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Bahamas Anyone?
- Thread starter C-Gypsy
- Start date
I explored the Exuma chain in 2000, didn't quite get to all the islands, but a good portion of them. I prefer to do that again rather than just hang around one island. I loved the island hopping, each was unique and interesting in its own way, great variety of people too. Exploring the islands that the tour boats don't get to, my cup of tea!
El and Bill
New member
Sounds interesting to us, also. Current thoughts were cruising NW in Spring/Summer but ... Bahamas ... Hmmm!
We're pretty much tied into the late February, early March time frame since we need our boat back on the St Lawrence in June. We'd love to have company in the Bahamas, but would wish the rest of you happy cruising if you go later in the year.
Patrick and Mary Fowles
25 foot C Dory Cosmic C
Currently moored at the Midway Marina, Fulton, MS
www.the-fowles.com
Patrick and Mary Fowles
25 foot C Dory Cosmic C
Currently moored at the Midway Marina, Fulton, MS
www.the-fowles.com
I have a basic question concerning this trip to the Bahamas but don't quite know how to ask it.......how much would it cost to do this trip? I know that there are a lot of variables that would come into play, but with the minimum amount of marina docking, restaurant eating, souvenir buying, what would the basics cost?......for the 30 days that has been mentioned in several of the threads?
I ask this because Cindy and I are not retired, but the plant where we both work is closing. We will both be out of a job for the first time in 20 something years. Because we are somewhat disillusioned with the business world because of the way the plant closure is being handled, I was thinking that this would be the chance to take some time off before we get back in the job force. We would be taking somewhat of a chance to do this, but it might be worth it.
Any quess-timates would be appreciated.
I ask this because Cindy and I are not retired, but the plant where we both work is closing. We will both be out of a job for the first time in 20 something years. Because we are somewhat disillusioned with the business world because of the way the plant closure is being handled, I was thinking that this would be the chance to take some time off before we get back in the job force. We would be taking somewhat of a chance to do this, but it might be worth it.
Any quess-timates would be appreciated.
Jim,
I have found that the shifts in the winds of life have lead to some of the most exciting and rewarding times. I voluntarily left a very lucrative medical practice and other investment opportunities to cruise for 4 years when I was in my early 40's--never regreated it a minute.
There is a $150 entry fee for the Bahamas. There may be a $25 Customs sticker fee on return (not sure about the size of the boat this is necessary on). The fuel will be considerably more expensive in the Bahamas. Right now it is $4 at the pump on the major Islands, service stations--figure a dollar a gallon more at the marine stations.
We always take our main staple with us--meats, canned and dry goods, but catch fish. There are some fresh fruits and vegies available at reasonable prices--just don't expect to always find "American" products at the same prices as at home.
We rarely eat out, or drink other than an occasional beer or rum drink--and often these are not much more than a bar in the US.
Water can be expensive. Since we have done a lot of small boat traveling with mininal water use, we figure a gallon of water a day per person--and that is being generous--we can do fine on half a gallon. We are adding a second water tank to give us a total of a little over 60 gallons which will do us for a month. I have heard of water for as cheap as 20 cents a gallon and as expensive as a dollar a gallon in the Islands.
It is scarce over there--there are also ways of making catchment systems, which we have used on our sailboats. We once made a 15 day racing passage, with 10 crew and only 50 gallons of water--had a little left over--but this means brushing teeth with salt water, salt water cooking, dish washing and showers. Most of our boats have a salt water pump in the galley, or a way of getting salt water to the galley.
Anchoring out negates the need for airconditioning or cooling-in fact the Northern Bahamas can be subject to the same Northers that Florida is subject to in the winter months.
Although no-one can give you the accurate accounting of what your costs will be, it need not be a lot more than cruisng the US, except for a bit more expensive fuel.
Incidently I don't believe that anyone has mentioned that Passports are now manditory as of Jan 1 for the Bahamas and Mexico--so get that Passport now. There is going to be a big rush at the end of the year.
Bob Austin
I have found that the shifts in the winds of life have lead to some of the most exciting and rewarding times. I voluntarily left a very lucrative medical practice and other investment opportunities to cruise for 4 years when I was in my early 40's--never regreated it a minute.
