boat delivery NY ,Maryland to Florida , info/help required

[Todd Pearce]

It would appear the only way to ship this 60FT salthouse back to new zealand is to ship it from Florida, i would have to have it in palm beach by December, I dont know the logistics of this trip let alone the weather at this time of year, the boat has been unused for 3 years so we require some time to conclude the purchase and recommission the boat, test it enough to build confidence in it and then run it down the coast, i have no base line knowledge as to the realities of this , so i would ask those who have any experience to guide me please, any and all input would be much appreciated
Regards Todd

[mike ohlstein]

Message Bruce. He has done it several times.

[Tony Meola]

You may want to hire a Capt. to help you get her south. Someone that knows those southern inlets. It can get pretty sketchy in the Carolinas.

[Todd Pearce]

Mike, thanks for coming back to me , I will contact Bruce today
Tony, i think a captain is the only choice for me, again thanks

[Todd Pearce]

Bump
Anyone done this trip so late in the season ??, is the weather agreeable at that time of year?? , i suspect it could be tricky that close to winter, but have zero knowledge of the area and conditions
all information gratefully received
Cheers Todd

[Ironworker]

Todd,

The fall is a great time for this trip. We have another 2 weeks or so of potential storms but they generally die down after that. Nov to December is a good time to move the boat. If you wait until January then you may have to wait until spring. What is the draft of the boat? There are a couple of areas in NC and SC with some skinny water in the ICW. Running offshore is the quickest way to make the trip. However a boat that hasn't been run for 3 years may be a candidate for the ICW.

[Todd Pearce]

Thanks for the reply, we have to be in Florida by early December so it sounds like its doable , draft is about 4 feet i think , but will confirm, when you say shallow, how shallow?/

[Carl]

Spoke with a couple guys that make the trip and like any time traveling by water, pick your weather. Outside around the Carolina's can save lots of time...but its way outside and your boat needs to be in order.
And from what I remember (I was being introduced to Whistle Pig Rye) he received a good amount of hefty fines on the last couple trips for traveling too fast in Right Whale speed zones offshore. The fines ( yes with an s) just showed up at his house. I think its 60 or 65' boats and up have to stay under 10mph. Your captain should/will know.
After the fines he's been running the ICW more...his draft is 6' and has kissed the bottom more than once in the channel, but has been making notations to avoid those spots next time. So a tip of the hat local knowledge.
One person also made mention to speak with your insurance company as their insurance company frowned on their boats being in Florida before November. Frowned as in dropped or hit with heavy price adjustments.
Aside from that, now till December is fine for the trip aside from cold and being windy in Florida this time of year.

[Ironworker]

Thanks for the reply, we have to be in Florida by early December so it sounds like its doable , draft is about 4 feet i think , but will confirm, when you say shallow, how shallow?/

Todd,

If you are pulling 4' then you'll be OK. There is a 6 to 7' tidal swing in SC and GA. There are some pinch points that you'd have to maneuver at mid to high tide in the ICW. When I took my 31 to Fl, I ran offshore the entire trip. I've spent a lot of time on the ICW in NC, SC and GA over the years. The Feds have neglected the ICW in these states.