I think it is unlikely they crossed the ocean in a linear fashion. More likely they used the Japanese current and roughly followed the North American coast and then down into Central America.
Re: “I think it is unlikely they crossed the ocean in a linear fashion.”
I agree.
Even in modern times, open ocean adventures in small boats almost always encounter life threatening weather or seas.
And, once on land, their problems may have only just begun, not ended.
Hostile natives, disease, drought, sudden disappearance of fish or game - I mean, good luck trying to live off the land or the sea in a place you know NOTHING about.
Maori and Northwest Tlingit et al cultures share very similar totem poles, house architecture and use of feathers as well as many other features not in evidence anywhere else. Transoceanic travel and trade was much more widespread and much older than heretofore believed.
Good point.