Could you cruise the bahamas...

We had 3 weeks off the first year we went to the Abacos. By the time we got the boat from MD to FL (towing takes about 24 hours for me), got across, and back, we were lucky enough to have about 2 weeks in the islands. But that felt like a whirlwind tour. We've taken a month off the last 2 trips which gives 3+ weeks to cruise around and feels much better as there's less rushing around.

If we make the Exumas this year, I'll probably want 6 weeks off next year :-)
 
quote:
Originally posted by mixman

If we make the Exumas this year, I'll probably want 6 weeks off next year :-)
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Ohhhhh yeah!!!

Just have a good cruise plan to fit the amount of time available and avoid what Pascal calls "Getthereitis". :)

Bob
 
quote:
Originally posted by mixman

Wait a minute, I'm getting confused. The Type I devices are the small ones ("Lectra San", Electro Scan, Purasan) and designed for boats under 60'. The Type II are the big ones. Right?

Darn responsible of you to go to the trouble to get that truck to come. Way too many people dump inland. And that water at Treasure shouldn't see such...er...stuff. But then again, where did the truck dump it? :-)

Is Mike still the dock master? He's a darn nice guy.

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yes, the type II are for larger boats and much larger than the lectransan. just dont' have the room for that.

yeah, i know... I thought about where it would end up, probably in a sceptic tank somewhere...

I didn't meed the dockmaster but i think his name his mike... it's a nice place, the beach on the north side is very nice, the marina is in good shape, there is a decent grocery store on site. a little too "resorty" but at $500 a month for a 60 footer (prices go up in march or april), can't complain!

quote:
If we make the Exumas this year, I'll probably want 6 weeks off next year :-)
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are you going to go from Miami or up thru the Abacos. distance from FL to the Ex. is almost the same as to Marsh Harbor, makes a lot more sense to trailer down to Miami (Or FTL) and cross to Bimini, then across the bank to nassau and the Ex.
 
We've got to drop the trailer off at Float-on in Vero as they service it for me each year and store it for me. I like them :-) Plus, there's a self-storage place in Vero that always gives me a good deal on keeping my truck indoors and locked up. We launch at Cracker Boy in Ft. Pierce as again, they've always treated us really well. However, we'll be on the ICW at that point looking for a weather window. This year the plan is to meet up with Bob Benton and we'll cross together. So it'll all depend on the weather window (as usual).
 
I agree. If you are looking to try the Exumas, by starting further South the likelyhood of good crossings goes up. Unless of course water spouts crash the party but you should be able to outrun them or stay away from them. If you see one tweek the gain on the radar to pick it out, and then keep an eye on the screen.
But by starting in Bimini you are on the bank most of the time and that is a good thing! I am thinking that the crossing from Nassau down is going to be better more frequently than the crossing from Little Harbour down thus increasing the odds for less down time due to weather.
 
quote:
Originally posted by boatbum

I agree. If you are looking to try the Exumas, by starting further South the likelyhood of good crossings goes up. Unless of course water spouts crash the party but you should be able to outrun them or stay away from them. If you see one tweek the gain on the radar to pick it out, and then keep an eye on the screen.
But by starting in Bimini you are on the bank most of the time and that is a good thing! I am thinking that the crossing from Nassau down is going to be better more frequently than the crossing from Little Harbour down thus increasing the odds for less down time due to weather.
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Agree on crossing the bank. Right now my intent is to go out Palm Beach Inlet direct to either West End or Lucaya. Then leisurely cruise down to Bimini for a day or two. Then cross the bank to either Chub or Nassau then on to the Exumas.

All, of course, subject to whim and weather. May make a day or two stop in the Berry chain.

My schedule is to not really have a schedule. :)

Bob
 
if you're going to cross to West end/Lucaya then skip Bimini. Head to Great Harbor Cay in teh northern Berrys, it's a nice stop. unless the swells are bad (unlikely in the spring/summer) you can anchor on the east side, off the beach and save the 10NM around the top and into GH.

then another day into Nassau, top off on groceries and 40NM to heaven teh next morning
 
quote:
Originally posted by rnbenton

...Really need at least 2 weeks to have time for much cruising. Plus, you may or may not get stuck somewhere along the way with weather
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We have had two experiences where weather seriously cut into our Abacos trip.

Trip 1: we were going on a 12 day flotilla with the Bahamian Tourist Bureau mid June. We delayed leaving a few hours because of thunderstorms, the flotilla departed the marina 3 or 4 hours late, about 10 miles out in 6 - 8 footers we left the flotilla to head back home. Scared the crew so bad we aborted the trip. My 12 year old daughter said that she was never getting on the boat again. Fortunately, she recovered by the next year.

Trip 2: planned 2 weeks in the Abacos the end of May, beginning of June. The wind blew 20 - 25 for 2 weeks starting the week before our scheduled departure. We went to the sea buoy a couple of times but turned around to wait for better weather. Our 2 week trip ended up being 5 days. And then we only went because the 5 day forecast looked good.

IF you plan on only a week, be prepared to cruise south Florida instead if the weather doesn't cooperate.
 
Mark I'm hoping the third time is the charm!
 
quote:
Originally posted by deerowsIF you plan on only a week, be prepared to cruise south Florida instead if the weather doesn't cooperate.

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Heck, I plan a month and am always prepared to spend 3-4 weeks in the Keys!
 
quote:
Originally posted by boatbum

Mark I'm hoping the third time is the charm!

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We've been 4 times! We're planning one more trip this summer, weather permitting. I'm not sure what our dates are yet. We were thinking that we were going back to the Abacos, but I've been thinking about the Exumas.
 
Mark,

June! Think June!

BoaterED Cruise!!!!!

Woooooo-Hooooo!!!!!
 
I hope we have this same discussion next year. By then I'll be retired and will be ready to try some long cruises.

Mike
 
quote:
Originally posted by mixman

Mark,

June! Think June!

BoaterED Cruise!!!!!

Woooooo-Hooooo!!!!!

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Dang, Kurt, this is starting to take on a life of its own. Looks like we're getting the makin's of a full blown floatilla.

I LIKE IT!!

Bob
 
quote:
Originally posted by meide

I hope we have this same discussion next year. By then I'll be retired and will be ready to try some long cruises.

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Mike,

We've crossed the stream the last 3 years, and plan to keep doing it each spring. Stay in touch and we'll go with you in 2012.
 
quote:
Originally posted by mixman

quote:
Originally posted by meide

I hope we have this same discussion next year. By then I'll be retired and will be ready to try some long cruises.

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Mike,

We've crossed the stream the last 3 years, and plan to keep doing it each spring. Stay in touch and we'll go with you in 2012.

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+1

Bob
 
You guys have to learn to cross in the Fall and stay all Winter.
 
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