My wife and I have been doing a little dreaming about taking our H34 down the ICW and shooting over to the Bahamas for a while (Exuma, Abacos, Bimini, etc). Lots of folks seem to also think you need a Westsail, IP, Pacific Seacraft, or Cape Doryish type boat to do the trip, but it sounds like the H34 should make it if we just wait out any weather before heading into open water. We were just going over the feasibility of it all and (what a surprise) cost is a very important issue. I have done lots of reading and find all kinds of conflicting information and suggestions. I have read Roger Mummah's book since he had an H31 which is very similar to ours and that has been a good source. So, what do people think is really required to get a "standard" model boat up to the task (on a budget that is)? I know that we would definitely need to tune up the engine, need engine spares, pump spares, head spares, check the rigging, charts, upgrade ground tackle, and some means of charging the batteries other than the alternator. A lot of the other stuff can add a pile of cost and I am not sure if it is necessary. 1. Refrigeration - Worth converting box or is ice available most places. 2. Weather - Is SSB or HAM required or can you just get weather over the combinations of VHF, AM/FM, and a portable Radio Shack type multiband SSB reciever of the $150 variety when no VHF broadcast is available? 3. Water - Can you just get water without needing any type of watermaker? 4. Electrical - Is wind and solar both necessary to charge batteries or can you get by with one supplemented by the alternator? Is a standard Yanmar 3GM30F alternator sufficient to charge batteries in this role? 5. Liferaft - Is this really required or suggested for 50-60 mile trips in good (hopefully) weather across the gulf stream? 6. EPIRBs - Same as with liferaft. 7. Anchors - Are two humongous anchors required or can you get by with a new big primary one and your standard fare weekender as a second anchor. What other big ticket item did I miss? Sorry for the long post - If my boss is reading this now, we are only just dreaming I swear...
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Your boat should be fine
A fridge is on nearly every boat cruising the Bahamas. This will also be your main electrical draw. You should upgrade your electrical system, wiring, high output alternator, smart regulator,(your standard GM30 Hitachi alternator with internal regulator is useless) sufficient deep cycle batteries, at least 400 amp bank. Solar panels, a wind generator or Honda is needed to keep the batteries up without resorting to running the engine. If you use a Honda you'll need a fairly good output AC charger, at least 40 amps, 100 would be better. Get the EU2000i. You will find that the main topic everywhere is elecrical systems! A ssb receiver would be nice, not a necessity. You can get weather nearly everywhere, lots of cruisers andd the various nets and many re-broadcast it on vhf. You can get weather all the way down the Exumas from local shore-based vhf statiions and cruisers. I've never found the need for a watermaker. Depends on your tankage. There are a few good places to get excellent free RO water and you can buy water elsewhere. Liferafts and EPIRBS are fine but most Bahamas cruisers don't have them. Good ground tackle is a must. I suggest all chain and a 44# anchor for your boat. A second anchor is very helpful especially if your primary doesn't dig in well in hard grassy bottoms. Engine spares are great but you can order expensive items shipped in if needed. Belts, impellers, and filters should do you. For charts, only the Explorer Charts will do. A couple of Pavlidis' cruising guides and you're all set. If you're going this year you'd better start soon. Good luck.
A fridge is on nearly every boat cruising the Bahamas. This will also be your main electrical draw. You should upgrade your electrical system, wiring, high output alternator, smart regulator,(your standard GM30 Hitachi alternator with internal regulator is useless) sufficient deep cycle batteries, at least 400 amp bank. Solar panels, a wind generator or Honda is needed to keep the batteries up without resorting to running the engine. If you use a Honda you'll need a fairly good output AC charger, at least 40 amps, 100 would be better. Get the EU2000i. You will find that the main topic everywhere is elecrical systems! A ssb receiver would be nice, not a necessity. You can get weather nearly everywhere, lots of cruisers andd the various nets and many re-broadcast it on vhf. You can get weather all the way down the Exumas from local shore-based vhf statiions and cruisers. I've never found the need for a watermaker. Depends on your tankage. There are a few good places to get excellent free RO water and you can buy water elsewhere. Liferafts and EPIRBS are fine but most Bahamas cruisers don't have them. Good ground tackle is a must. I suggest all chain and a 44# anchor for your boat. A second anchor is very helpful especially if your primary doesn't dig in well in hard grassy bottoms. Engine spares are great but you can order expensive items shipped in if needed. Belts, impellers, and filters should do you. For charts, only the Explorer Charts will do. A couple of Pavlidis' cruising guides and you're all set. If you're going this year you'd better start soon. Good luck.
