Transiting the Delta

[Don1500]

I am buying a boat in Texas and sailing it around to the East Coast. In the process I have been looking at the routes back to Florida. (Never made this trip before) The one part of the journey that has me worried is the passage either around or through the Delta.

If I go outside:

1. The waters outside are full of these little black boxes (on the charts) labeled "Platforms". How accurate are the positions of these platforms shown on the charts?
2. How far off the mouth of the Mississippi should I consider going? (Shoaling, Currents)

If I take the ICW:

1. The ICW through the delta gets very confusing especially west of the Mississippi. Who has the best cruising guide for this area?
2. Algiers Lock or Harvey Lock?
3. Once I get on the Mississippi, what is the best way to continue on to Gulf Port? Looks like about 3-4 different routes.

I'll be doing this in March-April, so no hurry in deciding which route.

[Unicorn Dreams]

The GIWW is not really confusing.

Get Skipper Bob's to transit the GIWW, just remember it's written for powerboats so a lot of yje anchorages are shallow and far apart for sailboats.
I believe the Harvey lock is a better choice if thats the one to the westside of N.O. That time of the year the Miss. flows really strong and you will be upstream of Industrial locks that way.
Sent you a PM.

[Don1500]

Thanks for the PM. As you can see I have a long time to plan this trip. The only time I was on the Mississippi before was when I rode a tanker down from Baton Rouge, 30 years ago. I will get the cruisers guide, and I will be asking questions probably till the day I land in Gulf Port.

I see your in Clear Lake, I'll give you a call when I get there.