Big Hollywood and the Bahamas

[Big Hollywood]

We have not yet sailed the Bahamas, wanted to hear pros and cons of sailing a 40 cat in and around the Bahamas. Thanks

[Vasco]

There are no cons.

[Waterway Guide]

Pros: EverythingCons: None

[Waterway Guide]

But one more thing, which may be a pro or a con...Everyone will want to be partying on your boat.

[FSMike]

Come on guys, it's too crowded already (well, not right now). Can't anybody come up with a con?

[skipmac]

Con - You have to wear sunscreen, even in January.

[Big Hollywood]

Thanks for responses but I am concerned about water depths and wind speeds.

[s/vPainkiller]

Dude, the Bahamas were made for catamarans. Having a cat opens up more places to go that us mono-hullers can't get to. There are hundreds of cruising boats all over the Bahamas every year, but you can find solitude if that's what you want. Much of the sailing is in protected water on the banks, but you do have to be prepared for big water sailing between some of the islands. Still if you pick your window, you can day sail in good conditions.

Once you get down to the Exumas, the anchorages with west/north protection are more limited so you do have to watch the weather and make sure you have a good place to hide if necessary. In the winter, you get the tail end of fronts that cross the continental US. Not much rain typically, but the wind does clock around - and sometime it blows stink. But it's all very do-able. You definitely won't regret it.

Do some searching here at CF. There are lots of threads and no shortage of information about the Bahamas.

Scott

[skipmac]

Unless you have a cat with deep daggerboards or keel you won't have a problem with draft. Of course if you push it you can always find somewhere to run aground but in general, anything under 6' is OK, under 5' very good, under 4' you will go places most other boats won't fit.

Wind will depend to a big degree on the time of year. From predominantly low to calm in summer (as long as there isn't a hurricane in the area) to frequent 15-25 kts in the winter.

You're in the trade winds so >90% of the time the winds will be from somewhere in the east, NE to E to SE.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Big Hollywood

Thanks for responses but I am concerned about water depths and wind speeds.

By the way, have you thought about picking up charts and cruising guides for the Bahamas? Will answer all your questions and you will need them anyway when you go.