Not until next fall
If we could pull it off, it would not be until next summer/fall. Would the typical shorepower battery charger that we use at the dock with the Honda hooked up to the boat AC system not suffice? I think it is one of Guest 10amp/5amp chargers.
If we could pull it off, it would not be until next summer/fall. Would the typical shorepower battery charger that we use at the dock with the Honda hooked up to the boat AC system not suffice? I think it is one of Guest 10amp/5amp chargers.
Too slow
A ten amp charger with a Honda hooked up would take about twelve hours to replenish your batteries after two days at anchor using a very modest 50 amps a day. I average about 60 -70 amps a day and am a bit of a miser as far as usage goes. Just your fridge will use 40 - 50 amps a day (if you're well insulated). Propane solenoid, lights, anchor light, stereo, it all adds up. A 100 amp charger will do the same job in an hour and a bit.
A ten amp charger with a Honda hooked up would take about twelve hours to replenish your batteries after two days at anchor using a very modest 50 amps a day. I average about 60 -70 amps a day and am a bit of a miser as far as usage goes. Just your fridge will use 40 - 50 amps a day (if you're well insulated). Propane solenoid, lights, anchor light, stereo, it all adds up. A 100 amp charger will do the same job in an hour and a bit.
First time to the Bahamas
I have a web site: Cruising The Bahamas For The First Time. The site covers all the questions you have asked. From the author of four books on refrigeration
I have a web site: Cruising The Bahamas For The First Time. The site covers all the questions you have asked. From the author of four books on refrigeration
Electrical system upgrades
Thanks for the advise... I did some research and it looks like the fridge is a big hog of power. It seems that 100 Ah looks like a pretty good figure based on what I figure we would burn (70 of that being refrigeration). It looks like we have a 55 amp alternator and would need about 250 Ah battery to cover these needs assuming 40% is usable = 100 Ah). 400 seems big, but am I looking at it wrong? With 200-250 Ah battery bank, is the 55 amp alternator not correctly sized? Worst case is that you would have to run the engine 4.5 hrs/day to get back to full charge for 100 Ah (alternator charges at 0.4x55=22 Amps). But still, going to need some hefty solar or wind generation... 400W $olar would give about 125 Ah charge, so that would cover it - but expensive. Could supplement with wind, but I just see running that engine a lot. If there is no fridge, things get pretty easy... If you burn 30 Ah, running the engine for a total of about 1.5 hours should charge everything. You would only require about 30Ah/5hrs*16v=96 or 100W solar to cover it all (supplement with engine on cloudy day). This is nice and easy and the difference in price from this to the last option is huge! So, it is stupid to think you can get by on ice for a year on a trip like that? I also heard the fridge repair folks are in high demand, so I take it they are a headache some times. I may need to revert back to the highschool days of drinking warm beer...
Thanks for the advise... I did some research and it looks like the fridge is a big hog of power. It seems that 100 Ah looks like a pretty good figure based on what I figure we would burn (70 of that being refrigeration). It looks like we have a 55 amp alternator and would need about 250 Ah battery to cover these needs assuming 40% is usable = 100 Ah). 400 seems big, but am I looking at it wrong? With 200-250 Ah battery bank, is the 55 amp alternator not correctly sized? Worst case is that you would have to run the engine 4.5 hrs/day to get back to full charge for 100 Ah (alternator charges at 0.4x55=22 Amps). But still, going to need some hefty solar or wind generation... 400W $olar would give about 125 Ah charge, so that would cover it - but expensive. Could supplement with wind, but I just see running that engine a lot. If there is no fridge, things get pretty easy... If you burn 30 Ah, running the engine for a total of about 1.5 hours should charge everything. You would only require about 30Ah/5hrs*16v=96 or 100W solar to cover it all (supplement with engine on cloudy day). This is nice and easy and the difference in price from this to the last option is huge! So, it is stupid to think you can get by on ice for a year on a trip like that? I also heard the fridge repair folks are in high demand, so I take it they are a headache some times. I may need to revert back to the highschool days of drinking warm beer...
