Hi Paul,
We’ve been segment looping since 2017 on Cat O’ Mine, a C-Dory Tom Cat 255, now at 4,300 miles and 200 locks. In May-June we did the coast of FL from JAX to home in PNS in 35 days (one-way). Trip report is here:
http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=31563
If you don’t find a private boat lift, I think your best storage option would be to use a ‘rack & stack’ marina where the forklift lifts Willow out of the water and stores it in the back 40 of the barn. Be clear that you want ONLY ONE IN AND ONLY ONE OUT for a big discount. Inside storage would be preferred if you can get it and more protected than a private outside boat lift.
Our actual boat weight on the 2,000lb trailer in Heavy Cruise Mode is 9,000 lb, add 1,000 lb for full gas and water. The R25 is likely higher. Post your actual weight certificates on the scale for an objective point.
We’re retired and like 4-6 weeks max on the boat. We trailer to the launch ramp (with a marina that has transient slips), launch, slip and take the rig to a nearby ‘outdoor RV storage’ place. At segment end we again use a marina with ramp and transient slips, then Amtrak or Via or Trailways or Enterprise back to pick up the rig, drive to the takeout ramp, load and head home. Outdoor storage lots will always prorate your check in date, but we negotiate that they’ll also prorate the check out date. This works best with the mom and pop owners as opposed to national storage chains. All have entrance codes, 24/7 video etc.
I (gulfcoast john, see Apr 22, 2022 post) listed transient marinas with restrooms, showers and boat ramps that can handle a LARGE trailer boat with rig storage here:
http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=30668
We like Rome2Rio for finding public transportation that might not be obvious, such as taking the Brightline train from Tampa to JAX for $20. However, you may not want to waste any days with travel logistics and I get that.
Be thinking of when and where to get 100 hour engine service at a rack and stack marina with a Yamaha service dept. Biscayne Bay to West Palm beach is one giant 6 MPH zone where you rack up hours but not miles.
Download the free version of NEBO on your phone or tablet to see where other Loopers are.
We’re Lifetime members, but we think it’s worth becoming an AGLCA member (greatloop.org) while actively looping due to the help Harbor Hosts can provide re local knowledge. If you join, your boat will show the AGLCA icon on NEBO. Also, Eddy’s Weather WAG will help with the Big Bend Crossing.
The longest delay you’re likely to face on a trailer boat on the entire Loop is getting past the Gulf Big Bend in winter if there are Arctic blasts coming through every 7-10 days. Start watching the marine forecast (Tallahassee office) daily to get an idea of how often good conditions are occurring off the Big Bend:
https://forecast.weather.gov/product.ph ... roduct=CWF
Trailer boats must take this crossing extremely seriously in winter. AGLCA has a lot of accurate info, sign up. You need multiple weather forecasts for both winds and seas, see AGLCA. You need an EPIRB or at least a PLB and SOLAS Offshore Type 1 PFD’S for all crew.
If you haven’t already discovered this, you will eventually happen on a marina or wall which only has a 50 amp pedestal available. The adapter you need is a 50A 125/250V to 30A 125V (not 50A 125V, which would only be found in very old marinas). Be sure the marina agrees to charge you the 30 amp rate. Many will rent you one for $10/day, but even at $100 mine has paid for itself many times over.
This is the cheapest one I’ve ever found but note it is not UL approved.
https://www.amazon.com/CircleRiver-Adap ... NN79R&th=1
I use this one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/253525743818?m ... 899b0f632f
The Big Bend (and Keys) are full of grass that floats at the level of your outboard engine engine water intakes. It wraps around the lower leg and blocks water flow. When (not ‘if’) the ‘overheat’ alarm goes off, you stop and raise the leg but the grass slides off under the water and you see nothing. We had 12 alarms over two days crossing the Gulf Big Bend. Expect these Mystery Alarms.
Due to the closure of the IL locks for 3 months there is a huge clog of Loopers coming down now who will absorb all the slips. Ft Myers marinas and surrounding areas are not yet re-built from Ian. Stay a few nights at Caladesi Island State Park Marina (30A power, cold outdoor showers but a great beach walk to the north end, $24/night but only 4 slips can be reserved in advance).
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks ... hours-fees
Hope something here is helpful.
Hope someone with a private boat lift sings out to you!
PM me if I can help with a ride from the airport, provisioning run etc in Pensacola, marina choices etc.
John
