Cruising in small boats

[tbtapper]

Anyone done any "cruising" around SoFla/KeyWest in a smaller SR. I'm interested in comments/observations and how it worked out. I have an SRV225EC that I am considering doing some cruising in.

Poins of concern are: only 1 motor, no AC, carry 70ga gas but not really sure my range, what is adequate ground tackle?

Pretty easy to trailer down to where ever that's a plus just wondering what I can expect to pay for dockage per night.

Thanks

Travers
80 SRV225EC

 

[KayKook]

You might try a call or e-mail to KW area marinas to find out the transient rate. It varies greatly.

Your cruise plans are all dependent on the weather and water conditions. Plan on not having a plan, just in case.

 

[JimG]

A group of us took a pontoon boat from Key Largo to Key West and made three overnight stops along the way:

Lime Tree Bay Resort in Layton
Coconut Cay in Marathon
Parmers Resort in Little Torch Key

All three places allowed us to tie to their dock for the overnight stay. You can stay fairly close to land all they way down through there, but you have to watch for the skinny water. We stopped each day for lunch about halfway in each leg. We went in mid January, so A/C was not required. The boat was fairly new with a four stroke outboard, so we didn't to worry about the single engine issue. When we got to Key West, we loaded it up on the trailer (bought down by a chase vehicle). It was a great trip!

 

[tbtapper]

Thanks JimG, that sounds exactly like the kind of trip I'm interested in. Really don't intend to do any serious anchoring except possibly if I were to go out to the Tortuga's for a night or two.

I'm planning on a couple of test runs on the ICW up/down from Charleston where I can put in so that will be a good shake down. I'm working on an anchoring plan from the cockpit because these older EC's do not really let you go forward safely. I can practice the process on Lake Keowee which is close to my house.

Travers

 

[trit21]

Please take note there is no marina and no fuel in Dry Tortuga. From what I remember it was about 70 miles there and 70 miles back. 140 mile round trip and remember to account for rough seas so you will need a minimum of 200 mile range. Not much between Key West and Dry Tortuga except water.

 

[Bugsy24]

tbtapper, they're a couple of Ferries that go to the Dry Tortuga's and it's about 2 to 3 hr trip depending on which Boat you go on!! There are NO Marina Facilities once you leave Key West going South!! I've been there and it's an Awesome Trip but don't attempt to go there in your Smallboat!! Go with the ferries, take your snorkeling gear with you and come back safe!!

 

[Phlorida]

I'm going to guess that your 305 will get between 2.0 and 2.3 MPG assuming that it is in top running order. That gives you an 80% range of between 110 and 130 miles in perfect seas. The Tortugas aren't an option. You might have fun hopping between the various keys.

 

[FootballFan]

Leaving Miami - you can cruise on the inside all the way down. I would think that as long as you watched the weather, you would be ok. I have only gone on the inside as far as Angel Creek - but then I was on a boat with 3 or 4 ft draft. Water does get skinny as you go down.

WHen you catch a good weather day, cross over and stay along the coast. There are a ton of boats that size fishing the flats on good days.

Not sure about Dry Tortugas though. I would be nervous about striking out in a 340 ( though I know its been done) without cruising friends and extra gas. Take the ferry out to Tortugas. Besides there is so much fun around the keys that you will have.

 

[Ringy Dinghy]

When you come to Keowee stop by Lake Keowee Marina, Dock D Slip 10 and say hello.

 

[chuck1]

We did a bunch of cruising in our 240SD. The old joke was I was the only one that had the cruiser options on a SD. If it was just me I did a lot of camping on her. I wife or family was on trip I laid out the trip to stop over at condos or hotels along the way.

 

[tbtapper]

Thansk for all the comments. Very good advice. I have been to the DT's on the ferry and for some reason I did not remember it being so far. Obviously, no way would I try with my fuel supply. Looks like there are plenty of other short hops that are fun so no problem.

Travers