Assistance in Ft Lauderdale

Ross, you know your boat had a slight vibration when we were running down the New River (pre grounding). So maybe it's not a problem. I like the Canaveral option for hopefully a short haul and inspection. If you don't do something down here, every sound and vibration will spook you all the way home. I would offer to join you and get you home but I don't have ten days free right now. If you're in a jam and get significantly delayed, I free up next week through the holiday weekend.

Ross, I have no specific advice for you. Every situation is different, and there are plenty of people who are here that know a lot more than I do.

I can offer what I would do. For peace of mind I would find a yard (maybe that is Canaveral) which would do a short haul and assist with diagnoses. It would narrow the issue then I could make a keep going or fixit decision. When something feels wrong to me - like a vibration that should not be there - I think about it all day. Is it getting worse? The same? Am I causing damage to keep running it?

Once again I am not disagreeing with any of the more knowledgeable captains on here, just sharing what I would do.

If I was guessing, I think it is probably alright just to keep running it. But it would nag at me and make the days much longer and stressful.

I know what you mean about cost of repairs for a transient. We were on our way to Chesapeake couple of years ago. AC compressor (split system) which was for the salon level crapped out going across Lake O. It was June and hot. Got to Canaveral, found an AC guy which would come out and look at it. His diagnoses was compressor shot, 10-12K to replace. Almost did, then decided to push on. Had AC for the downstairs staterooms, just nothing on the salon level.

Went on to Kent Island MD. Friend got his AC guy to come out, $1500 fixed it. Did not need to replace the compressor. My example is pretty contained in that I was totally comfortable that if I did not fix it and kept going I was not going to damage anything else -- just sweat a lot.

I shudder about repairs as a transient on a long cruise. Good luck. You will make the decision that is best for you.

Keep working your way home, look for good yards 2 days ahead to see if they can accommodate, if you get within spitting distance of home just continue and deal with it at home.

Ross,

Canaveral Propellers
Phone number
(321) 784-2890

They are just down the street for Marina. In case you stop and get a hall out.
Rich

Stop at our lagoon next to Marina del Palma if you want a break from running.
We have a small bay with no restriction on anchoring, that I know of anyways.
We also have docks, but not ready for transient boats yet. (50~60 empty docks)
Stop by and anchor for a night or two and take the dink to shore, happy to help with a ride to a nearby Publix super market, also a Mexican Restaurant next to Publix with excellent 'Ritas..
No haul-out facilities around here, but instead we have a lazy lagoon with no anchored boats except you:
Nearest fuel dock is 40 mins running to the North and a slight detour to the West, like 0.5 NM from the ICW, Palm Coast Marina.


Our anchorage is almost midway between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine.

From the Active Capt's App:

What is your draft?
I will check my sonar next time going out, but have seen several 35'-40' sailboats
anchored here, it is probably 5'-6' minimum, shallow entrance to the North, stay South of the center.
I can give you a ride to shore if needed, will take the boat out Friday and/or Saturday. If the weather is good there should be boats going in and out from our docks and you can ask anybody for a ride to shore as needed, small harbor, only 80-100' to the dock. (Don't tell anybody I said you can anchor there, I am guessing it is okay, but don't know for sure)
Big boat house on the North side and a Boston Whaler factory on the South side, they do the occasional sea-trial with big CCs.
Will give you my phone # in a Private Message, send SMS anytime, unknown calls goes to voice mail.
Which marina are you at?
I have a buddy in Fort Pierce who runs a 65' Head Boat, he be may at the same marina and can fix you up with most marine services.
Bon Voyage and Happy Prop Repair.

Lots of No-Wake zones from there to here.
I did the same trip July last year, Fort Lauderdale to Palm Coast, 4 days
We left Fort Pierce early and ended up anchoring close to Daytona on the ICW.
Free dockage at "Caribbean Jacks" when you eat, along the South docks, perpendicular to the ICW.
https://www.caribbeanjacks.com/
We had a late lunch there yesterday, on a Monday, no boats at the restaurant docks, should be wide open weekdays.
From Daytona to Palm Coast is a long slow ride, forgot how many hours, don't be in a rush..
PM with phone number coming.

Going outside you will be faster but covered in salt, also more rock and roll.
With ENE winds it should be better on the ICE even with the No Wake zones.
I would go inside..