Cruising the bahamas in a trawler I'm wondering what the best months would be for a Dec 30, 2021 · Of course, the answer is when it is greater than the water depth! Setting that aside, I’ve been watching video of a Delta built 70’ yacht named Oasis, which is very impressive (as is the owner). If the comfort zones of the majority of trawler owners are too small to cruise here, their confidence will shrink to zero in discussion of more distant horizons. Doesn't have to be luxurious, just safe and relatively comfortable. If you are interested in family cruising you might enjoy Family Cruising: Meet the Montague's Navigating The World and Raising a Newborn. A Selene 53 Owner Shares Their Provisioning Tips for Cruising to the Bahamas Learn some tips on provisioning a Selene 53 Classic Trawler Yacht in preparation for cruising to the Bahamas. The Bahamas has experienced various hurricanes and there is much less protection and help Unwind and recharge on stunning beaches with Carnival's Bahamas cruises. Oct 18, 2018 · I have the opportunity to work with some leaders in the industry on a free webinar on Cruising the Bahamas and Caribbean. May 24, 2025 · Our cruising season this Winter is going to be broken into two parts, with a trip back to Florida required for April for family reasons, so if we head BACK to the Bahamas, we will actually be required to pay for TWO permits, and TWO fishing licenses for a total of $2,600 for two trips. While the last several years certainly got a lot of people and families to escape from a confined existence, choosing a freer life on the STOP DREAMING AND START CRUISING. If your interest is primarily sailing the Caribbean, you could just base your boat out of Florida and avoid travelling the extra 1200 miles (each way) each season. Many new boats are so Apr 7, 2023 · See this ideal itinerary for a perfect trip through the Sea of Abaco. The route minimizes overnight sails and uses weather and frontal passages to make the trip to windward as painless as possible. They're doing it in beefy center consoles, stopping at resorts overnight. We even spent the night on the bank. All the more reason to cruise aboard a traditional trawler. Many of our owners are happily cruising full time, and most are of relatively modest means. How to use the ICW Cruisers Guide Cruisers: Assist other cruisers along the ICW by emailing your report of significant observations and experiences to the ICW Cruisers Guide. Apr 3, 2024 · I know of three sailors who circumnavigated under sail, then did significant cruising in a trawler style boat . We also buzzed over to Allen cay to check out the famous Iguana beach! The Jul 23, 2012 · Early in the storm, a trawler near us started dragging, but the skipper managed to reset anchors, and everyone collectively breathed again. The area is known for its clear turquoise water, white sand beaches and idyllic anchorages. What I want to know is (1) what your ideal boat would be for the Bahamas and (2) what boat fits my Sync to video time Description Great Bahama Bank || Why I hate storms || Cruising the Bahamas in a Trawler || TRAWLER life 439Likes 16,387Views 2022May 13 Aug 28, 2024 · Embark on the ultimate Bahamas adventure with the best boat for cruising! Learn how to choose the perfect vessel within your budget to enjoy a safe and unforgettable experience. Like Oceanic, or at least a few hundred miles out. They are giving away this 57-page PDF for free, so Trawler Times figured we would help the effort. There are many sparsely populated islands that make it perfect for exploring the crystal waters. The stress of timing for visitor's vacation slots developed sage advice for their friends and family: "You can pick your destination, or you can pick your time to visit. As we travel to different places on our trawler we bring you videos of the places we visit and experience. Are Trawlers seaworthy enough to go from Florida thru Bahamas to the Caribbean and beyond? 