T&T: ICW in winter

[R. A. McCall]

After checking with many great folks on the Trawler Network, here is the
latest plans/notes and decisions from
information gleaned from the experts on the ICW and upper Atlantic: (Thanks

      1.  While doable, it is too hazardous to attempt doing The ICW in
Winter, mainly because of the cold. Will
           postpone trip until April 2009.

      2.  I want to make the trip myself, so storage there is the only
option at $15/ft. That's $240 a month for
           about 90 days.

      3.  Additionally, I would like to register the Carver in R.I., for tax
purposes, Since most states require
           registration if the boat will be there more than 90 days, this
should be feasible.

      4.  There may be repairs needed after completion of the Boat Survey.
These items will have to done before
           attempting the ICW and that takes time.

      5.  I understand that many refueling, yacht basins, and anchorage on
the upper Atlantic Coast area closed
           during the winter months, making it almost impossible to refuel
enroute.

      6.  As a member of The Fort Worth USCG Power Squadron 21, I need to
use their training to bone up on my
           navigation and map reading skills. This will allow time for that.

      7.  Further, I would feel more secure taking along highly experienced
Captions on this trip. which may be done
           in segments. This will also allow time to coordinate volunteers
wanting to do the trip into a schedule of sorts,
           allowing for weather and what not. Already there are several
volunteers.  *Are  there any more volunteers?*

      8.  Insurance is another issue to be resolved.

      9.  Not least is obtaining the maps and navigational information.
Again, this will allow time to study and become
           familiar with terrain and waterways.

I've probably missed something here, but it will come out in the wash...  I
haven't heard anything from the bank
yet on financing yet but we locked in the price after they made a counter
offer. I have other financing in hand if needed.

I bought a 14' Sunbird (Seadoo type) boat for a dingy on the 39' Carver; it
was flipped and damaged losing the windshield
and steering wheel, doesn't have a trailer and needs some repair.  I'm
checking on the cheapest means to have it delivered
to Dallas so that I can have necessary repairs done in time for doing the
ICW *in April*.

*{A SPECIAL thanks go to the advisers:* Bob McLeran, <rmcleran at ix.netcom.com>,
Thomas Hollinger, <tholling at ufl.org>,
Jim Healey, <gilwellbear at gmail.com>, Jake, <jake2124 at aol.com>, Capt Bob, <
DandMYachts at aol.com>, Jeffrey Siegel,
<jeff at activecaptain.com>, Bob Smith, <rcsmith at garrett-smith.com>, Ted G.,
<tands at gravefamilyorg>, George Hechtman,
<ghechtman at aol.com>, Larry Zeitlin, <lrzeitlin at aol.com>, Larry Brown, <
cigano55 at hotmail.com>, Scott Bulger,
<scottbulger at gmail.com>, Patrick Connor, <marpat at emberqmail.com>, Jim Ague,
<ague at usa.net>, Ed,
<ekcine at gmail.com>, and Kevin R., <kfredden at verizon.net> ... true Seaman
all!*}*  *Hope I got everybody!!
*
This should really be entitled: *"Making a Dream Come True!!!*"

Regards,

Rich