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Questions about bareboat Bahamas sailing cat charters

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Drifter, Feb 19, 2022.

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  1. Drifter, Feb 19, 2022
    #1
    Drifter

    Drifter Member

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2018
    Messages:
    99
    Location:
    Gibsonia, PA
    I would like to take the wife and adult kids/significant others, 8-10 people, for a week to the out islands, thinking exumas, since I don't much care for Nassau. What certifications/clearances do I need? What town(s) are best to fly into? Or best to stick to leaving from Nassau? Which charter companies do you recommend? Are there US, Bahamian, and foreign charter companies operating there, pros/cons? Stay in marinas or on the hook? Do most bareboat charters come with instruments to forecast the wind direction? How to find lee anchorages? How does insurance work? Pro tips or what to avoid? Are nights on deck better on the full moon or no moon? What if I prefer to mostly motor instead on being on the lean? Are the gas tanks and gas stations amenable to mostly motoring between the out islands as long as I'm willing to pay the extra cost for gas? I have 15 years experience driving singles and 5 years experience driving twins on my 40. Thank you.
  2. Pascal, Feb 19, 2022
    #2
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 29, 2008
    Messages:
    8,546
    Location:
    Miami, FL
    The largest bareboat base is in Nassau, both sail and power cats. Google Moorings and Dream Charters. From Nassau is just 40nm to the Exumas.

    “Instruments to forecast the wind direction”?? No such thing anywhere. Instrument to provide current wind info, yes. Forecast can be obtained from a variety of sources starting with your smartphone

    very few marinas on the out islands, so you ll be on the hook most of the time..

    how to find Lee anchorages, charts and cruising Guides. Obviously

    All charter boats are too big to be gas powered but yea, fuel tanks are usually big enough to carry enough diesel for island hoping. Gas stations? Lol... fuel docks are available but part of the trip planning involves calculating fuel and distances. In the Exumas it s not an issue.

    start by googling or yahooing charter companies and info on the Exumas... you ll learn a lot. Start right here in the Marina and Waypoint section.
    Drifter likes this.
  3. Capt J, Feb 19, 2022
    #3
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,530
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Aside from what Pascal said, you're better off, IF you only have a week, to charter a power catamaran. Do a consistant 10 knots if you want to conserve fuel and see the EXUMAS, not just the bank while under sail, trying to get to places.
    Drifter likes this.
  4. olderboater, Feb 19, 2022
    #4
    olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2013
    Messages:
    7,130
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    Contact Moorings and they can walk you through all the current requirements and means of getting there. They serve the Exumas from Nassau but very convenient. We chartered a sailboat from them recently while there on our own boat. Did several days of day sailing.
    Drifter likes this.