Hitachi won't do it
Jared, Your 55 amp Hitachi will put out a good (30-40amps) charge for about 20 minutes and then cut back to about 5amps due to the internal regulator. You need a 100 amp alternator and a 3 stage smart regulator. This'll throw 100 amps into low batteries for an hour or more. Balmar has a good kit that'll bolt on to the 3GM30, all you'll need is a longer fan belt BUT YOU WILL HAVE TO UPGRADE your wiring. You should only run down your batteries to 50% so a 400 amp bank will last you 2 or 3 days. I lost my Powerline alternator once and replaced it with the original Hitachi, no matter what I tried it wouldn't (couldn't) charge up my batteries after a day or two at anchor. I tried to trick it by stopping and starting the engine again and it still wouldn't work. If you are going to have a 12volt fridge system upgrading the alternator is a must. Of course you could go without a fridge but then you might have to change your eating and drinking habits. Once you get out there you will or should change your ways as to how you use electricity. Never switch another light on without switching the first one off, replace your bulbs with 10 watt ones or halogen, use an anchor light that draws milliamps, stop staring into the fridge with the door open wondering what to have for dinner.
Jared, Your 55 amp Hitachi will put out a good (30-40amps) charge for about 20 minutes and then cut back to about 5amps due to the internal regulator. You need a 100 amp alternator and a 3 stage smart regulator. This'll throw 100 amps into low batteries for an hour or more. Balmar has a good kit that'll bolt on to the 3GM30, all you'll need is a longer fan belt BUT YOU WILL HAVE TO UPGRADE your wiring. You should only run down your batteries to 50% so a 400 amp bank will last you 2 or 3 days. I lost my Powerline alternator once and replaced it with the original Hitachi, no matter what I tried it wouldn't (couldn't) charge up my batteries after a day or two at anchor. I tried to trick it by stopping and starting the engine again and it still wouldn't work. If you are going to have a 12volt fridge system upgrading the alternator is a must. Of course you could go without a fridge but then you might have to change your eating and drinking habits. Once you get out there you will or should change your ways as to how you use electricity. Never switch another light on without switching the first one off, replace your bulbs with 10 watt ones or halogen, use an anchor light that draws milliamps, stop staring into the fridge with the door open wondering what to have for dinner.
Wow
Thanks Rick I, I didn't realize that alternator was so cruddy... I wonder why they even bother putting one of those things on anyway? I will look into the better alternator anyway! That makes since to have a couple of days worth of power instead of just 24 hr. What do you have in addition to your alternator? Are you using solar (how many watts) and the Honda/high power charger/alternator as backup?
Thanks Rick I, I didn't realize that alternator was so cruddy... I wonder why they even bother putting one of those things on anyway? I will look into the better alternator anyway! That makes since to have a couple of days worth of power instead of just 24 hr. What do you have in addition to your alternator? Are you using solar (how many watts) and the Honda/high power charger/alternator as backup?
What I use
I have a house bank of 2 4D's (about 400 amps) and a Balmar small case alternator with 3 stage regulator. I also have a Kiss wind generator and this season I will add a Honda EU2000i which will charge my batteries during windless periods through a 100 amp Zantrex inverter/charger. This is all monitored with a Link 2000. I looked at solar panels and opted for the Honda instead. Eventually I will have a couple of solar panels. In steady winds of 15 - 20 knots the Kiss can handle the load but you do get some windless periods in the Bahamas.
