Southern Florida Route Advice Needed

[BlondieII]

In April, we plan to take our daughter and son-in-law on a two week cruise, circumnavigating the lower half of Florida. Our home port is Bradenton FL and we want to cross the Okeechobee Waterway, cruise Hawk Channel along the keys and then make the open water passage between Key West and Marco Island. I have cruised all of this route, except the open water leg. I don't know if we should travel clockwise or counter-clockwise. We have a 42' Navigator piltothouse with twin Volvos and range of 400+ miles with reserve. We cruise at 8 knots but can get up to 20+, if needed. Should I cruise south from Marco Island or north from Key West? Thank you in advance !

[Snore]

I would go north to south. If you head south to north expect evening t-storms at end of the run in the afternoon/evening. If you go north to south, you will be south of the mainland of Fl and have a lower chance of storms in the afternoon and evening.

[Davy J]

Personally, in April, I don't think it will matter too much which route you take.

April and May are about the best times of the year to cruise around here. The northern cold fronts should wind down and we won't actually be in the rainy season yet as to have to worry about afternoon thunderstorms.

Also, depending on your draft, if needed, you can tuck in at Little Shark River, Turkey Key or Indian Key Pass.

[Davy J]

I'll just add this tidbit.

The prevailing winds that time of year will be S/SE. Making the trip from the east coast to Key West much more enjoyable than heading from KW up to the east coast.

[Jason Flare]

I’ll second what @Davey J just said.

We have found Key West very difficult to get out of in April/May heading East then towards the north in either Hawk Channel or outside the reef.

The winds are rarely in our favor for such a trip.

[Gaia]

Originally Posted by Jason Flare

I’ll second what @Davey J just said.

We have found Key West very difficult to get out of in April/May heading East then towards the north in either Hawk Channel or outside the reef.

The winds are rarely in our favor for such a trip.

And I will second Jason who seconded Davey 😊. Having wind and waves astern also means being more able to go out of Hawks Channel to avoid the crab pots. The current close to shore is either negligible or you might have a slight counter current in your favour. But inside is nice as well. Of course this is from a sailing point of view.

Entering places on the west coast in the afternoon you will have the sun behind. The TCs are incredibly well forecasted both as to time and place but coming from Bradenton you know all that.

Jim sv Gaia

[captmikem]

Down the east coast to Key West is normally ely wind.

I would look at adding a stop in the Dry Tortugas, great place to snorkel and explore. Good anchorages and lots of history and good snorkling.

M