Gulfport MS to Kemah TX via ICW

[jdl96]

Good evening -


I'm planning on moving my O'Day 34 from Gulfport to Kemah in early to mid November via ICW through LA and then Gulf to TX. Will have me plus one crew. I'm assuming an average motoring speed of 4 knots. Looking for input on an itinerary that is focused on pushing hard to finish the trip which obviously would be outside but I'm leery of the run from Gulfport around Louisiana with weather, etc.



Considering dropping into Gulf at earliest convenience after Houma, and not further West than Calcasieu. I'm running only VHF (with Garmin inReach backup for emergency comms). No radar or AIS so likely limited to daytime at least in Gulf.


In short, would be grateful for input on (1) minimizing the beating everyone says the ICW is in LA, (2) recommended places to anchor, (3) recommended locations to exit into Gulf for run to Kemah. I draft 5'7" with ~50' mast.


Thanks!!