I have a house bank of 2 4D's (about 400 amps) and a Balmar small case alternator with 3 stage regulator. I also have a Kiss wind generator and this season I will add a Honda EU2000i which will charge my batteries during windless periods through a 100 amp Zantrex inverter/charger. This is all monitored with a Link 2000. I looked at solar panels and opted for the Honda instead. Eventually I will have a couple of solar panels. In steady winds of 15 - 20 knots the Kiss can handle the load but you do get some windless periods in the Bahamas.
refrigeration.....
My friends spent 3 months in the bahamas with no refrigerator. A well insulated, top loading ice box, a space blanket and a smaller portable ice chest did the trick. They would open the big box only once a day and transfer that days use to the portable. They would check in to a marina once a week or so and fill up with water. Of course, their older Island Packet 31 has huge tankage and few power eating accessories. They got by with 2 group 27's. Since then they have installed a refrigeration unit but still use the block ice option to cut down on power usage when on the hook.
My friends spent 3 months in the bahamas with no refrigerator. A well insulated, top loading ice box, a space blanket and a smaller portable ice chest did the trick. They would open the big box only once a day and transfer that days use to the portable. They would check in to a marina once a week or so and fill up with water. Of course, their older Island Packet 31 has huge tankage and few power eating accessories. They got by with 2 group 27's. Since then they have installed a refrigeration unit but still use the block ice option to cut down on power usage when on the hook.
Weapon!
Pretty powerful word, but nonetheless an essential part of the safety equipment inventory. I have known many who have ventured to the islands including myself (Morgan 41 charter across the gulf), and your out there! Everyone did have something in common and that was they carried a weapon (mostly shotgun or rifle) for protection. Checking in at customs will require that all weapons are under lock and key (locked in a locker). The chances of using one for self defense is probably no greater then where you live today; however, you will find yourself alone out there unless your traveling in a floatilla, your are venturing into a foreign country, many see American cruisers as a wealthy mark and you will be in open waters for extended times. You will certianly feel more secure knowing that you can protect yourself if need be. Just a suggestion as you plan your departure and adventure. Bob
Pretty powerful word, but nonetheless an essential part of the safety equipment inventory. I have known many who have ventured to the islands including myself (Morgan 41 charter across the gulf), and your out there! Everyone did have something in common and that was they carried a weapon (mostly shotgun or rifle) for protection. Checking in at customs will require that all weapons are under lock and key (locked in a locker). The chances of using one for self defense is probably no greater then where you live today; however, you will find yourself alone out there unless your traveling in a floatilla, your are venturing into a foreign country, many see American cruisers as a wealthy mark and you will be in open waters for extended times. You will certianly feel more secure knowing that you can protect yourself if need be. Just a suggestion as you plan your departure and adventure. Bob
Weapon?
Really hate to continue a thread on weapons but I've been going to the Bahamas since 1990 and the only weapon I have is a small baseball bat that I use on fish. There is crime in Nassau and now unfortunately in Georgetown but the stuff in GT is petty. Once out of Nassau, you never have to lock your dinghy or haul it up. It's lucky that I don't have a gun aboard because I think I would have shot the idiot in the Irwin 46 that hit me last year when I was anchored!
Really hate to continue a thread on weapons but I've been going to the Bahamas since 1990 and the only weapon I have is a small baseball bat that I use on fish. There is crime in Nassau and now unfortunately in Georgetown but the stuff in GT is petty. Once out of Nassau, you never have to lock your dinghy or haul it up. It's lucky that I don't have a gun aboard because I think I would have shot the idiot in the Irwin 46 that hit me last year when I was anchored!
Not me
I'm a wimp and couldn't use a gun anyway more than likely, so it would just get me shot. Luckily, compared to most of the folks from the U.S. down there, I think I would more like a poor mark than a wealthy mark. I'll just point them in another direction and say, "See that boat there, it cost 20 times more than mine did..."
