Boating grounds bucket list?

PickleRickPickleRick Member Posts: 4,012 ✭✭✭✭✭
Where is your dream boating destination or trip?  Great loop? Bahamas? Exumas?  Exploring the Panama Canal via the thorny path?

Id like to launch near Charleston sc and travel south via the icw to the tortugas.  The idea being to stop at every little town to explore their local fresh foods as well as sights and more than likely fishing spots.  The admiral and I plan on becoming certified divers by this time next year so once south of Miami this trip includes tons of stops along the way for snorkeling/diving excursions.  We'd like a good week to jump across from the states to explore the Bahamas for a week or so.  Not only do we want to catch our own fresh fish and lobster for dinner we'd also like to have fresh conch.  The pigs of the exumas are on thr list.

Once returning to the states we'd round the bay side back from the dry tortugas and drop off at the everglades for sight seeing.    Our end destination in the Gulf would be Louisiana.  That's a huge bucket list destination for us.  The food, the sights, the history.  I have some family via marriage in the area to give us a local tour.  

We plan on starting this trip every winter after my son graduates highshool so another 6 years. We want to go a few hundred miles at a time each winter. 
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Comments

  • Handymans342Handymans342 Member Posts: 10,375 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Not in a Bayliner
  • Cableguy GregCableguy Greg Member Posts: 5,025 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would like to do the Great Loop when I retire. Before retirement, I want to make the crossing to the Bahamas and explore the Keys.
    2008 280 Express Cruiser, 6.2MPI, B3, Pittsburgh, PA "Blue Ayes"
    Go Steelers!!!
  • PickleRickPickleRick Member Posts: 4,012 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 2020
    Not in a Bayliner


    I didn't realize I made this post on the hull truth😂😂😂😂

    From Miami to the Bahamas is approx 70 miles.  Has been done in hobie cats, Catalina 22s, macgreggor 22s, jet skis and small Boston whalers.  


    Not to mention my 2859 bayliner has been to Catalina Islands a few times (possibly the **** Catalina wine mixer)  and is one of the most sought after boat models in both Alaska and the PNW.  
  • PickleRickPickleRick Member Posts: 4,012 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 2020
    I would like to do the Great Loop when I retire. Before retirement, I want to make the crossing to the Bahamas and explore the Keys.

    While I've not made it to the Bahamas I'd love to check them out. I can tell you first hand the keys are a place one could explore for years before getting bored.  Before I was blessed with child I visited Jamaica and Cancun Mexico twice.  If you can stand the heat in the Caribbean its hard to find a better place to spend your days. You'll find plenty of Steelers and pens fans on the islands.
  • Liberty44140Liberty44140 Member Posts: 4,379 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Great loop, but hoping to get to just mackinac soon 
    07' Cruisers 390 (Previous Rinker's: 06' 342EC & 01' 310FV)

  • Aqua_AuraAqua_Aura Member Posts: 2,620 ✭✭✭✭✭
    We want to get out to the San Juan Islands and explore out there as well as the Puget Sound. Boat launch for the south Puget Sound is only about an hour drive north for us. We have been around the islands by plane but there is so many bays and marinas to explore by boat. 
    1997 Bayliner 3988
  • aero3113aero3113 Member Posts: 9,043 ✭✭✭✭✭
    @Aqua_Aura follow MV Freedom on YouTube. They hit your bucket list and more!

    https://www.youtube.com/c/MVFreedom


    2008 330EC
  • Aqua_AuraAqua_Aura Member Posts: 2,620 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 2020
    I do follow them, I love their videos. Elizabeth was in a bikini today 🤯

    That will be the type of our next boat. Probably not Nordhavn but definitely trawler style more than likely. There boat is great but a little too slow for my liking. Although with the comforts and autopilot that helps. They did do a video on how they deal with the slow cruising speed. 
    1997 Bayliner 3988
  • aero3113aero3113 Member Posts: 9,043 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Yea, we’ve seen all their videos. 8 knots is a little too slow for us, but love the style and room of the trawler.
    2008 330EC
  • Dream_InnDream_Inn Member, Moderator Posts: 7,661 mod
    edited October 2020
    I was cruising around in dink this weekend and next to a Fleming, I noticed a North Pacific that was really nice. First thing, I even noticed it with a Fleming sitting behind it.  But then, to think hmmm, I  could see that as an option too.  And yes, I was drinking...The admiral made me leave after talking to the owner and drooling for 5 minutes...she whispered, he's not going to invite you in!🤗 this is what it looked like...

    2014 North Pacific 49 Pilothouse Trawler for sale - YachtWorld
    Oh, on the topic, I definitely want to do the loop.  Although my mind may change to just east coast and Caribbean for sure. Gotta have a water maker on the boat and probably a trawler to slowly sio the fuel.  That North Pacific had a range over 1k miles.I love the look of the backward slanting windshield.

