Middle Grounds trip

[nautigator]

We have about 7 boats <tentatively> making a trip to the middle grounds the last weekend in April leaving from Cedar Key. If anyone is interested in tagging along, the more the merrier. I don't know of any open spaces on any boat going, but I will check and see. There will be some of the participants diving, so it will be a mix of fish and dive. Either or is fine.

[Bakertize]

never been out there would like to say I tried it at least once. courious how many miles out and back ? with a boat that gets 2- 2.5 miles pr. gal. how many gal. of gas would on expect to use on that trip ? and is a 1997 21' center concole parker sutable for that trip?

[nautigator]

Baker- The run is about 85 miles to where we will start fishing. We may move around quite a bit, so I would say you should have at least 300 miles of range to be safe. The 2-2.5 mpg, is that under ideal conditions or overall average? Figure half that economy coming back if the weather turns unexpectedly. Some people would say you would be fine if the weather stays perfect, others have said that they wouldn't go in anything less than a cruise ship, if at all. Most of the boats going are in the 25-29 ft range. I wouldn't make the run out there without a bunch of others because of that Murphy guy. It is a long, long way out. If the voyage doesn't raise your dander just a bit, that would be troubling, and foolish. If you have delt with a bad squall before and are confident in your vessel and yourself as the captain, then you may wish to try it. Plans for the trip will be scrubbed if even the hint of foul weather.

[Bakertize]

yea thats a long trip
maybe one day I can make it. not in my little boat I have now.
I'll stick with my local waters

thanks

looking forward to read'n your report and maybe some pics.

[mjsigns]

These guys might want to tag along....