Offshore to florida keys and bahamas

[bluewaterguy]

We want to start regular trips from the Boynton Beach Inlet to Key Largo and Grand Bahama Island.

Grand Bahama is closer- approx 60 nautical miles while Key Largo is safer - approx 102 NM because we can always take the intracoastal back in case of bad weather/seas.

We have an Edgewater 25" center console w/ twin Yamaha 150's.

Any comments from experienced boaters of these routes?

Steve

[ZITIBOAT]

Gulf Stream runs on average 2-3 knots during the summer months when all the Caribbean water temp is pretty much the same.
WINTER!!!! however is another story. I have experienced 10 knots roaring through for about 40-50 miles of the trip. It starts only about a mile offshore from Boynton.
Another thing to consider is that a 15-20 knot Northerly breeze will kick up 10 foot chop in about two hours in the Gulf Stream. I'm talking extremely confused seas so no way to angle into a following sea for comfort.

Things to consider:
1) What do you plan to do on Grand bahama? West End has the resort hotel and tiny marina and a 4 mile walk to the small town with a couple of bars and a great bakery but a good 3 hour bus ride to the nearest airport and shopping/market/casino.
Memory Rock is about the closest snorkeling spot unless you continue down to Freeport/Lucaya.
A long way to Great Sale Cay/Walkers/Abaco across low tide flats that have to be timed for crossing.
2) Poor facilities for maintenance/repairs and $.40 per gallon for fresh water resupply at Walkers last time I was there.
3) Largo has campground and bars/restaurants/shopping galore.
Snorkeling everywhere. USofA access to anything,anytime,anywhere.

I prefer Bahamas but Grand Bahama Island West End is not a favorite destination-just a stop on the way.