port everglades to staniel cay, exumas

[courtess]

I am heading across to Bimini and beyond next Thursday, weather permitting and could use some expertise advice. I have borrrowed a Gobalstar Satt. phone and a side band radio.
1. best times to use phone
2. Best channels to get weather reports

any help would be appreciated

[captainKJ]

weather channels on the VHF WX 1-9

If you are single handing or heading out along ( 1 boat) you can call the USCG and tell them your destination and mention that you will call them when you get to Bimini by VHF or land line. They will monitor you all the way across for free. ust make sure to get a number that is not 800 if you can not get them on the VHF. I have done this 6 or more time when crossing alone. If needed they will call you every houre if you desire.

good luck

I would use the sat phone only in an emergency,,weather is available ont he net or at any marina but the VHF WX channels will tell you the same thing. I think it is every 15 or 30 minutes. Give forcast for several days

WX channels work in the bahamas along with the cruisers net I think that is on channel 68 every morning at 745 only in the bahamas but you need to check on the time and channel

[Hannah on 'Rita T']

An SSB probably needs better installation than you can do with a borrowed unit, unless it is a listen only radio. Chris Parker is on 4045.0 at 6:30 am.