Subject: Bahamas in January
From: "Cheshire"

We are planning a trip of 4 to 6 weeks, beginning in January. I would like
to go through the Abacos first at a leisurely pace and then head down to the
northern Exumas. What is the best route from Marsh or Little Harbor to the
Exumas?

The answer to that question is weather dependent of course.

The cruising guide suggests that the southern tip of Abaco is a poor
anchorage

The very southern tip perhaps but you can anchor in and around the Litte
Harbour, Laynyard Cay area and wait out must any weather before shooting over
to Eleuthera. (50nm to Egg Island)
Then stop in Spanish Wells for fuel and provisions before heading to the
Exumas.
40-45 nm from Spanish Wells to Beacon Cay the top of the Exumas.

and also that Eleuthera is a difficult place to navigate,

The only spot that's in any way difficult would be the route to Harbour Island
and if you don't want to navigate it yourself just hire a guide at Spanish
Wells. Besides, if your heading to the Exumas there is no reason to go to
Harbour Island any way.

We are on a two engine trawler and make about 9-10 knots.

The above is the way we did it this summer in the same type vessel.

And I would allocate at least as much time in the Exumas as in the Abacos.


Capt. Bill

leave Little harbor at 7am and go to Spanish Wells a 48 mile run
....You will have good light to navigate through the reefs when you get
there..Pick up a mooring there and enjoy dinner at your choice of good
diners less than 500 feet from your mooring...I do it all the time...







(LaBomba182) wrote in message ...
Subject: Bahamas in January
From: "Cheshire"

We are planning a trip of 4 to 6 weeks, beginning in January. I would like
to go through the Abacos first at a leisurely pace and then head down to the
northern Exumas. What is the best route from Marsh or Little Harbor to the
Exumas?

The answer to that question is weather dependent of course.

The cruising guide suggests that the southern tip of Abaco is a poor
anchorage

The very southern tip perhaps but you can anchor in and around the Litte
Harbour, Laynyard Cay area and wait out must any weather before shooting over
to Eleuthera. (50nm to Egg Island)
Then stop in Spanish Wells for fuel and provisions before heading to the
Exumas.
40-45 nm from Spanish Wells to Beacon Cay the top of the Exumas.

and also that Eleuthera is a difficult place to navigate,

The only spot that's in any way difficult would be the route to Harbour Island
and if you don't want to navigate it yourself just hire a guide at Spanish
Wells. Besides, if your heading to the Exumas there is no reason to go to
Harbour Island any way.

We are on a two engine trawler and make about 9-10 knots.

The above is the way we did it this summer in the same type vessel.

And I would allocate at least as much time in the Exumas as in the Abacos.


Capt. Bill

I sincerely hope no one is going to the Bahamas by boat until they reduce that
ridiculous $300 charge for checking in.

Subject: Bahamas in January
From:

I sincerely hope no one is going to the Bahamas by boat until they reduce
that
ridiculous $300 charge for checking in.

If you're going to whine at least get your facts straight. It's $150 for boats
under 35 feet and $300 for boats over 35 feet.

Capt. Bill

It is $300 for my size boat but fail to see what differance it makes. The new
fee is out of line and the best way to call attention to it is to stay way.


If you're going to whine at least get your facts straight. It's $150 for
boats
under 35 feet and $300 for boats over 35 feet.

Capt. Bill

I have read the numerous complaints about this fee (including yours, I
believe), and I am sympathetic with your feelings. The fee is too high.
However, I have always wanted to make this trip, and given that I am willing
to take such an expensive trip in the first place, and since I expect to be
there for about six weeks, I intend to pay the $300 fee and go ahead with my
plans to make what will be a trip of a lifetime for me.

By the way, you made your point already.

George C.



RWKxxx wrote in message
...
I sincerely hope no one is going to the Bahamas by boat until they reduce
that
ridiculous $300 charge for checking in.

its cold in January and you better
have warm clothes. 40 and 50 degree days are not unusual with north winds
ripping at 25-35 kts. The lucayan waterway on the bay side is very passable
at high tide. Thats the key. we have gone through there for years with a 54 ft
motoryacht with 4.7 foot draft.
at high tide. overhead causarina bridge height is 27feet. we have friends
with 61 ft tollycraft who traverse that waterway regularly.
as far as fee. you are all wrong.
its 600 bucks. ! to be announced
at ft. lauderdale boat show.
but... thats for the whole year.
Im still having thoughts about that.

Marianne
miami. florida

Ahoy! You Bahama boaters who endure the ICW, the cold fronts, the skinny
water and the high prices should bite the bullet and sail the easy way to the
Eastern Caribbean - 10-14 days direct from Beaufort to the BVI. Don't forget to
let the Caribbean 1500 "rally" lemmings go first - because they are on a
schedule, they will invariably run into heavy wx, so if you leave after they
do, you will have smooth sailing and will have gotten away without spending a
fortune in the WM store!

John

Caribbean 1500 ALWAYS run in to BAD weather... Wonder why??


Hanz

Truelove39 wrote:
Ahoy! You Bahama boaters who endure the ICW, the cold fronts, the skinny
water and the high prices should bite the bullet and sail the easy way to the
Eastern Caribbean - 10-14 days direct from Beaufort to the BVI. Don't forget to
let the Caribbean 1500 "rally" lemmings go first - because they are on a
schedule, they will invariably run into heavy wx, so if you leave after they
do, you will have smooth sailing and will have gotten away without spending a
fortune in the WM store!

John