Bahamas Anyone?

I've done a little more detailed route planning, and furnished waypoints and routes per email, upon request. They're available for the asking.

Here's a first draft cruise plan, which goes clockwise, from Lake Worth, Fl to Cherokee. The return counterclockwise leg will be basically similar, taking a more southerly route which would cut off the Walkers Cay portion. Once the return is laid out, some of the stops will be assigned to one leg, or the other, and this will result in a lengthening of the miles covered on a few of the cruise days, and corresponding shortening of the overall number of days.

The route itself, and the corresponding number of cruise days, could be shortened considerably in advance, or based on conditions encountered, but this should serve as a starting point for discussion and use by others.

As noted, this shows cruise days only, without allowance for factors such as weather, rest stops, mechanical problems, or just plain loitering. I prefer to handle those separately, and add the total allowance to the total round trip cruise days, to get an estimate of the total time we should plan on being gone.

Although not reflected on the plan, there appear to be no shortage of airstrips for crew changes. Basically, you'd reserve a scheduled flight to or from any of several locations in the Bahamas, and then take an airtaxi to link up with the boats.

The more I plan on this trip, the better it looks. Anyone else fee the tug?

david

CRUISE OUTLINE
BAHAMAS 2007/ALMA’S ONLY
PREPARED 12/05/06, REVISED:
ADDITIONS TO BE MADE FOR WEATHER, REST, CREW CHANGES, OTHER LIKE FACTORS. ALL MILEAGES IN STATUTE, FUEL CONSUMPTION AT 4 MPG, ROUNDED UP TO NEAREST GALLON.

CRUISING DAY: 01
BEGIN:
LAKE WORTH, FL
WAYPOINT: LWOMK
N26 46.340 W80 00.490
END:
WEST END
WAYPOINT: OLDBAH
N26 42.256 W78 59.818
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 63
FROM BEGINNING: 63
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 16

CRUISING DAY: 02
BEGIN:
WEST END
WAYPOINT: OLDBAH
N26 42.256 W78 59.818
END:
WALKERS CAY
WAYPOINT: DEPTH1
N27 15.426 W78 23.750
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 56
FROM BEGINNING: 119
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 14

CRUISING DAY: 03
BEGIN:
WALKERS CAY
WAYPOINT: DEPTH1
N27 15.426 W78 23.750
END:
GRAND CAYS
WAYPOINT: DEPTH 3
N27 13.168 W78 19.380
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 8
FROM BEGINNING: 127
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 2

CRUISING DAY: 04
BEGIN:
GRAND CAYS
WAYPOINT: DEPTH 3
N27 13.168 W78 19.380
END:
STRANGERS CAY
WAYPOINT: 9.8FTD
N27 07.657 W78 06.381
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 28
FROM BEGINNING: 155
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 7

CRUISING DAY: 05
BEGIN:
STRANGERS CAY
WAYPOINT: 9.8FTD
N27 07.657 W78 06.381
END:
FOX TOWN
WAYPOINT: 1.6FT
N26 55.230 W77 47.380
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 37
FROM BEGINNING: 192
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 10

CRUISING DAY: 06
BEGIN:
FOX TOWN
WAYPOINT: 1.6FT
N26 55.230 W77 47.380
END:
ALLANS-PENSACOLA
WAYPOINT: CHAR12
N26 59.249 W77 41.098
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 19
FROM BEGINNING: 211
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 5

CRUISING DAY: 07
BEGIN:
ALLANS-PENSACOLA
WAYPOINT: CHAR12
N26 59.249 W77 41.098
END:
SPANISH CAY
WAYPOINT: RECO71
N26 56.365 W77 31.770
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 16
FROM BEGINNING: 227
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 4

CRUISING DAY: 08
BEGIN:
SPANISH CAY
WAYPOINT: RECO71
N26 56.365 W77 31.770
END:
GREEN TURTLE CAY
WAYPOINT: 6.6F34
N26 45.628 W77 19.829
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 35
FROM BEGINNING: 262
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 9


CRUISING DAY: 09
BEGIN:
GREEN TURTLE CAY
WAYPOINT: 6.6F34
N26 45.628 W77 19.829
END:
GUANA CAY
WAYPOINT 9.8F10
N26 39.884 W77 06.721
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 25
FROM BEGINNING: 287
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 7

