Gasparilla 2018

[ThatJeepGuy]

Anyone planning to go this year? My crew and I are planning to launch from Ft Desoto and head over. Anything to worry about besides a bunch of drunks and stong law enforcement?

 

[Andy S]

I'm interested in coming down with my boat, still working out the logistics. I have family in Clearwater and that is where I would be staying. Also, if I make it I was planning on launching from Courtney Campbell Causeway ramp (Hwy 60). This would be my first time boating in the Gasparilla Invasion. @tim h went last year, he should have some insight.

 

[tim h]

If you want to get near the Big Pirate ship be VERY CAUTIOUS, the water is very turbulent when you have all those boats just a few feet away from each other. You really have to watch out. Not just where you are going but who is about to ram you ! From any and all directions.
It is a true test of your nerves !

 

[Drift Away]

Sounds like a good time. Might need to check that out this year. @tim h you heading down to it?

 

[veedubtek]

My advice - ride with @tim h . LOL. It was nerve wracking as hell just being a passenger.

 

[tim h]

I am not sure if i'm going yet...

 

[Andy S]

I'm out, to many people scheduling my weekends for me.

 

[ScarabJoe]

The wife and I will be launching from Gandy and heading to the flotilla. It's our first time in our own boat (Scarab 255). We're bringing 4 additional passengers to help fend off other boats.

 

[Hannibal]

Hillsborough County Sheriff says fending off other boats while others fend off yours is the biggest challenge. I've been in Clearwater Pass on a busy weekend that was bad enough with the turbulent water making boats waller around. Y'all stay safe and have a blast!

 

[veedubtek]

People will be passing by, literally inches away, for quite a long period. It's scary, lol. Take a beater boat, or just stay way back. I'm not sure I'd ever do it in mine, but I'd do it in Tim's again!

 

[ThatJeepGuy]

Not what I wanted to hear guys... we're still going but I'm planning to keep my distance for most of this nonsense.

 

[DieselCamel]

People will be passing by, literally inches away, for quite a long period. It's scary, lol. Take a beater boat, or just stay way back. I'm not sure I'd ever do it in mine, but I'd do it in Tim's again!

This ,No way in my boat. @tim h has nerves of steel for navigating that last year.

 

[veedubtek]

In all fairness, I don't recall anyone ever hitting us. It was just the fear that they were going to mostly. But, Tim is also a badass, so maybe his reflexes were just that good that he avoided em all.

Dirk says he won't do it in his boat, but I'll be with him next weekend. We'll see what he says after a couple cases of beer. See if we can't test the hull on that worldcat.

 

[Adrian @ JB Solutions]

Never been on water, but have been told don't bother with any boats less than 30 feet, and it is an absolute shit show with drunken people and amateur boat drivers. Add in a 15 mph wind - I think you would be foolish to go.

If you do go and launch from Pinellas - there is a great hidden boat ramp with a floating dock at 38th ave and like 1st st. Go through a nice inter-coastal like area and come out just north of downtown st.pete in the bay.... a VERY easy shot to Channelside area.

 

[Drift Away]

Never been on water, but have been told don't bother with any boats less than 30 feet, and it is an absolute shit show with drunken people and amateur boat drivers. Add in a 15 mph wind - I think you would be foolish to go.

If you do go and launch from Pinellas - there is a great hidden boat ramp with a floating dock at 38th ave and like 1st st. Go through a nice inter-coastal like area and come out just north of downtown st.pete in the bay.... a VERY easy shot to Channelside area.

I was thinking abiut going but after a few youtube videos i changed my mind. Way to many drunk boaters out there for my taste and way to many rentals who dont give a shit. Ill keep my ass up north around Anclote this weekend.

 

[Floyd]

I'll be going out on a friend's 65' SeaRay. We plan to tag along with the invasion fleet, but not enter the channel-of-doom. Winds are supposed to be 10-20....not fun in a crowd.

 

[tim h]

Nice !
Good luck and have fun !

 

[Drift Away]

Withe winds the way they are looking we are heading to the islands. You coming out tomorrow @tim h