THERE IS NO NEED FOR WATERMAKING GEAR IN THE BAHAMAS.
On my recent trip FL-
PR, I topped off the water at Nassau and they charged
me $.10/gal= $2. I could have carried free water from the streetside
faucett, most rural islands have streetside faucets, if not, there are
friendly local sources: Shopkeepers, hotels, restaurants that have plenty of
well water. Other than that, I took on free water at Crooked Island. Free
or very cheap water is easily avail, plus, I would expect a sailboat to have
30-60 gal onboard, 2-8 weeks supply for a single hander. So, unless you
choose to stay a long time at an island that must make water, due to no
local sources, water is not an issue cost wise. If you come up short, wash
dishes & body in salt water. I buy my drinking water at approx $1.70/gal,
1-2 qts per person/day, after my first stock of Wal-Mart water runs out.
Sometimes I find excellent local water and refill all my drinking jugs for
free. I have salt sensitive high blood pressure, so I reject a lot of local
water that others do not object to, that may have a small salt content, such
as the Crooked Island water that the locals drink. There really are no
places in the Bahamas further than 30 miles from free water. Before taking
on fuel, bargain for water first. Small sailboats don't have much tankage,
so they stop often for fuel. ALWAYS: Dump garbage, get fuel & water, ask if
you can keep boat at fuel dock a few hours to tourist or buy groceries.
Usually this all works.
Take a folding bike, there is a lot to see 2-10 miles from anchorages.
Lee Haefele, Nauticat 33 "Alesto", anchored at Salinas,
PR. Prev: Bristol
32 "Niche" with small tanks.
Since we are talking about on person and one person only, is a solar still
a
possible good source of water him?
Earl Colby Pottinger