Too late for the Keys?

[Hearts Content]

Planning to leave this weekend (May 15th) from Clearwater, Fl down to Key West, Tortugas and bounce back up the West coast for two weeks.

Concerned that we may be leaving too late and hit tropical weather (as in rainy and thunderstorms), heat and bugs. We hate marinas and my generator can't run the A/C, just charge the batteries and run a vornado fan.

Sage advice?

[wildebeest3]

When we had a breeze, windscoop always worked for me at anchor.

Plan on having a good time, you probably will!

[DotDun]

Hopefully, this unusual "peek of summer" weather the last few weeks will end and spring will return. Long range weather forecast is showing a more 'back to normal' May weather pattern. If that works out to be true, you'll have a wonderful experience!

Be sure to snorkel "Little Africa" on the west side of Loggerhead Key.

[capn_billl]

Hurricane season starts in June, We've had a few quiet years, but no promises for this year.


The best case is you will have a wonderful trip with warm sunny weather. Worst case an early tropical storm may force you to find a sheltered parking spot.


If it's only a 2 week trip total, no worries.

[Hearts Content]

Thanks souch for the replies. little Africa looks awesome! We are a go.

[AnchorageGuy]

Keep in mind that the typical summer time thunderstorms are already forming on an almost daily basis. If your in Clearwater, you already know this. They can often have 60 kt. winds, lightning and possible water spouts. Be careful in the Dry Tortugas. With most tropical systems, you will have a week or more warning. They are a possibility from now til November as we saw with Ana forming nearby over the Bahamas. For the most part, you will have excellent weather, but be aware that windy conditions can keep you in any harbor for a week or more this time of year. Keep a close eye on the forecast and add 5 knots to any wind forecasts and double the wave height for a closer dose of reality. Chuck

[cabo_sailor]

We usually pick May for a trip to the Keys. Pilot charts generally predict winds out the east. You will at some point pass thru a squall line or two. I've only had to ride out one really nasty one. Most have been 20-30 kt winds for an hour or so. The most uncomfortable part is the shallow water makes for an unpleasant chop.

I agree with the others, you should have a good time.

Rich


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[wildebeest3]

Trip report...?