Bahama in 22 -23 C-Dory

L

Larry Patrick

New member
Wife asked if we could go to Bahamas in our boat. She would never do it ,just her curiosity was asking the question. Just saw Dr. Bobs post saying ,some C-Dorys have made the trip,was wondering if any were 22ft or 23 ft ,or were they 25ft Dorys? I wont ever be going ,just amazed that some have. Guess if you went with big boats that could rescue you if weather got too bad. Getting a good weather window and extra gas ,and all safety equipment along with fellow boaters could see some going. She vacationed once at Paradise Island and wants to go back someday. Wanting to ask this question for a while. Also wondered about Dry Tortugas ,guess same as this trip need planning for all scenarios.
 
A CD-22 or 23 to the Bahamas? Sure. C-Dorys are very seaworthy - taking that size boat to the Bahamas is more about the skipper than the boat. It is a few hours from the coast of Florida to Bimini at cruise speed on either of those boats - pick your weather window. Understand how the Gulfstream affects your trek east.

I think there is a resort in Bimini that promotes a "guided trip," escorting boats across.

Right now, Jay and Jo-Lee are exploring Alaska in their 22, along with Brent and Dixie in their TC255 TomCat. THAT trip is a lot more adventurous than crossing to the Bahamas. But, they plan, watch the weather... and are having the experience of a lifetime.

These boats can handle conditions way beyond what the people inside them can. Get some experience, build your confidence, and read all about how people use their boats in the "Grand Adventures" threads here.

Be sure to pack a spirit of adventure and a sense of humor on each trip - and these boats will take you as far as their range.

Jim
 
Yes, the trip to the Bahamas is more about weather windows. You have the Gulf Stream--about 2.5 knots, and if wind against the stream, it can get very rough. Folks take PWC, 21 foot open boats to the Bahamas all of the time. The best weather windows are going to be late spring/early summer. You don't want to go during a Norther--and there can be weeks when the passage would be difficult

As for "buddy boats". I would far rather have a well prepared boat with either twins, or a kicker, than rely on another boat. I have never been big on buddy boats--and have seen all too many of the "buddy boat" cruises go South, when one of the boats decided to "go on ahead". I can tell some stories about these indigents--not fatal outcomes, but far from comfortable! Many time ocean crossing vessels have difficult times with the wind against the Gulf Stream.

I would have no hesitation taking my 22 to the Bahamas, or the Dry Tortugas. (Actually the Tortugas are a bit more of a challenge because of the distance. (70 miles each way--round trip about 150 miles) vs Miami toe Bimini at 50 miles, plus fuel available. I would want air conditioning, or anchor out, with a good breeze and wind scoop, that time of the year. I have taken small sailboats to the Bahamas in June and July, with out AC-and did fine.
 
We've done both cruises and discovered that the cruise to the Bahamas is by far easier than the Dry Tortugas due to the fact that in the Bahamas you can resupply with water, fuel, ice, dive air, etc....Distance aside, you have zero facilities in the Dry Tortugas. Additionally, in the Tortugas all vessels are required to anchor within a mile of the fort, including commercial fishing boats(there is no marina or anywhere you can dock you boat). Cheap whiskey/cigarettes will give you something to barter with the commercial fishermen in the Tortugas but that will only be good for ice or fish since they use diesel fuel. The Bahamas in a Dory is very doable and extremely rewarding.

James
 
Really interesting to know how sea worthy a well prepared C-Dory is. The truth is wife said to me the other day,you said when we were getting the boat we could go to the Bahamas in it. I don't remember making that comment when we were considering getting the boat. Don't think she would go ,but she was reminding me that I said that. Now I have proof that others have done the trip. Alaska sounds beautiful also . Now my mind thinks of places we have been that now we can go in the boat. Such as Janes Island ,camped there,now want to return with boat. Also lake Erie, plus South Port where we bought first boat. You have Bald Head Island,Cape Fear river and ocean right there. Seems like endless ideas of trips
 
Unfortunately the Sea is a great reminder. There was a 19 foot SeaCraft, with two 14 year olds, apparently heading for the Bahamas on Friday. The boat was found overturned about 65 miles at sea off Daytona today (Sunday). There had been some heavy weather on late Friday/Saturday.
The two boys have not been found at this time. There is still hope for them.

The "lesson" here is check weather, and be sure that you have full safety gear aboard--including not only VHF radio, portable VHF and good life jackets, but also an EPRIB and/or PLB, when ever going off shore more than a few miles.

Our prayers are with the families of these boys.
 
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