Hello All . . . Looking for Some Advice . . .

[tompands]

Hello and I'm Tom, I have been an avid boater for 30 years and have been slowly working my way to a larger boat which I just recently purchased.

Also, I have just recently moved to FLA from NC. I live within 3 miles if the inter coastal and feel a lot more comfortable here then in the mountains of NC. I grew up and owned boats in NJ. Nothing very big, 18-24 foot power boats mostly. Never really done a lot of ocean boating. I have done lots of bay and river boating with these smaller crafts. Most recently I have a 27 ft Sea Ray, 1 engine, but she's getting old and my latest purchase will replace her. 33 ft is my latest acquisition, with twin v-8's and all the electronics I need(I think), this is probably the last boat I will own. After a complete check over and service of this vessel, I plan on making the trip from West Palm to Freeport. This is where I need the advise. Keep in mind I'm a total novice at doing a crossing like this,and I've never been out of sight of land except on a 1000 ft Cruise ship.

I have no fear of doing it and I won't do it until I feel, I and the boat, are ready. I'm just looking for some advice and/or a section of this forum that would touch on this subject.
A gentleman I was speaking with recently, told me about a group of boater or a club that leaves West Palm all together and does a "ARMADA", if you will, which is something I would be interested in doing my first crossing.
Does anyone on here know anything about that?? Any info or advise would be appreciated very much. Tom

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Tom,
I don't know about what you are asking but I'm welcoming you aboard anyway. I hope others here will chime in with the right answer soon.
kind regards,

[David M]

Go with people first who can teach you the ropes before going about it alone.

[Mark Zarley]

Usually there will be somone organizing a "crossing party" on the vhf. Plan to hang out around your departure point and find a group you will fit into. Most of these "organizers "do hourly radio checks and position reports. I should mention that this is fairly common in the winter months. But you should due your own research into tactics for Crossing the Gulfstream.

[tompands]

Thanks for the reply, I most certainly will do my research before attempting it . I am one who believes in being prepared for anything. I live by Murphy's Law..."If it can happen, it will happen". Thanks again for the replies.