What's the best Bahamas cruiser?

[chuthmak]

Hey all,

First time caller!

I've been an armchair cruiser for years and like many, "one day I'll be able to cruise".

Anyway, what's the best affordable comfortable cruiser for the shallows of the Bahamas?

Some of my research claims the Out Island 41 when it comes to space and draft and affordability.

Ready, set, GO!

Charles

[S/V Illusion]

My money for the “best cruiser” is Crystal or The Caribbean Princess.

I’ll leave it to others to suggest the second best.

[sailorboy1]

its whatever boat allows you do it and then move on

[Vasco]

When folks ask me this question I always say whatever you're sailing now. Take your boat down and after one season you'll have a much better idea of what you want, and its not the same for everyone.

[Knot Fast]

I know this is mostly a sailing site, but for the Bahamas I cruise in a GH37.
This particular boat sold a year ago...this is not a commercial post

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y74l0uu1P98

I'd have a different answer for the Caribbean (a sailing cat), but the OP asked about the Bahamas.

Pick good weather to cross, then cruise 7 kts into the wind on 2.5g/h. 3' draft lets you take the shallow, shore side of the anchorage that seems usually available as the draftier monohulls stay in deeper water.

I spend more time living and less time underway. Stay for a week, then move on 20-30 miles. The light and space make the crew happy. Happy crew = happy capt. One GH37 has made an annual Bahamas trip for 16 years. 600 miles of getting there, cruising around 6-8 weeks and getting back; add some gen time when the solar panels need a boost, ~300g or $900 of diesel. Most sailboats in the Bahamas use a little diesel, too.

I have sailed the windward and leeward islands, and there is nothing like that...

[Pegu Club]

We think it is our 1977 Bristol 29.9, but that’s just us... ⛵️

Fair winds,

[Adelie]

Originally Posted by chuthmak

Hey all,

First time caller!

I've been an armchair cruiser for years and like many, "one day I'll be able to cruise".

Anyway, what's the best affordable comfortable cruiser for the shallows of the Bahamas?

Some of my research claims the Out Island 41 when it comes to space and draft and affordability.

Ready, set, GO!

Charles

Power or sail?
How many people aboard?
Budget to buy & outfit?
Monthly living and maintenance budget?
Do you have any aspirations of going beyond the Caribbean?
How handy are you?
What's your sailing experience?

[Arthurwg]

Krogen 38 w/centerboard.

[Adelie]

Originally Posted by Knot Fast

I know this is mostly a sailing site,...

While power boaters a bit thin on the ground here this is NOT a sailing site, it is a cruising site.

[Adelie]

My personal choice would be a C&C Mega 30.
https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/mega-30-od-cc

[bigdogandy]

Endeavour 32. By a mile!

[skipmac]

Got together with the family and chartered a 52' power cat. If you can afford the fuel then that is by far the best boat for cruising the Bahamas.



Well, unless you want to go with something more in the 70-80' range that comes with a cook and maid service.

[laika]

Coming into Georgetown in season you'll see hundreds of boats. A few might be out island 41s, and that could certainly be a good choice given the comfort/size factor coupled with the relatively shallow draft

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Charles.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by laika

Coming into Georgetown in season you'll see hundreds of boats. A few might be out island 41s, and that could certainly be a good choice given the comfort/size factor coupled with the relatively shallow draft

The OI41 is roomier but my first cruise to Georgetown was in an OI36. Still very roomy and with a draft under 4' I never had a problem finding a place to anchor, no matter how crowded the harbor.