40-50 ft size. Come explore one of my favorite bareboat charter destinations. The vessel is designed to ensure that it offers the best ocean encounters that are easy, safe, and fun Mar 17, 2022 · Trawler life has no rules and that’s part of the appeal. You might want to read our book "Cruising Endless Summer Exumas" if you want to read about a real rookie cruise to the Exumas aboard a Hunter 31. But it’s also known to be low-tidal and very shallow. Jan 8, 2013 · We spent 3 months cruising the Bahamas two years ago. Discover all that the Bahamas chain of islands has to offer, for many boats, just one day's trip from Florida. Join us on our trip through the Bahamas starting with Nassau and then as we head up to Spanish wells in the Bahamas. Start your voyage here! Aug 1, 2021 · Join us this week on Aboard Mermaid Monster as we cruise a little bit north in the Exuma islands and explore all that these islands have to offer. Nov 1, 2024 · Great Loop Boats: Mainship modern trawlers The line between a traditional trawler and a modern one is blurry, but we decided to separate our list based mostly on potential top cruising speeds. I need something that would comfortably sleep up to 4. Sep 1, 2025 · Bruce Van Sants' famous cruising guide, The Gentleman's Guide to Passages South: The Thornless Path to Windward, outlines the still popular route to get to the Eastern Caribbean by way of The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Where to dock in the Bahamas, fun activities and boating tips by the experts at Marinalife Magazine. You should consider, when the time comes to cruise Europe, shipping your boat overseas and not try a trans-Atlantic crossing until you have a lot of years of experience under your belt. Turn your dream Bahamian sailing trip into reality today! Jun 30, 2020 · We recently sat down liveaboard and cruiser Tom Hale to talk about cruising the ICW, and he shared helpful tips for first-time cruisers. So we returned to the boat to get it ready to cruise the bahamas. Jan 21, 2008 · Temporary cruising permit 34 feet and over, for 1 year, 2 entries max, must be within 31 days of each other, goes from $300 to $1,000. Goals included cruising from the middle Caribbean up the Atlantic seaboard to Maine and Nova Scotia so they opted for a deep draft, stabilized ocean-ready vessel like this 46 foot Nordhavn. They are listed in no particular order. Weather in Florida is similar to Caribbean. What questions would you want answered in a webinar like this? Thanks! Crossing the Gulf Stream from the Bahamas to Florida was so beautiful. Do you think a semi-displacement type boat would be suitable at all for a liveaboard in the Bahamas? (Operating at trawler speeds though, 6-8knots) We are a couple close to retirement age, both healthy and no mobility issues. We crossed the Gulf Stream and made landfall at West End, Grand Bahama. We have been out for 20 months, cruising the LOOP and our second year in the Bahamas. Escape to the beautiful islands and enjoy paradise by booking your cruise today! Feb 3, 2016 · An experienced cruising couple shares their first-hand knowledge about anchoring in the Bahamas, including some local spots and hangouts! Get some tips for anchoring in The Bahamas. Anchoring in the Bahamas offers some unique challenges that aren’t often encountered cruising inland coastal waters. But people take small boats across the Gulf Stream all the time. Explore these seven small pocket trawlers, including some trailerable pocket cruisers, from brands like Ranger Tugs, Beneteau, Marlow-Pilot, Cutwater, and Nordic Tugs. 😀 The M/V Dolphin Dream is a comfortable and spacious Bahamas liveaboard, providing the ultimate experience of dolphin snorkeling and scuba diving. Lately I've seen some posts describing Bahama cruising as "Blue Water". We go through how long it took, how many gallons of fuel, and leave you hanging for wh Jun 9, 2020 · I like the Swift Trawler 44 & 47 as well as the Grand Banks in the 40+ range. Some trawler owners will tell you they have no interest in the Bahamas; in most cases that s just sour grapes. I am in the planning/research stage of eventually purchasing a boat for cruising the ICW, Bahamas, maybe farther into the Carib, and if all goes well and we eventually have more time to dedicate, maybe even the Apr 2, 2024 · JeremyFowler Meets & Greets 4 28-02-2021 19:44 Status of Old Bahama Bay Marina/West End, Grand Bahama Good Joss General Sailing Forum 4 18-11-2019 03:58 Hello Newbie Here with Newbie Questions tbc0460 Cruising News & Events 1 23-05-2011 15:15 Recent Discussions Jan 21, 2020 · Also read Bill's articles: Provisioning Your Yacht For Alaska Cruising and Notes About Cruising & Provisioning In The South Pacific As to the mechanical side of provisioning, one suggestion offered is to hire a professional mechanic to come aboard and go over all systems. Why is it considered Blue Water cruising? Jul 16, 2025 · By far the largest impact is to marinas etc. It looks like some of them have a mast and a boom. Aug 10, 2016 · Spending time in The