Gulf cruising ~February/March??

RobMcClain

RobMcClain

Member
Hi Folks,

I have a question about cruising the Gulf area in the time frame of late February into early/mid March. My wife and I know little about that area. Our daughter and her husband are USAF pilots and just returned from a deployment in the Middle East. We've just learned that they will be attending training in the time frame I'm asking about, and at a location not too far from the Gulf. They love boating and have missed it, so we have started to consider towing our boat down that way so we can visit with them and play on the boat as they have time. Our launch point could be somewhat flexible, probably anywhere from Mobile, AL, to Destin, FL.

What we don't really know is whether or not this idea is realistically feasible at that time of year. What sort of weather conditions might we reasonably expect during this time frame? Would we be able to get in some good boating or would we primarily be spending our time dockside? Any thoughts and/or suggestions would be appreciated, including locations. Thanks!

Rob
 
March can be windy. I would think about starting from the Apalachicola area. Plenty of launch ramps, marinas etc. You can go up the Apalachicola river pretty far, I think into Georgia. Marc from Wefings has the low down on the area and maybe could make some recommendations about storing the truck and trailer in the area. Great food there, Dr. Bob is usually down in the keys but I'm sure he will chime in about the Pensacola area. Dharma Blue is a great restaurant to try in Pensacola. Going out along the inter coastal waterway over to Alabama can't be all bad. Lots of rivers to explore. great Cobia fishing in the gulf at that time.
D.D.
 
As a person who lives in Pensacola and boats the Gulf and waterways, I go to the Keys…We would love to host you all, but we will be down South. You are certainly welcome to leave your boat and truck at our house--send me a PM if interested.

It can be cold, or it can be nice. If there is a Norther blowing do not go into the gulf, and avoid any of the larger bays. Northers blow from November thru April. We have one right now, and the temp last night was 32 degrees.

The Cobia don't show up until Mid March in this area. But you might be lucky--they will be a little earlier along the Eastern edge of the upper gulf.

We have a very vibrant down town area in Pensacola now--lots of changes in the last couple of years. Yes, Dharma Blue is a good restaurant--owned by a friend of mine. The Fish House/Atlas Oyster Co. is good. Several Tapa places near the Palafox Pier marina. Seville quarter is not to be missed if you want bar hopping. Vinyl Music Hall is popular with the pilots. Trader Jon's is no longer….If you want the best food-- Jacksons: ($$$$) McQuires Irish Pub is excellent, 5 Sisters Blues Cafe (a bit of a walk--and don't do it after dark--better to drive) is worth going to. The Cactus Flower now has several venues, and we enjoy the Calif. Mexican fusion.

Up Perdido Bay there are several rivers which offer sheltered anchorages, and scenic rides. Same for Escambia Bay--Black Water River, Bagdad and Milton have waterfronts which are undergoing resurrections.

The Wharf at Alabama has a good marina with a bunch of good shops and restaurants. There might even be an out door concert in the 10,000 seat arena…LuLu's is a bit touristy, but also on the ICW in the Orange Beach Area--Home Port Marina there--probably keep the C Dory at the guest dock at night if you get a meal at LuLu's.

Others can comment on down the Destin way.

I would also look at the Active Captain suggestions--Most of these have been vetted and are up to date.

The most secure ramp and boat storage is at Pensacola Ship Yard and Marina. There is a guard there at night.
 
It can get cold in feb and march but it usually warms up nicely during the day. You'll put your Wallis to use at times. We enjoy Destin and Orange beach.
We like the imaginative modifications you've made to your boat. With the under table drawers in place can you put the table down and still have clearance to move the port seat back? Linda was also wondering where you got the mesh bag organizers.
Thanks for the information and enjoy your cruise.
Alan
 
are you planning on staying on the boat? If you are, i would pick a spot between mobile and destin that will store your tow vehicle/trailer and cruise the areas along the ICW. you could overnight in pensacola, fort walton beach, niceville, destin, panama city, port st joe and end in apalachicola. various marinas, bayous to anchor, tie-up, get fuel and overnight----you will need some heat because it still gets cold at night and even during the day on some days.

if you plan to stay on land some days, I would find a marina and dry stack your boat for a month-----Northlight marina in Niceville florida isn't a bad set-up…they have laundry and shower facilities---hop on the boat for a few days, cruise the area….condo rentals or hotels are reasonable during the "off" season.

if you have any specific questions please feel free to pm me.

kind regards
 
We've received wonderfully helpful feedback, both in this string and in private messages. Thanks to everyone! Once we have a better idea of the timing we will be able to take the next step. Until then we're enjoying the research. We are really looking forward to this trip.

Rob
 
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