Bahamas - July 2010

[Silver Lining]

Hey Dan, yeah it is a step up in clarity. The islands themselves are very different, they look more volcanic with more height. But the water is just so clear everywhere. This year in the Abacos the water was very clear, last year not so much. The way the islands are laid out and the proximity to very deep water on both sides with the Exuma sound on one side and the tongue of the ocean on the other side may be part it. And there are very few marinas and very limited development.

We must have seen 20 or 30 megayachts anchored and in the marinas in the Exumas, many bigger boats than in the Abacos.

The towns and villages in the Abacos are very nice and fun to visit and you have to go all the way down to George Town on Great Exuma to get that kind of development. I have some pics so when we return I will try to post a few. Bob, sorry for the side show.

-Rick

Viking Sport Cruiser 50 FY
"Silver Lining"

 

[rnbenton]

quote:

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Originally posted by Silver Lining

Bob, sorry for the side show.

-Rick

Viking Sport Cruiser 50 FY
"Silver Lining"

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No problem Mon.

I really want to get to the Exumas next year. I've been to Georgetown but that's it. Conception Island as well. Loved it. GREAT SCUBA diving

Bob

 

[RWS]

Bob,

Our 20 + year old 16,000 btu AC required a freon charge annually, blew it's internal breaker frequently, was rusty and to keep it running we had to force something (can't remember what) open or closed 100% of the time.

Installed a new Cruise Air unit with the refit.

Now we have reverse cycle, a better strainer system, the correct sized March pump and a smalles footprint unit that really cools things off faster. With the proper maintenance, it should last the life of the boat. On this set up I am willing to replace components as needed. On the old one there were too many issues to make it worthwhile.

Same thing with that old, rusty, 6.5 Onan genset. Rusty bolts snapped off and the perts were cost prohibitive.

Other than the engines and bilge pump systems, the AC and Genny are two items I want to work 100% every time.

After all, she IS a PLEASUREBOAT !

RWS

 

[Ted Williams]

Rick, I noticed the same thing about the megayachts in the Exumas - they were all over. I think they are chartering out of Nassau which is only about 35 miles away from the northern tip of the Exumas and a convenient location for clients to fly into/out of.

I agree about the water clarity in the Exumas - there is a strong tidal current sweeping through there and keeping it clean. I've never seen water more beautiful. Some photos at www.island-passage.blogspot.com (you'll need to go back to the June archives to see the Exuma shots).

Bob, I installed three new Cruisair turbo units last year and am very pleased with the performance and quiet operation. They also draw 29% less amps. If you can get to the units, it's a simple replacement process assuming the current water hoses and air ducts are in good shape.

We are currently in Freeport, crossing back to FL tomorrow (sadly)

 

[rnbenton]

quote:

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Originally posted by RWS

Bob,

Our 20 + year old 16,000 btu AC required a freon charge annually, blew it's internal breaker frequently, was rusty and to keep it running we had to force something (can't remember what) open or closed 100% of the time.

Installed a new Cruise Air unit with the refit.

Now we have reverse cycle, a better strainer system, the correct sized March pump and a smalles footprint unit that really cools things off faster. With the proper maintenance, it should last the life of the boat. On this set up I am willing to replace components as needed. On the old one there were too many issues to make it worthwhile.

Same thing with that old, rusty, 6.5 Onan genset. Rusty bolts snapped off and the perts were cost prohibitive.

Other than the engines and bilge pump systems, the AC and Genny are two items I want to work 100% every time.

After all, she IS a PLEASUREBOAT !

RWS

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You got that right!

I'm going to look at Ctuise Air and Mermaid in particuar and look around at others in general. These two though offer a small footprint and great efficiency.

Actually, I did a little digging into mine already and found all kinds of crap in the cooling loop. My pump is plenty large enough and is pumping water, just not enough is going through. So when I replace this unit a MUCh better straining system will also be added. Probably partly my bad.

The other thig I did wa buy a second hand unit off of the Bay. Oh well live and learn.

The other thing, like you, while I'm at it I'm putting in a marine diesel generator. my Honda works well but it's just too much work.

Well, there's always the next trip.

