Hello Jim:

I am like yourself in pre planing for the gulf crossing. We plan to do it 1 yr from now. But were coming out of Lake Mi to do it. I am no expert here but I can tell you what a couple of my friends have done for the last few yrs in getting across. I know it all depends on your weather. As actually they crossed this last time just last week with a light north wind.

I have always read that you do not want to do this but they are seasoned and understand it. One one the things they do is to listen to Chris Parker via a SSB to get the best data and there are a few web sites they use to make the final decision to go. Here is a few web sites if you do not have them yet. [url]http://www.passageweather.com/[/url] [url]http://www.grib.us/[/url] [url]https://oceanography.navy.mil/legacy/web/cgi-bin/graphic.pl/metoc/223/19...

Usually they cross over from Lake Worth Fl. Then once out in the ocean, set a GPS course for ruffly 12 to 15 miles south of Grand Bahama bank. It is close to Freeport that they come into. But As I stated I am like you, Learning here. So I am curious also what will be said here.

It is nice to have you here also. Something you might want to do it to change your ID so it will show your boat yr and number. It will help others in helping you if further posting you might make. Good luck on your crossing.

Randy

A couple thoughts:

1. The Bahamas covers a HUGE area. What part are you planning to visit first? Where you want to go and clear into immigration will make a big difference in where you want to leave from.

2. Skipper Bob's book (he's crossed the bar, but his books are still available) has a lot of good info about the crossing.

3. Advice about correcting for the northerly setting current is also found in the Explorer chart books, which in my opinion are the ONLY charts to have for cruising the Bahamas.

4. The quick version is to plan to cross from a point south of your intended destination such that you do not have to head into the current at all, but rather keep in abeam or abaft you. Fast powerboats can overcome the current (about 4 kts at its peak many times) much better than we can. As you head south on the east coast of FL, keep in mind that the gulf stream gets pretty close to shore as you approach Miami. We have to head around the southern tip of FL to get to the Bahamas, so we don't have to work south like you will.

5. Cruising the Bahamas can be an incredible experience. A lot depends upon what you are looking for in your cruising grounds. The most beautiful spots and water are found in the lesser populated areas. OTOH, you can be in areas like the Hub of the Abacos where civilization and beach bars abound.

You are welcome, Jim.

The rule of thumb I am familiar with says to assume an average 2 kt northerly set for the entire crossing (E coast of FL to Bimini or West End). If it takes you about 11 hours to cross, that means you need to be about 22 nm south of your intended destination so that you can cross the stream perpendicularly with no adverse current.

In my several crossings, I think the overall average was somewhat less than 2 kts. Traveling due south hugging the coast for 15nm will take you up to 3 hours before you turn and start across. That will make for a much longer day.

Could you go 15-20 nm farther south than Lake Worth and spend the night? That way you can make the jump east and not have to be underway for more than 11 hours.

Duane is 100% correct. When I crossed the Stream I left Ft Lauderdale just before sunrise. I set a compass course for 20 miles south of the West End and set my chart plotter directly for the West end. About 5 - 10 miles before we made landfall we adjusted our compass heading because we were out of the Gulf Stream.

On the way back from West end we set a compass course about 20 miles South of Lake Worth and set the chartplotter directly for Lake Worth and it worked out just fine.

Don't cross the stream in a northerly breeze or any direction of wind with a north in it like NW or NE because the wind working against the Stream will produce very high seas.

If you shave your face with a razor before you set out for the day you will feel the increase in the air temperature on your skin caused by the northerly currant of the Stream comimg up from the warmer Carribean then you will know when you are in the stream and when you leave it. Or you can use a thermometer in the water.

Don't forget to get a stamp from U.S.Customs a month or two before you start out and check with Immagration also to find out their rules because I hear they change them from time to time depending on the Terroist Alert.

Thanks for the confirmation, Mike.

There are many things that could be said about a cruise to the Bahamas; that's why they write whole books about it. I hope Jim is getting all the info he needs from the many sources out there to make the cruise an enjoyable one.

I will leave this post with a comment about the water color during the crossing. I don't think it has to do specifically with the gulf stream (maybe just the fact of the deep water), but the blue is an incredible shade that I had never seen anywhere else.

Boy, I wish I were going this year again, too!

Hey Duane, when I look at google earth and see the blue, is that what your talking about? Is it when you get closer or do you see the change about 1/2 way across.

Randy

Jim.

About 25 nm south of Lake Worth is Hillsboro Inlet. The entrance is easy but the anchorage (just inside the inlet and south of the bridge over the ICW) is small. There is room for maybe 5-6 boats with lots of room. For an overnighter, it might be fine for you as it was for us when we returned from the Bahamas.

I agree that Boca Raton is an iffy choice. We contacted BoatUs (since we are a member) via VHF radio for recommendations when we neared the coast and were told to stay away from Boca Raton.

Another thought: check out the Local Boater option with the US Customs and Border Patrol. Pre-registering (at no cost) allows you to check back into the US with just a phone call.

Hey, Randy.

I can't say for sure when we first noticed it, but we were already at least 25nm towards Bimini from Key Largo, FL (about 90nm total) when the sun was high enough to illuminate the water below us. Watching the sun rise as you cross the stream in moderate weather is a nice feeling.

Jim,
Just curious, I don't know how long you have owned your boat, but some friends of ours sold their C36 named Nomad awhile back in Charleston. Just wondering if you are the proud new owner. If so thought I would let them know that she was being well used and loved.... ;) Did you buy her from the Parker's??

Have you looked into insurance yet for the trip? I am planning a similar trip, and was wondering what rates are looking like these days.

We just got a quote from our insurance company, for coverage as far south as the Bahamas it is an $86 a month surcharge and they increase the deductible to $8500 for damage due to a named storm. We pay about $500 a year now so that's additional premium. Canadian insurance/Canadian dollars, will be interesting to see how rates in the US compare.