T&T: Caulking Removal - Lower Louisiana Routes - Crew

[Bob Austin]

For cleaning the Caulk--I would get all of it off.  Use a plastic spreader to
move as much as you can (and avoid gouging the fiberglass).  Then go with MR
Clean magic Erraser--I have found this works very well.  Then Isoproply alchol
and finally laquor thinner.  This is a bit or work,but well worth the
trouble.

I find that there are plenty of places to anchor along the way between Clear
Lake and New Orleans.  There are hundreds of side arms, which used to be
canals used for the oil industry service boats.  Anchor fore and aft to one
side of these canals and be sure that your boat is well lit, in case some
local comes flying along the canal.  Check the Notice to Mariners about New
Orleans.  I believe that all of the locks are currently open.

I would take the gulf coast ICW all of the way.  You don't really save much
mileage going offshore, and there are still lots of unmarked debris from the
hurricanes.  I don't know your range, but you can go from Panama City to Tampa
etc to same some time.  The usual run is from Apalachacola or Carabelle to
Tarpon Springs.  This part of the gulf is generally clear and safe for
running.  Just keep an eye on the weather, since we are in hurricane season.
If you stop in the Pensacola Area, give me a shout on the phone.  (PM for my
phone number). I will meet you by boat or car depending on where you are.  We
are on Perdido Bay, and anyplace from Orange Beach to Perdido Key is by boat,
after that,by car is faster.

You should be able to go thru the Okeechobee Waterway, which cuts some time
off the run to Ft. Lauderdale..

Bob Austin