Month Long Cruise PCB - Key West - 340

[Hampton]

Your pictures are amazing. I wish we had water like that. How about a "Hampton only" calendar this year?:grin:

EEEeeek! Too much pressure. A Hampton only calendar? Eeeeeek! (reference "Tweek" from South Park).

 

[Leedhn]

John, You are making us proud. Keep the pictures coming they are inspiring, hell I only have to slug it out 9 more years to do a retirment trip ..

Lee

 

[Panchita]

How far are you going?

 

[Hampton]

Here they are. Today, we went for a dinghy ride from Boca Chica, North under the bridge, and into a canal network that the military dug on the North side - very impressive, but unused. On the way back, we saw a train of at least 25 tourists on jet skis. When we slowed to let their noise and wake pass, we saw an iguana swimming in the middle of the bay. He was at least 300 yards from any land. He seemed content, so I took my time to get the perfect photo - missed him. Got his wake.

From there, we headed out to deep water just to admire the color. It's really easy to get to 500' around here. The color is indescribable. We fished, we caught, we released. Then, we proceeded to the Reef 5 miles out of Key West. We snorkeled for the best experience ever from our boat. We saw huge schools of tropical fish, the two HUGEST parrot fish ever, corals everywhere, Big Angelfish....

From there, we cruised past Key West to Sigsbee to take advantage of really good, cheap gas. The water was REALLY SKINNY. No incident. We had to go under the bridge to Trumbo point twice to get the cheap gas. Saved $100. Not sure it was worth it. The flow under the bridge was over 10 knots.

We landed at the beautiful Gallion Resort, Key West, Fl. Our trip is not complete, but it is a complete success. We've met many new friends, seen many new, beautiful destiinations, and are quite content.

I've got Wi-Fi access now, so, Verizon can't kill the video star. I'll get them uploaded so you can see them late tonight or tomorrow morning.

Pics to follow very soon this evening.

By the way, Shelli and I have decided to live aboard at least a few months every year. We will be looking for a 44 Sedan Bridge in the next year or two. Our boat is so perfect, we can't imagine going with a bigger Sundancer. If we're going to upgrade, we'll have to go to a different style.

 

[Hampton]

Wanna race?

 

[Hampton]

 

[Hampton]

 

[kevin27]

John we are here at Bahia Honda and had a great day. We will be pulling in to the Gallion Resort tomorrow. The Florida Keys are AWSOME!!

 

[barryg]

More great photos that really tell the day's story! You've had great weather and calm waters!

Thanks!

I was thinking about what you said about stowing the inflatable and then using a foot pump to inflate it...Where do you have room on the boat to do that? On the swim platform? I'm still deciding whether to put mine on the davits and take it that way, or deflate it and pack it away, (with the engine wrapped and placed below in the cabin) till we get to Bimini..

Did you take any extra gas containers with you and did you decide to go to the Dry Tortugas?

Keep those photos and videos coming!

 

[Hampton]

John we are here at Bahia Honda and had a great day. We will be pulling in to the Gallion Resort tomorrow. The Florida Keys are AWSOME!!

Come on, baby! We may have a 420 Sedan Bridge joining us - they always wanted to, and they're here....

 

[Hampton]

Barry,

We roll the dinghy up and stand it up like a person in the port side Captain's chair - It stands about 4' high. The floor is rolled up under the aft cabin berth. The engine is under the cockpit table. The fuel tank is in the trunk, the oars are under the back seat....

We are going to take extra gas containers so that we don't have to worry about genny use. We'll use the genny, carry the gas, then add it if we need it. In the event we have have an engine failure, it would be a shame to have dumped good gas into a trapped tank.

 

[Pseudomind]

Thanks for your answers, do you perhaps remember the slip rates for Boca Chica NAS Marina,And, whether they typically have slips available?

As to fuel, I did not know Sigsbee had a marina there, nice to know for the future. I know they have an exchange and a commissary.

