Short trip/Long trip

[LuckyPenny]

I am starting to plan a trip from Norfolk Va to Naples FL for the month of March. I will use the ICW. I will be onboard a 24 foot Winner cruiser, carrying 80 gal of fuel and 20 gal of water. I know from basic research that the ICW is doted with marina's so refueling and such stops should not be too much of a problem. My question is for anyone that has travelled all or any segment of the canal. Since I will be doing point to point sailing, only stopping at night for fuel and rest, what type of mileage can I expect per day. I doubt I can cruise at 30 MPH all day, but making best speed for conditions and local restrictions.<br /><br />thanks

 

[handball]

Re: Short trip/Long trip

luckypenny,<br />I have made the trip you are thinking of in a 43 sailboat capable of 7knots. we made the trip from ny to palm beach in 3-1/2 weeks. You should be able to do about 125 to 150 miles a day as an average. There are a couple of bodies of water that you have to cross that could be rough and slow you way down, that has to be carefully planned.You should make the trip at a leasurely cruise speed so you can more injoy the sights.Also advise you to carry extra fuel jugs as some fill ups will be distant. Check out west marine catalog for strip map books that are condensed charts and instructions that will be invaluable on your trip.Carry tools on board and repair manual for your engine, change your water pump impeller and fuel filters before you leave and carry a spare impeller and spare fuel filters on the trip. You will be travelling some long stretches of water far from any help so count on being self suficient. Gps is very handy for watching your progress and planning your fuel ups. plan on lots of money for gas as this is a long trip. Be glad to answer Any other questions you might have about the trip. I have made the trip twice and really enjoyed it, hope you do to.<br />Good luck,<br />Bill