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Old 11-03-2024, 22:31   #1
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New Boat Opinions for Bahamas

Hello All! I am newbie here on the forum, so go easy! I was hoping I could get some opinions on some boats I'm looking at. I have been sailing my Catalina 22 wing keel for 8 years on and I am ready to move to greater and bigger things!

I have a dream of sailing to the Bahamas (as most do haha) with my girlfriend and I want to have the right boat for the job. We are just out of college, so budget is tight, max 35000ish, and I hope to keep it in the 30-36 range. I have been looking at the Catalina 30 (as long as it doesn’t have the Catalina smile), Catalina 34, one good Catalina 38 deal, beneteau Firsts, Pearsons, C&Cs, and so on, so many options!

I would love to stay with Catalina if possible, but ultimately I need a boat that is safe and can take the Gulf Stream crossing, island hopping, and able to get us to safety in rough weather.

What are you takes on Catalinas in the Bahamas? On other boats? Should I have a full on blue water sailboat?

I have much to learn before my journey, but I'm excited for every part! Thank you all for your help!

-Will
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Old 11-03-2024, 23:12   #2
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Re: New Boat Opinions for Bahamas

Quote:
Originally Posted by Capt.Steadiman View Post
I would love to stay with Catalina if possible, but ultimately I need a boat that is safe and can take the Gulf Stream crossing, island hopping, and able to get us to safety in rough weather.



Should I have a full one blue water sailboat?

-Will

From the U.S. to the Bahamas and even down island in the Bahamas, all you really need to a good WEATHER WINDOW for the crossing.



With weather forecasting today and the short distances, if you encounter rough enough weather to require a "blue water boat", you have made an error in timing your passage.


A seaworthy coastal cruiser is what you are looking for and the Catalinas you mention, particularly 34 and 36 would fit your needs. IMO, the 30 is a bit on the small size and the 38 is an old racing design and likely deeper draft than desirable.
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Old 11-03-2024, 23:34   #3
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Re: New Boat Opinions for Bahamas

For a Bahamas boat, I like to keep my draft below 5'.
For crossing the Gulfstreem, I want an inboard diesel. That was the only reason I would not take my old Hunter 265 outboard sloop over there, which is a shame, as it only drew 3.5'.
The size of boat you will need depends on how many people you will want to take, how long you want to stay away from civilization, and what comfort level you require. I can do 2 in a 32' or 4 in a 35' boat comfortably for a couple of weeks.


Some basic equipment options to consider include -
Fuel Capacity
Water Capacity
Water Maker
Refrigeration capacity
Air Conditioning
Mosquito Netting
Navigational Gear
Source of Local Knowledge
Charts
Communications/tracking (minimum spot tracker or in-reach, should be EPIRB & PLB, maybe also sat phone, maybe star link if it's in the budget)
Life Raft
DITCH BAG

The condition of the boat means more than the brand. Your boat surveyor is your best friend there.

If you find yourself in the Palm Beach area & would like to go for a day sail on a 32', to get the feel of it, contact me.
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Old 12-03-2024, 03:56   #4
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Re: New Boat Opinions for Bahamas

A Catalina is a fine boat for the Bahamas. I love the 30 myself, I've owned 2 different 27's and always thought I might get a 30. But I have ended up with an Endeavour 32 which I very much like now.

Anyway, at your budget I would look for the best 30 I could find. When you get up into the upper 20's there will be some decent boats. Just remember you will need some budget left over for things you will need, unless you find that unicorn that has it all. Very rare !

Here is a good YouTube channel of a couple - I haven't met them but people I know have and they are good folks - but they did the Bahamas on a Catalina 30. Probably some good stuff in here for you.

https://www.youtube.com/@WickedSalty

Feel free to reach out, and be sure to keep us posted. If you are looking around in NE Florida that's where I'm at.

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Old 12-03-2024, 06:27   #5
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Boat: Finnsailer 38
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Re: New Boat Opinions for Bahamas

Lots of Catalinas, Beneteaus, Hunters, etc. cruise the Bahamas, so you will be in good company. Some friends went all over the Bahamas in an old Catalina 30. We did our most extensive Bahamas cruising in a 30-footer with even less interior space than a Catalina 30. As others have mentioned, you will need plenty of water, fuel, and stores, but for a couple a 30-footer can do it, and you will be much happier if you can stay under 5-foot draft. I wouldn't consider any boat over 6-foot draft for cruising anywhere on the East Coast, but that's because I like gunkholing in out of the way spots. But, you do have to respect the Gulf Stream crossing and the open-water passages possible in the Bahamas. We've crossed the Gulf Stream many times in northers due to schedules (avoid if possible), and it can be extremely rough. Your boat will need to be prepared for tougher sails, even if you rarely need to do them. You'll want safety harnesses, reef points in your main, solid anchoring gear, etc.
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