Discussed 1000 times

[Stressed]

Sorry if this has been asked. If I have a 55ft ocean, which most people would call a coastal cruiser, would it be completely silly to try a run to the southern Bahamas, virgin islands, ot to attempt a crossing to somewhere like Cancun?

[Kettlewell]

Not really, depending on your range. Lots of people do it on little boats that are a lot less seaworthy and can't go as fast. Of course, you have to watch your weather and go only when the going is good. I ran into a 100+ footer down in Panama and they told me they never went anywhere if the seas were going to be over six feet because the boat would flex so much things like the granite counter tops and the mirrored walls would start breaking up. They just waited until the forecast was good and then went as fast as they could to the next spot where they could get fuel and wait for weather.

[ozskipper]

I cant see why not. Just like with any boat ...."pick your weather and off you go." I assume you are in the USA (most people who dont write there location usually are). I also "assume" you are in Florida for the sake of the discussion.

Cancun is only 350nm from the tip of the Keys. So if you can average a mere 10 knots you would be there in a day and a half.

Glad youre paying for the fuel :-D

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Stressed

Sorry if this has been asked. If I have a 55ft ocean, which most people would call a coastal cruiser, would it be completely silly to try a run to the southern Bahamas, virgin islands, ot to attempt a crossing to somewhere like Cancun?

Ocean, as in sportfish? those things run all over up and down the coast and windwards for some tournament or another. Keep the speed down to trawler like and you should be fine.

[Stressed]

Thanks everyone

[Kettlewell]

You are probably aware, but plan your fuel stops carefully. In much of the Bahamas there are no fuel docks, and when you can get it you will pay a lot of $$. Virgins and Puerto Rico have fuel, but again the price is high.