CRUISING DAY: 10
BEGIN:
GUANA CAY
WAYPOINT 9.8F10
N26 39.884 W77 06.721
END:
MAN-O-WAR CAY
WAYPOINT: RECO80
N26 35.328 W77 00.253
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 13
FROM BEGINNING: 300
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 4

CRUISING DAY: 11
BEGIN:
MAN-O-WAR CAY
WAYPOINT: RECO80
N26 35.328 W77 00.253
END:
HOPE TOWN
WAYPOINT: 6.6F48
N26 32.232 W76 57.468
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 6
FROM BEGINNING: 306
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 2

CRUISING DAY: 12
BEGIN:
HOPE TOWN
WAYPOINT: 6.6F48
N26 32.232 W76 57.468
END:
WHITE SOUND
WAYPOINT: WSMK
N26 31.130 W76 58.870
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 3
FROM BEGINNING: 309
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1

CRUISING DAY: 13
BEGIN:
WHITE SOUND
WAYPOINT: WSMK
N26 31.130 W76 58.870
END:
LYNYARD CAY
WAYPOINT: 16.4F1
N26 21.217 W76 59.182
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 20
FROM BEGINNING: 329
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 5

CRUISING DAY: 14
BEGIN:
LYNYARD CAY
WAYPOINT: 16.4F1
N26 21.217 W76 59.182
END:
CHEROKEE
WAYPOINT: 3.3FTM
N26 16.521 W77 03.252
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 13
FROM BEGINNING: 342
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 4
 
Here's a revision to the draft Cruise Plan, showing cumulative fuel consumption estimates, which come out to 90 gallons, each way, from Lake Worth to Cherokee.

david

CRUISE OUTLINE
BAHAMAS 2007/ALMA’S ONLY
PREPARED 12/05/06, REVISED: 12/5/06 to include cumulative fuel consumption estimates;
ADDITIONS TO BE MADE FOR WEATHER, REST, CREW CHANGES, OTHER LIKE FACTORS. ALL MILEAGES IN STATUTE, FUEL CONSUMPTION AT 4 MPG, ROUNDED UP TO NEAREST GALLON.

CRUISING DAY: 01
BEGIN:
LAKE WORTH, FL
WAYPOINT: LWOMK
N26 46.340 W80 00.490
END:
WEST END
WAYPOINT: OLDBAH
N26 42.256 W78 59.818
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 63
FROM BEGINNING: 63
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 16/16

CRUISING DAY: 02
BEGIN:
WEST END
WAYPOINT: OLDBAH
N26 42.256 W78 59.818
END:
WALKERS CAY
WAYPOINT: DEPTH1
N27 15.426 W78 23.750
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 56
FROM BEGINNING: 119
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 14/30

CRUISING DAY: 03
BEGIN:
WALKERS CAY
WAYPOINT: DEPTH1
N27 15.426 W78 23.750
END:
GRAND CAYS
WAYPOINT: DEPTH 3
N27 13.168 W78 19.380
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 8
FROM BEGINNING: 127
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 2/32

CRUISING DAY: 04
BEGIN:
GRAND CAYS
WAYPOINT: DEPTH 3
N27 13.168 W78 19.380
END:
STRANGERS CAY
WAYPOINT: 9.8FTD
N27 07.657 W78 06.381
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 28
FROM BEGINNING: 155
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 7/39

CRUISING DAY: 05
BEGIN:
STRANGERS CAY
WAYPOINT: 9.8FTD
N27 07.657 W78 06.381
END:
FOX TOWN
WAYPOINT: 1.6FT
N26 55.230 W77 47.380
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 37
FROM BEGINNING: 192
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 10/49

CRUISING DAY: 06
BEGIN:
FOX TOWN
WAYPOINT: 1.6FT
N26 55.230 W77 47.380
END:
ALLANS-PENSACOLA
WAYPOINT: CHAR12
N26 59.249 W77 41.098
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 19
FROM BEGINNING: 211
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 5/54

