New to boating

[GJP]

Hello everyone. My wife and I are new to boating. We recently purchased a 290 sea ray 30ft. We own a canal home in Freeport and one in Corpus Christi. I plan on traveling by boat between the 2 homes. Thought about avoiding the GICW and following the coast line. Has any done that recently and what are the pitfalls?

[tkeithlu]

Welcome to the forum, GJP. Aside from familairity with your boat, learning the symbols on a chart would be a good start. Let me recommend that you do ply the ICW for awhile, and then proceed to coastal cruising when you feel ready. Navigation, weather, and boat preparation all enter the picture when you go off shore.

How is your boat equipped? Do you have a VHF radio, navigation software, depth sounder, and paper chart?

[tkeithlu]

One challenge particular to your area is that Corpus Christi puts you in among large ships. My brother-in-law is a ship pilot at Aransas pass, and I've seen this conflict from a ship's bridge. You will want confidence in your boat and your pilotage before you mess with those big ones.

I do not mean to discourage you from your goal. I think it's a really attractive idea, and would want to do it myself if in your shoes. Just approach it as your envelope, to be expanded gradually in a safe manner. You're going to learn a lot and have safe fun in the process.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, GJP.