Keep having fun!

I need to find out some more information about the 8-10 HP Yamaha's or Honda's outboards as I have heard that many of the newer four-strokes can now be laid down on three sides without possible oiling issues developing.

:thumbsup:

 

[barryg]

Thanks John... I understand about rolling it up and putting the floor and oars and tank etc. But when it's time to inflate it, where do you find room to do that?

Good idea about the gas. Which tank does your genny run off of, port or starboard?

Barry

 

[hpeeler]

Man I'm loving this post! I am living out a dream vicariously through the two of you. This is something I've always wanted to do but will probably never have the opportunity to do so. I'm checking in at least a couple of times of day for updates (when I should be working). Keep the pics coming and have fun!
Hal

 

[Hampton]

Thanks for your answers, do you perhaps remember the slip rates for Boca Chica NAS Marina,And, whether they typically have slips available?

As to fuel, I did not know Sigsbee had a marina there, nice to know for the future. I know they have an exchange and a commissary.

Keep having fun!

I need to find out some more information about the 8-10 HP Yamaha's or Honda's outboards as I have heard that many of the newer four-strokes can now be laid down on three sides without possible oiling issues developing.

:thumbsup:

Around $30. Call them as soon as you know. We called the day prior.

Sigsbee is SKINNY, but, we did it without a hitch. Never again unless it is HIGH TIDE. I would go at about +.75 and above.

 

[Hampton]

Thanks John... I understand about rolling it up and putting the floor and oars and tank etc. But when it's time to inflate it, where do you find room to do that?

Good idea about the gas. Which tank does your genny run off of, port or starboard?

Barry

Oops, sorry.

The other day, we tied the bow of the dinghy to the boat - we used 2 lines from either side of the bow to either of the aft cleats. I let the dinghy unroll into the water haphazardly, then began to inflate it 1/4 on the SP (where the valves are) and 3/4 in the water - no problem.

To put the engine on, we spin the dinghy around and lift the stern onto the SP with the middle of the dinghy aimed at the transom door. We secure it here with two lines. Then, I lift the motor into place. When lowering the transom back into the water, you have to be careful to keep the motor clear of the boat. Also, this is all done with the dinghy engine locked in the "Up" position.

 

[Hampton]

Man I'm loving this post! I am living out a dream vicariously through the two of you. This is something I've always wanted to do but will probably never have the opportunity to do so. I'm checking in at least a couple of times of day for updates (when I should be working). Keep the pics coming and have fun!
Hal

The people living at this marina in Key West used to say the same thing - you have to make it happen.

 

[Two Peas]

I need to find out some more information about the 8-10 HP Yamaha's or Honda's outboards as I have heard that many of the newer four-strokes can now be laid down on three sides without possible oiling issues developing.

:thumbsup:

John - I don't intend to sidetrack your great thread too long, but thought I'd give my .02 here...

I store my Tohatsu 6hp four-stroke in my transom locker on it's side. The manual says to burn off the remaining fuel in the carb until it dies, and then it is safe to lay it flat. The only proviso they make is that you don't store it on the shifter side, only on the tiller side. There is even a "foot" molded in to the metal to keep it level. It works great - a little tricky getting it in and out of the locker, but it fits perfectly. I put down a couple of old rubber winter floor mats to keep the gel coat from getting beat up. You'd never know I had a 6hp stored there once the door is closed.

 

[Alex F]

...We'll use the genny, carry the gas, then add it if we need it. In the event we have have an engine failure, it would be a shame to have dumped good gas into a trapped tank.

John,

Great job on keeping us updated and sharing awsome experience you're having. Great pix.

Very good idea about being concern on gas usage, but do you think that your boat (may be mine as well) has the crossover fuel lines, so the working engine can use fuel from both tanks?

 

[Capt Bob F]

THANKS SO MUCH FOR SHARING JOHN! FANTASTIC!!!!

Bob