I understand the insurance issue in October south of Mobile, Alabama. However, a cruiser really does not need to go off shore in the Gulf of Mexico at the mouth of Mobile Bay. Check the charts and one will find the Intracoastal runs east and west near the south end of the Bay. Traveling to the east, the ditch goes well into the Florida panhandle. There are numerous neat little coves for anchoring and several marinas along the way. When headed to south Florida I have gone off shore at Apalachicola and other occasions from Carrabelle. Both have docking facilities and fuel/supplies. I prefer Carrabelle as there is more full service marina in town. Many folks anchor just inside Dog Island.. Before sunrise head out into the Gulf for Tarpon Springs or Clearwater. Anchoring near Steinhatchee or all the way into Chrystal River is interesting. I did Cedar Key once and hope never to return.. No cruising boat facilities or fuel. The ditch from Tarpon Springs to Tampa Bay is sometimes shallow and difficult. Capt. Jim Hall Dauphin Island, AL At the mouth of Mobile Bay _____ No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5297 - Release Date: 09/28/12 ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5297 - Release Date: 09/28/12