Catalina 350 and the ICW

[Starfish 2018]

Good morning, Forum,
How practical is the prospect of sailing the ICW to Florida in a Catalina 350?

Thanks for responding
Ed

[Lowcountry]

Not sure I understand your question. Are you asking if you can take a Catalina 350 down the ICW from Norfolk to Florida using only sails? If so, there is zero chance of you being able to do that.

[Starfish 2018]

Sorry I was not clear.

I am on the Chesapeake Bay and planning to take my 350 down the ICW. Sailing when allowed and necessary, but slowly meandering via engine. It is just a general question if anyone has done it and how the boat handled during the trip.

Thanks

[AiniA]

You could do it. Get a tow membership though. Mostly pretty boring in my estimation.

[LittleWing77]

Of course, Ed! It would be a wonderful trip. Lots of different stops in a myriad of towns across a kaleidescope of US states. The ICW is kinda designed for boats like Catalinas, in my humble opinion.

AinA's advice about getting towing insurance would be well taken. Lots of dredging is always being done in the ICW, which also means there are lot of shifting shoals.

One of our fellow CF Members, KelseyB (search for her thread about "update for those who are interested") just travelled South in a 30' steel folkboat (January/February 2020) and I seem to remember she touched bottom about three times without incident. So groundings are common. Fortunately, the bottom is essentially mud and sand.

Hope you have a great trip!
Fair winds,
LittleWing77