Sail from OK to CA

[Jace2]

Is there any way to sail/motor from Oklahoma (Arkansas river-R. S. Kerr lake) to S. California, eastern seaboard, on the ICW without taking the Panama Canal or the Horn? Even going along the gulf coast is fine, I'd just like to stay on U.S. 'soil,' so to speak.

Thanks.

[Boasun]

You have several choices:
1. Via the Panama Canal.
2. Around the Horn where you will be going against the Ocean currents
3. Take Eastern route around south africa, turning left just pass Austrailia, Going by the south Pacific Islands.
4. The Northern route over the top of N. America when the Arctic Ocean is ice free somewhat. Only a few hardy people have gone this route.
5. Have your vessel trucked there

1~3 could be an adventure of your life.
4. May be an adventure or an Ordeal.
5.? No adventure, but your boat gets there in the shortest time. With a boring road trip.

Now it is up to you to decide... Adventure or a boring road trip?

[sailingdog]

Originally Posted by Jace2

Is there any way to sail/motor from Oklahoma (Arkansas river-R. S. Kerr lake) to S. California, eastern seaboard, on the ICW without taking the Panama Canal or the Horn? Even going along the gulf coast is fine, I'd just like to stay on U.S. 'soil,' so to speak.

Thanks.

If you looked at a map, you'd see that there's a problem called the Rocky Mountains...that is basically in the way... Mexico is also in the way... if you're going the Gulf of Mexico route, which is kind of why it is called the Gulf of Mexico...

[Jace2]

Thanks guys. Thought as much. Oh well, guess it's the Northwest Passage. Always wanted to check out Hudson Bay, anyway. I'm in a '68 Coronado 25, I might wait till I ". . . get a bigger boat."

[SlowButSteady]

1) Put the boat on a trailer (w/o a tow vehicle),

2) raise the mast,

3) raise the sails,

4) hold on tight!!!

[SlowButSteady]

Originally Posted by Jace2

Thanks guys. Thought as much. Oh well, guess it's the Northwest Passage. Always wanted to check out Hudson Bay, anyway. I'm in a '68 Coronado 25, I might wait till I ". . . get a bigger boat."

Umm...... ya' might want to check with a couple of the Canucks on this board re: the NW Passage being "U.S. 'soil', so to speak", eh?

[Izzy1414]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

If you looked at a map, you'd see that there's a problem called the Rocky Mountains...that is basically in the way...

That didn't stop Lewis and Clark from taking a nearly all water route .... over 200 years ago!!! They just had to get out and walk a bit at the continental divide. Might be a dam or two in the way now though.

[LakeSuperiorGeezer]

With an 8' beam and a displacement of 4500 pounds plus trailer and stuff onboard, looks like you could pull it with a full size pickup truck. Get a galvanized trailer with brakes on both axels so you can take the boat home and save docking and storage fees. California is going to be expensive compared to OK. There are several sailboat trailers in the $1500 to $3200 range on ebay. Start with automotive, then trailers, and then boat trailers. The Panama Canal is going to cost you about what a trailer is going to. You should also be aware that Baja California will have you beating agains the wind and current. Check out The Baja Bash II, The Essential Survival Guide for Boats, Spirits & Marriages Returning Up Baja by Jim Elfers.

[MarkCK]

I am thinking some sort of large snow ski concoction for the Rocky Mountains. Kinda like and ice boat, but one that can go uphill. Its pretty early in the morning. Maybe after my second cup of coffee I will have all the technical details worked out.

Or maybe some sort of hot air balloon contraption...Definetely going to need a second cup of coffee.

[Minnewaska]

It's admittedly hard to take the question seriously from anyone that might have the experience to navigate a boat that far in the first place.

If you're looking for transport, definitely find a trailer. If you're looking for the adventure, the canal is the way to go.