drun_trucker
Seaman
- Joined
- May 24, 2015
- Messages
- 52
A couple buddies and I are putting in on the St. Joe river and are heading over to Belmont Harbor in Chicago.
I've never made this trip before so I'm hoping some other members can give some tips to make the trip a bit smoother.
I will likely only be on bigger water a handful of times in this particular craft so I don't have S2S communication but have been researching decent GPS apps for Android to help me navigate.
My intent is to run shoreline the whole way (~68 miles) staying far enough off shore to hopefully keep in some clamer water. I have plotted 3 locations along the way to port in in case of low fuel or emergency and still maintain cellular service/signal.
We are traveling mid August and my research leads me to believe this time reduces the risk of high winds and break water...
My boat:
1991 Sea Ray 200 open bow
44 gallon fuel capacity
repowered to a 5.0LX (4bbl) from 4.3LX (2bbl)
current prop 4 blade SS 14.5x21 (optioned for water sports)
WOT Top Speed 40mph (ave)
Cruising Speed is around 25mph
My calculation suggest with my current setup fuel should not be an issue but I'm looking to re-prop for better cruising speed efficiency as hole shot won't be needed. I'm not too concerned with top speed either as it's not a race to the other side just a chance hang with friends and enjoy the trip.
So there's some background...if anybody has suggestion for places to port along the way, easy and inexpensive Android based GPS, distance off shore to travel ect. I'd appreciate the advice or suggestion.
I've never made this trip before so I'm hoping some other members can give some tips to make the trip a bit smoother.
I will likely only be on bigger water a handful of times in this particular craft so I don't have S2S communication but have been researching decent GPS apps for Android to help me navigate.
My intent is to run shoreline the whole way (~68 miles) staying far enough off shore to hopefully keep in some clamer water. I have plotted 3 locations along the way to port in in case of low fuel or emergency and still maintain cellular service/signal.
We are traveling mid August and my research leads me to believe this time reduces the risk of high winds and break water...
My boat:
1991 Sea Ray 200 open bow
44 gallon fuel capacity
repowered to a 5.0LX (4bbl) from 4.3LX (2bbl)
current prop 4 blade SS 14.5x21 (optioned for water sports)
WOT Top Speed 40mph (ave)
Cruising Speed is around 25mph
My calculation suggest with my current setup fuel should not be an issue but I'm looking to re-prop for better cruising speed efficiency as hole shot won't be needed. I'm not too concerned with top speed either as it's not a race to the other side just a chance hang with friends and enjoy the trip.
So there's some background...if anybody has suggestion for places to port along the way, easy and inexpensive Android based GPS, distance off shore to travel ect. I'd appreciate the advice or suggestion.