Dry Tortugas Trip Idea

surfinjoe

surfinjoe

New Member
Feb 23, 2007
946
Michigan
Boat Info
220 Sundeck 2007
Engines
350 MAG w/Bravo III
Does anyone have plans to make the trip from Key West to Dry Tortugas in 2011 or 2012? I am considering making the trip and would like to have another boat or two in my group just to be safe. I could follow the ferry, but not real excited about that idea.
 
Joe,

How much extra fuel are you going to have to carry?

Chuck
 
Greg said:
You taking the Sundeck? :wow:
Click to expand...

I am not planning on taking my SD. I am hoping to purchase a 280 DA next month. We have all talked about trips to Bimini in a bow rider. I have the feeling that a trip to Dry Tortugas would be about the same....possible, but not safe.
 
chuck1 said:
Joe,

How much extra fuel are you going to have to carry?

Chuck
Click to expand...

Chuck - According to Boat Test, the 220 SD has a range of 170 Miles @ 28.8 MPH....LOL

In theory, one COULD make the 140 Mile trip on a single tank of gas. If I was crazy enough to take my 220 SD, I would bring an additional 25 - 30 Gal. just to be safe.
 
Yeah, I was thinking about fuel also. You can't get fuel there so you need enough for the round trip (about 140 miles), plus a little extra for safety.

EDIT: Ok, so you already considered that... :thumbsup:
 
Last edited:
Greg said:
Yeah, I was thinking about fuel also. You can't get fuel there so you need enough for the round trip (about 140 miles), plus a little extra for safety.

EDIT: Ok, so you already considered that... :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Greg - have you ever made the trip? From what I hear, the seas can be rough, but not crazy like the open ocean. A lot of guys make the trip in center console boats less than 30'. Granted, they are made for offshore fishing....
 
I have made the trip 6 times. It can be pretty rough in spots. Stick close to the Marquesas as long as you can. I see 20'-25' center consoles there at the fort camping on the beach every time I am there. I haven't tried using it, does Boat US bring fuel (just in case) or do they just tow? Be safe!
 
Joe, Do not consider taking a 220SD to the DT. Can it be done? Probably, but should it be done , NO. Get that 280DA and go and enjoy your self. I wont go into all the reasons its a bad idea because it would take up to much space. 220 NO, 280 YES. Good Luck, JC
 
I don't think the 280 will make it with fuel with the on board tanks. I owned one and the furthest I was able to go was approx. 125 miles on a tank. Although we were empty, we were pretty close. Bimini is 48 miles each way and fuel available, Tortugas is 70 miles each way and no fuel. You will need to bring fuel for the return trip and whatever you need for the generator and extra in case of seas,wind. My opinion, not easily do-able.
 
JC3 said:
Joe, Do not consider taking a 220SD to the DT. Can it be done? Probably, but should it be done , NO. Get that 280DA and go and enjoy your self. I wont go into all the reasons its a bad idea because it would take up to much space. 220 NO, 280 YES. Good Luck, JC
Click to expand...

I am not brave enough to take my 220 SD to DT. If I can not get the 280 DA, I will limit my trip to The Marquesas Key. I hear that trip is made by 16' skiff's all the time by taking the lakes passage.
 
will leave out of miami from stuart, and then down to the key west. will take the outside route down unless weather is bad
 
sporters78 said:
will leave out of miami from stuart, and then down to the key west. will take the outside route down unless weather is bad
Click to expand...

My 220 SD is too small to take the outside route. I was thinking about going to Marquesas Key this year and was looking for someone to follow on the way out since this is my first time boating in the Keys.

Any advice for navigating the Lakes Passage?
 
don't know why they call it that? alway called it inside run must be something you yankee's call it ...lol
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,180
Messages
1,428,029
Members
61,088
Latest member
SGT LAT
Back
Top