FL to TX

[Polski Gus]

I have a Rhodes 41 in St. Petersburg FL and need to get it to Sabine Pass TX. Over the road transport is looking too complicated and expensive. Considering using that money to ready the boat and sail it to Sabine. Don't necessarily want to use ICW. Any suggestions on course or advice.

[mvweebles]

Well, it's 600 nms direct across the Gulf so around four days. Well within the capabilities of the boat. Depends on your comfort level and willingness to motor against prevailing winds. You are already at the northern terminus of the intracoastal at St Pete, though there are some inside routes from Apalachicola. I guess I don't understand the question.

[skipmac]

You should note that the ICW doesn't go all the way from St Pete to TX. There's a bit gap north from Cedar Key FL until you reach Apalachicola.

[Polski Gus]

Thanks for the responses. I am heavily leaning towards sailing directly from St Pete to Sabine Pass. Based upon all the depth, bridge height considerations, direct appears to be the simplest.

[belizesailor]

When do you plan to go?

The GOM can get REALLY ugly in the winter and then there is hurricane season. April-May is the most settled time...and even then you can get your butt kicked.

The "oil patch" is also a big consideration.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by skipmac

You should note that the ICW doesn't go all the way from St Pete to TX. There's a bit gap north from Cedar Key FL until you reach Apalachicola.

It’s more than that really if you can’t get under a 45’ bridge

[Polski Gus]

Prefer to sail march, april, latest may, when have more daylight. Been watching wind patterns and would like to go when I can reach practically the whole way. Where I am, the prevailing wind is S/SW . At the moment the wind in the Gulf is from the North.

[sailjumanji]

I have a 38 ft Seawind catamaran. Before that, a 33 ft Seawind cat. Every two years we cruise Bahamas and return to Port Aransas home. Last trip was this year, crossing the Gulf back home in June. Our program has always been leave Fort Myers headed on course to Grand Isle, Lousiana. If we are motoring because of light wind, we go into Grand Isle and fuel up before heading west. This year we had plenty of wind to sail during the crossing, and about 150 nm out of Grand Isle we changed course and headed to Freeport, Texas and skipped Grand Isle landfall. Problem now is you can get some north winds that we didnt risk in June. You will also encounter a lot of well platforms in Loiusiana. Also some big gulf shrimp boats. We still like this better thsn ICW, but requires a sharp lookout and good radar at night.