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GordMay · 14-01-2004, 03:34

“Southbound” (C&C29) successfully carried about 5'-8" (as burdened) throughout the Bahamas (excepting the Abaco’s - which, believe it or not, we never sailed). Although, in this instance, “Less is more” (Mies Van De Rohe), I don’t think that your 5'-6" draft should present a substantive problem.

As Stede advises, you can play the tides (range about 3 Ft), on those few occasions ,such as the entrance to Norman’s Pond, Current Cut, and perhaps Bimini [ which has been previously discussed

], when you want to cross a bar. Most cuts and passages (and anchorages) will accept up to 8' or better.

Those that recommend “shoal draft” (I'm not refering to anyone in particular - there's lots of them) for the Bahamas, are real “gunkholers” (OMO) - and you should not let their exhortations scare you off; unless you, too, wish to explore "off the path" (we use our dinghy for this).

In my (not so humble) opinion, anything under 6' draft (fully laden) is OK.

Regards,

14-01-2004, 03:34	#4
GordMay Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario - 48-29N x 89-20W Boat: C.L.O.D. (Cruiser Living On Dirt) Posts: 12,582	<6' OK in Bahamas “Southbound” (C&C29) successfully carried about 5'-8" (as burdened) throughout the Bahamas (excepting the Abaco’s - which, believe it or not, we never sailed). Although, in this instance, “Less is more” (Mies Van De Rohe), I don’t think that your 5'-6" draft should present a substantive problem. As Stede advises, you can play the tides (range about 3 Ft), on those few occasions ,such as the entrance to Norman’s Pond, Current Cut, and perhaps Bimini [ which has been previously discussed ], when you want to cross a bar. Most cuts and passages (and anchorages) will accept up to 8' or better. Those that recommend “shoal draft” (I'm not refering to anyone in particular - there's lots of them) for the Bahamas, are real “gunkholers” (OMO) - and you should not let their exhortations scare you off; unless you, too, wish to explore "off the path" (we use our dinghy for this). In my (not so humble) opinion, anything under 6' draft (fully laden) is OK. Regards, __________________ Gord May ~~_/)_~~ (Gord & Maggie - "Southbound") "If you didn't have time/$ to do it right in the first place, when will you get the time/$ to fix it?" Last edited by GordMay; 14-01-2004 at 05:57.