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alphabravo2 · 18-11-2011, 15:26

We are seriously thinking about going from Port Aransas, TX to Central America early next year with our 40 foot Beneteau Oceanis 400... Q-1. Has anybody done the run , and would have some references, detailed route etc for us to start planning the trip. The goal would be to be around Belize or lower by June...

S/V Carpe Diem

JamuJoe · 18-11-2011, 15:46

Carpe Diem,
I've not done that route, but would recommend "Cruising Ports the Central American Route" by Capt. Pat Rains as the best cruising guide for Central America. She provides good guidance on preparations, clearances etc. Our boat is in Isla Mujeres, having cruised up Central America from Panama over the last three seasons, and will make our crossing to MS in May. Mid-April is the beginning of the better weather window for a GOM crossing.

sv Winterlude · 18-11-2011, 16:22

Haven't done TX to Isla, but have gone from Florida to Isla, then back six years later. We found the best cruising guide to be Freya Rauscher's "Cruising Guide to Belize & Mexico's Caribbean Coast Including Guatemala's Rio Dulce. The 2007 version is better than the 1996 version - 1996 had some incorrect waypoints - we had it but were warned to use her bearings and navigational information, but not her waypoints. I assume she's corrected that in the 2007 edition. We know boaters that have gone from Kemah TX to Isla -- try s/v Bruadair's blog. They're in Panama now, but started in Kemah, were our buddy boat from the Bay Islands to Bocas Del Toro, Panama and one season in the San Blas, Panama. I'm sure Damon could answer questions. Buena Suerte!

JamuJoe · 18-11-2011, 16:40

Jan,
Glad to discover your website. I couldn't resist leaving a comment re: storage on the hard vs marina. I'll enjoy reading the rest of your articles. We also have the Rauscher guide, I would spring for both if investing in a cruise along Belize.