I want to go to the Bahamas next winter and spend about 3 months cruising. Problem, I have a Catalina 320 with just over 6 foot draft. Am I nuts? Looking at charts and cruising guides makes me wonder if it's feasible. I know I will have to pick and choose places to go, but I'm wondering to what extent I will be limited. I would really like to hear your ideas and especially if someone has cruised the Bahamas with a deep draft boat. Thanks in advance Bob Hawkins Cat 320 #821
Bahamas-6 foot draft-Am I crazy?
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We've had at least two C34s
with 5'-7" draft cruise there successfully. Don't know if the extra five inches would make a difference. We chartered a Beneteau 35 in 1994 and I remember it, too, had a deep keel. We were OK out of Marsh Harbor with limited cruising because of weather, but it worked once I got over the terror of having no water below us.
with 5'-7" draft cruise there successfully. Don't know if the extra five inches would make a difference. We chartered a Beneteau 35 in 1994 and I remember it, too, had a deep keel. We were OK out of Marsh Harbor with limited cruising because of weather, but it worked once I got over the terror of having no water below us.
Keep the faith
In a good depth sounder and accurate up-to-date charts. I sail a boat with 4.5 feet of draft in the Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron, Michgan. Shallow is the word. Go have fun and watch the sounder. Mike
In a good depth sounder and accurate up-to-date charts. I sail a boat with 4.5 feet of draft in the Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron, Michgan. Shallow is the word. Go have fun and watch the sounder. Mike
6 Foot Will Work Less is better
I would read Passsages South by Bruce Van Sant. It is now in the 8th edition and available at Bluewater Charts. He advises routes for deep draft vessels and ofcourse for those with shoal draft keels. I am getting ready to go to the Bahamas after I cruise the Great Circle route this summer. I will be doing it in boats with 3'6" or less and I looking very seriously into a Mac 26 M or X but not with a 50HP. This boat has gone many times to the Bahamas. My site is new but will follow my purchase and journeys
I would read Passsages South by Bruce Van Sant. It is now in the 8th edition and available at Bluewater Charts. He advises routes for deep draft vessels and ofcourse for those with shoal draft keels. I am getting ready to go to the Bahamas after I cruise the Great Circle route this summer. I will be doing it in boats with 3'6" or less and I looking very seriously into a Mac 26 M or X but not with a 50HP. This boat has gone many times to the Bahamas. My site is new but will follow my purchase and journeys
To pretty not to go
I sailed the Bahamas, mostly the Abacos on my fathers Irwin 30 which draws 5'4". Actually Closer to 5'6" with all beer he had. You can not get every someone with less draft can. We were aground here and there. The banks are deep enough it is when you try to get into an anchorage you need to be careful and hold your breath. Water color tells you alot about the water depth. Up to date charts are a good idea.
I sailed the Bahamas, mostly the Abacos on my fathers Irwin 30 which draws 5'4". Actually Closer to 5'6" with all beer he had. You can not get every someone with less draft can. We were aground here and there. The banks are deep enough it is when you try to get into an anchorage you need to be careful and hold your breath. Water color tells you alot about the water depth. Up to date charts are a good idea.
Thanks
Thanks for the help and encouragement. My wife and I are very excited about the trip. We have sailed in the San Juans where everything depended on the current, and it looks like in the Bahamas, for us, everything will depend on the depth. Thanks again, Bob
Thanks for the help and encouragement. My wife and I are very excited about the trip. We have sailed in the San Juans where everything depended on the current, and it looks like in the Bahamas, for us, everything will depend on the depth. Thanks again, Bob
Never saw less than 8 feet of water.
We sailed the Abacos two years ago and never saw less than 8 ft of water on route. Our H320 draws 4.4 with a wing keel and we had to sit outside Green Turtle for a couple of hours as we got there at low tide. Make sure your depth sounder is properly calibrated and trust it. If you are not used to sailing in shallow water it will seem scary to skim along at 5-6 knots with only 3 or 4 feet of water under the keel. Also carry a dingui so that you may go ashore to some of the islands and be able to get to some secluded beaches. If it makes you feel better 7 feet draft boats regularly cruise the Bahamas. Surprisingly enough, our US coast guard under an agreement with the Bahamian government regularly patrol the waters by Jet aircraft and they monitor VHF radio. We were close to Great Sale Cay when they did a low altitude pass and communicated they were looking for a vessel reportedly taking on water. Enjoy your trip.
We sailed the Abacos two years ago and never saw less than 8 ft of water on route. Our H320 draws 4.4 with a wing keel and we had to sit outside Green Turtle for a couple of hours as we got there at low tide. Make sure your depth sounder is properly calibrated and trust it. If you are not used to sailing in shallow water it will seem scary to skim along at 5-6 knots with only 3 or 4 feet of water under the keel. Also carry a dingui so that you may go ashore to some of the islands and be able to get to some secluded beaches. If it makes you feel better 7 feet draft boats regularly cruise the Bahamas. Surprisingly enough, our US coast guard under an agreement with the Bahamian government regularly patrol the waters by Jet aircraft and they monitor VHF radio. We were close to Great Sale Cay when they did a low altitude pass and communicated they were looking for a vessel reportedly taking on water. Enjoy your trip.
The Exumas
I passed thru the Exumas last month during a delivery. There were many Mega Yachts (100'+) in the area. But then again I ran aground too, not paying attention to where I was on the chart. I'd say go for it and just watch where you are. Spend some time analizing the color of the waters to get used to visual depth guessing, don't travel at night unless you are in known deep water. Pat
I passed thru the Exumas last month during a delivery. There were many Mega Yachts (100'+) in the area. But then again I ran aground too, not paying attention to where I was on the chart. I'd say go for it and just watch where you are. Spend some time analizing the color of the waters to get used to visual depth guessing, don't travel at night unless you are in known deep water. Pat
San Juans to Bahamas
San Juans to the Bahamas! You might notice a change in the water temperatures as well,
San Juans to the Bahamas! You might notice a change in the water temperatures as well,
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