outboard 4 ICW ?

Elusive III · #1 02-16-2002

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone could provide me with opinions on cruising the ICW with an out board on my sailboat. I have a 26'' Chrysler w/ 9.9 Yamaha 4 stroke. I''m going to be leaving the Great Lakes then traveling down the ICW to Fla, then across to the Bahamas & points south.
Also, as for leaving the Great Lakes, I may be single handing & am not sure if I should do the St. Lawrence Seaway or If one can single hand the Trent Sevren (spelling?) waterway & the Erie Canal??
Thanks

manateee_gene · #2 02-17-2002

Last year;we saw at least four sailboats using outboards on the ICW make sure you have fuel for 30-50 miles and you''ll be fine!
Good Luck and have fun!!GO FOR IT you won''t regret it EVER!!!!!

EtherCat · #3 02-20-2002

Definitely go for it!

I did it in 98/99, northern Chesapeake to Key Largo and back, in a 22'' MacGregor with a 6hp outboard. 30-50 mile range is the minimum Id carry; doubling that would be better (12-15 gallons probably?). I carried 12 gallons, about 90 mile range, and through Georgia was down to a gallon before I could find a place to refuel.

Be prepared for the adventure of a lifetime.

gershel · #4 02-25-2002

Hi,my Yamaha 9.9, used .6-.7 gal/hr on 3 ICW trips. That''s 6-9 gal /day
Marc

rgartley · #5 03-27-2002

How about east to Lake Champlain and then south down the canal system to the Hudson River then coastal a wee bit and in at Manasquan? I''m going in May. I might see you along the route. Good luck.

Peter_pan · #6 03-29-2002

Hi
I virtually motored from Long Beach Ca. to Catalina Island with a 1968 Johnson 6 hp behind a Cal 24. 30 miles each way. Used 12 gals of gas. Had a blast. You will too.
Make sure you have a long shaft or extender or you may find that the porp clears on even small swells.
Good sailing, Ole Pete