I did deliveries from Apalachicola to Tarpon Springs, and worked as Captain for some boats with owners aboard. I took a lot of sailboats, which have more weather constraints than power vessels. With a seaworthy vessel, I preferred the direct route. In the case of bad weather, I prefer open water and plenty of sea room. In calm weather, it is quicker. Following around the coast, the shore is shallows, mostly mud. If you get blown in there on high water, the prospects of getting out are poor. There are. some ports, but they are not easy to enter under very adverse conditions. Another consideration is the "safety" of companion vessels. What in reality can they do, particularly in high seas? Basically, they can take you aboard. But they will not abandon ship to save your vessel. In rough weather, it can be dangerous to get from one vessel to another. Also, it is surprising the number of vessels on the route between Apalach and Anclote. Altering course to avoid collision was a common experience. Time of year is a major consideration. In October and early November, a 3 day window of wind at your back, downhill run is common. The window shortens across the winter, until the frontal cycles disappear about April. This year, they persisted later. If you are short handed, and one member is extremely nervous about the passage, a hired crew member can do much to prevent another reenactment of the "Choose between me and that damned boat" dilemma.. Regardless, a boat shrinks considerably when it comes off the transport into the water. Another greater shrinkage occurs when the last bit of land disappears from sight. Expect it. Remember that it is still the same boat that looked so huge at the boat show. LOL
I did deliveries from Apalachicola to Tarpon Springs, and worked as Captain for some boats with owners aboard. I took a lot of sailboats, which have more weather constraints than power vessels. With a seaworthy vessel, I preferred the direct route. In the case of bad weather, I prefer open water and plenty of sea room. In calm weather, it is quicker. Following around the coast, the shore is shallows, mostly mud. If you get blown in there on high water, the prospects of getting out are poor. There are. some ports, but they are not easy to enter under very adverse conditions.
Another consideration is the "safety" of companion vessels. What in reality can they do, particularly in high seas? Basically, they can take you aboard. But they will not abandon ship to save your vessel. In rough weather, it can be dangerous to get from one vessel to another.
Also, it is surprising the number of vessels on the route between Apalach and Anclote. Altering course to avoid collision was a common experience.
Time of year is a major consideration. In October and early November, a 3 day window of wind at your back, downhill run is common. The window shortens across the winter, until the frontal cycles disappear about April. This year, they persisted later.
If you are short handed, and one member is extremely nervous about the passage, a hired crew member can do much to prevent another reenactment of the "Choose between me and that damned boat" dilemma..
Regardless, a boat shrinks considerably when it comes off the transport into the water. Another greater shrinkage occurs when the last bit of land disappears from sight. Expect it. Remember that it is still the same boat that looked so huge at the boat show. LOL
Thanks for sharing your insight. And thanks for watching!