Maine to ??? I want to do a trip, hotel to hotel…

sailUSVI

sailUSVI

GreatGrady Captain
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Location
TX/Maine
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Fisherman 216
…or preferably marina to marina. Maybe a month or 4 ? of relaxed travel.

Where would you go….down to NY toward Erie and some of the loop ? Stay on the Atlantic and travel down to….Florida ? Go up and into the St Lawrence ?

Boat, new 216 Grady White
Cost of hotels and fuel is covered, boat is paid for. 1 person, sometimes 2

Thoughts or opinions on this potential adventure ?

***picture was clear on my phone, blurry pics suck
 

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Honestly? And I don't mean to be a party pooper, but that's going to be really tough in a small boat. Really, really tough. A small boat has limited fuel range... availability of easy access hotels is low along the coast of the NE (it's not like year-round boating areas)... weather can turn very fast and you're going to be in open ocean for a lot of that trip along the NE coast. Yes, you could follow the coastline along ME - but that coastline is longer than the entire East coast. I think it's a great idea - but unless you're someone that has had experience doing this kind of thing for years, starting out in a small boat (and especially single handed) will take a LOT of thinking and planning - and even then, it's going to be difficult.
 
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i tend to agree with the post above. that is a very small boat for that type of journey. i would trailer down to a destination spot of your choice (keys would be great, but long tow), and explore around that area.

that being said, a 70 year old guy just did the great loop in a john boat, so what do i know...
 
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Thanks Dennis, I’m under no illusion that it’s a simple adventure or one without risk and thanks for pointing that out.

I bought a 2002 28ft Sailfish a few years back (from a member here) and took if from Maryland to South Portland. Took 2 days.

I’d probably want some extra fuel, that would be a priority because I’d haul ass where and when possible.

Anyway, certainly worth discussion….
 
Yeah, wasn't quite sure of your existing skill set so I tried to respond on the side of caution. If this is something you're comfortable doing, do it - but as you know, expect to get socked in at times for a couple days... maybe even a week or longer. As long as you have the time and patience (don't try to squeeze in that extra 20 miles... and don't underestimate the "what if" scenarios) it surely can be done. Just keep in mind that your boat's "ability" is much lesser than your previous boat's.

Are you familiar with the Waterway Guides? This would be a good thing to get to help you plan your routes.

Obviously all of the "what if" safety gear is important, which you likely already know.

Where in Maine are you starting? The bays are/can be some BIG water to cross. But if you're starting in Portland, it makes it easier as you can better follow coastline.

Thru the Cape canal, I assume? I went that way from NY to Friendship, ME a while back - we had a 29' sailboat so more seaworthy... but we were already closing in on a week so we took the shortcut :)
 
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I’ll kick it around for a spring/summer adventure if I can make it happen.

Continue the discussion guys…
 
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