My wife is going home to Thailand next June to visit her family for a month. I feel the Exumas coming on.

Bob

 

[rnbenton]

OK, here's the final entry for my all too short and less than stellar voyage to the Bahamas. (I might also add "last one for this year)

Here's Jimbo Song at the home dock, loaded and ready to go.

I needed a new dink so, while I was at it, I installed Weaver Snap Davits and stand off arms. Very easy to load and unload the dink. Also provides a very stable platform for mounting and removing the motor when the dink is flat but still in the snaps.

The crossing this time wasn't nearly as calm as last time. Heck, this time I had wind ripples on the water! But, Lord, it was HOT!

Went out of Lake Worth and proceeded directly East until across the stream. (Stream was ripping about 3 kts and I didn't want to push into it) Then I turned South and went directly to Great Isaac Light. (very good fishing and SCUBA diving there)

While there I went ashore and explored the "island" if you want to call it that. More of a rock really but very unique and interesting. To think that people actually lived and worked here at one time.

Very rugged landscape. If you ever go there be very cary careful walking around. It is a real ankle buster.

Ruins of old buildings, residences, etc.

Jimbo Song at anchor.

While there I was treated to a full moon rise over the lighthouse. I tried to get some good photos but on a rocking boat at night it proved to be very difficult with my little Sony camera. Here's one of the best ones.

Well, since the A/C went dead, completely dead, never to blow again I decided to go to Bimini Blue Water for the night and see if I could do anything to revive it. Alas, no luck.

No luck with the A/C and NO breeze in the marina. So, the next day I went back out and did lots of diving. I did the Sapona, Turtle Rocks, Little Caverns, Tuna Alley and Atlantis Road. The diving was really very nice and under water was cool. (Temp in the boat cabin hit 109 degrees during the day)

The heat just got to be too much for an old man so I went back to Great Isaac, anchored for the night and got up and left at 3:00 AM. I wanted to get back across the stream before the sun came up to beat the heat.

My last sunset of the trip.

All in all, the activities were quite enjoyable even though I didn't get to stay nearly as long as planned nor did I go nearly as far as I planned. But, since my A/C unit is in a fairly inaccessable place and would require lots of dismanteling to get to, I decided to head home, get everything fixed and start planning for my next trip which will probably not be until next year.

Also, while I am tearing the boat apart to install the new A/C I'm going to get started on my "off season" projects as well: wood refinishing, carpeting, etc.

Also, I am going to install a marine diesel generator. While my little Honda does a very nice job it is a lot of work. Plus, refilling the little tank on a rocking boat without spilling at least a little gas is impossible. Then too, after doing it a few times, I'm just not comfortable carrying that many gas cans on board. OK, an exrea can of gas for the dink motor is fine but the 3-4 extra cans for the generator? Nah, a bit much for me. Plus, as I said, it's just a lot of work to have to keep refilling the darn thing.

So, that's it. Lessons learned, heat stroke averted, back home safe and sound and really looking forward to my next trip.

Bob

 

[PascalG]

quote:

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Originally posted by Silver Lining

Hey guys, here in Sampson Cay in the Exumas. Wow, very nice water clarity. We went across last Saturday morning, a bit rough so I stayed on the flybridge the whole way across so I wouldnt have to catch any grief. Smoothed out once we were on the bank. Went direct to Chub Cay. We will be heading through Bimini Big Game club next Tuesday on our way back.

Fed the swimming pigs today, a few people have been bit lately so we were pretty cautious. The kids loved it!

Kurt, you will love the Exumas, less developed than the Abacos and the water clarity is fabulous. Many boats over here right now, and lots of bigger boats. Every time we come here, it gets harder to go back. One day I am afraid I may not make it back to the states.

-Rick

Viking Sport Cruiser 50 FY
"Silver Lining"

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hi rick,

watch your power bill at Sampson, it's always sticker shock there!

How do you like the maze of sandbars in the lagoon?

indeed, lots of BIG boats in the exumas, most out of Nassau which is convenient for guests to fly in and out although Georgetown has good flights as well.

