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mickinetic · 28-10-2009, 17:32

I need some good advice on moving my boat from Isla Mujeres to Corpus Christi or South Padre Island in late December or early January. What are the chances of a good weather window and is it better to coast hop along Mexico to say Merida and/or Veracruz and then angle up to south Texas? What (and where should I look to learn) are the currents like in that direction? I have some charts of (many, many) oil rigs in American waters but what about in Mexican waters? If this time frame doesn't work what other time would be advisable? Also where in the area of Brownsville would I find an inexpensive DIY marina where I can refurbish the interior. It's a 38' FP catamaran. Thanks for your consideration!

Ocean Girl · 28-10-2009, 18:33

Happy new boat ownership

I've crossed in december, straight across is good. Not a coast cruising gal when it comes to the gulf. It should be south easterly until about 3/4 of the way, then it starts to clock to the north. OR, you may get lucky and get a SE all the way to CC. The gulf stream runs north so you are good to go. I'll check my pilot chart, but maybe GORD can put one up for you....
Anyone else have a crossing in December?

Cheers, say hi to the dolphins for me, and have fun!
Erika

bob_77903 · 28-10-2009, 18:54

I don't know about Brownsville, but Rockport, Tx has a good DIY yard..

House of Boats :: Full Service Boatyard and Haul Out in Rockport TX

svHyLyte · 28-10-2009, 19:09

From Isla to Corpus is only about 710 miles (nautical), which, averaging 5 knts, should only take about 5-6 daze. You can download weather from www.PassageWeather.com; and, you can get a good idea of prevailing winds from the Pilot Charts posted at Maritime Safety Information. (Look up South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico for the month you're planning.)

FWIW...

s/v HyLyte

Lostmt · 28-10-2009, 19:18

Give Nautical Landing Marina in Port Lavaca a call (0800 to 1000hrs) Monday thru Friday. We work on our boat here all the time and don't have to haul out to do so. Not sure if they can handle a 38' cat at this time. I'll see if I can find their website and post back.

Therapy · 28-10-2009, 19:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by svHyLyte

From Isla to Corpus is only about 710 miles (nautical), which, averaging 5 knts, should only take about 5-6 daze. You can download weather from www.PassageWeather.com; and, you can get a good idea of prevailing winds from the Pilot Charts posted at Maritime Safety Information. (Look up South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico for the month you're planning.)

FWIW...

s/v HyLyte

I went to have a look-see and got this far...

Atlas of Pilot Charts - Pub. 105return to main view

Atlas of Pilot Charts South Atlantic OceanEdition: 1995

View/Download Publication

There are no files associated with this publication.

OOPS
Then I went back and saw this......

The Atlas of Pilot Charts of the South Atlantic Ocean and the North Pacific Ocean(NGA Pubs 105 and 108, respectively) are not yet available for download, as they are still awaiting digital conversion.

bstreep · 28-10-2009, 21:37

I second PassageWeather - Sailing Weather - Marine Weather Forecasts for Sailors and Adventurers.

With some luck and a good weather window, you can catch a break without a norther. It should be an easy sail if the prevailing south-southeasterlies hold. Just be prepared to slog the last couple of hundred miles under power, if you have to. I would not choose the coastal hopping method. Just not a great section of coast to do it.

If you need to haul your boat, House of Boats is great. If you don't, the Corpus Christi City Marina is really good about letting folks work on their boats. Just don't damage/spray neighboring boats or pollute. We have friends with what amounts to a small portable woodshop on their finger pier, on a regular basis. Port Lavaca is a good choice, but supplies are NOT nearby. Rockport is OK. CC has West Marine and Bluewater Supply, along with the normal Home Depot and Lowes.

svHyLyte · 29-10-2009, 07:31

Quote:

(Look up South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico for the month you're planning.)

I miss spoke. You should look at Publication 106---Atlas of Pilot Charts North Atlantic Ocean (including Gulf of Mexico), 2002. I apologise for the confusion.