All great points Chad. I really like.
Safe Seas being a major point. As it has been said before you can run into problems anywhere if you do not respect the seas. I understand totally about the weather coming up. That is one of the reason I would only do the Miami/Bimini (50+-) trip. That is a two hour run for me.
What are your credentials/experiences that give you credibility to advise the blue water boaters about safety in open seas from the inland mountains? Have you had your boat off shore with no land in sight? Just askin.