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Miami to Bahamas Bareboat Charter

Discussion in 'Marinas & Waypoints' started by hhcribbs, Mar 27, 2010.

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  1. hhcribbs, Mar 27, 2010
    #1
    hhcribbs

    hhcribbs New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2010
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    Grand Lake, OK
    Greetings all, great site...we love the info.

    My wife and I have done several bareboat charters (USVI, BVI, PAC-NW) in 50'+ MYs for a few years. We are interested in bareboating across from Miami to the Bahamas for a one week stint early fall this year. Inquiries:
    1. Does anyone know a local charter company with good boats and reputation? (we have utilized; Carver, Princess, Hatteras, Sea Ray and a few other production brands)
    2. Is this crossing recommended solo for the first go (I have read several opinions via the Internet)?
    3. Any other advice, research, materials to prepare us for the upcoming trip?

    As a boring side note...my wife and I both have lived (and loved:) ) on water most of our lives. I spent the better part of my childhood crewing with my brother in a 65' sailboat up and down the Caribbean and when he traded up for a 65' powerboat I kept right on with him (even though I thought he had lost his religion at the time). We have some med school loans to swim through and four kiddos (11, 9, 3, 2) that will preclude any hasty advances into personal ownership...BUT we are continuing to charter (and have for the past 10 years) twice a year to finally determine which boat will be our first mistake, to find a home port or maybe just get a big trawler, home school the kids and drift away....

    Thanks for the time and information.
  2. yachtbrokerguy, Mar 29, 2010
    #2
    yachtbrokerguy

    yachtbrokerguy Guest

    You might consider picking up a boat that is already in the Bahamas, Marsh Harbor might be a good choice. Getting across the Gulfstream is easy if the weather is right, if the wind is anywhere from the North it could be days before you would make a crossing. I always suggest to clients that they have a 3-6 day window to go over from Florida and wait for the right weather. The Gulfstream at it's axis runs north at 3- 3 1/2 knots, if the wind is blowing against it the waves get high and steep. I have been across in a 25' center console but also waited for better weather on a 112' motor yacht.

    If you start in Marsh Harbor in the Abacos you are already in the area that is the destination of many Floridians when they make the trip, The Abacos and The Exumas are referred to as the Out Islands, both island chains are wonderful cruising areas, and you can spend time there instead of time making the crossings.
  3. Pascal, Mar 29, 2010
    #3
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2008
    Messages:
    8,570
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    not too many bareboat charters in So Fl to the bahamas, like tucker said, charter something there. i'm the exumas right now, and will be for another 4 weeks or so and everytime i'm here i am amazed at the quality of the cruisign grounds. nothing compares, not even the VIs or grenadines. it's the number of anchorages, the quality of the beaches and sandbars, and the fact that it's all more or less protected from open water.

    Bimini is ok and so are teh berrys but this is far better.
  4. hhcribbs, Mar 31, 2010
    #4
    hhcribbs

    hhcribbs New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2010
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    Grand Lake, OK
    Thanks...

    Thanks for the info....we'll just add a leg to the flight and get over to the islands. As I started searching it was much eaiser to find options there (as you all stated).

    Have a great week!
  5. Capt J, Mar 31, 2010
    #5
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,540
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    I would look for a bareboat out of Nassau, Bahamas if you're going to do it that way. The Exumas are my favorite part of the Bahamas and Sampson Cay is a beautiful spot and the surrounding islands and very close and protected waters from Nassau. Nassau has a ton of commercial flights in and out of the airport each day. Nassau also has a pretty well stocked grocery store so you can provision well, and restaurants and nightlife for your first night before you get underway.