Opinions of Skipper Bob's Guide?

[ssullivan]

Is everyone happy with Skipper Bob's guide to anchorages in the ICW?

I was going to use only that as a guide to heading North in a bit (from Miami to New England).

I plan to go outside when weather looks good, and stay inside and motor when weather looks bad.

It's a good guide, right?

[svjobeth]

I've found it to be quite good. I suppose the caveat is that I've used it for the anchorage information, and not for the "free docks" or much of the other info it contains. As a guide to anchorages, I've found it to be consistent and reliable as any other source out there.

Cheers!

[ssullivan]

Thanks! I thought it looked very thorough for its size. Full of good information.

[markpj23]

I used his guide to the ICW West of the Mississippi. The bridge, locks and facility information was very good. The anchorage info not so much. Since he passed away I'm not sure who / if they are being updated sufficiently to keep pace with all the shoaling. Sure wish they'd fund some maintenance dredging....

At least you'll have a shallower draft to deal with... now that you've gone and bought one of those unstable cats....

[camaraderie]

Sean...the east coast guide is quite a good reference for anchorages...bridges...and shoal spots. It gives NO sailing directions or marina info (there is a separate marina info guide they put out.) Visit the website for updates to the printed guide before you leave. Also suggest a visit to the saltysoutheast cruisers website hosted by Claiborne Young for ICW updates and the boatus EAST COAST Alerts forum by Tom Neale who posts bi weekly alerts. It's the stuff that happens after the page is printed that'll get ya on the icw. I just pencil it all in at the appropriate mile marker in my skipper bob guide.
You will need something else north of the Chesapeake as a guide(s) but I assume you know that. Jack Doziers Cruising Guide to the ICW Northern Edition is pretty comprehensive.

[Ron_Fran]

We thought the Skipper Bob guide was really good. We had several guides and the Skipper Bob guide was usually the most accurate. You should also look at the Salty Southeast Cruisers net ( http://cruisersnet.net/ ) for trouble spots on the ICW between FL and VA.

[spirit2006]

We used it from Texas to Florida and found it very helpful. Have a good trip and take Bob with you.

David & Jo
"Spirit"

[Sunspot Baby]

Skipper Bob's books are great! They are "just the facts." If you want more information about places to visit or a little history, I recommend Claybourn Young (spelling).

Neither of these give you information on running the inlets. For that see Steve Dodge's Inlets book.

None of the guides replace a good chart book of the area. Have both.

George