GL: Advice on timing would be appreciated

[Bob Austin]

Even inside the channel to Cedar Key can be shoal--Going thru the West Channel
with 3 1/2 feet was iffy.
The South channel is "S" Shaped, so watch the markers and chart very
carefully.  Ceder Key has not had a fuel dock in the past.

For some of the boats doing the loop 8 foot seas could be catatrophistic.
Agree that just after the Northers, is the time to go--but check the forecast.

The other issue is range. From Apalachacola to Tarpon Springs is about 155
nautical miles--and some of the boats doing the Loop don't have that range.

This part of the loop is certainly do-able, but with some caution, since you
are a bit more remote and further from land than in some other areas.

Regards,

Bob Austin