I have copied the discussion below from the "T&T" (Trawlers and Trawlering) list. As you will see, it consists of a discussion of he merits of bypassing the Georgia portion of the ICW by going outside, versus the good qualities of the Georgia Waterway. It makes for interesting reading. All cruisers will have to draw their own conclusions based on their wants, expectations and draft requirements.

If your boat has the legs, wait for weather & go from Savannah, Ga to Gulfport, FL on the outside & avoid problems.. Just getting from Charleston to  Savannah,inside is getting to be an emotional experience.. especially now, that we will be getting into the winter tides. If U have never made the trip before, your not missing anything by avoiding Ga, unless U love sawgrass, mudflats & going east & west, as much as north & south.. We make the trip every year & every year it gets worse. Word to the wise……
Ken,
Tampa

We have to cast a vote in favor of the Georgia section of the ICW – we think it is beautiful, and it, along with the South Carolina low country, is not to be missed. There are some shallow areas, but anyone who has any qualms should read Wayne Flatt's post of earlier today. What he said applies to Georgia as well as the rest of the ICW.
The big advantage to going outside, IMHO, is that you can save some time if you are running a tight schedule (but how long are you going to wait for good weather); otherwise, don't miss Georgia!
Bob McLeran and Judy Young

If you commute regularly up and down the ICW, like Ken, I am sure Georgia is a real pain.  However, for first timers like Milly and me, the sawgrass marshes were worth every minute of our passage.
Seemingly endless and silent, abundant wildlife, like no place I have ever seen.  We draw 4.5 feet, so we watched the tides, anchored out every chance we got and enjoyed every bit of it.  To a newbie, such as me, I would say the Georgia ICW is a don't miss.  And, by the time you have successfully navigated Georgia, your skills and confidence will have been tested and improved.
Bob Salmons
Veronica
Willard 40 RPH