ICW versus offshore

[bnb]

We are traveling south from Charleston SC to Florida at the end of the month. We are in a 30' Bayliner and would like opinions on ICW versus just off shore for the trip.
Obviously weather will come to play on each leg.
We are looking to jump off from Florida to Bahamas as well. And weather window is a determining factor.
And suggestions, feedback, experience... will be appreciated.
Also looking for others to cross to Bahamas together as well.
Thank you.
RNB

[SFS]

Lots of threads on here about the AICW in general, the problem spots in GA, what inlets are better than others on Floridas east coast. Go to the "search" function, and choose "Google Custom Search" for this forum.

There are also other sources, such as Southeast Cruisers Net, or something similar.

What does your boat draw, and what kind of range does it have?

[rwidman]

A 30' Bayliner is not really suitable for ocean voyages. Florida to the Bahamas is doable in calm conditions but Charleston to Florida on the ocean would be a bad choice. I suggest the ICW. Not only would it be a lot safer, it would be a lot more enjoyable. You've got things to see an places to visit.

Several years ago, eight boats from my marina near Charleston made a weekend trip to Beaufort, SC (about 60 miles). We took the ICW. Someone suggested taking the ocean for the return trip. Four took the ocean, the rest of us took the ICW. One of the four that took the ocean had a 24' Bayliner. By the time he got back he was cussing the guy who suggested the ocean voyage. Yes, there's a difference between 24' and 30' but it's not that much.

BTW: We have made the trip on the ICW to Florida and back three times. There are a few shallow spots but we have never had a problem with them with our 3 1/2 foot draft. Your only problem might be at dead low tide but you can easily work around that. It's a beautiful trip. There are plenty of places to anchor if that's your choice and there are plenty of marinas, many in interesting towns. I suggest buying the Waterway Guide to help you plan your trip.

https://www.waterwayguide.com/guide/atlantic-icw

[skipmac]

If you are trying to get there as quickly as possible AND the sea conditions permit then coastal offers some advantages. However, the long leg from ICW or harbor out to the ocean can take away a lot of the savings unless you are doing a longer leg to offset that extra distance. Some inlets are worse than others in this regard.

Your draft should be OK in most places but in some parts of GA with 8-10' tides there could be a couple of spots where you will have to pass not at low tide.

Main thing is check the wind and sea conditions. What seems like relatively benign conditions can get pretty bumpy and uncomfortable after a while.

[svHyLyte]

While we prefer off-shore travel to the ICW, for you, your oat is ideal for an ICW passage. Offshore? Not so much.. A good reference for your travel can be found at "Cruising Down the ICW" maintained by Bob and Ann Sherer. Bob's Cruising Tips which include ACOE chartlets are very worth while and his ICW Cruising Guide, available for purchase, is very useful. You will also find the Salty Southeast Cruiser's Net very worth while reading, again with chartlets. Lastly, of course, is ActiveCaptain.com.

FWIW...

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by skipmac

If you are trying to get there as quickly as possible ......................

A truck and trailer would get him there as quickly as possible. That boat can be trailered.

[Suijin]

If you want to make time offshore not only does the weather need to be favorable, but in a 30' Bayliner the sea state needs to be pretty flat as well. If there is any sort of swell you're going to be off plane and wishing you'd gone down the ICW. While some individual legs down the ICW can be monotonous, you never have to worry about being caught out in bad conditions. You'll be able to stay on plane for much of it and make good time each day.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by rwidman

A truck and trailer would get him there as quickly as possible. That boat can be trailered.

True if he has a trailer for the boat and a truck that can pull that much weight.

Considering the boat and the section of the ICW he's considering I think going inside will be the best option. Most of it he can plane and make time which could be problematic outside, especially considering the time planned for the trip.

[Mozzie]

The ICW is harder in a sailing boat because on all the bridges that have to open, which often entails waiting. Because you are in a motor boat, you should be able to cruise straight under them.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by Mozzie

The ICW is harder in a sailing boat because on all the bridges that have to open, which often entails waiting. Because you are in a motor boat, you should be able to cruise straight under them.

Off the top of my head, there are only two remaining drawbridges between Charleston, SC and Florida on the ICW. Shallow water would be more of a concern for many sailboats.

[Mozzie]

Originally Posted by rwidman

Off the top of my head, there are only two remaining drawbridges between Charleston, SC and Florida on the ICW. Shallow water would be more of a concern for many sailboats.

thanks for correcting me

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by rwidman

Off the top of my head, there are only two remaining drawbridges between Charleston, SC and Florida on the ICW. Shallow water would be more of a concern for many sailboats.

However, once you get to FL and head farther south it's a different story. For the OP probably moot since his Bayliner should fit under most of them without opening.

[rwidman]

I don't know where the OP has gone or if he is coming back but here is a link to most of our cruises including two to Florida as far as Jacksonville and then on to the St. Johns River. We went as far as Stuart this year but haven't completed the write-up yet:

http://www.widman.biz/indigo/index.htm

[CaptainBullDog]

The outside legs are long and can be dangerous. Go inside where you can and plan short legs. Once at Jacksonville stay inside.

I would recommend trailering your boat to your Florida destination. A 30' Bayliner is not an offshore boat particularly for this time of year.
Captain BullDog Thal