There is a $150 entry fee for the Bahamas. There may be a $25 Customs sticker fee on return (not sure about the size of the boat this is necessary on). The fuel will be considerably more expensive in the Bahamas. Right now it is $4 at the pump on the major Islands, service stations--figure a dollar a gallon more at the marine stations.
We always take our main staple with us--meats, canned and dry goods, but catch fish. There are some fresh fruits and vegies available at reasonable prices--just don't expect to always find "American" products at the same prices as at home.
We rarely eat out, or drink other than an occasional beer or rum drink--and often these are not much more than a bar in the US.
Water can be expensive. Since we have done a lot of small boat traveling with mininal water use, we figure a gallon of water a day per person--and that is being generous--we can do fine on half a gallon. We are adding a second water tank to give us a total of a little over 60 gallons which will do us for a month. I have heard of water for as cheap as 20 cents a gallon and as expensive as a dollar a gallon in the Islands.
It is scarce over there--there are also ways of making catchment systems, which we have used on our sailboats. We once made a 15 day racing passage, with 10 crew and only 50 gallons of water--had a little left over--but this means brushing teeth with salt water, salt water cooking, dish washing and showers. Most of our boats have a salt water pump in the galley, or a way of getting salt water to the galley.
Anchoring out negates the need for airconditioning or cooling-in fact the Northern Bahamas can be subject to the same Northers that Florida is subject to in the winter months.
Although no-one can give you the accurate accounting of what your costs will be, it need not be a lot more than cruisng the US, except for a bit more expensive fuel.
Incidently I don't believe that anyone has mentioned that Passports are now manditory as of Jan 1 for the Bahamas and Mexico--so get that Passport now. There is going to be a big rush at the end of the year.
Bob Austin
For sure want to do this. Sherryl has expresed interest too, but her 1st year in a new job...and right now she is saying 1st week in March or 2nd week in May..... or....I might just be forced to go more than once... as to take her somewhere I have been before....or...simply to meet more C-Dory folks. I need to re-check the Captains course dates at Green Turtle in March also. I plan to make that for sure.
Let's keep this thread going...
Let's keep this thread going...
I found this site that might be helpful when trying to decide when to cross the Gulf Stream.
http://www.pdfamily.com/weather/buoy/FLbuoy.php
http://www.pdfamily.com/weather/buoy/FLbuoy.php
We have given some thought to making the Bahamas trip. We want to cruise in Florida during Jan. and Feb. Maybe stay around longer into the spring, if a group crossing can be organized.
Any other C-Brats going to be in Florida during Jan/Feb? We welcome any other cruisers who can make it.
Any other C-Brats going to be in Florida during Jan/Feb? We welcome any other cruisers who can make it.
fiddlersgreen6
New member
Hi All--- Count me in, the sooner the better. Anytime after Thanksgiving is fine with me.----Rich on Don Quixote, still chasing rainbows and fighting windmills---
Rich – do you plan to make the trip in your 16-foot cruiser? If so, how much gas are you taking with you and what other equipment? Will you be able to make that long of a trip without overloading the boat?
I make some extended cruises with my 16 foot but find keeping the boat within 125% of its maximum capacity to be a problem.
I make some extended cruises with my 16 foot but find keeping the boat within 125% of its maximum capacity to be a problem.
Almas Only
New member
Glad to see this topic is again active. I’ve been waiting on the sidelines so that a few more of those interested can obtain their own copies of Skipper Bob’s publications, or other resources, and we can agree on some basics, and begin a little more detailed planning. The first “basic” is whether we do the Abacos, as the Skipper recommends, or the Exumas.
I don’t have the benefit of personal experience, and am doing my initial planning from limited sources: Skipper Bob’s Bahamas Bound, and Garmin’s Bluecharts on the computer. As with any activity, our planning will eventually be heavily influenced by how much time and gas we are willing to devote. That will probably sort itself out over the Winter. However, for now, here are my observations. I’d welcome some detailed comment from those who have actually done one or both of these routes, particularly in C-Dory type boats, and am most concerned with practicalities such as exposed crossings, anchorages, etc.
Both the Abocos and Exumas involve a Gulf Stream crossing (63 miles v. 55 miles, respectively). The mileage differential is not significant. What seems to differentiate the two is the first landfall, and, more importantly, your options after landfall.
