Can I get from Norfolk to Charleston SC on the ICW in a 20 footer?

[cptnmcluvin]

Can I get from Norfolk VA to Charleston SC on the ICW in a 20 footer?

Sounds crazy but I'm dying to try it in my glastron ski boat.

How long will it take?

Where are the good place to stay along the way?

Thanks for the info!

 

[sam60]

Re: Can I get from Norfolk to Charleston SC on the ICW in a 20 footer?

Can I get from Norfolk VA to Charleston SC on the ICW in a 20 footer?

Sounds crazy but I'm dying to try it in my glastron ski boat.

How long will it take?

Where are the good place to stay along the way?

Thanks for the info!

I have no help here cptn, but you you made me wonder if there is a website, like you'd use for driving directions, for coastal navigation. I'm sure I won't be doing any of that but it would help you....there's probably a pay site for that.

Edit-I just looked at the distance on google earth and you have bigger stones and deeper pockets than I, sir!

 

[four winns 214]

Re: Can I get from Norfolk to Charleston SC on the ICW in a 20 footer?

I have no experience on the ICW, but I have taken a 21' Sea Ray cuddy on three 300+ mile river trips (one was 600 miles Pittsburgh to Louisville). We stayed on the boat in marinas with facilities at night. To make a trip like you desire, you've got to determine the range of your boat. A change of prop may give you better fuel economy.

Here's the itinerary of a charter outfit that makes that exact trip.

http://www.trumpycharters.com/PDF/PDFICW2.pdf

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Can I get from Norfolk to Charleston SC on the ICW in a 20 footer?

I have done VB to charleston. You may very well get wet a few times. some of the sounds are kind of tall for a ski boat. I dont see a safety problem as long as you check the weather. you will need a gps and a back up compass and charts or at least a WW guide. Get underway early and start looking for dry place around 3 or so. The WW guide will tell you good places to stop. It is a great trip. enjoy it. You can go fast on a lake. ( think spare fuel)

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Can I get from Norfolk to Charleston SC on the ICW in a 20 footer?

not a great idea in a ski boat due to some big choppy water in the sounds.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Can I get from Norfolk to Charleston SC on the ICW in a 20 footer?

I suggest you look into the Great Circle Loop boating tour, and research the inland waterway portion you're wanting to travel. There are blogs on the internet by fellow boat travelers.

Start Here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Loop

 

[tswiczko]

Re: Can I get from Norfolk to Charleston SC on the ICW in a 20 footer?

I have no help here cptn, but you you made me wonder if there is a website, like you'd use for driving directions, for coastal navigation. I'm sure I won't be doing any of that but it would help you....there's probably a pay site for that.

Edit-I just looked at the distance on google earth and you have bigger stones and deeper pockets than I, sir!

http://www.activecaptain.com

 

[bullcity101]

Re: Can I get from Norfolk to Charleston SC on the ICW in a 20 footer?

I think be smart and check the weather and sneak across the big water portions at daybreak, have back up gps and marine radio and you will be fine. People have done the great loop on a jetski. Just saying.