource would be the daily ferry crew. My avatar pic was taken at anchor there.

Yes, we had those down as possibilities. Will also be renting a Sat phone to call family for up to date weather reports. Thanks.
 
Also, I believe the correct distance between Key West and Dry Tortugas is 67 miles which on a good day means (your 140 range) you would need to carry 10-15 additional 5 gallon gas containers which weighs about 300-400 pounds on deck. A 50 gallon fuel bladder will set you back another $600.

Yes, I need to consider all solutions for the extra fuel. Not sure yet. Am thinking 30 gallons would be enough, be it a bladder or cans. Am concerned about adding any more weight to the transom. Cost won't be an issue for this trip - just getting it right as much as possible. Thanks.
 
Excellent question. I don't know if VHF WX broadcast is available in that area.

I can tell you that while cruising in the states where all (or most) services are available, we tend to take things for granted. As soon as you get to remote destinations with no service, what used to be simple becomes a real challenge.

Perhaps renting a satellite device like inReach Delorme with WX service is something consider. I own one and it's a great tool, which also allows you to stay connected being anywhere in the open water.

I know what goes through your head. You're looking to go to a secluded spot just for couple days and have to prep like you're about to cross the Atlantic. Unfortunately, it's kind of true just b/c you're reaching limitations of your rig, including communications. Obviously, it's all doable you just need to take some extra steps.

Travelling with a buddy boat is strongly recommended.

Thanks Alex for that. You ARE in my head! Exactly what I am thinking. I tend to overplan and overprepare for things in general, and this will be no exception. Its not going to the moon, but I will plan like it is. Travel buddy absolutely, IF one available. Once we select our travel window, will be posting around for one. Definite wisdom on that. Thanks.
 
I’d suggest you start an excel or numbers spread sheet as well as anyone else so you can calculate and track your tank capacity. What your gauge shows before you fill the tank or tanks, actual run hours, average RPMs run, compare gallons put in the tank to what she supposed to hold. You start tracking and calculating all this over four or five months with varying running conditions and you know pretty much spot on what to expect. Don’t forget to consider the current and wind average conditions along with sea state and then you should have something you can use for your boat, props, loading and running conditions. Doesn’t mean your buddies boat that might be the same on the outside will have your same numbers.

Example, our 52DB was over propped and great top speed. Took three changes to get the props dialed in where I wanted them along with real life loading conditions. Dropped 11gph consumption, now running at 80% RPMs, fully loaded fuel, water, 1/2 waste and all gear, 67-71% engine loading depending on sea conditions & windage. Cruising anywhere from 21-23nmk with EGT (exhaust gas temperatures) staying below 1,000 degrees at the turbo which is an important issue for QSM11’s manifolds, turbos & Engine life span.

Hope this adds some thoughts and ideas to improve your specific boat knowledge about your boat as it did my previous one and current one.

Safe travels, prethink all your proposed plans with the admirals thoughts in your mind as she will let you know more than ya want if ya miss calculate
 
I’d suggest you start an excel or numbers spread sheet as well as anyone else so you can calculate and track your tank capacity. What your gauge shows before you fill the tank or tanks, actual run hours, average RPMs run, compare gallons put in the tank to what she supposed to hold. You start tracking and calculating all this over four or five months with varying running conditions and you know pretty much spot on what to expect. Don’t forget to consider the current and wind average conditions along with sea state and then you should have something you can use for your boat, props, loading and running conditions. Doesn’t mean your buddies boat that might be the same on the outside will have your same numbers.

Example, our 52DB was over propped and great top speed. Took three changes to get the props dialed in where I wanted them along with real life loading conditions. Dropped 11gph consumption, now running at 80% RPMs, fully loaded fuel, water, 1/2 waste and all gear, 67-71% engine loading depending on sea conditions & windage. Cruising anywhere from 21-23nmk with EGT (exhaust gas temperatures) staying below 1,000 degrees at the turbo which is an important issue for QSM11’s manifolds, turbos & Engine life span.

Hope this adds some thoughts and ideas to improve your specific boat knowledge about your boat as it did my previous one and current one.

Safe travels, prethink all your proposed plans with the admirals thoughts in your mind as she will let you know more than ya want if ya miss calculate

Thanks much for the info/advice, Gimme. Amen to the wife thing - she keep asking for reassurance that we'll survive this and I of course tell her that "I got this". If we are bobbing around 20 miles from KW on our return in 3-4 feet seas, out of gas and out of luck, I am screwed. Would rather she be rescued and I'll go down with the ship. Am beginning to record fuel consumption and will ensure your variables on in my metrics. I have the original props and repowered with same spec engines/HP and so am relying on the original design characteristics as favorable enough.
 
You can get 25 gallon external gas tanks from West Marine. I have two on the jet boat. You will need a pump to transfer gas from them to your main tank or you can use a outboard hose and "T" into your supply line to the engines. I use the quick connect fitting that comes with the outboard to tie into the line. If you go the outboard line be sure is rated for 300 HP engine a 9.9 HP line is too small for the fuel flow. Lots of work. 5 gallon cans tend to bounce around. If you use 25 gallon ones make sure they at will secured and will not move in rough water.
 
I did Dry Tortugas last May by heading from St.Pete to Ft. Myers, Ft.Myers to Key West, fuel at A&B Marina, then to Dry Tortuga. Great experience. We stayed on the hook in the anchorage just off of Ft. Jefferson. The park ranger came by just after dark to check to ensure proper lighting... which FYI also means no underwater lights on while in the park.
 
