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ussoldier73 · 11-10-2013, 20:08

I Joined this site searching for crew a few months back to motor down to Florida. I got a couple of responses and let me tell you it wasn't what I expected. I had very little trouble with the boat she ran like a champ. The first week of the trip I was by myself. The Jersey ICW was in ruff shape beware! The rest of the trip was fairly easy. If your on a budget slow and steady is the way to go. I cost myself 10,000 dollars in fuel. Anything over 12 knots is stupid on the ICW you don't save time because you will be fueling rather than moving south and it's a timed trip with bridges and locks. I wish I had known this before making the trip. It's the most important part of the trip. Fuel cost could have been under 3000 dollars if I would have stuck to my guns. Also be willing to do minor engine work it saved me a lot of money, make sure you have crew that are willing to help out. You don't want to be working on your engines while some guy is got his feet up drinking ice tea and reading the paper while you sweating your butt off with no help. lol.... I was able to get a guy to come along with me. So I wasn't driving 12 hours a day. At the end of the day I was pleased we made it safely home. Would I do it again? Differently yes. I would highly suggest you go slow and steady save money and your engines for the next trip. Oh yeah plan your stops south of VA because the gas prices are expensive in little towns. Make sure to fill up in major city's where prices are cheaper. Good Luck and stay safe. Thanks to everyone who help me out! God Bless