4/2/01 - Boating on the Caloosahatchee!

As you may know, after a lot of research on the different types of boats available, we decided on a 23' Sea Ray 230 Bow Rider. We test drove a couple different sizes, and this size seemed to handle the inner-island waves (which on a windy day, are 2' to 3') just fine.

Here are some interesting hints & tips we have learned in regard to boating:

  • In 1 to 2 foot waves, there is a huge difference in ride on the following lengths: 19', 21' and 23'. The longer the boat - the better and more stable the ride.

  • If you plan on doing a lot of Gulf of Mexico boating (which we do not), then you should consider a boat of 28' or longer, as on a moderately windy day (10 to 20 mph) the waves in the Gulf are 3 to 6 feet.
    On the flip side, inner-island boating in the same wind produces waves from 1 to 3 feet.

  • Sea Ray, and many other boating companies, consider salt water boating 'severe' in terms of the potential damage to the parts that make up a boat (engine, hull, cleats, snaps, stainless steel bars, etc). After talking with many salt-water boaters, here are some hints and tips for salt-water boat owners:

    1) After every boating trip, wipe down the stainless steel rods, windshield and any other exposed steel parts with a damp (fresh water) towel. If possible, also hose down the exterior of your boat.

    2) Keep your boat (specifically, the exposed prop & engine) out of the salt water when you are not using your boat. Not only will the salt water eat away at your engine, but after a few days barnacles will grow on the hull & engine decreasing the performance of your boat.

    3) If you are not planning on using your boat for more than a two week period, fresh water flush your engine(s). This process is done with your boat out of the water. According to Captain Jerry at the local Sea Ray dealer, it is important to get your boat engine's temperature up to normal operating temp during this process (this means running the engine for 15 minutes or so).
    If you do it right after being on the water - he recommends 5 minutes.

    4) Religiously follow the manufacturer's recommendations on servicing your boat.


    • The weather today was 83', clear and 10 mph winds out of the south-east.
    On our trip today, we went up to our house on the Caloosahatchee River, and then out to Sanibel Island.

    That's all for now! Enjoy the pictures!

    A view out into the Caloosahatchee River!
    Captain Tara Beth at the wheel!
    Ah, complete comfort for you in the bow - come on down and enjoy!
     

    Howdy!
    Here's the Cape Coral bridge, with a boat coming our way (left), and a boat and a PWC (Personal Water Craft) on the right.
    A close-up of the bridge!
     

    Another view of the Captain, moving along at about 30 mph.
    A view of the wake pattern generated at about 30 mph.
    Our home - straight ahead (to left of the big white blob).
     

    Directly above Tara Beth's pinky (to the left of the white house) is our place.
    Our place is on the very left, here's a view of the other houses on our road, also, notice the pilings in the water. It's very important to stay between those as the water is very shallow.
    A closer view of the previous picture.
     

    Here's a view up close...
    ...and from a distance.
    Tara's favorite tree!
     
     

    We drove down to one of the communities on the water (this one is called Gulf Harbour), on our way out we snapped a couple of photos.
    A view into the marina at Gulf Harbour.
    A view to the west.
     

    A view of the channel markers.
    A view of the Cape Coral bridge.
    In the background are mangroves, on the channel marker is a friendly bird. :)
     
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