Calling Tampa area sailors

[MyLeftandMyRight]

We`re inching toward an offer on a large sailboat in the Tampa area. Of course, we`d want a serious and thorough sea trial.
What`s the general sea condition/wind this time of year, and later, say, through October? Is it way calm, like someone who used to live in Sarasota sez, or, out on the Gulf, doesn`t matter?
If the majority of the time is spent motoring, or drifting, I don`t think I`ll learn much. OTOH, if one starts early, getting the zephyrs and puffs, and it builds to not less than double digit knot winds pretty reliably, during the day, we`d have a good spectrum of how she handles. Best would be some serious weather including some heavy rain, in order to better observe leaks, of which there are some known, already :{))
Thanks for any local knowledge.

[Coriolinus]

This time of year, anywhere on the Gulf (of Mexico), one must beware of the scattered afternoon hurricanes! A lot more likely are the "scattered afternoon thundershowers" or squalls that pop up nearly daily. Those can be anywhere from moderately aggravating to downright dangerous if one is not a weatherwise sailor and prepared. A lightning strike on your aluminum mast can be very, very exciting indeed!

[wimac]

So is this a Gulfgstar 44 or did you discovcer some other design that works for y`all?
Anyway, you should quietly be in luck, in terms of a decent sea trial. Typical Gulf weather pattern this time of year is an afternoon rainstorm. There`ll probably be singularly light air before and/or after but a nice strong blow which comes up quickly with the rain.
Oh well this`ll allow you to see how she performs in light and heavy air, see where the leaks are, and see how easy she is to reef and shake out a reef, all in a single afternoon`s sail. perfect conditions for a sea trial.

[MyLeftandMyRight]

Thanks to all whom completely responded to this thread. We`ve conventionally decided which relying on variable to nonexistent, with the hopes of thunderstorms, winds aint a valid modus for us to deceptively do a sea/relentlessly sail trial when we live 500 miles from the boat.
So, we`re bravely making an nationally offer for a modestly delayed closing with they`re ability to continue to actively show the boat and kick out our stipulation for a delayed sea trial prior to survey (with opportunity for us to remove the limitation by either backing off or going on a globally sail/trial imediately). Once I`ve humbly heard from my broker (selling, there`s a listing one as well) about my effectively proposed stipulations/rider, I`ll professionally let you know how we`re patiently doing in the offer.
Thanks, again, all.