 

[boatbum]

Bob glad to hear this trip went well and sorry to hear this is it for the year. But we know that feeling well since we had to cut last season short due to maintenance.
We just got back from Fl.. Freedom is holding up well so far (knock wood) and with luck we can float her in a couple of months. The last 13 days I drove around 3400 miles looking at property in Fl.. Next time it will be the East Coast since I have yet to give up on that side.

 

[rnbenton]

quote:

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Originally posted by boatbum

Bob glad to hear this trip went well and sorry to hear this is it for the year. But we know that feeling well since we had to cut last season short due to maintenance.
We just got back from Fl.. Freedom is holding up well so far (knock wood) and with luck we can float her in a couple of months. The last 13 days I drove around 3400 miles looking at property in Fl.. Next time it will be the East Coast since I have yet to give up on that side.

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Well, whenever you get to the St. Augustine - Daytona area be sure to give me a shout. We can at least get together and share a beverage or two.

I haven't totally given up on making a Bahamas trip while you are therte next time. it just depends on how fast I can get everything done that I want to.

Bob

 

[boatbum]

I hear you. If Freedom was up here I could work on her. At this point all we can do is check on her and wait until she is ready to go in.

 

[RWS]

Bob,

I replaced my 6.5kW gas Onan with have a NextGen 5.0kW diesel genset in 2003.

It is based on a 2 cyl Kubota diesel engine with a Markon generator set.

The engine runs at 2400 RPM and a Goodyear industrial belt that gets changed at 2000 hours spins the genny at 3600 RPM so while it's not as quiet as a 1800 RPM unit, it's much nicer than a 3600 RPM unit.

This genny has been trouble free except for an oil pressure switch and now has almost 800 hours on it.

It runs everything better than the 6.5 gas Onan and with the addition of a gen sep, is actually QUIETER and is a bit smaller and lighter than the Onan it replaced.

They also make a 3 kW unit as well.

Might be worth a look or a ride to Jacksonville.

RWS

 

[rnbenton]

Actually, the 3.5 KW Nextgen is exactly what I am looking at. The size and weight are very attractive for my boat plus it only runs at 1800 rpm's and has a VERY good sound shield.

A friend of mine has one in a 32' Carver and you can hardly hear it run.

Thanks.

Bob

 

[Shadowcruzr]

I was a NextGen authorized dealer/installer and love those generators. I wish I could talk the wife into putting on on our boat. I have never had one failure reported in any of the generators I installed. If you can afford it, go for it. You wont regret it.

 

[rnbenton]

quote:

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Originally posted by Shadowcruzr

I was a NextGen authorized dealer/installer and love those generators. I wish I could talk the wife into putting on on our boat. I have never had one failure reported in any of the generators I installed. If you can afford it, go for it. You wont regret it.

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Thanks Paul. Great edorsement. NextGen is at the top of my list for a lot of reasons. Not the least of which is that they are right here in jacksonville close to me.

Question about the sound shield. I have had people tell me NOT to use one because of heat build up when they are closed. Right or wrong?

Bob

 

[RWS]

Mine has no sound shield.

I want to have sufficient access around the unit for service (like that oil pressure switch)

My engine room is factory sound insulated and we added additional insulation during the refit.

The biggest difference in sound with the gas vs. diesel came from adding a second exhaust and doing the gen sep.

This unit fires up every time and is so far 100% reliable.

I suggest you invest in good quality strainers of sufficient size for both the genny and HVAC.

Plumb a fresh water garden hose flush into the system and you should be good to go for a very long time.

That fresh water flushing system will also get you out of a jam quick as it can be used as a backwash system in a pinch if you pick up some debris.

RWS

 

[Capt. Bill1]

quote:

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Originally posted by rnbenton

quote:

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Originally posted by Shadowcruzr

I was a NextGen authorized dealer/installer and love those generators. I wish I could talk the wife into putting on on our boat. I have never had one failure reported in any of the generators I installed. If you can afford it, go for it. You wont regret it.

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Thanks Paul. Great edorsement. NextGen is at the top of my list for a lot of reasons. Not the least of which is that they are right here in jacksonville close to me.

Question about the sound shield. I have had people tell me NOT to use one because of heat build up when they are closed. Right or wrong?

