Hey, thanks to you both...and the link too....
Still looking for someone who has gone that way.....will try another forum.....but thanks.
Some "boats" aren't rigged to go "down and around"...
I would say it's about 450 nm to go around as to 140 nm or so to go across the state...AND fresh water...
Not to mention Ode mr. Weather......and at 6 knots on a sailboat....you are well aware, I'm sure, that it can be 4hrs on and 4hrs off...across the Gulf... 24/7.....lots of bad things can happen.....
Wear and tear on the boat and every owner is different....
One time I went down to wake a buddy and there was 2 inches of water in the cabin sole (not my boat).....that'll wake ya up real quick.
On the shortcut....I've never gone that way cause I've always picked my crew and have been particular of "what boat ?"
But it wears on ya....60 to 100 miles out...heeled over....late at night.....no one at the helm but you...staring at the chart plotter and radar......cold coffee.....
But that's part of the adventure!