Bahamas is on nearly every cruiser’s bucket list. You certainly do not want to be caught out by a deadly hurricane when sailing to the Bahamas. But wait! There's more! The fishing permit, which used to be included in the cruising permit, is now an additional $300. att. ) You don't need millions to enjoy a great cruising life. Minimum. TThe Great Harbour TT35 is a new breed of power cruiser, combining the comforts of a full-featured liveaboard with the operational simplicity of a trailerable, outboard-powered craft. We are keen to cruise the Bahamas , Aug 3, 2017 · I keep going back and forth on different types of powerboats and really need your experience . It is also a good target for a lot of East Coast US cruising. From the ICW in the United States to Cuba and the Bahamas. I know that sometimes After that cruise, the two us settled in, brought the boat back to Florida, and made plans to go to the Bahamas. From what I have read, however, the Caribbean is much different, given both the sea conditions and the distance. People are now doing it in fast powerboats in the 25- to 30-foot range, with small cabins for accommodations. We left out Searay 340 Sundancer in the Bahamas for nearly 2 months while we travelled to the BVI and other places. From Staniel Cay to Big Major to Black Point Cove Aug 22, 2016 · They were attracted to the design’s voluminous stowage and living spaces, as well as to its well-engineered construction and reputation as an overbuilt cruising trawler. Contact me at remummah@worldnet. We I know it would depend on the fuel burn of which ever boat we get, but is it possible to cruise the Caribbean by Motor Yacht? Specifically Florida to Bahamas to Puerto Rico and down to Grenada? Most people who go sailing in the Bahamas consider it one of the best sailing destinations in the world. Oct 19, 2023 · I have been writing about trawlers and powerboat cruising for many years. reviewing and adjusting for a power boat using 2gpm I estimate would add about $1500-2000/yr to costs once sail specific things are removed and extra fuel added. Or if they draw much more, by staying out of many of the good anchorages and/or playing the tides. Large interior windows create an ideal galley for parents to watch the kids play Aug 4, 2019 · Cruising to the Bahamas, especially in a fast boat, is not that difficult for most boats with the proper weather window. We wondered who would be next. Mostly now we see big center consoles with twins, trips or quads and bigger yachts, 60' and over. And for deep-draft Nordhavns, that’s not a good marriage. Dec 10, 2014 · I don't know anything about the Bahamas. Oasis apparently has a 10’ draft; my trawler is 5’. 6 foot waves on the beam are normal and it can get much worst. Tech is Opening Trawler Life to More Boaters For more insider knowledge about all that’s driving desire for trawlers, I spoke to trawler liveaboards and I connected with Larry Polster, the vice president of Kadey-Krogen Yachts, one of the first manufacturers of long-range trawlers. This gives you an opportunity to begin your Bahamas trip in The Berry Islands and cruise through the many delightful anchorages. Jun 12, 2023 · Our Exumas Cruising Guide includes the perfect Exumas sailing itinerary. Jan 7, 2024 · Embark on a captivating sailing adventure to the Bahamas with our comprehensive guide. Aug 2, 2019 · Bahamas cruising in one thing, but cruising to the Caribbean will take a boat with longer range. Here you will find archived stories of cruisers' experiences in the Bahamas. How Oct 29, 2018 · It reports Onward's experience with its 65. This magnificent ocean expedition trawler yacht is 86′ x 26′ in size, designed to offer comfort and safety while cruising through the seas. I'm a Oct 26, 2020 · I think of Blue Water cruising as way they hell out there. Once you are in The Bahamas, several island chains there allow you to island-hop without making any more bluewater passages. Which Powerboat to Cruise the Caribbean ? - Cruisers & Sailing Forums Cruisers & Sailing Forums > Life Aboard a Boat > Boat Ownership & Making a Living A Tropical Adventure Awaits The Bahamas Embark with your Fleming on an unforgettable journey through the Bahamas, where the shimmering turquoise waters and idyllic islands create the ultimate cruising paradise. In doing so, they've created an Explorer Chartbook series meant to be helpful for mariners exploring the Bahamas. Our family have been on weekenders on boats for years, mainly sail boats , we are planning a 2 to 3 year sabbatical. 