VI vs Bahamas

[rancher44]

I am planning on sailing to the bahamas and I only read about the VI.
Any one want to share great places to sale in the Bahama's and florida keys ??

[clifford sloan]

Originally Posted by rancher44

I am planning on sailing to the bahamas and I only read about the VI.
Any one want to share great places to sale in the Bahama's and florida keys ??

You would likely get answers if the following were noted -
Time allowance, vessel, draft, nearest stateside departure point. All these things would have a direct bearing on the advice offered.
All the best,
Clif

[Kettlewell]

Keep in mind that the Bahamas is huge compared to the VI. There are literally hundreds of possible places to go--more than 500 islands I believe. There is everything from lonely anchorages with nobody around, to popular cruising harbors like George Town where 300 or more boats gather in the winter. In general, the water is crystal clear and shallow, requiring the development of some eyeball navigation skills. The Out Island towns are not generally developed, so you have to be more self-sufficient in terms of supplies, fuel, water, etc. Different island groups have different characteristics. Abacos in the north are more developed with more bars, restaurants, etc., while the Exumas are more wild, with more scenic beauty and trickier piloting. There are other areas that are more remote and more difficult, but also can be more rewarding if you like those sorts of places. Lots to do if you like snorkeling and diving.

[rancher44]

Plan on a 5'6"draft ,from central florida and 2-4 weeks

[onestepcsy37]

with your starting point and time constraint i would do the northern bahamas (abacos). to prepare, get a copy of steve dodge's cruising guide to the abacos.

[Kettlewell]

with your starting point and time constraint i would do the northern bahamas (abacos). to prepare, get a copy of steve dodge's cruising guide to the abacos.

This ^^. Wish I was there now...

[Lowcountry]

A two week trip to the Bahamas isn't going to be much time. If you have perfect weather, figure one day to get from Florida to West End. A second day to get to Great Sayle Cay, a third day to get to Green Turtle Cay. All this is assuming, of course, that nothing goes wrong with your boat. So there you are using up a week just to get in and out of the Abacos, and that is assuming perfect weather windows, which is unusual. Then you have a week to fool around, which isn't much. I would allot myself at least a month to do it. Trying to do it in a two week timespan is just asking for problems. That said, if I could only go for two weeks, I would still do it .

[Perithead]

Sounds like a shallow draft, to me at least. I draft 1'9" with the board up (Montgomery 17)

I can only speak or the Florida Keys, I was there on m little boat for a week about 8 months ago.

I would make the decision based on your experience. Have you done much cruising? Will you be singlehanded? How much time do you have? Sounds like you have a large boat.

If you aren't pretty experienced I would stick with the Florida Keys. There is a pretty god bit to see. You could make a short jump to the Dry Tortugas and explore the uninhabited Marquesas.

When I went to the Keys I had it in my mind that if I had good weather I'd jump across to the Bahamas. Well, I learned that it's a little more difficult than one may think (I was singlehanded). There is quite alot to worry about, especially with your deeper draft. Alot of the time I was on edge navigating, probably for no reason but I was. If I had your draft....... boy I would be a nervous wreck.

The Bahamas would be my choice over the VI's though.

[Kettlewell]

Keep in mind that the entry fee for the Bahamas is $300 if your boat is over 30 feet. That's pretty steep for a two-week trip.

[S/V Antares]

If you are chartering a boat.... start in the Bahamas. No weather window issues, fees or getting stuck and running out of time. It is winter..... even here in Abaco. The weather fronts cruise through once or twice a week. I have waited as long as a month in FL for a decent window to cross the gulfstream.

[Tingum]

Happy New Year from Green Turtel Cay. Come on over!!!!!!!!!!!