Sailing journey timing question

littlejohnw · #1 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010

I am trying to figure out approximately how long [total hours] it would take to sail a 31' Seafarer sloop (with Johnson 20 HP motor, outboard) from BARNEGAT, NJ, to Charleston, SC.
Using a map program that measures distances between points, I've the distance measured at approximately (using a combination of intercoastal waterway and offshore):
• 620 miles/539 nautical miles
• 206.23 (SA fore)
• 234 (SA/Main)
• TSA: 440.23
• Displacement: 8800
--- (don't know if other information is needed(?))
It is a heavy boat, and have been told it is slow, but I do not know that to be the case. Of course I cannot guess at wind conditions either....
I am looking for good estimates of total sailing/travel time based on your expertise. Thanks!

Boasun · #2 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010

With the unknowns of possible wind conditions and the average speed of your vessel... I would use the speed of five knots and plan on taking a day or two more in addition for possible delays of weax or whatevers.
540/5=108 hrs = 4.5 days. So figure about a full week or two pending on weax windows and whatevers.

Omatako · #3 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boasun

With the unknowns of possible wind conditions and the average speed of your vessel... I would use the speed of five knots and plan on taking a day or two more in addition for possible delays of weax or whatevers.
540/5=108 hrs = 4.5 days. So figure about a full week or two pending on weax windows and whatevers.

Geez, jumping from 4.5 days to a possible 14? That's as good as saying "It'll take as long as it takes".

But I agree with 5 knots average speed unless the OP knows the boat to be incapable of that. A little weather planning to at least understand whether you'll be off the wind or beating will go a long way. Download some GRIBs or synoptic predictions and have a look.

marianclaire · #4 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010

When do you plan to make the trip? Hrs of daylight and weather patterns make a difference. Single handed or crew? Anchoring out or stopping at marinas? South of Norfolk there wont be a whole lot of sailing but some motor sailing. On the ICW I use 35 to 40 statute miles a day as a base #. That’s single handed, usually Nov or Feb/March, slow boat 5 MPH max average, bridges, tides, anchoring out every night, down days for weather included. I realize it can be done faster but this has been a safe # for me. Say 124 hrs of moving time. It’s up to you how you spread out the hrs. Dan S/V Marian Claire

souljour2000 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010

I'd figure a little over 2 weeks ..maybe only 11-12 days if things go really well...this is solo and this is if the sea gods are in a good mood...afterall..it's probably a new boat you found on ebay right? If so..new boats especially new OLD boats...may have a few surprises in store...be careful and have fun...take a buddy if you can.

neoxaero · #6 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010

Just try not to be this guy...
Windtraveler: The Tale of the Panicked Mariner

Minnewaska · #7 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010

One delivery variable is whether you will have a minimum motor variable. In other words, is there a VMG that you won't go below before motoring or motor sailing. I've known that minimum to be 7 kts on boats that can make that and more under power. The often motor 50% or more of the time, as a result.

If you have all the time you need, this isn't an issue. If you're trying to get there, this is a common decision made before launch.

tommays · #8 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omatako

Geez, jumping from 4.5 days to a possible 14? That's as good as saying "It'll take as long as it takes".

But I agree with 5 knots average speed unless the OP knows the boat to be incapable of that. A little weather planning to at least understand whether you'll be off the wind or beating will go a long way. Download some GRIBs or synoptic predictions and have a look.

Well right now its (15 F -9 C) and windy as crap with good weather about one day out of 7 so bearing a weather miracle or your planing a future trip

it could take a really long time

souljour2000 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010

In retrospect...I'd really have to figure on at least 3 weeks or so if I were gonna do it alone...anything less is just not rational given that it's winter and a new-to-you boat... personally I'd want a month...given the time of year again and the newness of everything...heck I'd probably take a month just to go over her systems first before you even leave port. There are probably a dozen very challenging short passages between Jersey and Charleston that don't involve the ICW...there's also a wreck or two in those areas...I have never done a trip up or down the east coast in a sailboat but there are alot of folks in here who have and can speak to the times and potential pitfalls of the journey far better than I could hope to.

Omatako · #10 (**permalink**) 12-10-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by souljour2000

In retrospect...I'd really have to figure on at least 3 weeks or so if I were gonna do it alone...anything less is just not rational given that it's winter and a new-to-you boat... personally I'd want a month...given the time of year again and the newness of everything...heck I'd probably take a month just to go over her systems first before you even leave port. There are probably a dozen very challenging short passages between Jersey and Charleston that don't involve the ICW...there's also a wreck or two in those areas...I have never done a trip up or down the east coast in a sailboat but there are alot of folks in here who have and can speak to the times and potential pitfalls of the journey far better than I could hope to.

I'm not an especially good sailor by any standard and I sailed from San Diego to the Marquesas in 3 weeks (2900nm)!! In a boat that was new-to-me two weeks before I left. It's no wonder some folks never get to go sailing. Such doom-prophets.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommays

Well right now its (15 F -9 C) and windy as crap with good weather about one day out of 7 so bearing a weather miracle or your planing a future trip it could take a really long time

If it's "windy as c**p" (sorry, I've been censored once today already) and it's going in the right direction . . . . . besides I don't believe the OP said he was leaving tomorrow.

Quote:

Originally Posted by marianclaire

When do you plan to make the trip? Hrs of daylight and weather patterns make a difference. Single handed or crew? Anchoring out or stopping at marinas? South of Norfolk there wont be a whole lot of sailing but some motor sailing. On the ICW I use 35 to 40 statute miles a day as a base #. That’s single handed, usually Nov or Feb/March, slow boat 5 MPH max average, bridges, tides, anchoring out every night, down days for weather included.

My apologies, I never realised you guys only sail in the daylight hours (?). If you sail 24 hrs you should expect minimum 120nm per day not 35. Obviously there is something drastic about sailing around the North Carolina bump in the real sea that I know nothing of but with some decent weather planning . . . . . that stretch only represents 24 to maybe 30 hours of sailing on a good day.