Newbie laundry question...

[dochueb]

Hi all.

Quick question that I'm having trouble finding an answer to. We are doing our first solo charter in the Abacos next week. We're trying to pack light because we'll be flying our own small plane to Marsh Harbour, so we have weight restrictions.

My question: if you are anchored or moored somewhere -- are the laundry facilities at the local marinas generally open to the anchored/moored public, or are they only for people in slips at the marina?

Thanks...

DH

[onestepcsy37]

we spent last summer in the abacos aboard our boat. we anchored out all but one week when we stayed at mangos marina in marsh harbor.

from what i've seen, most businesses are only too happy to help you out, marinas included. the locals are really friendly and could certainly use the business - they've suffered with the economy as much as we have. at mangos, you buy some tokens at the office for the machines. i don't think they would turn you down. in any case, if you're chartering out of marsh harbor your marina has a coin laundry too.

don't bring a lot of clothes. shorts, t-shirts, swim trunks, flip flops, water shoes. maybe a light windbreaker. leave the jeans home. you'll have enough water on the boat to do a bucket laundry while you're anchored out. no need to commit precious hours of your week hanging out in a laundromat. and like us, i'll bet you will come to LOVE the abacos.

and if you like to go shelling, here's a little known secret. the best shelling in the abacos is in the laundry room at mangos marina. someone, somehow, filled two large tubs with small shells and left them in the laundry. each tub must weigh 100 lbs. my wife brought back a large jar of them which she found in the tubs while waiting for the laundry....

[belizesailor]

Pack light. You don't need many clothes (only when you have neighbors!). Light weight quick drying clothing is best.

Another cruiser trick: I jump in and take a salt water bath clothes and all. Rise my clothes in fresh water then hang on rail to dry.