1K subscribers Subscribe Join us for Part II of our Bahamas adventure as a fleet of Selene Yachts—ranging from 43 to 60 feet—cruise together through paradise. I realize we will probably have to manually update our Dec 8, 2014 · The Bahamas are often viewed as the Holy Grail of East Coast cruising due to their beauty and proximity to the Florida coast. These seem to have plenty of range but would you feel comfortable taking them south of the Bahamas? Aug 8, 2023 · The trawlers we're talking about now are similar in look to those hefty working boats, but they're made for long-distance cruising in comfort. Probably not, as there are very few gas powered boats out there that people would consider to be a trawler. We moved our Willard 36 Sedan/Trawler boat from San Francisco to Ensenada MX, south of San Diego, last year for a major refit. How to Pick the Best Trawler for Your Great Loop Adventure The Selene 38 Voyager Aft-cabin is a luxury family ocean yacht and trawler under 40' with long range capabilities. Long time lurker, first time poster. But I ask, if 6' draft is an issue how do all the sailboats make it in the Bahamas? By drawing 6 foot or less. But for solo travelers or cruising couples, the ideal liveaboard trawler must strike a careful balance between functionality, maneuverability, and Cruising in the Bahamas is peaceful calm and something we never want to forget. The loop is on my bucket list. ___ We are a young family with 3 boys learning Pristine and tranquil, the Bahamas is a tropical hot spot for many cruisers, providing the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind, swim with dolphins, snorkel, explore, and, of course, cruise the turquoise waters. I have a 34' Trawler and I think I understand the Cruising permit fee. Yeeeha!! Pocket trawlers are one of the most affordable, cheap options available for long-range cruisers. Long-Range Cruising Trawler Yachts: How To Choose the Right Size Understand the intricacies of selecting the appropriate size for long-range cruising trawler yachts, a decision that balances the desires for comfort, seaworthiness, and economy. We love sharing our Mar 26, 2020 · WALRUS, named after a boat the owner had in his youth, was just a gleam in his eye when he started talking with naval architect Dave Gerr about building “a traditional-looking classic boat that had seakeeping abilities and a moderate range,” adding that one of his main requirements was a shoal draft so he and his wife could cruise The Bahamas. Where Are The Best Destinations for Cruising Families To Meet? Georgetown, Bahamas is a children's favorite because there are so many kids. Beneteau Grand Trawler 62: This trawler can travel nonstop for 1,000 nautical miles. Their Great Harbour Trawlers have proven to be economical to buy and even more economical to operate and maintain. Oct 16, 2010 · A coastal/Bahamas cruiser is a vastly different boat from one that can cross the Atlantic. What do you give up in real world exploration I am nearing retirement and I am looking to purchase a boat (could be a slight fixer upper) that has the ability to "safely" cross over to the Bahamas and cruise on down to and around the Caribbean Islands. Facebook: @Cruising When to Sail to the Bahamas One of the most important things to consider when planning sailing to the Bahamas is the weather conditions. Essential gear for Bahamas cruising: include navigation tools, safety gear, and maintenance equipment for a safe and enjoyable journey. These long-legged motoryachts allow time for enjoying the scenery, all the while providing a spacious home-away-from-home for family and Nov 2, 2018 · My wife and I will be retiring in about a year to head cruising. Here are the 6 best ships in the Bahamas to help you get started on planning. Oct 5, 2016 · Beneteau Swift Trawler 30 This smart, stylish boat is a contemporary rendition of a classic trawler, from a builder that knows a thing or two about the realities of long-distance cruising. Nov 27, 2023 · Hello all! I am working to come up with a plan for the upcoming season, mid-December to mid-May, for cruising the Bahamas in our bluewater trawler (6'7" draft, anchorages preferred & marinas when necessary) Looking for suggestions on building out a route, if it makes most sense to cruise a If you've ever dreamt of cruising the Bahamas, here is a perfect boating itinerary covering Bimini, Abacos, Eleuthera and more. They're even trailering their rigs to south Florida to make this trip