Bahamas Doable with 7' Draft ?

[tgrimmett]

We have a 47' Jeanneau Sun Kiss and are contemplating cruising the Bahamas and Caribbean. She has a draft of 7 ft. I had heard from one cruiser with a similar draft that the Bahamas was not worth considering -- not reasonable navigable with this draft. Can any of you with experience in the Bahamas comment on this? Thanks!
-Tom

[Jeff H]

There was a very long discussion on this a few years back started by Irwinsailor. The essense of that discussion is that you can do the Bahamas with that kind of draft but you end up being anchored out further and so need a faster dinghy. You also need a lot more care in your navigating.

Jeff

[irwinsailor]

Jeff said it just as I remember it. The man that built my boat goes to the Bahamas at least once a year. He said that my 8' draft will not be a problem in most places. He said that boats with 4' have as much problem because they try to get to close in too. I guess that you need to watch what you are doing a little closer.

[CSY Man]

Yeah, it is doable, but ya have to pay close attention to tides for one thing.

Some ports you can only enter close high, but you should not go in right at high, because you don't want to get stuck on a falling tide.

My boat fraws 5'6" and I hit the sand all the time...Just go slooow so ya can back out if ya hit.

[irwinsailor]

CSY how often do you go to the Bahamas?

[tgrimmett]

Thanks, everyone for your replies. I'm convinced now that we can do it, and not have a problem!

-Tom