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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Need cruising and berth/mooring info

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Crunkinator
1st Mate

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USA
45 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/09/2010 : 21:54:36

I have my Capri 25 for fun at the lake on the weekend, but I have always dreamed of cruising the Gulf of Mexico and beyond when I retire. Well, I had a chance to buy a Columbia 40 in pretty good shape dirt cheap, so I jumped at it. Now I have a boat in Florida and I need to get it to the Texas coast, preferably around the Galveston area. I need to find an economical slip or mooring but I have never been to Galveston, I don't know anyone in Galveston and have not had much luck finding anything on the web. ANY leads or suggestions would be truly appreciated.
Now the cruising part... I have only been to the coast once and that was just to swim and camp on the beach. My first time on open water will be when I sail my boat from Ft Myers, FL to Texas. This is my todo list so far and I'm sure it will change as I go along. Advice and recommendations will be appreciated.
1 Install the three new batteries I have already.

2 Make certain the engine starts and runs ok and check and/or change fluids.

3 Check all the electrical equipment. It has Ray Marine GPS system, water depth/temp system and true/apparent wind system. It has radar and auto helm but I don't know the brand yet.

4 Check all lights. They were all working about two months ago, but that can always change quickly.

5 Inspect all standing and running rigging. (this now includes the chainplate-pipe connection)

6 Check the deck and hull, as much as possible without a pullout, for any problem areas.

7 Look for any obvious signs of leaks, then color chalk the interior so I'll know next trip for sure.

8 Inspect all tanks and hoses for condition and capacity. Two new 100gal water tanks have been installed but I don't know if the plumbing is connected. Not sure if the fuel tank is the original 40gal or not. Need to see if there is fuel and if so, what's it's condition?

9 Be sure head works properly. It should since the boat has been USCG registered. (currently expired)

10 Verify and inventory all safety equipment and note their condition. (horns, flares, bells, fire ext, throwables, etc)

11 Layout all sails and record their size and condition. Hoist at least one headsail and the main to be sure all the blocks and sheets are free.

12 Find out what backup steering system the boat has and insure that both methods work good.

13 Work the centerboard hydraulics and make sure the pump works and that there are no water leaks around the stuffing box.

14 Bilge pumps. Be sure they work and that the hoses are ok.

15 If I'm satisfied with all the above, make a short test run. An hour or two tops, then recheck for leaks and the boats overall condition.

16 Take a longer test cruise. Probably to open water and back. That should be about 8 hours.

17 Recheck all systems, stock the boat and head to Texas.

Thanks, Bill

crunkinator
83 Capri 25 Bayou Mist #367

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5908 Posts

Response Posted - 01/10/2010 : 01:38:15

Congratulations on the new boat! It sounds like you're prepping it for the trip thoughtfully. If you had it surveyed, you should, of course, correct any noted safety problems before you go.

In a recent thread, a sailor with substantial local knowledge gained from sailing the Gulf of Mexico made this statement: " I wish you knew how may times I have warned sailors, 'DO NOT VENTURE INTO THE GULF OF MEXICO IN THE DEAD OF WINTER!! NEVER!!'"

I don't have much experience in that area, but pass it along for you to consider.

Have a good trip!

Edited by - on

Ed Cassidy
Captain

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USA
365 Posts

Response Posted - 01/10/2010 : 07:41:42

I would suggest hiring a delivery captain and just ride along as crew, if that's possible.
Ed

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5908 Posts

Response Posted - 01/10/2010 : 10:03:50

I agree with Ed that, if you haven't done coastal cruising before, you shouldn't try the trip without help, but, if you look around, you can often find an experienced volunteer, rather than a hired delivery skipper.

You should plan on staying in the Intercoastal Waterway as much as possible. I haven't made that particular trip, but sailed in the area a little, years ago, and believe you can stay in the ICW most of the way, but at some point, you have to make an offshore passage diagonally from northern Florida to, I think, Appalachicola. (I'm not sure. because I don't have those charts.) If you wait for a weather window and are willing to motor or motor-sail, to make a quick crossing, it should be doable. The trip via the ICW will involve a lot of motoring, but it's the best way to get there. Be sure your engine and tranny are healthy.

