A Fool's Run ?

[weedeater64]

Ok, I'm moving to Norfolk Va. from Little Rock Ar. and it occurred to me that I could have a great summer adventure along with the move. My idea was to build something like one of these,

Build a Cheap 16' Catamaran (1876)
or
Duckworks Boatbuilders Supply

and float/sail down the Mississippi, then make use of the Intracoastal waterways/canals.

I'm wondering how long this might take, and if I'd be a complete fool, or just a little crazy to leave in June heading into hurricane season?


What do ya'll think?

[MarkJ]

Well, Huck Finn did it. And his mate Sam Clemens said he was an idiot.

So I guess you could do it too.

It would sure be fun

[marc2012]

Depends how long before you get run over by a barge.When Huck Finn did it there were no tugs pushing 25*barges & no ships.If you wish to do something like that consider the ten-tom.marc

[BlackOak]

Them arky skeeters will eat yo ass up before ya make it to Pine Bluff. Better have alot skeeter repellent, and netting.

[TexSail]

You sure have a purty mouth.

[jkd]

Well I hate to dis-way anyone from making a journey they want to make, but lets consider the following;

Your going to build, outfit and test a boat in 2 months? Do-able but not likely. Why not just buy a Hobie 16 or 18 and find a way to slap an engine on it and a tent on the tramp? Your going to end up motoring most of the way anyway as the winds tend to be light that time of year and out of the wrong direction if you have my luck.
You will cover 2k+ miles if my calculations are correct (they probably aren't) in call it 100 days (20 miles a day) not un-do-able again, if you have no break downs or want to stop and smell the roses.
You will be traveling at the hottest time of year, and yes, you will be in the mosquito breeding sections of the U.S. the entire time. You will consume enormous amounts of water, fuel and food which you will only have ready access to at marinas and will be pricey and weigh the boat to capacity or beyond.

But if it all works out, you can write a book and retire. If not and you become barge food, you're relatives can write a book and retire! Its all good.

John

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome to the forum!
Building a boat for that journey would take a long time unless you are a professional boatbuilder. If you have access to a bit of money I would consider buying something suitable rather than building. The boat market is very much like the housing market just now and it definitely is a buyer's market.
Are you a skilled sailor? You mentioned hurricane season so you know about that.
Good luck in pursuing your dreams.
regards,

[BlackOak]

All right, being a northwest mississippi boy, here's what ya do. Find a couple of 12' to 14' jon boats on craiglist (cheap). Make a run to Lowes and get some cheap lumber. Lash the 2 jon boats together in a catamaran configuration. This will get you enough surface for a tent, storage for supplies in the boats, etc. You can also configure a simple sail, rudder setup...etc..... doable, cheap, and easily gotten items