Prepping for long distance tow to Florida

[1948Isaac]

@Kevin M if your staying at the burnt Store Marina condo, leaving from the marina 14 miles away there is cayo costa, gasparilla island and boca grande, they all are beautiful islands , great for fishing, camping etc... There also Cabbage key , there is a great restaurant in the island. Check those places out, water is super clear....

 

[Kevin M]

@1948Isaac ....Can't wait!! So looking forward to it. Ive been scanning the charts and checking out the area. Hope the weather holds up! Thank you for the information, it is truly appreciated!

 

[Big Shasta]

The one thing I would warn is if you have a painted trailer, see if you can get the boat forklifted off the trailer at a marina and set in the water. The salt will eat it from the inside no matter how much you rinse it. I don't imagine there are too many galvanized trailers sold in Ohio.

Enjoy it, there is definitely some beautiful water down here.

 

[Kevin M]

The one thing I would warn is if you have a painted trailer, see if you can get the boat forklifted off the trailer at a marina and set in the water. The salt will eat it from the inside no matter how much you rinse it. I don't imagine there are too many galvanized trailers sold in Ohio.

Enjoy it, there is definitely some beautiful water down here.

I have a galvanized trailer!

 

[Dave P]

Since you are going a long distance be sure to check your trailer hubs when you stop for gas. Feel the hub where the bearing buddy is and see if its hot. They should be warm but not hot. You'll know the difference. You won't want to keep your hand on it too long. Also, I don't know about you but I carry a tire fix kit so I can plug a tire on the road. I also have a portable 12volt air compressor. Remember you only have one spare. Have a safe trip.

 

[Speedling]

We too hope to make it to Florida weather it be for the bimini trip or just the gulf.
The expedition with 5.4 and 4x4 got 12.6 for our Shelbyville and Cumberland trip

 

[Kevin M]

Since you are going a long distance be sure to check your trailer hubs when you stop for gas. Feel the hub where the bearing buddy is and see if its hot. They should be warm but not hot. You'll know the difference. You won't want to keep your hand on it too long. Also, I don't know about you but I carry a tire fix kit so I can plug a tire on the road. I also have a portable 12volt air compressor. Remember you only have one spare. Have a safe trip.

I sure will. I'm kind of paranoid about that so I have extras. I have the wheel bearings repack end every year. Thank you!

 

[Britboater]

@1948Isaac ....Can't wait!! So looking forward to it. Ive been scanning the charts and checking out the area. Hope the weather holds up! Thank you for the information, it is truly appreciated!

We go to Cayo Costa mostly for a beach day, as you approach keep really close to shore and follow around to the Gulf side, keeping the Johnson shoals to your right, you'll see the big sand bar to your right. Anywhere along the shore is perfect, watch Murdock point and beyond, Cayo Costas a State park, only accessible by boat, beautiful and good for finding shells, sand dollars, relaxing etc.

Beware with the ICW, the "Red Right Returning" rule changes, don't ask me why, I've asked but nobody can give me an answer. The beauty is that with a jet boat you can cut corners, but only do this if you know you can or you've travelled in that area before, my general rule is at high tide I pretty go any where I like, leaving some boaters bemused .

The best fishing in that area is the Boca Grande inlet between Cayo and Gasparilla, but you'll see all the boats and realise that.

I've been boating this area since 07, and still find quirky inlets and hot spots, I love it and I'm sure you will, enjoy.

 

[Big Shasta]

Have you ever flushed the brake fluid in the trailer? I did mine after 3 years and it was really nasty.

 

[Bacchus_fl]

All the areas mentioned are beautiful. You will have a blast.

She. You say you are taking the Bimini down, are you planning to remove it from the boat entirely or just lay it down? The reason I ask is that hitting bumps and the vibrations can make it so that the cuffs move and can allow the Bimini rails to scratch the side of the boat. I leave the Bimini up but secure the boot by wiring the zipper to the rail and then wrapping the other side with a bungie/ rope/ gear tie.

 

[Kevin M]

Since you are going a long distance be sure to check your trailer hubs when you stop for gas. Feel the hub where the bearing buddy is and see if its hot. They should be warm but not hot. You'll know the difference. You won't want to keep your hand on it too long. Also, I don't know about you but I carry a tire fix kit so I can plug a tire on the road. I also have a portable 12volt air compressor. Remember you only have one spare. Have a safe trip.

Have you ever flushed the brake fluid in the trailer? I did mine after 3 years and it was really nasty.

I never have but this is only my second season. I have a spare bottle of brake fluid on board as well. Thanks!

 

[Kevin M]

All the areas mentioned are beautiful. You will have a blast.

She. You say you are taking the Bimini down, are you planning to remove it from the boat entirely or just lay it down? The reason I ask is that hitting bumps and the vibrations can make it so that the cuffs move and can allow the Bimini rails to scratch the side of the boat. I leave the Bimini up but secure the boot by wiring the zipper to the rail and then wrapping the other side with a bungie/ rope/ gear tie.

I will wrap it in Noodles to stop that from happening. I will just feel better about it being down and not subject to the wind and weather. It's not that big of a deal to take it down but thank you for the tip!

 

[Kevin M]

We go to Cayo Costa mostly for a beach day, as you approach keep really close to shore and follow around to the Gulf side, keeping the Johnson shoals to your right, you'll see the big sand bar to your right. Anywhere along the shore is perfect, watch Murdock point and beyond, Cayo Costas a State park, only accessible by boat, beautiful and good for finding shells, sand dollars, relaxing etc.

Beware with the ICW, the "Red Right Returning" rule changes, don't ask me why, I've asked but nobody can give me an answer. The beauty is that with a jet boat you can cut corners, but only do this if you know you can or you've travelled in that area before, my general rule is at high tide I pretty go any where I like, leaving some boaters bemused .

The best fishing in that area is the Boca Grande inlet between Cayo and Gasparilla, but you'll see all the boats and realise that.

I've been boating this area since 07, and still find quirky inlets and hot spots, I love it and I'm sure you will, enjoy.

@Britboater , so they don't have the correct markings on the ICW for RRR? Are they they difficult to follow? Have you ever been down to Fort Myers Beach via the ICW?

 

[Kevin M]

Another question....best site to check for wave height in the bay and the gulf?

 

[Big Shasta]

http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/boatandbeach/weather/tenday/32408?from=36hr_outlet_boat Here's what I use. The bouy/near and outer coastal tabs should give you everything you need for the zip code near where you'll be boating.

 

[242YLS]

Be sure to check out the Green Flash restaurant in South Captiva for the best Margaritas on the water... Lol...

 

[1948Isaac]

Will do , man I wanted to go saturday but you know how it's with employees.. Next weekend @242YLS

 

[242YLS]

Sounds good. I'll be out this weekend for sure!

 

[1948Isaac]

Let me know

 

[242YLS]

For Sure!