ok so I've sailed from Bath, IL to Vicksburg, MS.solo. The worst conditions I've experienced so far is 35 mph wind with 40 gusts. On a different day 25mph wind with 35 gusts and 8 foot barge wake..
so after i just read the stuff about the guy up north sailing his 1000 miles and 9+ft waves solo... I'm wondering if I'm up for the open gulf or the atlantic coast or the bahamas.... hoping to find a person with some open water experience (that isn't out to freak a noob out) and chat a bit before I commit to a disaster unkowingly..plenty o time still. got a side trip up the red river and then I'm gulf bound.
That's a nice trip, how long did it take, and how did your handle the 8' wake? If all your experience has been lakes and rivers, I'd make sure that all your reefinng. anchoring, and strong wind skills are spot on even before going coastal.
Johnacuda wrote:That's a nice trip, how long did it take, and how did your handle the 8' wake? If all your experience has been lakes and rivers, I'd make sure that all your reefinng. anchoring, and strong wind skills are spot on even before going coastal.
Are you saying that reefing, anchoring, and strong wind skills are not regularly used on lakes and rivers?
Coastal cruising adds in tides and currents, generally much larger ships, and generally larger storms that can produce larger waves. Also, provisions such as fresh water and fuel can be more of a problem. There are communications to consider, etc. I'm guessing his sailing skills are fine. It all the other stuff you need to be aware of.
Johnacuda wrote:That's a nice trip, how long did it take, and how did your handle the 8' wake? If all your experience has been lakes and rivers, I'd make sure that all your reefinng. anchoring, and strong wind skills are spot on even before going coastal.
Are you saying that reefing, anchoring, and strong wind skills are not regularly used on lakes and rivers?
Sorry if I wasn't clear. I was heading in pretty much the same direction as your post. A skill set that might be sufficient on smaller bodies of water are likely to be tested during coastal or deep water excursions.
Separately, I was wondering if ourboards primarily used in fresh water need anything done to be made saltwater ready? Different oil, lube, fuel additived, or even impellers?
Good luck with your trip adventure. May I ask why you chose to travel the lower Miss. vs. the more travel friendly Miss. to Ohio to Cumberland to Tenn-Tom route which is the traditional loopers route?
Separately, I was wondering if ourboards primarily used in fresh water need anything done to be made saltwater ready? Different oil, lube, fuel additived, or even impellers?
Fuel oil generally the same. There are salt water rated engines, but most folks o n the Caoe will rinse their engines with fresh after use. Pay more attention to zincs since they will corrode faster in salt vs fresh.
The stress on the impeller is the same, unless you are getting into sandy areas where you will get sand in your cooling circuit, which is hard on the impeller.
I bow down to you Atlantic guys. The Pac cruising down here is easy - no surprises for miles on end and little to run into unless your up north, (those guys up north are brave too). The Atlantic scares the crap out of me.
Personally, I think all you East Coast guys are very brave.
BOAT wrote:I bow down to you Atlantic guys. The Pac cruising down here is easy - no surprises for miles on end and little to run into unless your up north, (those guys up north are brave too). The Atlantic scares the crap out of me.
Personally, I think all you East Coast guys are very brave.
I do not talk for all East coast mac sailors, but I suscribe to the Not Too Bright category - not really that brave.
Separately, I was wondering if ourboards primarily used in fresh water need anything done to be made saltwater ready? Different oil, lube, fuel additived, or even impellers?
Fuel oil generally the same. There are salt water rated engines, but most folks o n the Caoe will rinse their engines with fresh after use. Pay more attention to zincs since they will corrode faster in salt vs fresh.
The stress on the impeller is the same, unless you are getting into sandy areas where you will get sand in your cooling circuit, which is hard on the impeller.
about the anode thing....I've been around boats on the Illinois river all my life and its rare to hear of anyone there replacing their anodes...ever. I understand that salt water is extremely corosive and have noticed the anodes on my are more than half gone. will a 2-3 month salt water exposure finish them off and start on other stuff or can i wait and replace them after the trip ?