You probably should have your fuel tank cleaned and fuel polished to eliminate the risk that the agitation caused by the open water passage will break loose fuel contamination. If you don't know how to change the fuel filter on the boat, you should ask someone to show you how to do it, and, of course, take extra fuel filters along.

I have heard that you need to be especially careful about commercial traffic in the Mobile Bay area, as there is sometimes limited room to maneuver, and they'll take as much room as they need, and leave it up to you to stay out of their way, which is essentially your legal obligation, even if you have to go aground to do it.

That reminds me, you should also get towing insurance. On an ICW trip that long in unfamiliar waters, even an experienced skipper has a good chance of running aground, and without it, a tow might cost $1000. or more.

Use your head and continue the thoughtful preparation that you're doing, and you'll have a good trip.

Edited by - on

Crunkinator
1st Mate

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USA
45 Posts

Response Posted - 01/10/2010 : 10:38:01

Thanks all,

I want this to be a learning experience, but foremost, a SAFE learning experience.
Bill

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4312 Posts

Response Posted - 01/10/2010 : 13:02:05

BIll,

The only place I know of in the Galveston area is the Galveston Yacht Club/Basin -->> http://www.galvestonyachtclub.com/. I don't know anything about prices but the facility looks nice.

If you move up the bay to the Kemah/Seabrook area there are a lot of marinas with quick access to the bay. Just in my small area there's my marina, two next door to me, and three others between me and the bay. I keep my boat at Watergate Yachting Center -->> http://www.watergatemarina.com/index.php?pageID=0. It's one of the orginal marina's in the Seabrook area but they have several brand new floating docks for boats in the 40-60' range and they have plans to upgrade the remainder of the marina over the next couple of years. Rates for my C25 (floating dock-$182/mth + elec)seem to be in the lower to mid range compared to other marinas in the area. It takes me about 15 or 20 minutes to get into the open bay from my slip and there are a ton of good restaurants in the area.

I'm not sure what your draft is but I'd recommend sailing the bay for a while to get used to the boat and it's quirks. The bay can provide plenty of excitement during bad weather. Average depth is 7 - 9'.

Bren can probably offer much better info on marinas and sailing the bay than I can. I believe his Passport 40 draws 5 - 6' and I don't believe he's had much problem sailing the bay.

Here are some links to a few of the other marina's in the area:
http://www.southshoreharbourmarina.com/
http://waterfordharbormarina.com/
http://www.lakewoodyachtclub.com/
http://www.portofinoharbour.com/
http://www.kemahboardwalkmarina.com/

Edited by - on

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 01/11/2010 : 09:08:38

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"> I would suggest hiring a delivery captain and just ride along as crew <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Words of wisdom. The addition of current presents a whole new ball game.

Edited by - on

Unsinkable2
Captain

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USA
273 Posts

Response Posted - 01/11/2010 : 17:40:23

Ditto Gary's comments. Kemah has a lot of marinas, and is only a couple hours' sail north of Galveston. I took ASA 101,103,104 out of that area a couple years ago and spent a week sailing down the ships channels and out into the gulf on a gorgeous Pearson 38.

It was really nice to have an instructional skipper along to orient us to the ins and outs of cruising an area with heavy ship traffic. It's interesting sailing dealing with ship traffic, congested waterways, currents, draw bridges, and lots of hazards to navigation.

Edited by - on

glivs
Admiral

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USA
836 Posts

Response Posted - 01/11/2010 : 18:12:17

Bill,
Congratulations on your new boat! As already noted, Kemah and Seabrook offer some great opportunities. If you are indeed focused on Galveston, you might give the Coast Guard a call. Many (25)years ago there was a marina near the entrance to Offatts Bayou that several of my co-workers at the time used. If you are a bit flexible in your location, I would suggest you look further south, e.g. Port Aransas or even better, Corpus Christi. I have great memories of Galveston, my daughter is a BOI (born on the island as the locals say), and still have dear friends there but the bays further south offer much that Galveston cannot. For example, the western Gulf is significantly influenced by Caribbean waters and thus are clear, warm and at certain times of the year (Easter) carry many tropical species almost directly to Corpus Christi. In contrast the waters Galveston sees are largely from the Mississippi and adjacent drainages. These silt laden coastal waters hug the coast pushing much of the clear ocean waters offshore. Both are great but if possible explore a bit before getting too attached. Best to you.

