shiprekd
New Member
Thinking about taking a trip to the bahamas from Miami. Has anyone done it before in a 29'?
Trip to Bahamas
- Thread starter shiprekd
- Start date
Prattbratt777
Member
- Jul 8, 2016
- 49
- Boat Info
- 2000 Sea Ray Sundancer 290, Garmin 2210, trailer the boat with 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 6.7l dually
- Engines
- Twin 5.0 EFI with Bravo II outdrives
Hopefully someone will respond to this thread. We have a 290DA and want to embark on the same adventures but it sure would be nice to have a voice of experience give some guidance/suggestions.
- Mar 25, 2008
- 5,522
- Boat Info
- 2006 Sea Ray 58 DB
- Engines
- MAN CRM V8-900s, Twin Disc Drives; Onan 21.5 Generator
Search for a thread by Randy Bieber – Odyssey. Or contact him via PM
A Guide for Boating to and from the Bahamas
A Guide for Boating to and from the Bahamas
Guys, Did that trip twice on a Glacier Bay 2685. 4 and 6 weeks in 2005 & 2006. A very nice guy (http://forums.floridasportsman.com/...on-the-other-side&highlight=Bahamas+chronicle) chronicled his adventure in his Wellcraft 290. Read and enjoy. Good luck, JC
Ididntdoit
Well-Known Member
Where are you thinking? Bimini? West End? Lucaya? Ho long of a trip? When?
Mystic Dreamer
Active Member
No problem in a 290 DA as long as you pick your weather window. Bimini may be your best destination to get your Bahamas experience. It is less than 50nm from Miami and I have seen people cross on jet skis and even jet boats! In my opinion, the most favorable wind patterns are summer... typically a SE or E flow at 15 knots or less. (although I just came back on Sunday and it was gusting 20 from the east). The gulf stream may be intimidating, but not a problem as long as you are prepared. Make sure your boat maintenance is top notch, and be sure to have all of your safety gear in good order (including an EPIRB). Many boats cross from Miami to Bimini each weekend so you may even find a "buddy boat" to follow along with.
Pick up Explorer Charts "Near Bahamas" Chartbook (http://explorercharts.com) as it is filled with crossing tips, waypoints, routes, detailed charts, etc. Their website is a great resource as well. If you are planning on venturing to the Abacos (one of my favorite cruising destinations other than the Exumas) get Steve Dodge's Cruising Guide to Abaco. Both of these publications are excellent.
I just spent nearly two months cruising from Northern Bahamas to Exuma's, so happy to answer any specific questions.
Pick up Explorer Charts "Near Bahamas" Chartbook (http://explorercharts.com) as it is filled with crossing tips, waypoints, routes, detailed charts, etc. Their website is a great resource as well. If you are planning on venturing to the Abacos (one of my favorite cruising destinations other than the Exumas) get Steve Dodge's Cruising Guide to Abaco. Both of these publications are excellent.
I just spent nearly two months cruising from Northern Bahamas to Exuma's, so happy to answer any specific questions.
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SeaRayEddie
New Member
- Oct 25, 2017
- 4
- Boat Info
- 310 SeaRay Sundancer 2001
- Engines
- Twin Mercruiser 350
looking to form a flotilla in June, bimini or west end, if anyone interested.
I have a SunDancer 310, maiden voyage.
I have a SunDancer 310, maiden voyage.
