Marathon to Bahamas

[sjcdwright]

Old Bahama bay in west end is really expensive. Clear customs and then clear out. With 5' 6" draft you will need to cross the banks north of west end at high to mid tide at low you WILL bottom out

[missnmountains]

Another alternative is to check in at Bimini and head north to Port Lucaya. You can then (if you don't mind motoring) head north through the lucayan waterway. This will get you north of Grand Bahamas and then you short cut it to the Abacos.

We have done the Marathon to Bimini run several times and it goes by pretty quick with the stream helping.

Ken

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by missnmountains

Another alternative is to check in at Bimini and head north to Port Lucaya. You can then (if you don't mind motoring) head north through the lucayan waterway.............
Ken

I don't remember the fixed bridge clearance on the Lucayan, but those interested should note that this is a route for those with limited vertical clearance and not a typical sailboat option.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by CaptForce

I don't remember the fixed bridge clearance on the Lucayan, but those interested should note that this is a route for those with limited vertical clearance and not a typical sailboat option.

Years ago made that trip in a power boat (I have revealed my dark side) and the vertical clearance was not much, something like 15-20' max. Definitely not a sailboat route.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Years ago made that trip in a power boat (I have revealed my dark side) and the vertical clearance was not much, something like 15-20' max. Definitely not a sailboat route.

Just pulled out my Bahamas chart and I was wrong.

Clearance shows 27 1/2'. Still not a sailboat route.

[Captalex]

have you ever anchored a 72' Vessel in or near marathon? We are going from Key west to chub Bahama late june and are trying to figure out an over night anchorage. any suggestions?

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by Captalex

have you ever anchored a 72' Vessel in or near marathon? We are going from Key west to chub Bahama late june and are trying to figure out an over night anchorage. any suggestions?

72 feet is too big for a mooring or anchoring inside the harbor, but check with Marathon City Marina to be sure of the largest size they can take for a mooring. Also your draft may affect you in the entrance channel. However you could probably get a transient slip at Marathon Marina and Boatyard, the first marina coming into the harbors west entrance. You can anchor outside the harbor entrance channel on the 7 Mile Bridge side. Go in as far as your draft will allow. If the wind is out of the south or west, that anchorage can get bumpy. Chuck

[CaptainBW]

Not sure of your draft which could limit you, but the most popular anchorages are just outside the entrance to Boot Key Harbor and Sisters Creek. You could also grab a mooring in Boot Key Harbor.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum