HELP! Boating On The ICW

[LuvBoating]

Re: HELP! Boating On The ICW

Fireman did NOT say either of those comments, two other repliers did. But, like I already said about those two comments, "it's ok/fine."

Some folks will say it one way, while others will say it in a more suttle way. That goes for anything people say, not just about boating. A lot of times when I talk, some folks, like my wife, think I'm yelling. My career was working in manufacturing and warehouse where loud noise can make a person yell to be heard. I also use to work in a machine shop and for a company that made safes. Definitely loud noise there. My wife's career has been in Accounting/Office. Way to quiet for this dude! Sorry about the "off topic" thing above.

As some of us get older, those "new adventures" and "GO FOR IT" thinking aren't there as much as they were at a much younger age. Anyway, this is our opinion.

I would hope this wasn't directed to you, Fireman.

I have been with Fireman on some parts of the ICW. He is very knowledgeable and comfortable there. As far as I know he has logged more hours on the ICW than anybody I have ever seen on this forum.

Good job, Fireman! I appreciate you putting in the time and effort to help another boater.

 

[sasto]

Re: HELP! Boating On The ICW

As some of us get older, those "new adventures" and "GO FOR IT" thinking aren't there as much as they were at a much younger age. Anyway, this is our opinion.

Fireman and I have become friends with a couple here on iboats, Skip and Carole. They are retired and around your age. They went from a pontoon in the St. Johns to a large cruiser on the ICW. Of course they had some difficulties at first. (Maybe hitting a bridge after breaking anchor was the biggest) They took their time and worked there way (oh...130 miles or so) to my place for a few weeks. Since then they have traveled to the west coast of Florida and headed north. They found a beautiful island with a State Park to hang their heads.

They started eating good and being active, instead of sitting at their desk, like they did for years. I encourage you to take the step when you feel you are somewhat ready. You will never be "fully prepaired", no matter how much knowledge you have...or your age. I meet owner/operators in their 70's, 80's, and even 90's everyday.

Good Luck, LuvBoating....and hey....I hope you someday take the leap.

 

[Percykwong]

Re: HELP! Boating On The ICW

There is one thing you can do. Hire a captain to accompany you on a few excursions once a week. He/she should be there to make you feel comfortable (mental insurance). At some point you're going to realize you don't need them around. It'll help you build confidence in your ability to boat! Most importantly, remember that if you're on the icw with a good mechanical boat wearing a life jacket, you're never more than 50 ft away from safety. There are always boats on the waterway. We all help each other. The life jacket will get you and your wife to shore god forbid something catastrophic would happen, but the chances of it happening to you (because you're so safety oriented) are going to be minimal. Another great thing to do is to take a basic boat systems maintenance course. Learning how things work on your boat will help you gain confidence in your boat. Why? You'll know that the mechanical systems are in order before you take her out.. And if something goes wrong, you'll most likely know how to troubleshoot and fix it. Oh. The most important thing. Learn how to read the chart and work your radio. You'd be surprised at how many people don't know how to do those things. It's like learning to drive a new car. You'll eventually feel comfortable with it.

Cheers.

Good luck.

Ps. If you're still unsure, reach out to me. I'll be more than happy to send my partner out to you for a week of boat training on your boat!

 

[Fireman431]

Re: HELP! Boating On The ICW

Sasto, thank you for the comments & compliments. it's been a while since we spoke. I hope you are going to make the West Coast trip this year. It'll be fun to catch up. Hope to see you soon, my friend.

 

[sasto]

Re: HELP! Boating On The ICW

Spent the whole afternoon on the ICW yesterday in my ol' Antique Penn Yan. Never once traveled the channel. I churned up the muddy bottom several times, but that's what I do. I'm not afraid of running aground in a 24footer. Hey, that's why they make seastrainers for. Like I've always said...If you haven't run aground, you haven't been anywhere.

I hope to see you again, Fireman. I really enjoy hanging with you and Stick. My life is like the Florida weather, things change by the hour sometimes. That's what I enjoy. My calendar is marked.

 

[LuvBoating]

Re: HELP! Boating On The ICW

We really do appreciated all the replys we've gotten on this Thread........THANKS!

We've decided to go with what I wrote below in a reply that I made earlier in the Thread. This is the BEST and SAFEST way for us and will help us to LEARN and get EXPERIENCE boating on the ICW here. Before we go, we will study our ICW map, make a Trip Plan (even with a short distance) and make sure the boat is ready.

Again, THANKS!



"Well, being this is only the second time we will go out on the ICW, we will prepare ourselves even though it will only be a short trips in the beginning. First time, a few miles down, turn around/come back, load up and back to storage. Second time, a few more miles added on, then turn around/come back, load up and back to storage. Dont know how many times out it will take us to get to St Augustine, but we will definitely take it easy and LEARN."

 

[sasto]

Re: HELP! Boating On The ICW

Enjoy your trips, LuvBoating

I am sure you will do fine, especially since you are doing your research and approaching this in a thoughtful manner.

Keep us posted.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: HELP! Boating On The ICW

Have fun on your trip(s). I sold my 21' center console and bought a 40' (avatar boat). My first excursion was the 100 mile jaunt home. If you weren't used to it when you get it, you will be by the time you get home

 

[saumon]

Re: HELP! Boating On The ICW

Well, I think that what you were the most afraid of was your own boat. Think of it: if you were to make a run on the ICW in a 15ft Whaler with a tiller-steered 35hp, would you've been afraid? If the answer is no, then it's not the ICW but your boat that scare you and you only need some practice...

 

[carribbean soul]

Re: HELP! Boating On The ICW

1- install a depth sounder, VHF radio, and GPS.
2- get nautical charts of the area you want to explore.
3- ask around and hire an experienced (licensed) captain for a day or two for familiarization of the area , how to operate your boat -or direct you- and show what's right and what's not. The experience will help remove anxiety and give you the confidence you need to go solo.
4- before going on a trip, subscribe to a towing service like Seatow.

^^^This^^^
and no 4 with out a doubt, feel the freedom to go 20 miles off the beach and know you can make it home

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: HELP! Boating On The ICW

You don't have to subscribe to get a tow, but you do need to take along the phone numbers! carry the contact info for all of the services in your area.

And yes i know you can reach them by radio, if your radio reaches, but on the east coast the phone has become the way to go.

 

[boatpoker]

Re: HELP! Boating On The ICW

We've done the run from the Great Lakes to Bahamas and Dry Tortugas a number of times. It may be more info than you're looking for but I posted Primer For First Timers Cruising South on the ICW on my website.