Big Daddys Midwinter Cruise

[Big Daddy II]

We have lived in the Tampa Bay area for 27 years and have never done the Gasparilla. The local sea ray dealership has a get-a-way to the Tampa Waterside Marriott and marina which is primo location for the weekend activities and we got in on a cancellation. Its been a while since our 38 day adventure to Baltimore so I thought I would post a few pictures for the northerners waiting for their boating season to begin. We will head south to Sarasota and probably Captiva for a mini vacation for a few extra days following the Gasparilla as the forecast looks nice.

 

[Pyrojodge]

Looks great... oh I can't wait to be back on the water... thanks for including us...

 

[HUMPH]

Wild looking time! I will be running my 410 a bit today but nothing like what you have going on! We are looking at high 60's an no wind today so I need to get out on the river to warm up my tranny fluid so I can verify fill levels.....at least that's my excuse!

 

[John_Gault]

I was a kid in Tampa, and my uncles loved the party aboard the ship.... But I moved away before I was old enough to partake. So my memories are relegated to the Shriners in the parade. Thanks for posting the pics!


Laurence

 

[Quint4]

Nice pics, thanks.

 

[wetpaint]

Nice pictures.......You will love the sarasota area.....Where are you goingto stay? Great waterfront restaurants where you can pull up to...Dry Dock (longboatkey), Mar Vista (Longboatkey) and Marina Jacks (Sarasota)

 

[Big Daddy II]

We left Tampa at 11am at low tide and had less than a foot of clearance under the fixed bridge to the Marriott. I bought the M3 tracvision, being shorter for that reason so that I could get to this marina, the larger dome would not allow clearance. We headed south for the 2.5 hour cruise to Marina Jacks in downtown Sarasota. Its a 360 slip protected marina with floating docks very accessible to the local attractions. We will head to Captiva or Boca Grande in the AM in the gulf wind permitting. The temps are to be near 80 degrees. Its about a 2 hour run outside and 5 hours inside. I can try out my new custom made dingy chalks.. The standard sea ray ones allowed the whaler to move a bit in rough seas, i've heard horror stories of dingys coming loose in rough seas and I didn't want any part of that.

 

[tdschafer]

Wow, that looks great!! I am so jealous!!! Even though winter here hasn't been bad so far, it sure isn't anything like your weather!! Thanks for the pics. It keeps reminding me of why I want to be a snowbird when I retire.

 

[Big Daddy II]

We left Sarasota at about 9AM and headed into the gulf..There was a 15-20knt wind out of the east that was actually not bad staying close to shore but with soo many crab pots that I couldn't see with the glaring sunshine I entered the ICW at Venice. Its an easy run to Captiva at mostly cruising speed south of Venice. When we hit Charlotte Harbor we could feel the effect of the 20knt wind as it was quite rough in the open body of water. Arrived at Tweenwaters Marina at about 1PM and had a relaxing afternoon playing. We will spend tomorrow here and probably head home on Wednesday. You can tell the dog doesn't like boat trips. Its nice to have the empty nest now and take a spontaneous trip like this.

 

[Alegria]

Thanks for sharing. Looks like an awesome trip. Hope you got to take in the crab races! Yes looks like your dog is under some severe stress there on the beach and boat!

 

[Four Suns]

Why are your antennas leaning back?

 

[wakeup 19]

Why do I live in Boston??? I could still route for the teams from the boat in FLA!!!
GO PATS!

 

[searay40dad]

Did you stop at cabbage key for a cheeseburger on your way to tween waters?

 

[Big Daddy II]

We spent the day here at Captiva in nice 80 degree temps. Took the whaler over to South Seas Plantation-they were not too busy there either(probably because they charge 3.50per foot). We will head home tomorrow. I plan on doing the entire cruise in the gulf as wind is out of the favorable east and should be light. We have done Cabbage key many times in the past and had some great cheesburgers in paradise but refrained this trip. Why are my antennas back-all the sea rays at the Marriott in Tampa have them back to clear the 20 foot bridge(actually with them back I can go faster). This place took a direct hit (140mph) from Hurricane Charley in 2004 and you can still see some signs of the destruction. This was the only storm I was ever really nervous about since being down here in Florida. It was headed for Tampa Bay and took an unexpected right turn and hit here. If it hit our area as a class 4-5 it would have caused catastrophic destruction.

 

[searay40dad]

Boat looks great btw. Do I see redfish pass?

Just curious, Whats your whaler weigh? Looks like it might give that lift everything it can handle.

 

[Degree of Freedom]

Looks great, thanks for sharing. Can't wait to retire...only 25 more years...

 

[The W.A.V.E.]

Great Pics, makes me homesick. I had my wedding reception at the Marriott Waterside, it was just finishing construction April 2000. Thanks for posting.

 

[Big Daddy II]

Our final day of our mini-vacation was a very calm 110 mile run in the gulf north to Belleair Beach. The boat performed flawlessly like usual. The whalers hull weighs 460 lbs and engine I'm not sure but I believe a total of less than 600 lbs. I think the lift is rated for 800lbs. Have a great remainder of winter and get those boats ready to splash. Big Daddy

 

[Four Suns]

The 480 DB with QSM-11's is the best boat Sea Ray ever designed.

 

[boltman]

GAry I would have to agree with you, but the MANS is what makes this boat, a Great Boat....700hp Thundering Cathedrals of Torq, simply amazing..