Motoring dismasted boat across Gulf Steam

[Cheechako]

I see no problem with it at all. Just time for good weather.

*Make sure fuel tank is clean. Have extra filters.
If you get a towing membership only get the highest priced one.

[Rackman]

Check out Parley Revival on youtube...

[floydmiami1]

It’s only 40 nautical miles get a few good weather forecasts,make sure the seas are less than 4’ and the wind is not from any points north, a dinghy and a Towboat US membership, leave early in the AM and you’ll be in MIA early afternoon.When we were kids we used to cross in a 14’footer not smart

[boatman61]

If your worried about fuel quality in the tank get a couple of 25 litre Jerry cans and fill with clean diesel, enough fuel line to run a flow from the bottom of a Jerry can to the engine filter and pump inlet.. and a return back to the Jerry can.
Lash one can in place as close as possible to the engine as the primary and use the second for topping up.
Used this arrangement a few times in emergencies and it works a treat.

[Gaia]

Originally Posted by boatman61

If your worried about fuel quality in the tank get a couple of 25 litre Jerry cans and fill with clean diesel, enough fuel line to run a flow from the bottom of a Jerry can to the engine filter and pump inlet.. and a return back to the Jerry can.
Lash one can in place as close as possible to the engine as the primary and use the second for topping up.
Used this arrangement a few times in emergencies and it works a treat.

Some good ideas here and earlier. If you have time especially in summer it is not that big a deal. Prepare for it and you will be fine. From the east it can be a nice trip regardless of how you do it.

Enjoy the adventure and the clear water at the start. It still is 'better in the Bahamas'

Jim sv Gaia

[Bullshooter]

If I'm not mistaken, no one even asked what size the motor was. Not that the OP has answered anyway...

[Stmurray62]

I’ve done it twice; once with a demasted Jeanneau 50 and with a Bermuda 40. In both cases, Just as a backup, I rigged the spinnaker as a makeshift mast in which I rigged a steaming light and a block and halyard. I had some sail on board and on the 50, the motor did quit (dirty racor). We rigged a sail on the spinnaker and made 3 kts. until we got the motor going again. Fortunately, in both boats, the motor worked fine across the “Stream”. I left from the West End and made for FtPierce, in both instances.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by MicHughV

my concern with all the potential rolling is detritus in the fuel tank getting all shook up...and plugging a fuel filter and stopping the engine...so definitely consider that...fuel tank could also have water in it.

my # 1 advice.....get a membership in Seatow or TowBoat US.....they'll come and get you if you are close enuff.....if you are not a member....a tow will set you back big time..

don't depend on the USCG.....they are there to save lives, not boats...

I'd say 99.9% of the boats returning to the US from the B'mas are usually under power, it's a relatively quick trip, if everything goes smoothly...

Yep, do thurough maintenance on the fuel system, including fuel polishing first...and bring LOTS of spare filters and know how to change them, including bleeding the fuel system.

[donahue62]

What a great reply, just what he was looking for.

[donahue62]

Originally Posted by seandepagnier

why is the boat dismasted? The best way to get out of this is not getting into it.


Did you consider it is more likely the engine will fail you than the rig (if the rig is right) ?

Just the answer he was looking for.