Aug 28, 2024 · Discover the top power boats tailored for cruising the Bahamas! From shallow draft to onboard luxuries, find the ideal vessel for your adventure. It is both an obsession and a fascination for me, as I witness hundreds of people, mostly couples, embrace the trawler lifestyle as a healthy alternative to routine living on land. We left from Palm Beach Inlet and hit almost every Island from the northern Abacos down to the Exumas. Apr 30, 2021 · After leaving Nassau we headed to the Great Bahamas Bank. Also like many cruisers, our favorite way to truly sample the flavors of the Bahamas is finding those perfect spots to anchor. Cruising in the Bahamas? Check out the Bahamas Cruisers Guide Mar 10, 2015 · Just wondering how many of us are full time cruisers. May 16, 2017 · So true - years ago, I met a shoestring-budget couple on a 35-foot sailboat who had been cruising the Bahamas and Caribbean for about 10-years. Eventually, we will end up in Florida where we have a slip behind our condo. There are few better cruising grounds in the world in terms of all-weather cruising and easily accessed destinations. Greg and Susan Costa are full-time cruisers from Massachusetts have produced a nifty, little guide called Cruising the Bahamas with the Lucky Me, which is the name of their 35-foot Tiara. For a complete guide to sailing in the Bahamas please see the Cruisers Wiki Guide to Sailing in the Bahamas. Before settling on an itinerary, listen to the morning Cruiser's . Longer passages in open water are not that many and can be done with almost any boat so again livability is probably the most important. From your list, the SeaRay Sundancer would be my choice. All three say the long term boat operational costs are a wash. I'm not in a hurry and would rather take my time. Nordhavn 96: Built for an owner who desired to self-sufficiently while cruising the world, literally. It's so beautiful. With two islands (Bimini & Grand Bahamas) only 50 miles from Florida's east coast, it is possible for even a modest sized boat under 30 feet, to cruise or sail to the Bahamas. Bottom conditions can range from excellent in sand to very difficult in scoured-out rocky channels. Maybe go to Abaco first for those on their first crossing or have shorter time to be there, and then others could cruise on to Eleuthera and Exuma, returning on their own schedule. Oct 10, 2024 · An overview for boaters of getting to and cruising The Islands of The Bahamas. Just finished 7 years of cruising and living on the boat and Anyone Familiar with Great Harbor Trawlers ? - Cruisers & Sailing Forums Cruisers & Sailing Forums > The Fleet > Powered Boats If you've ever dreamt of cruising the Bahamas, here is a perfect boating itinerary covering Bimini, Abacos, Eleuthera and more. 75' air draft (to the tip of the flexible SS VHF antenna). We can spend 30 days right now. My experience has been only a sailboat doing Berries, Eleuthra and always staying on the hook. We didn't have specific cruising goals at that point, we just knew we wanted to go north in the summer and south for the winter. This group is dedicated to sailing and cruising in the Bahamas on small private vessels, not cruise ships and the like. Sep 19, 2023 · An experienced couple shares their favored routes and their tips for anchoring in the Bahamas. We are planning to head to St Thomas from Pensacola, FL by way of Apalachicola-Tarpon Springs-Ft Myers-Okeechobee Waterway- West Palm-Bahamas-Turks and Caicos- Puerto Rico-St Thomas. that were doing the fishing tournament trade. Jan 3, 2024 · Once I get to Bahamas, perhaps going south island hopping would be the extent of my travels. Do people raise a sail on these boats? I know nothing about them other than popular for the loop. Apr 15, 2018 · Cruising the Bahamas has long been on our bucket list (there is no actual bucket list, but we have often discussed how we could pull this off when our boat is on the other coast). Anchoring in the islands offers some unique challenges since bottom conditions vary widely—there is excellent sand but also scoured-out rocky Planning a Bahamas boat trip? Find essential boating information, regulations, and tips for navigating the beautiful Bahamian waters. I am doing research so was hoping some others Jun 28, 2016 · I'm planning a trip from the West Central Florida coast to the Bahamas and maybe even further South. I am going cruising in the Bahamas (hopefully for an extended period). The deep blues to the light turquoise on the