Intercoastal Waterway

[borkingchikapa]

For a while now, I've wanted to take a few weeks, rent a boat and go south along the Intercoastal Waterway (I live in North Carolina). I have little experience in boating, so I'd like to see if I could get some advice from people more knowledgeable than myself.<br /><br />How much would it cost to rent a boat for such an excursion? What kind of boat would be fitting? How many weeks should I allot for this trip? How much training would I need, and where can I get it? Anything else I should know?<br /><br />Thanks in advance,<br /><br />Ross

 

[Solittle]

Re: Intercoastal Waterway

Most boat rental operations will give you a very limited range from their dock. They do this for safety reasons and the expense they must bear if you run into a problem.<br /><br />There are schools where they teach you boat handling, safety etc. which you may find that meet your needs. I would think you could find a trawler with a captain where you could both learn and enjoy the adventure of the trip you describe. Do some research on the internet.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Intercoastal Waterway

to start with.. take the 'boaters safety ' coarse available everywhere an most any time in your area.. given by the coast guard an /or the local power squadaron.. it's 6 nite coarse an it's alotta fun ..

 

[lakeman1999]

Re: Intercoastal Waterway

Buy you a used pontoon, (more comfort than most boats) and if you do not want to keep it sell it after your trip.

 

[JB]

Re: Intercoastal Waterway

Gonna move this to Vacations and trips.

 

[jeff_nicholas]

Re: Intercoastal Waterway

Hey Ross,<br /><br />There's no place I'd rather be than on the ICW. <br /><br />I've made the trip end to end many times; sail and power. I'd be happy to share some of my experiences. <br /> <br />How do I get in touch with you?

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Intercoastal Waterway

I wonder how big of a pontoon boat you would need to hold either a travel trailer or one of those little Chinook motor homes built on a toyota pick up chassis

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Intercoastal Waterway

If i were you I would take a caribbean cruise and save the icw for when you are an experienced boater that owns a boat.The icw will be a much more pleasurable trip if you are a confident boater and you know your boat.You would be too nervous of the unknown boat as well as being unfamiliar with boating in general.Charlie

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Intercoastal Waterway

Test

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Intercoastal Waterway

22

 

[handball]

Re: Intercoastal Waterway

I have made the trip from n.y. to florida and the bahamas and enjoy the icw very much. I would recommend you wait and buy your own boat first in order to really enjoy the trip. because the icw is shoaling so much in certain areas I would consider a shoal draft sail if you have patience.Also with the price of gas today it would cost a small fortune doing it in a power boat.We did our trips in a 43 ft. sail and spent about $300-$400 for diesel for the entire trip.<br /><br />good luck<br />Bill D