Intercoastal Cruise

[PromisesKept]

We took our first cruise down the Intercoastal(CUT) not the Dismal Swamp route last week. Also was the first time we had ever spent 8 days on a trip. From mile marker 0 - 70 to the Albemarle Sound I cruised at 10- 12 MPH the whole way because I thought it wasnt worth the trouble getting up on plane only to slow down every five minutes or so.My 3860 puts out a lot of wake even at that speed so I didnt want to swamp other boats. However tons of Big Boats headed for Fl would fly by up on plane and dam near capsize us.
Just wondering what speeds others who have made this trip down the Intercoastal run.
I would think if they were in that big of a hurry they would run down on the outside( Ocean) since it is much faster.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Adventure]

Ocean vs Inside: Ocean faster but boring, bumpier and absolutely nothing to see except trouble.
Inside slower but lots to see, lots to do and you get to come on and off plane every five minutes or better

Cure for inconsiderate boaters: None

But, 10 - 12 MPH in my 4260 is just about the most difficult speed to maintain as the wake is huge, the steering is weak, the tabls are mostly ineffective and the diesels simply aren't spooling. 16 MPH however is easy once you take it up to say, 20 MPH and let it come down so you can stay on plane. I travel areas where I want to make the least impact with my wake at around 22 MPH with the tabs either on automatic or full down to keep the bow down.

The 3860 is a planing hull and wants to get up on plane, it rides better, has better fuel economy and is much more responsive. Plus, and this is a big plus: When a oncoming boat seems me coming off plane it is a huge hint for them to come off plane so we can pass in a non tidal wave manner. If they see my bow pointing straight up I assume they would want a little power to go through that wake and to punish me for giving it too them.

But, I could be wrong on all counts and you may be at little more than idle speed at 10 - 12 MPH and folks simply like to wake you. For me that speed is just about a whale tail and dolphins like to play in it.

And, there are a lot of jerks out there. I had another cleat, 12", mounted with 8" lag bolts into the narrow end of a 2X10 pulled out this week by passing boat heading south. Figured him for another inconsiderate snowbird. Pulling them out like that doesn't do my dock a bit of good.

Mike