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Old 15-12-2020, 17:09   #1
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Leaving for Bahamas

Hi I have a 30 Sea Ray and I am getting ready to go to the Bahamas.
I plain to leave from West Palm. Since there is safety in numbers I was wondering if there were any other Folk that were going to make the crossing?
are you a sail or power craft?
Well what do you think?
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Old 16-12-2020, 01:48   #2
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Re: Leaving for Bahamas

You may want to query TrawlerForum, a power-oriented sister site CF. While most boats are larger and in the 15 kt range, you may find a buddy boat. TheHullTruth is another resource as they have a lot of fishermen.

Best success and enjoy tour trip!

Peter
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Old 16-12-2020, 04:37   #3
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Re: Leaving for Bahamas

Its only 50 miles. You don't really need the safety in numbers thing. I fibd”buddy boats” cause too many stay together issues. Plus you are goig to get to check in at same time and pile up.

So just go.

Imo
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Old 16-12-2020, 04:51   #4
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Re: Leaving for Bahamas

Choose a day with good weather.

Have a secondary means of navigation, such as a paper chart with your location frequently marked.

Check your VHF radio before you go.

Have a check in plan with a friend.

Have a wonderful trip.
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Old 16-12-2020, 06:34   #5
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Re: Leaving for Bahamas

Agree with all the above. Depending on the power in your Searay it's only a couple of hours to cross and my experience, trying to coordinate buddy boat is more trouble than it's worth and only adds the perception of greater safety. Besides, on any nice day there will be dozens of boat in VHF range if you do break down or need help.

I would just prep carefully as follows:

- Make sure engines, fuel filters, etc are good.
- Make sure your VHF is good. Get a handheld for a backup in case you lose all power.
- Check the weather carefully and go when it's good.
- If you don't have a life raft, for this trip in settled weather a good inflatable dinghy would be fine in case you do have to abandon. Take the handheld VHF with you.
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Old 16-12-2020, 07:59   #6
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Re: Leaving for Bahamas

I would hope that you have checked all of the COVID-19 restrictions that the Bahamas have in place.
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Old 16-12-2020, 09:22   #7
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Re: Leaving for Bahamas

I'm good thanks going for 90 days there about.
I am prepared to quarantine if need
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Old 16-12-2020, 12:24   #8
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Re: Leaving for Bahamas

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hog Wild View Post
I'm good thanks going for 90 days there about.
I am prepared to quarantine if need
Quarantine isnt an option.
If you dont submit a pcr covid test and pre aproval of your Bahamian health visa they will turn you back.
It's a very easy process.
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Old 16-12-2020, 13:14   #9
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Re: Leaving for Bahamas

Quote:
Originally Posted by chris mac View Post
Quarantine isnt an option.
If you dont submit a pcr covid test and pre aproval of your Bahamian health visa they will turn you back.
It's a very easy process.
Correct. Current regulations can be found here,

https://bahamasmarinas.com/procedures-and-protocols/

A couple of pertinent sections:

As of November 1, 2020, all incoming visitors must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR Negative (Swab) Test upon arrival been taken no later than five (5) days from the date of arrival in The Bahamas. No quarantine period is required.


Boaters are also required to take a rapid test after arrival and clearance in the Bahamas.


The rapid antigen test will be conducted four days / five nights (96 hours) after arrival in The Bahamas. The rapid tests are easy, quick and will yield results in 20 minutes or less with results being provided electronically via a QR Code. Visitors departing on Day Five will not be required to obtain this test. Boaters who have entered The Bahamas and is out to sea on the fifth day is required to obtain an Antigen Test at the first port of call thereafter.

Approved ABM Member Marina Testing Sites

Nassau – Bay Street Marina and Nassau Yacht Haven (both for guests only)
AbacoAbaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour and Baker’s Bay Resort & Marina (both for guests only) plus Sandy Point Public Dock
Eleuthera / Harbour Island – Romora Bay Resort & Marina – all for guests only
Exuma – Highbourne Cay and Staniel Cay Yacht Club


Tests will also be administered at many medical centers and administration office locations on all major islands. Customs and Immigration offices on the islands will NOT be administering tests. Click here for full list: https://www.bahamas.com/day-five-covid-19-testing-sites
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Old 26-12-2020, 13:51   #10
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Re: Leaving for Bahamas

I've done this trip. You're out of sight of land for only a short while (1/2 hr +/-) if you're going to West End. It's an easy trip on a good day.

I am assuming you:
are twin screws;
will have full fuel & water with empty waste tank;
will have a spare anchor and chain (lots of coral in the Bahamas);
have working VHF, GPS, with a back up hand held GPS;
will have a paper chart, even if you don't use it;
will have a Bahama's and Quarantine flag;
will have lots of spare parts, including a spare prop and prop hubs;
will have proper tools on board to fix your boat;
will have a ditch bag;
will have color copies of your passport (the credit card passport is usable by boat to the Bahamas) insurance papers, registration, and the title to the boat;
will have both personally registered with the US Government (Global Entry, etc.) so that you do not have to clear customs when you return , and also the boat (DO IT NOW);
will have a quality cooler that will hold ice for more than one day;
will have lots and lots of bottled water; and,
you've made reservations at your arriving marina.

Lucaya Freeport is a better port to be stuck at than West End. There is more to do.

Last but not least: I am envious. Have a great trip. Lucaya is a great port of entry too. There is a conch shack right at the city marina... she makes a great conch salad.
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