bank side. More and more though, it seems like 30 to 45' cruising boat is a dying breed in the Bahamas. Uncover cost insights, fuel efficiency tips, and expert advice on safe navigation. However, there are certainly gas powered boats capable of cruising the Bahamas. It sports two cabins and two head and a very spacious engine room. Feb 25, 2017 · Have spent 15 years cruising the Bahamas and the Caribbean. COMMENT IN THE COMMUNITY SECTION ON OUR CHANNELJoin us this week on @ABOARDMERMAIDMONSTER as we hang out in The Bahamas at Chub Cay marina and resort. any suggestionslooking at the Macgregor26x and othersThe majority of my sailing is in this region in boats from 25 to 34probably 25-30 crossings of the Gulf stream over the last 15 years. Jun 5, 2025 · For many adventurers and long-distance cruisers, the dream of living aboard a trawler isn’t just about transportation — it’s about freedom, simplicity, and the comfort of home at sea. Fuel, marinas, and resorts are plentiful in the closer islands. We loaded up our bikes and cruised around the horse shoe shaped island, stopping to explore its white sandy beaches. But I doubt the Bahamas cares about losing 100 or so cruising couple boats. No land in sight, no city lights. Apr 3, 2023 · (See Chapter 4 of The Bahamas Waterway Guide) Bonus Spots: If you have more time. Oct 5, 2019 · Friend asked me to accompany them over from FL to Grand Bahama and Abacos for 7-10 days of cruising. In the Abacos or Biminis we say lots of bots in the 30 foot range. Trawler cruisers are most welcome Jun 10, 2022 · Both of these trawler blogs are current and filled with wonderful stories of their cruising and friends they meet along the way. PURPOSE: The purpose of the thread is to illustrate the boats designed for shallow water cruising and to show photos and some data about them, including their draft and typical "street price" Never-the-less, they had visions of cruising trawlers dancing in their heads and were concerned about their learning curve. Dec 2, 2018 · Well, cruising to the Bahamas takes some b*&^%s and should be done with a healthy bit of caution. Jan 23, 2024 · How does/did the max draft effect your boat selection? I suppose it probably has a lot to do with your cruising grounds, but was max draft a factor in selecting your boat? We plan to cruise the AICW and Bahamas, where there is a lot of skinny water, but if I use 5' as a max draft, then so many Mar 30, 2019 · Our cruising on the trawler so far has been typical of a lot of users. We have an Albin 36DC and have only seen three others since we started. Sep 22, 2020 · The Beneteau Swift Trawler 41 is a new addition to the swift trawler fleet and an excellent option for families. Elevate your Bahamas cruising experience with the perfect power boat match! --------------------------- Follow along with us as we travel the coastal waters of the eastern United States and Bahamas while simultaneously renovating a 45 year old trawler. If you mis Nov 2, 2022 · Best Power Boat For Cruising The Bahamas To play it safe, it’s best to choose at least a 30-foot motorboat, but you could easily make the crossing in a boat of 15 ft or even less. Dec 5, 2003 · The average boat size we saw in the Exumas was probably 38'. Discover ideal sailing times, the best routes, essential preparation tips, must-visit islands, and safety advice for beginners. Aug 12, 2022 · Shorter/easier run to the Bahamas and some really cool stops south of Ft. Aug 31, 2011 · Since our chosen cruising grounds for the liveaboard dream are the Bahamas/Caribbean (completely sold after reading Lavigne's book) we determined that our choices are the Bahamas or the Virgin Islands. The anchorage at Bullocks Harbor gives easy access to the settlement and the town dock for landing the dinghy. Traditional trawlers are designed to work best while cruising at displacement speeds, in other words, less than 10 knots. Bahamas are 50 miles off Florida. Jun 11, 2008 · With the post asking about cruising on a 340 in the Bahamas, I got to thinking about trawlers. Steps to get ready, places to visit, and things you should know. Then when you get over there you don't have any where near the number and range of services to deal with boat problems. Here is the playlist for our trip to the Bahamas: • Trawler Life, The start May 9, 2025 · Audible books are a good idea for nightime when the light is low. Nov 4, 2017 · I'm new to the trawler life but have 40 years experience on the ocean with sport fishing boats. Apr 7, 2020 · Page 1 of 2 1 2 > Tags Bahamas, boat, boating, power boat « Psi setting in steering hynautic reservoir please | prismatic lifepo4 batteries » Jun 6, 2023 · Hi. Used to be, when cruising the Bahamas, you would mostly see cruising sailboats, trawlers, and large yachts. I estimate that 5% of the boats I've seen in the Bahamas are trawlers. Welcoming enough for the novice boater, while offering When you're planning to get out cruising and you've decided on a season (or more) in the Caribbean, the question always comes down to "what's the best boat?" And the answer isn't just "it depends," even though everyone's situation, finances and skills are different. Whether you’re a millionaire or not, we think you’ll appreciate our common sense approach to cruising. Dec 8, 2011 · Has anyone been to the Bahamas in a Ranger Tug? Is it doable ? It would be fun to cruise the Abacos once you got across the gulf stream. The very name Bahamas originated from the Spanish “Baja Mar” meaning Bahamas Explorer Chartbooks Charts and Cruising Guides around the Bahamas Authors Monty and Sara Lewis have cruised and charted the Bahamas for more than a decade in their trawler SARANADE. net if you are interested. We wanted to share our expenses to show you that cruising the islands […] Dec 9, 2016 · My Husband and I are new to cruising and were hoping to join up with other boaters for our first long trip. I would only choose the Okeechobee route if there were impeding storms on their way. It was really nice. Like many cruisers, we have our favorite routes and islands. I keep waiting a change to the fees for short term boats doing a tournament. That said, if you want to Dec 14, 2022 · A boat that is loop desired and can cruise the Bahamas is another category. Part of that is some skippers want several feet under their keels at all times, others willing to take inches, some like me will sit in/skim over the sand/mud with all things considered, depending on the boat. She is perfectly designed trawler for the Great Loop. (The first Swift Trawler 34, next step up in the line, successfully completed The Great Loop upon its introduction in 2012. Kadey-Krogen 52: This twin-engine-capable, all-oceans trawler is a solid fit for voyaging Dash of Salt: Dawn Watch Chris Caswell Whether on a coastal hop or cruising toward a faraway harbor, a passagemaking yacht meeting a new day is a sheer delight. The small size of the Sea of Abaco means you can pick and choose destinations at will. And even that's not all! There is Apr 26, 2024 · We are planning our year long cruise in the Bahamas. 4K views3 weeks ago Given that we mostly have trawlers, or boats willing to cruise as trawlers, what a good way to help folks experience the islands with boats going the same speed. Wherever your cruising takes you in the Exumas, you are sure to make lifelong memories and friends. Meyers to enjoy - Naples/Marco Island, Everglades City/Ten Thousand Islands, Florida Bay including Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Key West and even Fort Jefferson for the adventurous. Oct 4, 2007 · In today’s hectic times, comfort is a major concern and leisure time has paramount importance. Specifically, it attracts them to the special way of cruising that a good trawler brings. Mar 7, 2023 · I am a blow boater on a 41' mono, but the below is still maybe useful. I am looking for a trailerable sailboat that will make Bahamas trips from Florida. Apr 2, 2012 · 4 Foot is often recommended for Bahamas max draft. (Listed from north to south) Powell Cay Manjack Cay Tahiti Beach and Lubbers Quarters Tilloo Cay Beach and Sandbar Little Harbour Purchase a Print Bahamas Edition or Digital + Print Subscription for more information for cruising The Bahamas. A Day in the Life Aboard a Selene Trawler | Cruising The Bahamas (Part II) 1. “We have been cruising now for 14-plus years,” Steve said. Cruisers & Sailing Forums > The Fleet > Powered Boats Power boating in Bahamas « Psi setting in steering hynautic reservoir please | prismatic lifepo4 batteries » May 2, 2021 · Hi all, Been reading this forum for a while and soaking up all the knowledge I can. In need of a quick, tropical getaway? A Bahamas cruise is calling your name. Crossing the Gulf Aug 25, 2024 · Top boat types ideal for Bahamas cruising: consider catamarans for space and stability, center console boats for versatility, and trawlers for a home away from home experience. Small pocket cruisers are ideal for new cruisers. In our opinion, by far the best places