CRUISING DAY: 07
BEGIN:
ALLANS-PENSACOLA
WAYPOINT: CHAR12
N26 59.249 W77 41.098
END:
SPANISH CAY
WAYPOINT: RECO71
N26 56.365 W77 31.770
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 16
FROM BEGINNING: 227
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 4/58

CRUISING DAY: 08
BEGIN:
SPANISH CAY
WAYPOINT: RECO71
N26 56.365 W77 31.770
END:
GREEN TURTLE CAY
WAYPOINT: 6.6F34
N26 45.628 W77 19.829
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 35
FROM BEGINNING: 262
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 9/67


CRUISING DAY: 09
BEGIN:
GREEN TURTLE CAY
WAYPOINT: 6.6F34
N26 45.628 W77 19.829
END:
GUANA CAY
WAYPOINT 9.8F10
N26 39.884 W77 06.721
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 25
FROM BEGINNING: 287
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 7/74

CRUISING DAY: 10
BEGIN:
GUANA CAY
WAYPOINT 9.8F10
N26 39.884 W77 06.721
END:
MAN-O-WAR CAY
WAYPOINT: RECO80
N26 35.328 W77 00.253
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 13
FROM BEGINNING: 300
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 4/78

CRUISING DAY: 11
BEGIN:
MAN-O-WAR CAY
WAYPOINT: RECO80
N26 35.328 W77 00.253
END:
HOPE TOWN
WAYPOINT: 6.6F48
N26 32.232 W76 57.468
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 6
FROM BEGINNING: 306
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 2/80

CRUISING DAY: 12
BEGIN:
HOPE TOWN
WAYPOINT: 6.6F48
N26 32.232 W76 57.468
END:
WHITE SOUND
WAYPOINT: WSMK
N26 31.130 W76 58.870
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 3
FROM BEGINNING: 309
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 1/81

CRUISING DAY: 13
BEGIN:
WHITE SOUND
WAYPOINT: WSMK
N26 31.130 W76 58.870
END:
LYNYARD CAY
WAYPOINT: 16.4F1
N26 21.217 W76 59.182
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 20
FROM BEGINNING: 329
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 5/86

CRUISING DAY: 14
BEGIN:
LYNYARD CAY
WAYPOINT: 16.4F1
N26 21.217 W76 59.182
END:
CHEROKEE
WAYPOINT: 3.3FTM
N26 16.521 W77 03.252
DISTANCE:
DAILY: 13
FROM BEGINNING: 342
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 4/90
 
David,

Thanks for posting the Cruise Plan. We received our Explorer Charts yesterday, and I will print off the Cruise Plan and look it over.

What dates do you have in mind? Looks like a month or more total for the round trip.
 
For rough planning purposes, I'm working on a "master" window of mid-May through end of month June, per Skipper Bob's recommendation. In actuality, I expect we're looking at positioning to be ready for departure by the last week or so in May, and return by end of June. Depending on the actual departure, participation, and inclination, there's the possibility of an earlier return.

There are one or more others who might be doing something earlier in the year.

It would be great if you could make one crossing, or the other.

david
 
David,

When we go it will have to be in the Feb./April time frame. Hope others have the same idea. Thanks again and have a great trip
 
Yes, I was thinking of the March/April time frame too.... I don't head north until early May....it's still cold up there and I don't do well in da cold.. (old bones)

Joel
SEA3PO
 
David needs to be thanked for all of his work on this! I could not open the garmin files (even with an older Map source program) and he put the Lat Lon into an Excell sheet.

Fantastic work!

We are in the Feb/early March, or Early April time frame and would be limited to two weeks, because of the need to provide care for Marie's mother. The earlier in the year, the more likely of a Norther--and rougher crossings.

Of course the 4 miles a gallon is for a CD 22 with a four stroke--some of use would be burning a lot more than that (a price you pay for an enclosed head!). I wonder even with the CD 22 and potential adverse conditions, if the 4 miles a gallon would be the most realistic number? I had a 2 stroke and figured more like 3 for safety's sake. Also the boats are a bit more loaded in this type of trip than for shorter cruises.

Again,
Thanks!

