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Old 07-12-2013, 14:36   #1
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Marathon, FL to Exumas in Dec.

Hello All-

Planning a trip from Marathon to Exuma in late Dec.

I would really appreciate any guidance on the route or places not to miss along the way.

Do I need to go North to Bimini/Cat or is there a more southerly option near Andros? I should also mention we will be under power and will make about 15-18 knots/hr. So, our weather window should be pretty attainable.

Any guidance from some "old salts" would be appreciated

Thanks!
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Old 08-12-2013, 04:47   #2
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Re: Marathon, FL to Exumas in Dec.

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, RTO.
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Old 08-12-2013, 05:36   #3
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Re: Marathon, FL to Exumas in Dec.

You're starting a lot further south than I usually do but those that come from the Keys usually get on the Bank at South Riding Rock. Shoot across the bank to NW Channel Light then on to Nassau. I would skip Bimini. Clear in at Nassau.

Get Pavlidis' Guide to the Exumas and you'll be all set.
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Old 08-12-2013, 06:21   #4
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Re: Marathon, FL to Exumas in Dec.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vasco View Post
... those that come from the Keys usually get on the Bank at South Riding Rock. Shoot across the bank to NW Channel Light ...
Get Pavlidis' Guide to the Exumas and you'll be all set.
From just South of SOUTH Riding Rock, then East (±˝ mi?) To Castle Rock, thence ± 55 mi (roughly) ENE to Northwest Channel Beacon etc.
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Old 08-12-2013, 06:38   #5
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Re: Marathon, FL to Exumas in Dec.

I'd skip Bimini for clearing in, too. Last time, I came over from no-name harbor, and cleared at Chub Cay. The good thing was, they gave me a seven month visa. The bad thing was, you have to get a slip, at some of the highest prices in the Bahamas, even though the place was almost deserted when I was there, (in November).

Anywhere in the Exumas is nice. I can't think of one place there that I don't like.

Make sure you take the Explorer Charts for the Near Bahamas and Exumas (and for the Far Bahamas, too if you think you might keep going), especially if don't have a Garmin chartplotter (which has the Explorer charts incorporated into its maps). But, there is still tons of good info in the books themselves that make them well worth the price.
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Old 08-12-2013, 18:08   #6
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Re: Marathon, FL to Exumas in Dec.

Thanks to all for the input..greatly appreciated.
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Old 09-12-2013, 04:37   #7
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Re: Marathon, FL to Exumas in Dec.

Welcome aboard! I prefer clearing in at Bimini...it's easy, dockage is cheap ($1/ft. or even less), and you're done with it and can avoid Nassau altogether. It's not the out islands, but Bimini has its own funky flavor and worth a visit if you've never been there.

We usually leave from No Name, but Marathon's fine...a little longer ride but with more help from the stream. We check in at Bimini, staying at any of the cheap marinas. Then we cross the banks and anchor behind Whale Cay (entering through Frazers-Hog Channel). Then we anchor at Rose Island just past Nassau. Then on to Allens Cay, etc...


Have a blast!! Happy cruising.
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