    Dream 'Inn III -- 2008 400 Express

  • randy56randy56 Member Posts: 4,083 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Boat and fish Lake Okeechobee, in which I have a house rented in Port Charlotte from Dec 15 through March 15th. Taking my fishing boat. It's the coveted 10 lb bass I'm after. It's only an hour and a half drive.  From there. Also to boat and fish intercoastal water's on the gulf coast. 

    @Aqua_Aura I have been on Puget Sound for a short boat ride. a couple time's.  My son was in the Navy, stationed in Bremerton. we took the fairy to Seatle and back. i'm sure I looked like a typical tourist.  as it is gorgeous. Picturesque   
    Boat Name : 

  • boatman37boatman37 Member Posts: 810 ✭✭✭
    Not sure I want to do the Loop but definitely want to do the Bimini trip someday. Our 25'er is perfect to trailer to FL from Pittsburgh then make the trip. Wouldn't mind having a slightly bigger boat with twins for the trip but then trailering presents it's own issues. While down that direction maybe hit up the keys just to see it from the boat.

    A few weeks back I took my first flybridge ride and loved it. It was a 1992 Silverton 34'er. It was just a short cruise but I loved the cruising speed. We cruised at about 12-13 MPH. Can't do that in our boat. As soon as we got out of the no wake zone he moved over and let me take control for awhile. At some point I wouldn't mind getting a bridge type boat and maybe doing a trip from Pittsburgh to the Mississippi and back. Maybe at some point make it all the way to the Bahamas.

    Back to our current boat, short list is an Erie trip. Very doable for us with our boat. 90 minute ride to trailer it to Erie, PA. It would be nice if there was a shortcut from the Ohio river directly to Lake Erie
  • Cableguy GregCableguy Greg Member Posts: 5,025 ✭✭✭✭✭
    boatman37 said:

    Back to our current boat, short list is an Erie trip. Very doable for us with our boat. 90 minute ride to trailer it to Erie, PA. It would be nice if there was a shortcut from the Ohio river directly to Lake Erie

    Throw her on the trailer and make the trip to the Lake Erie Islands. I pulled mine up there this summer and spent 3 nights there. We hit up Middle Bass, Put In Bay and Kelleys Island. Got to meet @Liberty44140 and his wife. He also saved me when my IAC valve went while pulling into the harbor at Kelleys. I am also planning a trip to Erie, PA, but I will be going back to the L.E. Islands for sure. I am also planning a trip to Chicago. We wanted to do it this year, but this S#!& show that is going on kept us from going.
    2008 280 Express Cruiser, 6.2MPI, B3, Pittsburgh, PA "Blue Ayes"
    Go Steelers!!!
  • PickleRickPickleRick Member Posts: 4,012 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 2020
    I love fly bridge boats.  I wouldnt like towing a fly bridge boat.  My hard top already likes smacking tree limbs. My 2859 hull comes in a 2858 (288 in later models) model which is flybridge.  If I had a slip that would be to boat to go with although I think it sacrifices lots of fishing and lounging space on the back deck.   
  • LaReaLaRea Member, Moderator Posts: 7,747 mod
    Great Loop.  Orcas Islands.  Nova Scotia.  The west coast of Sweden near Gothenburg.  
  • boatman37boatman37 Member Posts: 810 ✭✭✭
    boatman37 said:

    Back to our current boat, short list is an Erie trip. Very doable for us with our boat. 90 minute ride to trailer it to Erie, PA. It would be nice if there was a shortcut from the Ohio river directly to Lake Erie

    Throw her on the trailer and make the trip to the Lake Erie Islands. I pulled mine up there this summer and spent 3 nights there. We hit up Middle Bass, Put In Bay and Kelleys Island. Got to meet @Liberty44140 and his wife. He also saved me when my IAC valve went while pulling into the harbor at Kelleys. I am also planning a trip to Erie, PA, but I will be going back to the L.E. Islands for sure. I am also planning a trip to Chicago. We wanted to do it this year, but this S#!& show that is going on kept us from going.

    We went over to Painesville, Ohio to the Erie beach there yesterday. Told wife I want to get the boat out there next year. Painesville is a little west of Geneva.