First, the options: with the Abocos, you can proceed along the north or south side of the Grand Bahamas Island, with various stops along the way. Ultimately, we could reach, and explore, the Abocos chain, to the east. Our return could be along the side of the Grand Bahamas Island opposite the one we did initially. If weather or other factors forced us to cut the trip short, we could at least do the loop of the Grand Bahamas Island.
With the Exumas, we have another 75 miles of open water between our initial landfall, and the Exumas chain, with nothing in between. This additional crossing might be of little concern if we have unlimited time, and are on sailboats which do not consume gas. Since we won’t have unlimited time, and will be burning gas, I have real reservations about getting into a situation where we are crossing 130 miles of open water each way, and far more likely to be forced to spend the entire trip at our initial landfall, waiting for more weather windows.
As for the initial landfall. If we do the Exumas, we’re heading for Bimini, Cat or Gun Cay. If the Abacos, it’s West End.
Once we clear customs, neither Bimini, Cat, nor nearby Gun Cay appear to be places we would want to consider final destinations. Although there are one or more marinas on Bimini and Cat, the anchorages and harbors appear to be less than marginal.
Without doing too much damage to Skipper Bob’s copyright, here’s the anchorage/harbor classification he used, bearing in mind that he cruises on a fairly substantial trawler:
Class A: a very narrow entrance, very little tidal current flow, well protected from all wind directions, and calm in almost every wind direction.
Class B: open to one direction (less than 60 degrees), but not to the ocean, provides protection in all wind directions except one, little tidal flow, uncomfortable in the strong winds from the wrong direction.
Class C: open in two or more directions (less than 120 degrees), but not the ocean side, little current flow, uncomfortable in strong winds from several directions.
Class D: open in two or more directions (less than 120 degrees), but not the ocean side, substantial tidal current flow, very uncomfortable in strong winds opposing currents within the harbor.
Class E: open in two or more directions (less than 120 degrees), and one side leads to the open ocean, substantial current flow, very uncomfortable in strong winds from one direction and may be untenable in strong winds from the ocean side.
Class F: protected only on one side, exposed more than 240 degrees, little tidal current, only comfortable in winds from one quadrant, very uncomfortable in shifting winds.
Class G: open in all directions (such as anchoring on the banks), provides protection from very large waves by virtue of its shallow depth, very uncomfortable in any strong wind.
With this system, the Skipper rates the Bimini and Guy Cay harbors at D and F, respectively. Bimini has 5 marinas, a “fair” anchorage, and 4 mooring balls. I take this to mean that if our weather window closes in on us at Bimini, Gun or Cat, we are looking at hunkering down for an uncomfortable time.
With the Abacos, the initial landfall of West End would put us in a Class A harbor, with a marina, but without anchorage or mooring balls. I’m not thrilled about the prospect of no anchorage, but less thrilled about being in a class D or F harbor if the weather turns crummy.
From West End, it’s about 20 miles to Port Lucaya, another Class A harbor with two marinas, an anchorage, canal walls, and a facilities for any necessary work on boats and motors. You can take the canal to the north side, or continue east, along the south side of the Grand Bahamas Island.
So, how about a little analysis from others?
I don’t have the benefit of personal experience, and am doing my initial planning from limited sources: Skipper Bob’s Bahamas Bound, and Garmin’s Bluecharts on the computer. As with any activity, our planning will eventually be heavily influenced by how much time and gas we are willing to devote. That will probably sort itself out over the Winter. However, for now, here are my observations. I’d welcome some detailed comment from those who have actually done one or both of these routes, particularly in C-Dory type boats, and am most concerned with practicalities such as exposed crossings, anchorages, etc.
Both the Abocos and Exumas involve a Gulf Stream crossing (63 miles v. 55 miles, respectively). The mileage differential is not significant. What seems to differentiate the two is the first landfall, and, more importantly, your options after landfall.
First, the options: with the Abocos, you can proceed along the north or south side of the Grand Bahamas Island, with various stops along the way. Ultimately, we could reach, and explore, the Abocos chain, to the east. Our return could be along the side of the Grand Bahamas Island opposite the one we did initially. If weather or other factors forced us to cut the trip short, we could at least do the loop of the Grand Bahamas Island.
With the Exumas, we have another 75 miles of open water between our initial landfall, and the Exumas chain, with nothing in between. This additional crossing might be of little concern if we have unlimited time, and are on sailboats which do not consume gas. Since we won’t have unlimited time, and will be burning gas, I have real reservations about getting into a situation where we are crossing 130 miles of open water each way, and far more likely to be forced to spend the entire trip at our initial landfall, waiting for more weather windows.
