River rat to salt water

[blackjack]

Hi all! I'm taking the family (and the boat) to St Pete, Fla for spring break. I have boated on the Ohio river since I was 2, but have limited experience in the Intercoastal and Bay area. We have rented boats in the past down there, but never brought my own. I have scoped out a launch ramp, and bought Nav charts for the area so I bon't beach it. I'm bringing the muffs to flush the outdrive and will pressure wash the hull after I pull out. Any other suggestions before I leave? How do the tides affect the intercoastal? If the tide goes out while I'm out, will I have trouble reaching my launch point? How does a 185 do in the gulf? Finally, if any of you Tampa Bay area members are there between April 4-11th, let me know and maybe we can hook up.

 

[chuck1]

IMHO - You may want to add a wax job before you head down including all the metal. As to how the 185 would do in the gulf, it really is going to depend on the weather. Check your charts about the depth around where you plan to launch. You may want to get some local info about it too. Remember to give the trailer a good wash job too after dunking it in salt water.

 

[SeaRide]

The tides will/should affect the intracoastal and the charts will have either MLW mean low water or MLLW mean lower low water depths. Current charts will also have this year's tide table available. Local knowledge is always important as sand bars shift and other areas may silt in. I agree with Chuck a good wax job will make clean up much easier. Salt Away may help also.

Finally, is your trailer painted, galvanized or aluminum. If it's painted, dunking it in saltwater may eventually lead to some rust spots showing up.

Good luck.

 

[SeaRide]

....and how does a 185 do in the Gulf??? Not too well when the seas get rough. Was it a couple of weeks ago when four men left in a 21' CC??? Only one returned.

 

[sprink56]

if you plan to tie up for any length of time to a pier or warf be aware of the tides. Make sure you have enough slack in your lines to account for a tidal fall of about 2 feet. This usually means that if you are in a slip that you will need to float your boat out from the dock or pilings so that you won't be rubbing.

Learn the area where you are going from the charts. Once you familiarize yourself with where you are going you will develop a cofort level. You can run in open water but watch the afternoon T-Storms...Tampa Bay is one of the lightning capitals of the world.

Lots of stuff to see and do there...enjoy.:thumbsup:

 

[blackjack]

Thanks for all the info. She was just waxed before I put her away, so I'm good there. (Shes stored indoors, too). I never thought about the trailer, it is painted so I will pressure wash that, as well. We know the St. Pete area very well, we've been going there since 1982, so I'm fairly confident in my navigation skills. I plan on staying close to the Egmont Key, beaches area, possibly up to John's Pass and Clearwater to the north, and maybe Anna Maria to the south. I am so ready for boating season, we spent the day cleaning up and burning debris on the beach . The Ohio was like glass today. Watching the sunset reflect off the river made all the work worth it. I was very tempted to drop her in the water, but I know better. my kids would have whined they were too cold (65), making me miserable!

 

[Sorrento 25]

We have that entire week off as well and hope to spend it on the water.

 

[unlvrebel]

Thanks for all the info. She was just waxed before I put her away, so I'm good there. (Shes stored indoors, too). I never thought about the trailer, it is painted so I will pressure wash that, as well. We know the St. Pete area very well, we've been going there since 1982, so I'm fairly confident in my navigation skills. I plan on staying close to the Egmont Key, beaches area, possibly up to John's Pass and Clearwater to the north, and maybe Anna Maria to the south. I am so ready for boating season, we spent the day cleaning up and burning debris on the beach . The Ohio was like glass today. Watching the sunset reflect off the river made all the work worth it. I was very tempted to drop her in the water, but I know better. my kids would have whined they were too cold (65), making me miserable!

Wow, blakjack, that's a LOT of boating. Do you plan to trailer from place to place or boat from place to place. By boat it's got to be better than 40 miles from Clearwater to Anna Maria.

Anyhow, you're 185 will do fine. I would imagine that your intent is not to venture 20 to 30 miles offshore, but to cruise the intercoastal and the various islands. The only challenges that you might find would be crossing the mouth of Tampa Bay and wakes from some of the larger boats. Our first boat was a 185 and we dropped it in the water at the Seminole boat ramp (Clearwater) and cruised up to Anclote Key with little issue except slowing for the occasional heavy wake. When the wind kicks up it could be a bumpy ride. But there are also some very protected areas to burn a lot of fuel.

I can't speak much to areas farther south, but if you are boating out of the Clearwater area, the Seminole boat ramp is a pretty good place to leave from. $5 to launch and park. Easy access to various areas. Close to Caladesi State Park. Worth the visit. Go in the main entrance, dock the coat ($4) and spend the day exploring the park. If hanging out raft-up style is what you're looking to do, cruise by Three Rooker Island (sandbar), back in, unload your gear, set up your horseshoes and enjoy the day.

For points farther south many others will chime in. For Eggmont Key, I do know that launching from Fort DeSoto is the way to go. HUGE boat ramps. Google Earth Madelaine Key. That is actually where the boat ramp is located.

Wnjoy your time out here in our beautiful waters! I must warn you though... The water temp is a bit cold. News reports put it in the mid-60s but my boat temp sender put it at 69 this past Saturday. Still a little cool.

 

[blackjack]

After this winter, I am ready for A LOT of boating! I can't tell you how ready I am to get out on the water. I plan on putting in on 4th street in St. Pete (a few miles from our house) and puttering around the bay up to the Pier the first day. I know I can dock and eat at the foot of the Pier, and let my kids ride the Looper while I sample the local brews! A few years back, we rented a boat and played around Egmont and Pass a Grille (the wife's favorite beach), we may do that again, too. Luckily the family enjoys boating as much as I do, so 40 miles either way is no big deal. Especially after being cooped up in the house all winter. 17 days and counting!