    The fly bridge is on our list for next boat but we won't be trailering that.
  • PickleRickPickleRick Member Posts: 4,012 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Wasn't the Silverton aluminum?  Light weight so terrific fuel consumption but a little bumpy and rocky in less than ideal seas?    Seems like a perfect crusier,  crusing is a fair weather sport.  If the weather sucks stay at the docks or in a protected achirshr
  • GMSLITHOGMSLITHO Member Posts: 1,579 ✭✭✭✭
    I took a 40 foot president from Jersey to Miami about 30 years ago took 3 weeks a great trip 
  • PickleRickPickleRick Member Posts: 4,012 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Now that would be an amazing trip. What time of year did you go?
  • Handymans342Handymans342 Member Posts: 10,375 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Here is the ultimate: Cruise around the Greek Islands then over to Italy and Sardinia then cruise over to the French Riviera. 
  • Lake_BumLake_Bum Member Posts: 976 ✭✭✭✭
    Anyone that lives in the Western United States, you NEED to come visit Lake Powell.  I'm here 8-10 times a year.  There isn't a place, that rivals it's beauty!  B)
    2000 Captiva 232 
  • PickleRickPickleRick Member Posts: 4,012 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Here is the ultimate: Cruise around the Greek Islands then over to Italy and Sardinia then cruise over to the French Riviera. 

    History began on July 4th, 1776. Everything before that was a mistake.  My lungs are not able to process stale socialist air.

    The American West is on my road trip bucket list. California excluded, although im sure at one time it was a really great state.  

  • WillhoundWillhound Member Posts: 4,208 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Here is the ultimate: Cruise around the Greek Islands then over to Italy and Sardinia then cruise over to the French Riviera. 

    History began on July 4th, 1776. Everything before that was a mistake.  My lungs are not able to process stale socialist air.

    Ha ha. Ha ha ha. Seriously? Firstly, those are all democratic countries, some more bit social leaning, sure, but with more history, culture, good food and friendlier people than almost anywhere in the world. You are exactly the kind of person that should travel  to get your eyes opened.
    On second thought...just stay home.
    "Knot Quite Shore" - 2000 FV270 (Sold)
    2018 Cherokee 39RL Land Yacht (Sorry...)
  • PickleRickPickleRick Member Posts: 4,012 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 2020
    Willhound said:
    Here is the ultimate: Cruise around the Greek Islands then over to Italy and Sardinia then cruise over to the French Riviera. 

    History began on July 4th, 1776. Everything before that was a mistake.  My lungs are not able to process stale socialist air.

    Ha ha. Ha ha ha. Seriously? Firstly, those are all democratic countries, some more bit social leaning, sure, but with more history, culture, good food and friendlier people than almost anywhere in the world. You are exactly the kind of person that should travel  to get your eyes opened.
    On second thought...just stay home.


    I'm not being serious.  Ron Swanson quotes.  I figured you of all people would pick up on a Ron Swanson quote
  • Aqua_AuraAqua_Aura Member Posts: 2,620 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Ok that took a sharp turn ☹️

    Lake Powell is a beautiful place, I went there for a school trip. 

    Only place on the west coast that matters is Western Washington 😎
    1997 Bayliner 3988
  • PickleRickPickleRick Member Posts: 4,012 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 2020



    I wasn't kidding about Cali.  All my vehicles are modified diesels that blow black smoke under heavy acceleration....i won't be visiting Cali.
  • PickleRickPickleRick Member Posts: 4,012 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Aqua_Aura said:
    Ok that took a sharp turn ☹️

    Lake Powell is a beautiful place, I went there for a school trip. 

    Only place on the west coast that matters is Western Washington 😎
    Portland is on my bucket list (road trip) once all the civil unrest dies down.  
  • Aqua_AuraAqua_Aura Member Posts: 2,620 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Oh I definitely agree with your California comment. My truck isn't allowed there either. 

    Portland is or was a really cool city. It's definitely a not good place now. 
    1997 Bayliner 3988
  • WillhoundWillhound Member Posts: 4,208 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Willhound said:
    Here is the ultimate: Cruise around the Greek Islands then over to Italy and Sardinia then cruise over to the French Riviera. 

    History began on July 4th, 1776. Everything before that was a mistake.  My lungs are not able to process stale socialist air.

    Ha ha. Ha ha ha. Seriously? Firstly, those are all democratic countries, some more bit social leaning, sure, but with more history, culture, good food and friendlier people than almost anywhere in the world. You are exactly the kind of person that should travel  to get your eyes opened.
    On second thought...just stay home.


    I'm not being serious.  Ron Swanson quotes.  I figured you of all people would pick up on a Ron Swanson quote
    Ahh. Ya got me. Sorry man. No, not a Ron Swanson guy so missed the reference.
    "Knot Quite Shore" - 2000 FV270 (Sold)
    2018 Cherokee 39RL Land Yacht (Sorry...)
  • Handymans342Handymans342 Member Posts: 10,375 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Lake_Bum said:
    Anyone that lives in the Western United States, you NEED to come visit Lake Powell.  I'm here 8-10 times a year.  There isn't a place, that rivals it's beauty!  B)
    Water is too low
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