The new generation of catamaran yachts is the market leaders in performance and comfort, which makes them the perfect yacht for bareboating in the Bahamas.. We''re happy to answer questions from anyone planning a trip. CAT ISLAND. People. Listen to the weather forecasters for the colds fronts that will affect South Florida. Aboard a Moorings yacht charter, charterers can experience the Bahamas like never before. A 1981 8.5 meter (28') S2 with shoal draft of 3'10". In addition to the print publication, BoatUS Magazine sends email newsletters with exclusive curated content specific to your boating interests. On a powerboat, it is possible to go to Bimini from Miami in 2 1/2 to 3 Hours. Among the many delights of cruising the shallow waters of Pine Island Sound in southwest Florida is that, even for powerboat beginners, it requires only straightforward eyeball navigation. Star Cruiser I got to know a couple on a neat aluminum 40' sailboat in Boot Key Harbour in the Florida Keys. ---- But wait, I'm way ahead of myself - let's go back to last year when planning our Bahamas trip first took place. This is NOT a complaint post, just seven things we’ve learned in our first month in the Bahamas. Whether you want to race to the party or be the party, this type of luxury powerboat is ideal for entertaining, cruising and traveling long distances. A couple we’d been told before we came and had really prepared for, others we “knew” but didn’t really take to heart as much as we should have. A Bahamas boat rental can range from $785 to $2,400/day if you are looking for a motorboat. How To. The MK I had a solid glass construction but the MK II had balsa cored hulls and decks. Internal ballast so when (not if) you hit bottom you never have to worry about keel bolts. Cruising a 42-foot power boat from San Francisco Bay to the Columbia River. What is the More Suitable Yacht to Bareboat in the Bahamas? Whether it be a tug, trawler or any other power boat, the annual costs will run about 10% of the value of the boat. E-mail [email protected] Next month we start moving the boat back to Canada. You can go to the Bahamas in a conoe if the weather is right. Bahamas Boating Regulations . A power boat (we have had 4 over 34 feet to 41 feet) will cost obviously more money up front for purchase. This is truly a great excursion to add on to your Bahamas vacation! If you had told my wife, Mindy, and me 28 years ago that someday we’d be sailing from Florida to the Bahamas and back in a boat little bigger than a dinghy, we wouldn’t have believed you. Even babies must have one. Below we explore the reasons why you should choose a powerboat … Albany Resort/Marina New Providence albanybahamas.com (242) 909-7001 Accommodations for vessels up to 300’ LOA. 10 Top Cruising Power Boats Whether you plan to anchor overnight, cruise to a far-off destination, or spend a long weekend exploring the islands, one of these top 10 cruising power boats is sure to fit your needs. “Our cruising grounds range from Maine to the southern Bahamas. Our active and passionate readers enjoy powerboating, sailing, cruising, fishing, and water sports on boats both big and small. As Captain Chris, who trained us in the operation of our beefy trawler, said, "Just follow the ICW markers. You are now entering the world of Powerboat Adventures: Board our high speed powerboats for the most exciting Bahamas trip of your life. See more of what the Chesapeake Bay has to offer when you book a high-performance cruising yacht, with the option to take the helm yourself*, or with a Cruise Annapolis provided Captain. A cruising permit is required for all foreign private, non-commercial, pleasure boats (and occupants) to sail in Bahamian waters. Are the Bahamas in your winter sailing plans? If you are planning to cruise for a few weeks, you’ll need a solid, well-maintained sailing yacht or power boat. I’m on several Bahamas cruising groups in Florida and Marathon is a major staging area for crossing to the Bahamas and I have not heard of anyone having a problem with any food they’ve taken. Many couples sailing and living a-board in the Caribbean are doing so in a most envied lifestyle, and they are doing it on less then $20 a day. Just say that everything on board is for your own consumption. Clearing customs and immigration in the Bahamas now requires every U.S. citizen to have a passport, regardless of age. By Jen Brett. We''ve enjoyed our Bahamas cruising a lot. Island Marine Boat rentals, small power boats (242) 366-0282. Aft is a cockpit for hanging out at anchor and watching the world go by. NEW PROVIDENCE. Safety at Sea: Dragging Anchor. No matter which type of boat you like the most, one model or another is sure to fit your idea of ideal. It’s set up perfectly for couples cruising, with a dinette and galley in the saloon, the helm and an adjacent companion seat set a few steps up in the pilothouse and an offset berth, hanging locker and enclosed head down in the bow. Upgrading a Sailboat Head. It's all about the weather. Gear. We are absolutely loving cruising the Bahamas! Bahamas) consists of more then 7,000 Islands and Cays that stretch from Florida south to Venezuela. The average boat size we saw in the Exumas was probably 38'. This Belize 43 is one of the last and most mature boats in this product line. I'm the original owner having purchased the boat in 1988 at the New York Boat Show. But if you have to sail to the Bahamas during the hurricane season, it's highly advisable to take extra precautions. This makes it perhaps the ideal trawler for cruising the Bahamas. Very well maintained, engines were replaced in 2018 along with new North Sails and parasail. If you’re in a powerboat that can do 15-20 knots, you should be able to reach Bimini or West End in just a few hours with only minor adjustments to account for the Gulf Stream current. Currently there is a $150 cruising fee for boats up to 35 feet and $300 for boats longer than 35 feet. It is currently berthed in Alameda California. Read on for info about where to go, what not to miss, and tips from other sailors. Statistically speaking, the chance of a hurricane hitting the Bahamas during the official hurricane season (June 1st and November 30th) is 1 in 5 chances. However, catamarans tend to be rented on a weekly basis. Hawk’s Nest Resort & Marina Cat Island