to visit were the Exumas (everywhere!!!), Eleuthera (Spanish Wells/Governor's Harbor), and Abacos (Hope Town/Man-o-War). Leaving from Palm Beach, where should I head to in the Bahamas as my 1st adventure. Mar 27, 2023 · 6 Best Boat Types for the Great Loop Classic Trawlers Fast Trawlers and Downeasts Tug Style Trawlers Cruisers and Motor Yachts Power Catamarans Unconventional Boats The Great Loop stands as one of the premier long-term boating adventures in North America, and arguably, across the globe. Taking a trawler yacht from island to island around the Caribbean makes the most of many of the attributes for which Kadey-Krogen Yachts are known. Crossing the Gulf Stream isn't always a cake walk but it can be. Does anyone know (from first hand experience) how long I May 10, 2018 · We have spent the past two months sailing the Bahamas. Yard 2 Yacht 2. Feb 22, 2013 · What in your opinion is the best small (up to 30 feet) boat for cruising the Bahamas? Using Georgia or Florida as a home port, and sailing solo. Or so some would have you believe. This is 60' boat. Get insights into essential safety measures, itinerary planning, and Bahamian regulations for a seamless sailing journey. . Your Perfect Great Loop / Bahamas Trawler is for sale. So you should avoid sailing during the hurricane months (June to November). Join us this week on Aboard Mermaid Monster as we set off from Palmas Del Mar, Puerto Rico and head on a short but very bumpy and windy cruise over to the island of Vieques. Well, things have changed. It’s this excitement that introduces many people to the cruising life. No matter how many times we cruise The Bahamas we cannot wait to return to its pristine beauty. If the wind doesn't let you go one way, go the other. “Our cruising grounds range from Maine to the southern Bahamas. They want to stay only in Marinas. Mar 27, 2025 · Discover insights on going from a sailboat to a trawler, reflecting on personal experiences and the adventure of cruising. Do you have a more specific question for something you want to buy or do? Public service announcement (as I know there are LOTS of folks on here interested in cruising the Caribbean and/or Bahamas) There is a free webinar on December 13th about Cruising the Bahamas and Caribbean, presented by some of the industry leaders, Waterway Guide and Navionics Jul 22, 2020 · As we get closer to retirement are considering a swap to a diesel trawler in the 36 - 45 ft range and were thinking of cruising down the eastern seaboard of Canada/USA and on to Cuba, Bahamas, Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean. Oct 7, 2020 · How to Get to The Bahamas When first researching, it may seem like a crazy dream to take a trailer boat to The Bahamas. What have people used to publish or document their trips? The main reason is to allow family and freinds to see where we are and make plans to join us for certain legs of our journey. She’s affordable, spacious, and great on fuel — at a top speed of 23 knots, she can drive to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale with plenty of fuel left to cruise around and return without a refill. The ultimate guide to plan and book a private yacht for a cruise in the Exumas Islands (Bahamas). Although they appear tantalizingly close (particularly when viewed on those nautical chart-themed placemats down at the Oyster Shack), make no mistake about it: A cruise to the Bahamas is an open-water passage that demands both attention to detail and proper safety With two islands (Bimini & Grand Bahamas) only 50 miles from Florida's east coast, it is possible for even a modest sized boat under 30 feet, to cruise or sail to the Bahamas. Made up of over 700 islands and cays, the vast expanse of the Bahamas is located southeast of Florida and is just a day trip away. Semi-displacement small cruising craft are a rarity for a good reason in the Eastern Caribbean. If yo Oct 13, 2023 · Top Trawlers The following 15 trawlers are all vessels we’ve written about. There are a few important things to consider about this lifestyle and journey. You may be wondering how much does it cost to sail the Bahamas. I have to tell you: the Bahamas are really pretty tame cruising. We motored down from north Florida, over to the Bahamas, down to the Turks and Caicos, back to central Florida, down to the Keys, and across to Mexico. They're notable for being stable and spacious and can usually carry and launch a dinghy, which comes in handy when you're cruising the Great Loop.