Thanks much for the info/advice, Gimme. Amen to the wife thing - she keep asking for reassurance that we'll survive this and I of course tell her that "I got this". If we are bobbing around 20 miles from KW on our return in 3-4 feet seas, out of gas and out of luck, I am screwed. Would rather she be rescued and I'll go down with the ship. Am beginning to record fuel consumption and will ensure your variables on in my metrics. I have the original props and repowered with same spec engines/HP and so am relying on the original design characteristics as favorable enough.

This is an easy trip that will be fun and a great experience. Just simply cover the what-if's and enjoy. I run over to the Abaco, Eleuthra, Berrys or Exuma at least three times a year and we just simply love it. My advice is be prepared, safe, and always have a backup plan. Possibly to ease any anxiety is to caravan over with some others.
 
We have been out there 5 times now. It's a great place but you need to prepare. I first went with Hampton back it we 2010 I think it was in my 270da. I would not suggest doing that now but it's what I had. Most recently went last summer 2x for a total of one week on a four week cruise. Both trips I burned 225 gals with my diesels in the Tiara. You will want to explore and run gen as well for the ac to stay comfortable. Plan on not just the 140 miles Round trip but that as well. Best calmest time to go is June \july. You will need a sat phone as well. Pm me I have a guy you can rent one from. We also had a 8 person offshore life raft. That and the eprib made me much more comfortable. As for life jackets they need to be offshore type. Prepaid and be very sure of your fuel! I will tell you you will need extra fuel for this trip with that boat. It's marginal but most definitely can be done. Be careful and have fun.
 
We have been out there 5 times now. It's a great place but you need to prepare. I first went with Hampton back it we 2010 I think it was in my 270da. I would not suggest doing that now but it's what I had. Most recently went last summer 2x for a total of one week on a four week cruise. Both trips I burned 225 gals with my diesels in the Tiara. You will want to explore and run gen as well for the ac to stay comfortable. Plan on not just the 140 miles Round trip but that as well. Best calmest time to go is June \july. You will need a sat phone as well. Pm me I have a guy you can rent one from. We also had a 8 person offshore life raft. That and the eprib made me much more comfortable. As for life jackets they need to be offshore type. Prepaid and be very sure of your fuel! I will tell you you will need extra fuel for this trip with that boat. It's marginal but most definitely can be done. Be careful and have fun.

Kevin - thanks. Good info - appreciate it.
 
We have been out there 5 times now. It's a great place but you need to prepare. I first went with Hampton back it we 2010 I think it was in my 270da. I would not suggest doing that now but it's what I had. Most recently went last summer 2x for a total of one week on a four week cruise. Both trips I burned 225 gals with my diesels in the Tiara. You will want to explore and run gen as well for the ac to stay comfortable. Plan on not just the 140 miles Round trip but that as well. Best calmest time to go is June \july. You will need a sat phone as well. Pm me I have a guy you can rent one from. We also had a 8 person offshore life raft. That and the eprib made me much more comfortable. As for life jackets they need to be offshore type. Prepaid and be very sure of your fuel! I will tell you you will need extra fuel for this trip with that boat. It's marginal but most definitely can be done. Be careful and have fun.

Thanks for this feedback, Kevin. I am definitely going to take extra fuel as per everyone's comments. Never thought of a life raft, but will have a eprib and sat phone.
 
This is an easy trip that will be fun and a great experience. Just simply cover the what-if's and enjoy. I run over to the Abaco, Eleuthra, Berrys or Exuma at least three times a year and we just simply love it. My advice is be prepared, safe, and always have a backup plan. Possibly to ease any anxiety is to caravan over with some others.

Am thinking the buddy/caravan thing is taking on more importance to me after all comments. And appreciate the well wishes - if it were not for the long transit we would go for the Bahamas but maybe next year or two. We are really looking forward to the trip. Thanks.
 
I did Dry Tortugas last May by heading from St.Pete to Ft. Myers, Ft.Myers to Key West, fuel at A&B Marina, then to Dry Tortuga. Great experience. We stayed on the hook in the anchorage just off of Ft. Jefferson. The park ranger came by just after dark to check to ensure proper lighting... which FYI also means no underwater lights on while in the park.

Your 44 Dancer is a beautiful boat. Anchorage off of Ft. Jefferson seems to be place from all I hear. Underwater lights - never would have thought of that. Would have otherwise had them on in the evening before bed. Thanks for your comments.
 
I don't want to minimize any potential risks but it seems that there is a lot of overthinking going on here. Until you get to Marco Island, you have very protected water.

Boat Test shows this boat to have a 170 mile range which is around 150nm at 21kts.

You will be fine, especially if you time your trip to coincide with the high speed ferry. You will parallel it's track to KW. Leave a little early and you will see that it is within 20 miles of you almost all of the way down.

Bring some extra gas - maybe 10 gallons so you can have a little buffer from KW to the Tortugas. Worst case you can slow down and double your fuel economy. Just make sure you have an EPIRB.

When we took the 23' boat down it was my family of 4 and another couple with their young son. Going down we ran into what was the beginning of tropical storm Debbie so we decided not to boat back. I caught a Southwest flight out of KW and drove the boat back on a trailer.

224572_1681697702616_6031280_n.jpg
 
[QUOTE="The park ranger came by just after dark to check to ensure proper lighting... which FYI also means no underwater lights on while in the park.[/QUOTE]

Why no underwater lights on?
 
You want refrigerator to work or look cool. I like my beer cold. Guess it attracts fish and small ones get eaten by big ones
On idea.
 

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