Bob Austin
 
Yes the 4mpg is about right....I can get 4.5 with a normal load, and I imagine heavily loaded it would drop to 4.... I have twin 40hp Yamaha four cycle motors. I carry 48 gallons of fuel so my effective range is 192-216 miles... if I thought I would be even close I would carry a couple of 6gal fuel jugs.

Joel
SEA3PO
 
Joel,

Will Sue be joining you on the cruise? Or possibly flying in for a shorter cruise period. We would like our kids to fly into the Bahamas for a week or so while we were there. That's if they can get the time off. Their educators also, all the time off, is in the summer.
 
Although it is early in the "season"--hurricane season does start June 1 last year Alberto formed on June 10th. So one needs to always keep an eye on the long range weather, even in June....
 
Molly Brown:

Jim, you mentioned Riviera Beach as a place to launch and park. Sounds great, and I'm wondering if you can give a few particulars so I can locate the ramp on my charts, and make contact with whomever runs the place to see what reservations, fees, etc. are necessary?

Thanks in advance.

david
 
The time table or Feb/June may work for me. Deb has decided to stay at the farm and take care of our animmals which also eliminates my need for an inflatable or ramp for my doggie. This trip may become a reality for me after all.
Also, has anyone found a place where we can park our trucks and trailers while on this adventure?
My TomCat 24 averages 2.4-2.6 mpg fully loaded so with 120 gallons of gas I assume I won't be needing any extra fuel containers for this trip. More room for beer! :beer
Brent; you and Dixie are welcome to stop by and visit with Deb and me on your travels east if it fits your into your plans. We have another bottle of wine with your name on it.
Hope to see you all in the Bahamas
FRED of FRED & DEB
 
I am planning a March/April time frame...have to be back early in May so I can open the Diving Business early May... (summer job)
Susan will fly over and meet me once I am there...she teaches so she probably will only be able to stay 10 days.... I probably will be alone as I am not sure I want to take Roxie to the Bahama's....she might like it and not want to come home..(some of you know how much she likes Bula shirts) What a dog,

Joel
SEA3PO
 
Fred and Deb,

Thanks for the offer to stop by, but we are heading south to Yuma, AZ, then east on I-8 and I-10. Need to stay away from the winter weather. Hope to see Thataway when we get to Pensacola, then around the gulf to St. Pete or even as far as Punta Gorda. Find a long term storage lot for the truck and trailer, then cruise south for the next 2 or 3 months. Plan to hit the west side of Florida, the Keys, and do the Bahamas if a crossing takes place in our time frame. Late Feb. to April.

Just excited to get out of the Utah winter weather. We are at 5300 foot elevation, and winter is long and cold. We have gone south for the winter the last 4 years, 2 to Mexico and 2 to Texas. Retired in 2002.
 
I will be interested in what storage you locate.... I have been worried about where to leave the truck and trailer.... hopefully storage will be easy to locate.... I have always found storage for a week easy to locate, but a month or more might be a problem.... especially in Florida.

Joel
SEA3PO
 
I started this thread a long time ago never expecting so many people to respond.

My brother-in-law & I will be sailing in the Caribbean with some friends from Europe from April 28th until May 5th.

You folks are the experts. When you finally decide on a date to leave port please let me know. My C-Dory is in NC now; I can trailer her to Florida in a moment's notice.

Would like to have time for a shower & breakfast first though!

Al
 
David:
Here's a link for the ramp. We've left our truck and trailer here 2 weeks at a time with no problem. Coming over from the west coast (of Florida) it's the most convenient for us. I'm sure the Chamber of Commerce can answer any questions you might have.
Unfortunately, I don't think we'll be able to make this trip as our year's vacation is pretty well planned out. My work requires me to submit vacation request in October of the prior year. We're leaving on an 11 day trip up the east coast and back down the St. John's the day after Christmas and will be in Europe visiting my daughter and mother in late March/early April. Things could change though!!!
I'll be happy to provide whatever assistance I can to traveling Dory's.. I can't wait to retire but have 10 years to go. :( Here's the link http://maps.google.com/maps?q=900+East+ ... ,+FL+33404
 
Jim:

Thanks for the launch info. That was just what I needed, and I'll followup with some phone calls to them the first of the week, and post the results of my conversation.

Love to pick your brain some more!

Thanks again.

david
 
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