GL: Knoxville South for two weeks and back

[Charles and Pat Culotta]

we will depart Knoxville south in a 32' pontoon (3) cabin type
> houseboat with a 70 horse four stroke Yamaha. I wonder how far we will 
> make it
> in two weeks.
>
> Please tell me what kind of communication radio to get? Needed charts? 
> Where
> to get them? Navigation program to buy for computer? Where?
>
> Any other basic info needed.
>
> Leon & Sandy aboard Funmonser2


Leon,

First, we have visited Knoxville on our trawler style.

It is not rally a question how far but what do you want to do, make miles or 
have fun and see what there is to see??

On our trawler we can MAKE a 100 or more miles per day at 8mph. We actually 
cover 20 or so or max of 50 to 60. I assure you that we do more 20 to 30 
mile
days WHEN  we travel at all than the long ones.

Yes you do need charts, they are cheap from the Corps of Engineers. You need 
a VHF marine radio and it need not be an expensive one. $200  one is fine.

For such a short trip you don't need a navigation program. A gps and the 
charts will do just fine.
You can see articles on my web page on how to keep track of where you are on 
the river with the chart and gps.
If you use a computer you must shield the screen from the sun to see it and 
have a way to plug it into 12v for it cannot run on it's battery all day.


Get a cruise guide for that section of the river, that, charts and gps and 
you are good to go,.

PLEASE since you are a new boater get the book  CHAPMAN'S do not go out 
without reading the boat handling and navigation sections. Second think 
about joining the local Power Squadron and take some of their FREE courses. 
What abt outfitting the boat with necessary safety gear, anchor and rode, 
proper length and type dock lines, PFD's that are comfortable and can be 
worn all day, emergency gear????
I have articles on these and other subjects on my web site----see the one 
about a delivery trip, yours is not but all is applicable.


There is a lot to learn out there. For instance, What do you do when you 
come around  a bend in the river and see nothing but the front of a huge 
mass of barges headed toward you?

Trust me they are not and cannot get out of your way------even if the 
captain could see you which there is a good chance that he cannot.

I am not discouraging you I just want you to have a great time and a good 
trip.

CCC
CHARLES C., JR. & PAT CULOTTA
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS
M/V CCRIDER
PATTERSON, LA.
http://geocities.com/charlesculotta