Great Bahama Bank and 7 1/2' Draft?

[gbanker]

Has anyone crossed the Great Bahama Bank ( NW Channel - Mackie Shoal - North Rock) with 7 1/2 ' draft? Looks doable to me but just checking as it has been 20 years +/- since I have gone that way. thanks

[Vasco]

I haven't but a buddy has. If you get on at North Rock there's one spot between N. Rock and Mackie Shoal that's shown as 7 feet or so but there's good water to the north of this spot. I'm going from memory as my charts are on the boat in FL. The Explorer Charts are the way to go.

[SydneyTim]

We avoided it as we were new to the Bahamas at that stage and did an alternative route, that you may find more pleasant anyway given the limited anchoring options/ expensive marinas once you have crossed to Chub(?) (Doing this with no charts so apologise if I am wrong).

Left Bimini and sailed over the banks in deep water to round the north end of the Berry's, sailing down the Berry's to Nassau, stopping at Devil Hoffman's for a few days of heaven on the way.

We did it as a full moon overnight sail, in very gentle breezes as we were in no rush and it was one of our most memorable trips in 7 years cruising.