hawks-nest.com (242) 342-7050 28-slip marina with personalized service. Around 160 boats of this type were built. Back in 1986 when we began dating, the most adventurous thing we had done together on the water was sailing on the Hudson River in Wet Feet, my leaky 13-foot wooden dinghy. Safety at Sea: Managing a Dismasting. Local area scenic cruising around Paradise Island with a beach rendezvous at Rose Island (approx 4 hour outing). Largest marina in The Bahamas; 200+ slips for vessels up to 180′ LOA. Although we traveled mostly among sailboats, an interesting powerboat shared this anchorage with us. Below the waterline, the swept back fin keel provides an entirely modern underbody that came standard with a deep draft or an optional keel centerboard. I am an experienced skipper and own a 42-foot aft cabin Motor yacht. Optional Daytrip to Exumas: This is a much more aggressive 170-mile daytrip which will take boaters to Staniel Cay for lunch, followed by a visit to Big Major Cay, home of the famous Pig Beach experience. Otherwise, they had a very good trip with no problems. It is powered by twin 210 Cummins diesels and Max's at about twelve knots and cruises at about 9 or 10 knots. We met a couple in the Abacos aboard a Hunter 26 WB. Boat shows are great places to get up close and personal with a boat you’re considering. This cruising sailboat has a fine entry to go to weather and a nice reverse transom that gives her a sleek profile. BAHAMAS CRUISE - April 2000. What a welcome surprise that is for a change. WOW! These trademark vessels are highly practical and easy to use. A trailerable powerboat of some kind would work if one eliminates the 'oceans' part as a requirement. If you are thinking about a sailboat rental, they may start around $300/day plus extras. Fare Thee Well, a St. Pierre dory designed as a trawler, hailed from Kingston, Ontario. Where Teka III draws six feet, this boat's draft was only 18 inches. As always, all opinions are my own. Upon arrival, boaters must visit Bahamas Customs and Immigration at their Port of Entry to obtain this permit. Reply. In the Abacos or Biminis we say lots of bots in the 30 foot range. Collision Avoidance System for Sailboats. Registered User. Sea Horse Boat Rentals Powerboat rentals (242) 367-2513. Multiple major passages. It was 7:15 a.m. and we had just pulled up anchor in Nassau Harbor, having spent the night "on the hook" when my wife cried out "Look over there, there's a body floating in the water!" Latest. And, if you ever do, you just have to head further south where a 10' draft doesn't make any difference :-)) Bill 28-12-2011, 21:07 #13: justlearnin. Make sure that the GPS on board is in good working order, so that you can get … She has all controls led to cockpit and I have single handed her a lot. Most of them, are surprisingly "cheap". Entering Policies . 1. You'll not run out of great places to go just because you draw more than xx feet. Featured Articles . There are many ways to go cruising and many cruisers out there. Obviusly if you stay on the hook, use lower fuel burn, do everything yourself,etc., that cost will go down. The day trip to the Exumas was a full day activity. Beth says. It has toured the Med, crossed the Atlantic and cruised most of the Caribbean and Bahamas. Original 7 hp 1GM Yanmar replaced with a 13 hp 2GM. How To. Experience the thrill of a powerboat charter trip on the Bay. Abaco Bahamas Charter, Ltd Bareboat sailboats (800) 626-5690. A day trip to the Exumas with Powerboat Adventures. What to Look for in a Powerboat. We plan our destinations with seasonal weather in mind, and we stay for as long as we want. If you’re able to take the boat or one like it out on a sea trial, that’s even better. I’m not making any guarantees, but simply have not heard of anyone having a problem or even being asked. Updated: May 16, 2018 . More Destinations. The Moorings Crewed and Bareboat (800) 535-7289. Catamaran charters are the most popular way to sail The Bahamas and they can range from $550 to $1,500/day. The islands are most well-known for commercial cruise ship and resort vacations, but what if you prefer the slower pace of hidden harbors and sleepy seaside settlements? George Town No fridge, very limited water supply, no windvane or fancy power toys. How To. Shipwreck on Northern Coast of Bimini. Visiting boaters must clear Customs and Immigration at the nearest designated Port of Entry. For long distance voyagers the wonderful thing about the Caribbean is you can cruise the entire north & south of it while having only two sections (or two nights) where you must cruise through the night. It’s been a month now and time to take stock. We have a 34-footer with 6''6" draft and have never had any real problem with that. The powerboat occupants (DR locals) wanted to board their boat but apparently decided there was not much of value and left them. The … And remember, ‘Keep red right when returning to Texas.'" Here are little tips for using a cold front for crossing the Gulfstream to the Bahamas from Florida: 1. For example, you can factor in travel insurance both on you and your sailboat. I own the best small boat for cruising the Bahamas. This catamaran has high speed potential, is easy to sail and very stable. We met a couple from Wisconsin who were cruising the Bahamas in a Hunter 25.5. Pinder’s Cottages Deep-sea Fishing and sailboats (242) 367-2207. Cruising the Caribbean unlike the Great Loop, has some amazingly surprising and unexpected expenses. The 2020 Virtual Boat Show. "Ideal Draft for Bahamas Cruising" Ideal = 6 inches Perfectly OK = 6 or 7 feet The Bahamas are a very extensive archipeligo. Experience the rush of adrenaline as you leave Nassau to swim with Exuma pigs, feed wild stingrays, sharks and iguanas… all the while surrounded by some of the most spectacular views in the world on your very own private Exuma island… Donnie’s Boat Rental Boat rentals (242) 365-4119. As a full service travel agent, and Bahamas specialist, I was invited to tour the Bahamas with the Bahamas Tourism Board. And even a small powerboat doesn't necessarily exclude the Bahamas for a savvy skipper with a prudent weather sense. The Bahamas have long been a popular destination for travelers of all kinds from all corners of the world. 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