On Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:42:50 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote:

On Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:01:45 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

Its roughly 68 miles from Key West to Dry Tortugas over shallow
water. About 20 miles out one can stop at the Marquesas. This might
be a good Tolman trip

It's safer than a Gulf Stream crossing. We did it last January and
got beat up a bit on the return trip - 25 kts out of the north with 6
to 7 foot beam seas most of the way. There is also a nice little
anchorage at Boca Grande Key east of the Marquesas. In the summer
time you still have thunderstorm risk but you have the option of
seeking shelter or beating a retreat. The longest open water passage
is about 30 nautical miles. You will be just about the smallest boat
out there, even the Cuban refugees use bigger.

There was a Carolina Skiff guy who did that trip - maybe multiple
times. Think he had a 20.' Flat water, and he was moving pretty
good. But he started on the mainland - Everglades City?

--Vic