Tampa to Keywest in a 24-25' Cruiser ?

[mmbltcsw1]

I'm thinking about moving up from an 18' bowrider to a small cruiser... thinking 24-25'. Would a boat of that size get me through the gulf to keywest safely?

[ATC]

As with any day on the water, pick your best window for the weather. Crossing Florida Bay in a 24' should be OK, again, keep an eye on the weather.

[Unicorn Dreams]

Welcome Aboard CF

Just watch the GOM weather, it can be like glass and change fairly quickly.

[NightFlyer]

I have owned a boat about this size. Most only hold 100 gal of fuel. Check the weather and fuel plan very carefully. I got 1.2 nm per gallon. I would be surprised if a boat that small has the range to get from Tampa to key west. Even with fuel stops in Naples. Remember rough seas will slow you down and burn more fuel. Ther are some boats that do have that type of range. Just do your homework.

[capngeo]

As mentioned above, look at the weather, and your operational range. I've made the trip from Sarasota to KW on a Hobie Cat (in my youth, and i would care not to try that again). Rhumb line from Tampa is about 200 miles

[dacust]

Originally Posted by capngeo

As mentioned above, look at the weather, and your operational range. I've made the trip from Sarasota to KW on a Hobie Cat (in my youth, and i would care not to try that again). Rhumb line from Tampa is about 200 miles

A friend of mine went from Chattanooga to Charleston in a Sea Ray 245 Weekender. Went through the Okeechobee, though, not through the Keys.

The question is not how far from Tampa to KW, but how far from the furthest place South of Tampa you can get fuel, to the farthest place North in the Keys you can get fuel. I'm afraid I can't tell you. When I was down there I had a 600 mile range, and besides I also went through the Gulf to the Okeechobee.

-dan

[kiper204]

Like everyone is saying .... you will be fine just watch for weather. But what they didnt say was watch the crab pots !!!!! Its not bad have done it and had 8ft seas at night and it still wasnt bad ... be ready for bad weather that wasnt predicted and make sure you have good safety gear .

[OldSarg]

Originally Posted by capngeo

. I've made the trip from Sarasota to KW on a Hobie Cat (in my youth, and i would care not to try that again).

That is awesome!!!!

[dc9loser]

Generally people on here, or any forum, will tell ya that you need a battleship to cross a duck pond.

Fact is the length of your boat is less important than what kind of a boat it is and what range you have.

And even more importantly, your judgment and your planning.

I would not hesitate to take my 16 foot dinghy on that trip given the right weather and some extra fuel cans. On the other hand it would be way too risky to take my 40 foot houseboat.

[dacust]

Originally Posted by dc9loser

Generally people on here, or any forum, will tell ya that you need a battleship to cross a duck pond.

Fact is the length of your boat is less important than what kind of a boat it is and what range you have.

And even more importantly, your judgment and your planning.

I would not hesitate to take my 16 foot dinghy on that trip given the right weather and some extra fuel cans. On the other hand it would be way too risky to take my 40 foot houseboat.

Yep. You sound like a sensible person to me.

I outfitted my 16' center console with a mounted flare kit, mounted first-aid kit, permanent VHF, GPS, etc., dual batteries, 2 extra 6-gal tanks, holder for handheld VHF and GPS, clip-on floating boarding ladder, etc. all just so I would feel comfortable taking it out of sight of land in the Gulf. Probably overkill since I've never been more than 10 miles offshore, but it makes me feel safer.

In that boat, I wouldn't mind doing Tampa to the Keys. But, I'd be very picky on the weather window, and have a float plan and frequent contacts with people on shore.

-dan

[u4ea32]

Skipjack 262, a 26 foot flybridge fish boat with single diesel. These things really work great offshore California where a weekend can easily take you over a hundred miles offshore, then 100 miles north to south (say St Nicholas to Tanner Bank) then a hundred miles back.

There is a reason the used prices are so high.

Skipjack Owners' Log

[DaveOnCudjoe]

Piece of cake and great trip. Tampa-Charlotte Harbor Charlotte Harbor-Naples Naples-Big Marco Big Marco-Flamingo Flamingo- Key West. If Big Marco- Flamingo is too far jump in at Chockoloski. If Tampa-Charlotte Harbor is too far jump in at Venice. Mapteck Chartbook has all the details. No cell phone between Chockoloski and Flamingo. Dave

[Rakuflames]

Originally Posted by capngeo

As mentioned above, look at the weather, and your operational range. I've made the trip from Sarasota to KW on a Hobie Cat (in my youth, and i would care not to try that again). Rhumb line from Tampa is about 200 miles

Now THAT gets ya some bragging rights!

[HopCar]

That should be a very nice trip. DaveonCudjoe has suggested a nice route. The only thing I would add is to carry an epirb or plb as you will be out of cell phone coverage and possibly VHF contact. A plb will cost you less than $300.00 these days and will fit in your pocket.