Month Long Cruise PCB - Key West - 340

[Hampton]

So far so good! Love the pics! What kind of engine prep did you perform prior to leaving?

Stay safe!:thumbsup:

We've been outside since Carabelle.

Engine prep:
Oil/filters
Impellers
Tranny fluid/filters
Cleaned tranny coolers
Engine alignments
Spark Plugs

Genny:
Spark Plugs
Impeller
Oil/filter
Zinc
Spares

Engine Spares: Impellers, serp belts, IAC valve, Starter parts, tranny cooler, wiring harnesses (haven't put the new ones one yet) and some others.

 

[Hampton]

Yesterday, we broke out the kids' Razors and headed off for groceries, then to a local beach for an afternoon in the cool breeze (STS).

 

[Hampton]

So, how do ducks do it? Many of us have been wondering, I'm sure. Now, not only can I tell you, I can show you. Male ducks gather around a young, unwilling female and corale her against a boat and pier. Then, they push her underwater until she submits or doesn't have a choice. I'm not sure if they all participate or not, but the one that is still there at the end of the event spreads his wings and stands on top of the water in celebration, then allows the female to get all of the bread crumbs for the rest of his life.

 

[firecadet613]

John, great pics. And thanks again for taking us along on the trip!

 

[Hampton]

We're in Venice, and I have some Venice pics added. JeffK came by to visit. Thanks, Jeff. Hope you get the boat back on plane soon.

Snakes in water last night
Markers heading out today
Pretty water
Nice Wake
CG Plane looking for missing boat 10 NM East of Clearwater
Jeff and John
Shell's Island (Our Boat)
Shelli and 2 other birds (look beside her foot)
John and Shelli in the Crow's nest
Not necessarily in any order

 

[Aarrhh & Aarrhh]

John,

Looks like all is going well!!! I will make sure to hold down the island this weekend for you guys!! Kim and Ty say hi!!!

 

[wetpaint]

Your doing awesome John.....Thanks for sharing

 

[Four Suns]

This is the definition of a "well marked channel":

Geez.

 

[jeffk]

Thanks John, enjoy the rest of your trip!!!

I'll try and catch up with you on the way back...............in our boat!!!

 

[douglee25]

This is the definition of a "well marked channel":

Geez.

Ha! I was thinking the same thing. We sure could use that in NJ, especially areas like Little Egg!

Doug

 

[billnpat]

Or on the south shore of long island N.Y......

Those markers are great :thumbsup:

 

[fwebster]

Down here if you ever see a channel marked that well, stay the heck in the middle of the markers..........they don't waste telephone poles on deep water.

 

[george2064]

What a trip ... Safe travels !!!

 

[jeffk]

John,

Where are the pictures of the day......................I've been waiting on an update!


Wow....up to page 8, this will be a looooooooooooooong thread!!!

Maybe the return trip should be another thread. And even the time spent in the Keys, another thread!

 

[Hampton]

Well, here we sit in Marco Island Marina. You won't believe the pics coming up later (I'm at the pool). I thought they were going to hand me a mop when we docked. I think the janitor has a 480 here.

Trip Log:
Day 1 Panama City to Carabelle: 95 miles inside the ICW - 130 gal (I think) 'bout 5 hrs
Day 2 Carabelle to Hudson: 163 miles outside in 3 - 5' pounding seas - 218gal - 7 hrs
Day 4 Hudson to Venice: 103 miles outside in calm seas - 132 gal - 'bout 4.5 hours
Day 5 Venice to Marco: 95 miles outside in awesome, calm seas 'bout 4 hours - 125 gal

So, in 4 traveling days, 456 miles, 21 hours, 605 gallons.

New plan for tomorrow: Direct to the middle of the Keys for 2 nights on the hook, then to Key West.

Any recommendations for anchorage on the North Side of the Keys between Marathon and Key West? We want to anchor in safe but shallow water, secluded, no houses or buildings near by, protected, but some wind, clear water, with a lime, please.

 

[katricol]

Let's see John....secluded....no houses.....or buildings.....what exactly do you have in mind for this night in the keys???? LOL

 

[Chris R]

Question: Any problems with the boat? Is everything holding up well?

 

[Hampton]

Question: Any problems with the boat? Is everything holding up well?

Things are going well so far, but I don't want to count my chickens...

 

[JC3]

John, Looking forward to those pictures. Ever think about taking that beautiful boat to da Bahamas? JC

 

[Four Suns]

You brought chickens?