A friend of mine just purchased a Carver 502 (2001) and wants to take
if from St. Pete's Florida to Clearwater near Houston Texas.

There will be three of us on the boat with plenty of boating skills
although we are all inland boaters and have minimal experience on the
ocean. I am wondering if it is wise for us to take on this journey
with our experience levels.

The boat is loaded with navigation equipment and we will be obtaining
the charts for the gulf. I would love to hear some recommendations.

A good friend of mine is a captain and has lots of experience with
piloting boats on the ocean and the gulf. The owner of the boat did
not really want to hire a captain if not completely necessary. This
journey will take place sometime in the latter part of January to
February.

I look forward to your responses.