GL: Florida Bend Crossing

[Edward Savela]

It looks like I may be buying a boat in the Tampa Bay area and bringing it
back to Mobile and up to the Tennessee River home port.  Does anyone have
any suggestions for the best "jumping off" point and destination port for
this Gulf passage?  

 

The boat is a 43 foot trawler and makes 8-10 kts.  I don't want to be too
descriptive because the "deal" is not yet finalized.  But suffice to say
that it's a reasonably decent blue water boat.

 

Is there VHF coverage for this passage?  Should I get marine SSB installed
before the trip?  I will likely make the trip around June 1.  Is there
likely to be any "buddy boats" to make the crossing around that time period?
Any other advice?  

 

I will have two or three additional crew members for the trip.  Any and all
comments greatly appreciated.  :o)

 

Ed Savela, Tennessee River