As for the initial landfall. If we do the Exumas, we’re heading for Bimini, Cat or Gun Cay. If the Abacos, it’s West End.
Once we clear customs, neither Bimini, Cat, nor nearby Gun Cay appear to be places we would want to consider final destinations. Although there are one or more marinas on Bimini and Cat, the anchorages and harbors appear to be less than marginal.
Without doing too much damage to Skipper Bob’s copyright, here’s the anchorage/harbor classification he used, bearing in mind that he cruises on a fairly substantial trawler:
Class A: a very narrow entrance, very little tidal current flow, well protected from all wind directions, and calm in almost every wind direction.
Class B: open to one direction (less than 60 degrees), but not to the ocean, provides protection in all wind directions except one, little tidal flow, uncomfortable in the strong winds from the wrong direction.
Class C: open in two or more directions (less than 120 degrees), but not the ocean side, little current flow, uncomfortable in strong winds from several directions.
Class D: open in two or more directions (less than 120 degrees), but not the ocean side, substantial tidal current flow, very uncomfortable in strong winds opposing currents within the harbor.
Class E: open in two or more directions (less than 120 degrees), and one side leads to the open ocean, substantial current flow, very uncomfortable in strong winds from one direction and may be untenable in strong winds from the ocean side.
Class F: protected only on one side, exposed more than 240 degrees, little tidal current, only comfortable in winds from one quadrant, very uncomfortable in shifting winds.
Class G: open in all directions (such as anchoring on the banks), provides protection from very large waves by virtue of its shallow depth, very uncomfortable in any strong wind.
With this system, the Skipper rates the Bimini and Guy Cay harbors at D and F, respectively. Bimini has 5 marinas, a “fair” anchorage, and 4 mooring balls. I take this to mean that if our weather window closes in on us at Bimini, Gun or Cat, we are looking at hunkering down for an uncomfortable time.
With the Abacos, the initial landfall of West End would put us in a Class A harbor, with a marina, but without anchorage or mooring balls. I’m not thrilled about the prospect of no anchorage, but less thrilled about being in a class D or F harbor if the weather turns crummy.
From West End, it’s about 20 miles to Port Lucaya, another Class A harbor with two marinas, an anchorage, canal walls, and a facilities for any necessary work on boats and motors. You can take the canal to the north side, or continue east, along the south side of the Grand Bahamas Island.
So, how about a little analysis from others?
Alma's Only-
Being on the West Coast, I can't make this cruise, but can't resist a comment or two.
Concerning the two island groups, there really isn't any choice to be made from the way you've outlined their virtues.
Having said that, however, I'm wondering weather some people could really enjoy a cruise like this if they'd be on edge all the time worried about the weather situation. Certainly this cruise isn't for everyone!
And maybe some folks enjoy the risk taking and are daredevils at heart!
Good Luck!!!
Joe.
Being on the West Coast, I can't make this cruise, but can't resist a comment or two.
Concerning the two island groups, there really isn't any choice to be made from the way you've outlined their virtues.
Having said that, however, I'm wondering weather some people could really enjoy a cruise like this if they'd be on edge all the time worried about the weather situation. Certainly this cruise isn't for everyone!
And maybe some folks enjoy the risk taking and are daredevils at heart!
Good Luck!!!
Joe.
http://www.wadespage.com/B800DS02RF01.shtml
Here is a website that I found that gives a lot of interesting info and does not seem too scarey.
Here is a website that I found that gives a lot of interesting info and does not seem too scarey.
Hi C-Brats,
The Hunky Dory will be leaving for Florida right after the first of the year. Plan is to cruise the keys and maybe the St. Johns river. Made a deal with my wife.....We won't go to the Bahamas alone. Reason ......She does not like to set in the boat when I go snorkeling. She thinks if I get eaten by a shark, what is she going to do? The best times we have ever had was when we had company. the ladies could visit while the men put meat on the table. Like fish, conch, Lobster and sweet clams. If timing works out with other C-Dorys we could and would change our mind.
