Tampa bay to Charlotte advice

[flyingfin]

I live near Charlotte Harbor. In the last month, thunderstorms have been running and building along the coast, hitting regularly after 2pm.

Getting out to Egmont anchorage can be a long trip if you are running against the flood tide. If you anchor out at Egmont and plan on an early am departure, make sure you study the charts and even run around both sides of Egmont to familiarize yourself with the depths. Just make sure you avoid the south side of Egmont!

On several occasions, a late night thunderstorm has forced me to pull anchor and move from the east side of Egmont (Bay) to the west side (Gulf) in darkness.

However, a late afternoon or early evening thunderstorm can suck all the energy out of the atmosphere and lay the Gulf of Mexico flat as glass. If you see that happen before sunset and see no other thunderstorms building on Fox 13 Radar, it is easy to motor all night just offshore.

[Snore]

Originally Posted by Hillard

New to the area. I’m planning on moving my Jeanneau DS42 from Tampa to Burnt Store in Charlotte Harbor the 1st week of September.



Planning on running outside, weather permitting. Any advise or pointers?



Thanks,

Mark

Just did a quick powerboat delivery down the ditch St Pete to Cape Coral. No significant red tide, but did see several fish kills. Largest was about 20.

Bill

[Hillard]

Made the trip yesterday. Got a late start after topping off diesel.

Weather looked good, so left about 10 from Bradenton/Cortez. Plan was to stop at Venice if weather looked to be building.

Turns out, storms held off and we continued on to Charlotte/Burnt Store Marina.

Only 1small storm cloud on the way. Skirted around it (mostly). Got a free boat wash for about 15 minutes. Clear after that.

Had decent wind for about 1/2 the trip so was able to get in some sailing as well.

Really appreciate the advice on getting into the harbor. Did it at night and relied on radar and advice to stay to the red. Really slow going!

Many thanks to all on this forum for the great advice.

Oh, also, not a single sign of red tide in/ around Anna Marie/ Cortez/Bradenton or anywhere along the 70 or so miles to Burnt Store.

Mark

[Steadman Uhlich]

Mark,
It is always nice to see a followup post like yours, that puts some good closure to a request or post and also adds some more helpful info too.


Sincerely.
S.