LS2000 and Inter Coastal waterways, Gulf Shores

[rxr2000]

Just rented a wet slip at Fort Morgan Marina and getting an Airbnb about a mile from there, while we have been there several times, never boated there or in the ocean. Taking all advice, boat readiness to what to avoid and keep a family of 4 safe and the 4 yr old mutt.

Mechanical condition of the boat, is decent, say 7/10, on oil pump, oil lines good, new filters, plugs and rebuilt carbs, cranks and holds a good 50 on the lake. Clean out plugs are fine. Thinking about adding some additional lights and larger bilge pump this week, before the trip.

ICW and LS or LX experiences I can use, so I am not learning it the hard way. Thanks in advance.

On safety have a Ham Radio, led distress signal and offshore life jackets.

 

[Babin Farms]

If you stay in the ICW you should be fine. Bon Secour & Mobile bays might be a little rough if it’s windy. I’d recommend a VHF radio in case you get in trouble. If you plan on going out in the gulf you need to keep an eye on conditions closely.

 

[Exciter 220]

We've taken our Exciter on the ICW about a dozen times. We go to South Padre Island, TX, which is obviously some distance from you. It's usually smooth in the morning, rough in the afternoon. In fact, on our last outing we were getting pounded and drenched, so we turned around after 5 miles and went back to shore. I typically won't take it out when the wind is forecast to get above 15 MPH.

We have taken it out in the Gulf a couple of times when it was so smooth that waves weren't even breaking on the shoreline. We went 18 miles out to some drilling rigs, keeping an eye on the weather and waves the entire time. There were swells, but it wasn't bad. That's not to say that it was relaxing by any stretch of the imagination.

We've been taking JetSkis there for about 20 years. We decided that if we wanted to continue taking a boat there that it needs to be a bigger one with a deeper V-hull. I found a good deal on a LS 2000, but then I got thinking that it was only 3 feet longer than the Exciter and the hull was still pretty flat. Decided not to go that route and ended up with an SR 230.

We haven't had the 230 on the water yet, so I can't give a report. However, I have seen some Yamaha 240 series boats there in the past and they seem to handle it pretty well.

 

[rxr2000]

@Exciter 220 and @Babin Farms appreciate the responses. Will keep you posted

 

[rxr2000]

Generally played in the Bon Secure Bay yesterday and Fort Morgan Marina, this was quieter than Lake Lanier in Ga. Overall a good fun day and the family loved it.

Today's plan was Petit bois and Mississippi Sound, staring at 25mph gusts and leaving this message, so no boating day.

Fort Morgan wet slip is about 2 a foot a day, so the LS was about $40 a day. We wanted to explore other areas so skipped that option. Beautiful and quiet Marina.

I have Spot device, a VH1, Garmin vivid 9sv, and Navionics app for tech and support. 12 to 1.5 ft general depth range yesterday.

Tide : 0.5 to 1.5 , 7 secs freq, 74 water Temp. wind 6mph

 

[Exciter 220]

Spot X is good to have.

Did you see any dolphins?

 

[Babin Farms]

12 to 1.5 ft general depth range yesterday.

Tide : 0.5 to 1.5 , 7 secs freq, 74 water Temp. wind 6mph

Mobile & Bon Secour bays are not deep at all. We cruised to Robertson island over by Fort Pickens yesterday. A little windy but overall a great day.

 

[rxr2000]

@Babin Farms , did not know you were in the area, today we plan to run the icw in the am, Canal Park boat ramp and post lunch attempt Pelican Island. Robertson is in the plan for Tuesday., if you are around would love to meet.

@Exciter 220 , I am a motorcycle rider, so Spot comes from that. yes we saw one dolphin hunting fish with 2 pelicans , at about 2ft depth, fun fun!

 

[rxr2000]

Good fun trip, stayed mostly in the bay, got up to Peridido pass on Wednesday am and watched for an hour and was overwhelming to attempt to send it. LS behaved well , ready for some crossing a pass lesson.