You probably ( like us ) the 1st time we went to the Abacos we were a little apprehensive. You study the charts and you see the " Center of the Word Rock", "Don't rock", and you hear so many storys about crossing the stream. We have been across over a dozen times. I have crossed over to Bimini. And have cruised the full length of the Bahamas from Walkers Cay to Great Inagua, Well I can spell Mathew Town. The C-Dory has been less strain of all. Least amount of fuel cost, very little slip rent. You can tie up to the dink dock at West End for nothing, but we always preferred to anchor out. . Remember we are only 22 or so ft long and slip rent is by the ft. In Marsh Harbour you can stay for ten dollars a night , get your clothes washed and have a nice dinner out at the same time. You can anchor right around the point it sheltered water at the W.End. You can run the bow up on the beach and sleep like a baby. Their are lots of hurricane holes in the Abacos, not so many in the Exumas. If you like or don't like beer, take some along anyway, It makes good trading stock. Beer is really expensive over there.
I would not go around Grand Bahamas island. If you go around from the West End to Little Harbour. ( Nice anchorage at Petes Pub. ) And go back the same way but stop at islands on the other side of the banks than what you came down. It is totaly safe cruising the banks. So don't worry about anything. Relax and enjoy. We have never been interest in taking the boat into Freeport or Lucaya. Thats where all the tourists go. If you like gambling I guess you might enjoy it. They have a bus that leaves from the West End that will take you there for a modest fee. Much cheaper than buying gas.
One think you need for sure is good positioning in the Bahamas. GPS for the money is the best. If you must steer a course, pay close attention to the compass. All the islands look the same after about two miles. I have used chart plotters for years and just replaced my old Ipac for a Ique M-4 Garmin.
I will be watching This threat for sure.
Captd
The Hunky Dory will be leaving for Florida right after the first of the year. Plan is to cruise the keys and maybe the St. Johns river. Made a deal with my wife.....We won't go to the Bahamas alone. Reason ......She does not like to set in the boat when I go snorkeling. She thinks if I get eaten by a shark, what is she going to do? The best times we have ever had was when we had company. the ladies could visit while the men put meat on the table. Like fish, conch, Lobster and sweet clams. If timing works out with other C-Dorys we could and would change our mind.
You probably ( like us ) the 1st time we went to the Abacos we were a little apprehensive. You study the charts and you see the " Center of the Word Rock", "Don't rock", and you hear so many storys about crossing the stream. We have been across over a dozen times. I have crossed over to Bimini. And have cruised the full length of the Bahamas from Walkers Cay to Great Inagua, Well I can spell Mathew Town. The C-Dory has been less strain of all. Least amount of fuel cost, very little slip rent. You can tie up to the dink dock at West End for nothing, but we always preferred to anchor out. . Remember we are only 22 or so ft long and slip rent is by the ft. In Marsh Harbour you can stay for ten dollars a night , get your clothes washed and have a nice dinner out at the same time. You can anchor right around the point it sheltered water at the W.End. You can run the bow up on the beach and sleep like a baby. Their are lots of hurricane holes in the Abacos, not so many in the Exumas. If you like or don't like beer, take some along anyway, It makes good trading stock. Beer is really expensive over there.
I would not go around Grand Bahamas island. If you go around from the West End to Little Harbour. ( Nice anchorage at Petes Pub. ) And go back the same way but stop at islands on the other side of the banks than what you came down. It is totaly safe cruising the banks. So don't worry about anything. Relax and enjoy. We have never been interest in taking the boat into Freeport or Lucaya. Thats where all the tourists go. If you like gambling I guess you might enjoy it. They have a bus that leaves from the West End that will take you there for a modest fee. Much cheaper than buying gas.
One think you need for sure is good positioning in the Bahamas. GPS for the money is the best. If you must steer a course, pay close attention to the compass. All the islands look the same after about two miles. I have used chart plotters for years and just replaced my old Ipac for a Ique M-4 Garmin.
I will be watching This threat for sure.
Captd
fiddlersgreen6
New member
Hi Old Growth---- to my thinking the best crossing and easiest is probably from Key Largo to Bimini, (Miami to Bimini is approx. 45 miles), by going a little furthur south you do get some advantage with the Gulf Stream from this angle.As far as fuel goes I have three tanks in the stern and I have an additional gas tank that fits in the bow.
The biggest problem is going to be the Northerners that occassionally tend to blow thru the area. ----Rich
The biggest problem is going to be the Northerners that occassionally tend to blow thru the area. ----Rich