Panama City to Tarpon Springs Single Hand - Crazy Idea???

[Slider]

WOW !!!

Thanks for all the input. As of now, the survey is split equally between Yes, go for it, No, don't do it, or get a trailer. Of course, I realize some of the "Yes" votes might be from some of you that just like to read the more interesting Coast Guard rescue stories in "Soundings" and are thinking this could be a story in the making.

When I wrote that I wanted to do a "straight shot" last night, I had already consumed my daily allowance of 2 glasses of wine (secret to staying with only 2 - get bigger glasses) and couldn't find my charts, so I was looking at MapQuest to get an idea of the distances (I know you can't plan a boat trip using MapQuest) . I'm not planning on taking off for another month, so of course, I would plan my trip better, before actually going.

I have been boating both sailboat and power boats for over 20 years in Florida, have taken boating classes, etc. and believe I have above average boating skills and no current death wish. So the coast or trailer will be the ultimate solution. My wife says buy a trailer and forget about it, but I'm still evaluating.

I really think going along the coast is a possibility with a few overnight stops and could be an interesting adventure. I couldn't find much on the Internet about where to stop, so I appreciate your input. I figured you guys would know the area better than some crusiing book. Someone indicated that going along the coast line looks to be about 300 miles, so I would probably break it up to 3 days worth of travel on the water.

Anyway, I'll keep you posted.
Slider

[wevans]

I voted Yes, but that's only if you do the coastal route

[tin can]

I didn't vote. I"ll offer input and suggestions, but won't help you make that decision.

[Sea Fox]

When I go out 30 to 40 miles to fish it seems like a long way, but when you add up the miles for the day, 100 is doable. I have thought of bumping up the coast myself, I think a good plan would minimize the danger. Maybe have a car follow down the coast with a VHF or cell. Im with TC though only you can make that decision.

[wevans]

You could also post a time table for when you should be in a certain area and a call name for the vessel and there may be one of our members on the water at the time you come through

[pennfish]

Hummmm. 100 gal of fuel, two nites in a room, food, water, safety factor, how much does a trailer cost that you could have and use for many years? Hummmmm. Good luck on your decision.

[wevans]

I thought about that also penn but then, how many times do you get the opportunity for an adventure such as this a hard decision for sure

[chugbug]

For what you will spend in gas you could buy a trailer.

[catchin1]

C'mon on guys . If we figured money in on all our boating and fishing we'd never leave the house. You can by grouper cleaned and filleted for $11.00 a pound, you offshore guys don't won't to tell what your grouper cost per pound . Its all about the fun.

This is making 1 he** of a thread tho.

[pennfish]

Humans are the only things I know of that will chose NOT to take the path of least resistance. 150 mi. to go 15, 20 mph s,sw wind kicks up running in 6 to 8 ft. of water in a 17ft whaler, next inlet 50 miles doing 8mph sure sounds like an adventure to me rain-X, and plenty of towels in a water proof bag.

[Jumptrout51]

If you do a straight shot take lots of toilet paper and extra underwear. You'll need both before you get there.

[wevans]

And a camera we need ta see this

[RHTFISH]

If you don't have a trailer and don't want to buy one...rent a flatbed
truck and hoist that baby up there and cinch her down....I'd rather spend the time and money exploring around the destination.


Just think how rough the trip would have been over the past couple
weeks!

[RC]

People have gone across the Atlantic in a row boat. People floated to Hawaii on a raft.

I guess you would probably make it. Would I want to go? no

Don't you have a trailer.

[EddieJoe]

Slider:

Didn't mean to be too hard on you. Just trying to be honest and express my concern for anyone trying the direct crossing. Coastal route can be done, if you take precautions mentioned.

EJ