Florida Trip

L

Larry Patrick

New member
We left last sunday,had a few things to fix before trip. CB radio ,rear camera installed,then found that the 6ft cord that boat plugs into didn't work. This was first time towing C-Dory behind 1191 Lance truck camper.Measures around 58ft from front of ford to outboard on other end. On way down had a blow out on boat trailer, I changed it then 4hrs later another tire went on interstate 95. Called Coach net and a guy had it fixed in an hour .We have been on St Johns for 4 days now,visited Hoontoon island,Blue springs ect. Very nice area.Heading to Pan handle also. Fueling up at truck stops,only one head ache at cracker barrel ,we called ahead they said they could fit rvs so we pulled in no spots left ,curbs every where and a lot of cars parked.Had to back up quite a ways into traffic to get out of there.Lesson learned not pulling anywhere till I check its got enough room. Enjoying the warm days down here,dont want to go back home till spring,but wife is finishing up her medical coding ,last semester starting in a few weeks.
 
Larry,
Just wondering were the two tires on the same axle? We ran then at 50 PSI cold. Tires were new in the spring 2011. Sorry to hear about the blow outs.
D.D.
 
Wish I read this Dr Bob when I was down there would have liked to met you.. Got busy never logged on again until today. Hi Dave ,passenger side closest to truck went first ,then the spare went same axle and location on trailer. Just one of those things,tires looked great never would have guessed. Coach Net guy said coming from cold to 86 degree weather and age on tires made them go. I bought a small enclosed trailer a few months ago,im putting new tires on it before hauling it to lake Erie this season even though they look okay and are 4 years old,single axle .At least with dual axles you can get to a safe place.
 
It was a good trip first week at Deland, St Johns river. Saw the area ,very nice,wildlife scenery ect. Tried fishing ,crickets worms ,just a few blue gills. Next hauled boat to Carabell where river dumps into the bay by Dog Island. From all the flooding most rivers were running good. Learned a lot about docking with current and wind,learned that its way harder than the protected docks in a marina. Glad wife got to see dolphins near boat ,only saw them once in four days. Launched boat with truck camper on for first time,used walkie talkies with wife . I got boat near water then she took over. Fished with shrimp and lures ,caught whiting, sharks ,but no redfish or trout. Most days there was too much wind. We rode the waves out ,but when turning around got pounded by waves,went slow and got to protected waters. On calmest day we peeked out into gulf were able to go out a few buoys then fished gulfside of dog island. The wind was coming from the otherside of island, so it was pleasant until we went in we hit the rough stuff again on the otherside. Dropped boat off at Marcs at Weffings,bottom paint and some other things.Visited Appalachacola, St George Island. We stayed in Carrabelle at Sunset Isle Yacht and rv, with passport America $25 a night and free boat slip ,very surprised at price it was nice there. Got home yesterday an hour before dark ,winterized camper before temperature drop.
 
glad you enjoyed your trip.


Apalachicola is a neat little town.....and Marc isn't so bad either. Lol.


Larry,

Would be nice to see some pictures of your trip.....maybe our fearless leaders could get you and album?
 
Agree the town was nice ,Boss Oyster ,seafood,bakerys, shops ,art ect. Marc told me a story how a couple in their 80,s were doing part of the loop,but didn't want to cross the gulf. He drove them to crystal river area,that says a lot about going out of his way to help. Someone purchased a used 25 C-Dory while we were there,but didn't get to meet them. Its nice to have work done somewhere,that your confident with. The new Tomcat looked real nice ,but seems like a lot of boat.Nice to have more room ,but the convienence of towing launching the 23 seems simple now. Having a boat that's equipped with everything already is great.The new 23 venture looks great also like the grey colors,but until its outfitted with everything it looks so empty. I regret not knowing how to post photos,would enjoy sharing trip photos,need to learn again.
 
Larry,
Glad you had a great trip!
Trailer tires and batteries cause more trailer boat issues than everything else combined (replace both at 4 years of use( sooner if causing any problems) or 5 years from stamped date of mfg.
With a North winter wind on the Gulf we'll cover the roof with spray just like you, and it's not much more fun for us than for you crashing through whitecaps in the shallow sounds.
The TC 255 seems like 'a lot of boat' because it IS a LOT of boat...and truck and trailer and maintenance etc. You can have 80% of the capability (assuming you don't go out during Small Craft Advisories when none of us should be out anyway) for 40% of the cost with a well cared for and well maintained 23 or 22. Don't get me wrong, we love our boat, but I advocate we should all LOVE THE BOAT WE HAVE! (Marc might disagree, but he has a business to run and I don't).
So, Marc, how much is your 255 with Suzuki 175's?
Just kidding!
John
 
John , I really recommend the Suzuki 200s ............
We actually put 150 HP electronic controlled motors on the Tomcat that's in stock . But we will switch them for the 200s for you.....
Just say the word!
Marc
 
Thanks John good advise,would love a big roomy boat,with shower and head, But like the simpleness and ease of use with the 23 the more I tow the boat and use some tight launches realize ,less headaches with this model. If you keep a boat in same marina every season a bigger boat with the extras seems like a good idea. Since new to boating want to travel with it ,to see new areas.
 
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