Edited by - on

psechrist
1st Mate

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USA
29 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2010 : 18:51:19

Bill
Check out this web sit.
http://marinas.com/?referrer=uscity.net
Pat

Edited by - on

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4025 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2010 : 08:04:12

Congratulations on the new boat Bill!, 25ft to a 40fter,WOW

Sounds like you have a real adventure ahead, Exciting but I'm sure a little scary too. Along with all the above advise I would like to add one more, Take JimB with you!

Edited by - on

PCP777
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1225 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2010 : 08:35:39

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Steve Milby
 Congratulations on the new boat! It sounds like you're prepping it for the trip thoughtfully. If you had it surveyed, you should, of course, correct any noted safety problems before you go.

In a recent thread, a sailor with substantial local knowledge gained from sailing the Gulf of Mexico made this statement: " I wish you knew how may times I have warned sailors, 'DO NOT VENTURE INTO THE GULF OF MEXICO IN THE DEAD OF WINTER!! NEVER!!'"

I don't have much experience in that area, but pass it along for you to consider.

Have a good trip!
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Yes, it was this guy, you might want to reach out to him.

User Name: topyachtbroker
Real Name: Dennis Fria
Location: Rockport,, TX
USA

Plus, I would read this thread:

http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=20811

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3477 Posts

Response Posted - 01/26/2010 : 13:50:32

Advice is easy. Know your boat, and get to know your charts. I can speak to the northern gulf coast from Apalachicola to Pensacola. The Gulf is a BIG pond of water, you gotta pick your crossings. Hell crossing Tampa Bay can be difficult.

I'd make a direct crossing from the Tampa sea buoy to the Appalach sea buoy, then you can stay in the ditch from there to Pepsicola if you wish.

Dad and Greg, and Phyllis and Margaret and Terri made the crossing from appalach to tampa one winter ( 30 ft Catalina ) and had a fine time, but I think that direction gave them favorable winds all the way. I would not go out in the Gulf in the winter either, at least not in some areas. Leaving Appalach is not to difficult. Approaching is another story.

Your biggest problem is the shallow water in the big bend area, tampa to appalach and the prevailing wind blows you to shore. Just look at the wrecks on the charts.

ONLY 1 foot of depth for every mile offshore in some areas. Check your charts.

Know your boat, know your boat, know yourself. ( easy for me to say )

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2010 : 02:24:25

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Ed Cassidy
 I would suggest hiring a delivery captain and just ride along as crew, if that's possible.
Ed
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

We made the jump to a C&C 39 from our old C25 nearly 3 years ago and my wife and I have been cruising ever since. It was quite the bump albeit I have delivered a few boats much larger than a C25 before. I might be interested in helping you move her about and go thru systems. We are planning to go to the Gulf side for hurricane season, probably Tampa/St. Pete area.

sten

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5908 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2010 : 08:32:14

Sten, you probably already know this, but your 6'6" draft is awfully deep for the ICW on the Fla. west coast. I once saw a boat with 6' draft ground in mid-channel, and, the boat I was chartering, with 5' draft, touched the bottom in mid-channel during an exceptionally low storm tide. There's a lot of skinny water over there. Your draft doesn't exclude you, but you'd probably be better off going offshore most of the way, rather than via the ICW.

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 01/31/2010 : 11:33:11

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Steve Milby
 Sten, you probably already know this, but your 6'6" draft is awfully deep for the ICW on the Fla. west coast. I once saw a boat with 6' draft ground in mid-channel, and, the boat I was chartering, with 5' draft, touched the bottom in mid-channel during an exceptionally low storm tide. There's a lot of skinny water over there. Your draft doesn't exclude you, but you'd probably be better off going offshore most of the way, rather than via the ICW.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Yep, and the bridges on that side are 55'... we are 58'... but we don't like the ditch much anyway. the problem with that side is that to go sailing you have to spend half a day just getting out... oh well, the marinas are cheaper and the beaches are much nicer. also, we need to refill the cruising kitty a bit, so we are looking to stay put near Tampa where we can get easy access to a major airport.

Thanks for the heads up though.

sten

Edited by - on

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