T&T: ICW in winter

[George Hechtman]

I am going to emphatically echo Larry Zeitlin on this. The big issue  
is getting the boat, especially a 39 Carver, from Rhode Island TO the  
ICW during the winter time. One would have to allow almost unlimited  
time for weather to open up for any number of passages. The majority  
of recreational marinas and fuel docks (especially those with  
gasoline, which I would guess is what the Carver has) will be closed,  
and mooring fields pulled or discontinued. So, a tremendous amount of  
planning just to figure out where the stops are. All survey items  
would have to be addressed before taking off, and I'd consult the  
surveyor again, letting them know the trip plans. If the boat is  
heated with raw water reverse cycle air conditioning, it will  
struggle to heat anything due to water temperatures. We left  
Massachusetts on October 4, and it has been a cold trip a good part  
of the time.

Far more prudent to have the boat stored properly and make this  
wonderful trip when the weather is nice and the living is easy. And  
after you have had time to learn the boat and it's operating issues  
as well. The more I think about it, the worse idea I think it is.

George

"Incentive" Hatteras 56MY
Getting ready to weigh anchor on Bells River, Fernandina Beach FL....  
and it's chilly!