Many
boats move down to
Georgetown for the
winter so I usually see fewer
boats in Marsh Harbour in the
winter than in early summer. There's a convenient
dinghy dock that I've used to pick up and drop off crew frequently.
I don't think either
Nassau or Freeport are very convenient alternatives for picking up crew in the winter as cold fronts are common and can be strong. Nassau is much closer, but you can reach Grand Bahama without ever leaving the Little Bahama Bank.
There are shuttle/bus options from West End to Freeport, but I really think over all Marsh Harbour is a better option. If your goal is to
cruise the northern Abacos, there is
ferry service to and from Green Turtle Cay (I have a
boat there now) and the Treasure Cay
Airport, but over all I prefer the the all around
anchoring protection Marsh Harbour provides as well as more varied and economical
provisioning.