Small boat Gulf Stream Crossing

[sailorman7225]

Quick question for the brain trust: Are there any concerns for a Dana 24 crossing the Gulf Stream to Exumas in January/February and returning April?

Thanks,

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by sailorman7225

Quick question for the brain trust: Are there any concerns for a Dana 24 crossing the Gulf Stream to Exumas in January/February and returning April?

Thanks,

None whatsoever.. just wait for a S'ly set to the wind.. usually a 2-3 day cycle as it clocks to the West.
Enjoy..

[AiniA]

No problem at all with a decent forecast. Only problem with a boat that size is that there is not much room to load up with all the stuff that will cost you an arm and a leg in the Bahamas.

[sailstoo]

Did Miami to Bimini a number of times in 23 - 26' sailboats "back in the day". As boatman61 wrote, make sure the wind is southerly so you don't have the Gulf Stream current going head on into northerlies. Can be very bumpy...or worse.

[Empty Pockets]

I’ve done it in a 17’ Key West, others have crossed on jet skis...

[Sailsarefull]

Give yourself plenty of window to wait for good weather. We waited 3 weeks this last spring for just marginal weather. As others have said, southerly winds, small swells. Just spend some time reading about other experiences, watch weather closely. We have had beautiful crossings 3 times. Turned back twice and waited for better conditions. Also, nice to go with couple of other boats if you can. But, not necessary.

[Panacea2183]

Originally Posted by sailorman7225

Quick question for the brain trust: Are there any concerns for a Dana 24 crossing the Gulf Stream to Exumas in January/February and returning April?

Thanks,

Not a problem
Just be aware of the weather!
You may be waiting weeks for a crossing.
I have waited as long as 3 weeks for good weather.
If your headed to Exumas, make sure you have adequate ground tackle to ride out the fronts that come through.
Plan ahead and plan for changes in your itinerary
Good weather forecasting a MUST.
Provisioning can be slim, don’t count picking up whatever you need when you want it.
Would be happy to help if you need info.
Enjoy

[Lionshooter]

My first crossing was in a Spirit 23. Sitting in Jack Tar Marina, West End feeling quite smug when 4 kids in a 19' runabout pulled in having just crossed from Ft. Worth. That wiped the smug grin off my face.

[Tingum]

January and February? You might wait thru both months waiting for a weather window!

[Scout 30]

I'd take a Dana 24 just about anywhere.

[Billnpr]

Check out this sight for the trip in a Macger 26S
http://1fatgmc.com/boat/mac-1/2015%2...Main-Menu.html

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Tingum

January and February? You might wait thru both months waiting for a weather window!

Agree ! three day southerly windows are rare at that time of year, you could end up waiting 2--3 weeks to get back. Better wait til' late March or April.

[puffcard]

Nope great boat for the Bahamas and further south.

[flyingfin]

Best plan would be to put her on a trailer and ship her to Nassau on one of the RoRo island freighters.

[Tingum]

Originally Posted by flyingfin

Best plan would be to put her on a trailer and ship her to Nassau on one of the RoRo island freighters.

That not a good idea at all. If you ship it you have to pay duty on whatever they value it at, plus the freight. You also need either a cradle or a trailer.