Need info on Bahamas mooring balls

[Txcruiser]

I will be heading to the Bahamas in May and from all the information I have seen there are several places where mooring balls are available. But, I can find very limited information about what size vessels can use them. I see that ABC Moorings in Hopetown are limited to 45 feet but I have not found any other info. I have a 56 foot power vessel. Are there any balls for me in Hopetown, Green Turtle, or elsewhere? Appreciate any advice.

[Vasco]

Very few Bahamian mooring balls are properly maintained. It's best to rely on your own ground tackle. There are many horror stories about boats that relief on mooring balls in the Bahamas.


Toronto in summer, Bahamas in winter.

[Paperbird]

There was a Hatteras 58 on the ball next to us in Hopetown last week. I think there are only 1 or 2 balls in HT for that size vessel. There are at least a couple in Black sound at Green Turtle. Nothing in Man o War for that size. But you can always anchor outside and dinghy in.

Hope that helps.


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[redsky49]

The mooring balls in the Exumas that I have personally inspected (dived on) were not up to US standards.

Typically, the balls were attached to a concrete block or a rock. Not very reassuring. In addition, the pendants(pennants?) were not in very good shape. Opinion based on admittedly small sample.

[Dave852]

Originally Posted by redsky49

The mooring balls in the Exumas that I have personally inspected (dived on) were not up to US standards.

Typically, the balls were attached to a concrete block or a rock. Not very reassuring. In addition, the pendants(pennants?) were not in very good shape. Opinion based on admittedly small sample.

I saw some at Farmers Cay that consisted of a couple of outboard engines chained together on the bottom.


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[Txcruiser]

any idea who we should contact to check availability of that mooring with the hatteras?
thanks

[between storms]

Isn't there a way you can call the nearest Port in Bahamas?? PROBABLY NO DOUBT some sailor in Florida might know I would say. Good luck, I'm so in the wrong area in here.bye!


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[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Txcruiser

any idea who we should contact to check availability of that mooring with the hatteras?
thanks

Use your own anchor. Why trust an unknown mooring? Might be just fine until a thunderstorm blows up in the middle of the night then you end up on the beach.

I trust my gear a lot more than a mystery mooring ball.

[Tingum]

Many mooring fields do not have the room to swing on your own ground tackle. Some harbours are to thick in grass to anchor safely. Give a call on the radio or dinghy in and ask. I would never hang on a mooring without diving on it! In May the weather will be settled enough to comfortable anchor outside the Harbours. The larger harbours have lots of swing room. If in doubt ask! A call on 16 will usually get you an answer. Enjoy!

[Destiny1]

Hello,

I spent two month in the Bahamas last February and March. I have a 56 Hatteras Motor Yacht.

I did not spend much time cruising the Abacos, mostly in the Exumas.

In speaking with experienced cruisers in the Exumas, the only mooring balls that I would recommend are those on the Exumas Land and Sea Park. They are professionally inspected and maintained on a regular basis by the park staff.

This area can be busy so I would strongly suggest prior to arrival that you reach out to them via VHF radio. They broadcast a cruisers net every morning at 9 AM where the park manager records those boats that are leaving as well as takes reservations for any vacant moorings.

A great place to visit prior to arrival at the park is Highbourne Cay. While at Highbourne you can reach the park via VHF.

Good luck and have fun!!!!

Jamie

MY Destiny

[Paperbird]

The hatteras 58 was on a ball owned by Truman Major aka. Lucky Strike. His contact info is in the Explorer Chartbooks. In Hopetown, Man o War and Black Sound on Green turtle, the only options are balls- no anchoring or really bad holding. In Black Sound use Donny's. His and all of the ones in Hopetown and MOW are regularly inspected and are very good. We just sat out 35-40 kts for 2 days in MoW in our Pearson 422, 22,000 lbs.

In other areas, i agree with using own ground tackle.


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