Bob

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Heat build up is a non-issue. If it was, do you think manufacturers would sell them and still warranty their product if you use one?

They can make a huge difference in noise levels. As can properly mounting them with soft mounts.

 

[PascalG]

the only downside to sound shields isnt' the heat build up it's that it makes is harder to spot problems (leaks, etc...). obvioulsy you want to open it up before starting it but when doing ER check underway it can be hard to go and open it up with the mains running.

 

[boatbum]

If the sound shield can be removed based on design or construction leaks should not be an issue. They usually make themselves obvious given the genny is mounted in a pan that has mountings for the side panels.

Given this photo it looks like most of the important stuff is under the opening. Check the other side of the genny for failure points but it looks like the back half lifts off also. As long as you don't mount it somewhere under an obstruction it could be a good fit for you? Oil filter and fuel filter locations are important.

 

[DON]

quote:

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Originally posted by rnbenton

OK, here's the final entry for my all too short and less than stellar voyage to the Bahamas. (I might also add "last one for this year)

Here's Jimbo Song at the home dock, loaded and ready to go.

I needed a new dink so, while I was at it, I installed Weaver Snap Davits and stand off arms. Very easy to load and unload the dink. Also provides a very stable platform for mounting and removing the motor when the dink is flat but still in the snaps.

The crossing this time wasn't nearly as calm as last time. Heck, this time I had wind ripples on the water! But, Lord, it was HOT!

Went out of Lake Worth and proceeded directly East until across the stream. (Stream was ripping about 3 kts and I didn't want to push into it) Then I turned South and went directly to Great Isaac Light. (very good fishing and SCUBA diving there)

While there I went ashore and explored the "island" if you want to call it that. More of a rock really but very unique and interesting. To think that people actually lived and worked here at one time.

Very rugged landscape. If you ever go there be very cary careful walking around. It is a real ankle buster.

Ruins of old buildings, residences, etc.

Jimbo Song at anchor.

While there I was treated to a full moon rise over the lighthouse. I tried to get some good photos but on a rocking boat at night it proved to be very difficult with my little Sony camera. Here's one of the best ones.

Well, since the A/C went dead, completely dead, never to blow again I decided to go to Bimini Blue Water for the night and see if I could do anything to revive it. Alas, no luck.

No luck with the A/C and NO breeze in the marina. So, the next day I went back out and did lots of diving. I did the Sapona, Turtle Rocks, Little Caverns, Tuna Alley and Atlantis Road. The diving was really very nice and under water was cool. (Temp in the boat cabin hit 109 degrees during the day)

The heat just got to be too much for an old man so I went back to Great Isaac, anchored for the night and got up and left at 3:00 AM. I wanted to get back across the stream before the sun came up to beat the heat.

My last sunset of the trip.

All in all, the activities were quite enjoyable even though I didn't get to stay nearly as long as planned nor did I go nearly as far as I planned. But, since my A/C unit is in a fairly inaccessable place and would require lots of dismanteling to get to, I decided to head home, get everything fixed and start planning for my next trip which will probably not be until next year.

Also, while I am tearing the boat apart to install the new A/C I'm going to get started on my "off season" projects as well: wood refinishing, carpeting, etc.

Also, I am going to install a marine diesel generator. While my little Honda does a very nice job it is a lot of work. Plus, refilling the little tank on a rocking boat without spilling at least a little gas is impossible. Then too, after doing it a few times, I'm just not comfortable carrying that many gas cans on board. OK, an exrea can of gas for the dink motor is fine but the 3-4 extra cans for the generator? Nah, a bit much for me. Plus, as I said, it's just a lot of work to have to keep refilling the darn thing.

So, that's it. Lessons learned, heat stroke averted, back home safe and sound and really looking forward to my next trip.

Bob

Well Bob iam glad you are back home safe and sound. Don here How old are you to make a trip like that by yourself??? Im 68 am good ,BUT dont think i do that just me. DON

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[boatbum]

Don there are people older than you out there. This life deal is no dress rehearsal. I believe Brendal, who runs a dive shop on Green Turtle is well into his 60's.