Cruise Bahamas with 7 1/2' Draft ?

[gbanker]

I might be bringing a sailboat from the BVIs to Ft. Lauderdale next spring and was wondering if there were enough places in the Bahamas were 7 1/2 foot draft could be floated such that I might want to spend some time cruising there.
Thanks

[Vasco]

Not really a problem. Just have to pick your spots a bit but lots of cuts and anchorages where you'll be alright. Bahamian waters are not as shallow as some think.

[AnchorageGuy]

Lots of places you can go but be sure to have the latest Explorer Charts for the most accurate information.

[CSY Man]

Lots of places you can go but be sure to have the latest Explorer Charts for the most accurate information.

What he said.

You can run aground in the Bahamas with 4' draft or with 8' draft.
Just plan ahead and pay attention to tides and such.

[SydneyTim]

Spent 6 months in the USA with 100s of people who had never been to the Bahamas saying we couldn't go with our 7.5 foot draft - listened to those that had been and had 3 fabulous months there last season.

Avoid the Abacos completely that is "impossible" if you want to have any fun, but the rest is superb. Just need to be listening in for the cold fronts and have a bolt hole thought out as many of the really good spots for a strong NW can be a bit skinny.

Oh and you definitely can't anchor out of the channel at Bimini no matter how many locals say you can!

Enjoy it!

[captjcook]

I draw 6-4, my last boat drew 6-4 been to the Bahamas often. My philosophy is no matter what you draw you spend the the same amount of time aground as anybody cause we all take chances. Yup there are some places you can't go and you will anchor off a bit further off (so what, I prefer privacy) than others. Don't miss the Bahamas, lots of great places, and for the very most part really great people!
Jim

[CSY Man]

It is like driving an 18 wheeler through Manhattan..It sure is doable if ya plan ahead.

Be ignorant and just go without thinking and you be in trouble.