Taking your C-Dory to Bimini?

[gulfcoast john]

Taking your C-Dory to Bimini?

We don’t advocate it but we're always being asked about marinas with transient slips and rig storage for taking a C-Dory to the Bahamas during the summer or other good weather window.

Lake Park Harbor Marina on the AICW south of Boca Raton has that. It’s one mile north of the Lake Worth Inlet, which is a good one. (We crossed Jupiter Inlet yesterday…it’s a nightmare with a giant mid-channel dredge and bridge construction/destruction and raging current). Bimini is 62 SM from the marina. Lake Park Harbor Marina is the only municipal marina located in the Palm Beach County area that offers extended overnight trailer parking for boaters traveling to the Bahamas and back.





Ramp fee is $10. Overnight rig parking is $33/night (this is West Palm Beach, home of the $9 Bud Lite).



In our experience, off-site outdoor RV storage companies that are operated by mom and pop (as opposed to national chains) will often waive a 30-day departure notice if you discuss your plans with them in advance. Many will agree to wave the 30-day requirement then prorate a refund after you vacate, just as the move-in date is pro-rated. Many of these operations now are 100% online only with no human on site, but they will respond to email questions.

https://www.lakeparkflorida.gov/government/departments/lake-park-harbor-marina/dockage-rates

There is a lot of construction noise now from a massive condo project by this marina, but with the AC on we don’t hear it. Its stops at night.



If you choose to make this crossing, consult at least three different weather prediction sources. Never cross the Gulf Stream if there is ANY Northern wind component. A North wind against the Gulf Stream produces monster standing waves that makes the horizon look like a row of elephants. We love the Bahamas and Caribbean, but have no plans to tackle it on our boat when there is so much of the continent still to explore.

Safe Travels!

John