I'm a wimp and couldn't use a gun anyway more than likely, so it would just get me shot. Luckily, compared to most of the folks from the U.S. down there, I think I would more like a poor mark than a wealthy mark. I'll just point them in another direction and say, "See that boat there, it cost 20 times more than mine did..."
If needed, use your flare gun as a weapon
The thought of carrying a weapon onboard just doesn't go well with me, but depending on where you are going, I realize sometimes you really don't have a choice, especially if someone is boarding your boat in the middle of the night. Your flare fun will do quite well in an emergency, and it is also legal in every country. I think I read somewhere that you can get something other than flares to put in your flare gun. Not quite a real bullet, but more lethal than a flare.
The thought of carrying a weapon onboard just doesn't go well with me, but depending on where you are going, I realize sometimes you really don't have a choice, especially if someone is boarding your boat in the middle of the night. Your flare fun will do quite well in an emergency, and it is also legal in every country. I think I read somewhere that you can get something other than flares to put in your flare gun. Not quite a real bullet, but more lethal than a flare.
Refrigeration Need
We traveled to the Bahamas twice in our old Legand 37 without refrigeration. Never missed it. We took home-canned meats, purchased canned vegtables, dry mixes, Parmalet milk, etc. We did buy bags of ice for drinks etc when we were in civilazation. Never missed refrigeration. We had a wind generator and the batteries were always full. (TV, vcr, lights, instruments, pc, etc). The wind in the spring seems to always be blowing 15-25 knots and the power is free. We have taken our 420 there the past 3 years. We have freezer and refrig but still take the canned meats, etc. We do carry about 2-3 weeks of frozen now. You can buy about any groceries that you want in Nassau at about 25% more than the US. Drinking water is not a problem. Ham/SSB- I'm a ham so I do have a radio aboard. Easier to get the weather and we use for email via Winlink. Liferaft - I carry one. EPIRB - Don't own one. Anchors - Have at least one "good" one. It seems like most of the anchorages have a tidal current. Some times a Bahamian moor is required, thus requiring a second anchor. You probably would want to have a spare anchor along anyway. Have fun. Remember the entry fee is $150 for 35' or less and $300 for larger boats. Bill
We traveled to the Bahamas twice in our old Legand 37 without refrigeration. Never missed it. We took home-canned meats, purchased canned vegtables, dry mixes, Parmalet milk, etc. We did buy bags of ice for drinks etc when we were in civilazation. Never missed refrigeration. We had a wind generator and the batteries were always full. (TV, vcr, lights, instruments, pc, etc). The wind in the spring seems to always be blowing 15-25 knots and the power is free. We have taken our 420 there the past 3 years. We have freezer and refrig but still take the canned meats, etc. We do carry about 2-3 weeks of frozen now. You can buy about any groceries that you want in Nassau at about 25% more than the US. Drinking water is not a problem. Ham/SSB- I'm a ham so I do have a radio aboard. Easier to get the weather and we use for email via Winlink. Liferaft - I carry one. EPIRB - Don't own one. Anchors - Have at least one "good" one. It seems like most of the anchorages have a tidal current. Some times a Bahamian moor is required, thus requiring a second anchor. You probably would want to have a spare anchor along anyway. Have fun. Remember the entry fee is $150 for 35' or less and $300 for larger boats. Bill
I've heard of some flare guns being confiscated
in some countries but I don't remember which. As far as weapons, once you leave the MOST VIOLENT nation on the face of the earth, (America, crime, not war.) the odds of needing a weapon drop out of sight. I am a retired law enforcement officer and I choose not to bring a weapon with me on our trip to South America. I have NO doubt as to when to use deadly force. Most cruisers don't have that training. Just because someone boards your boat at night, is no reason to kill them. There's lots of actions that can be taken to ward off intruders. You might even put on a pot of coffee for the poor soul that came aboard because he was delirious from having survived a MOB incident. As such, NO gun was aboard our boat. We've beat this subject to death. No pun intended.
in some countries but I don't remember which. As far as weapons, once you leave the MOST VIOLENT nation on the face of the earth, (America, crime, not war.) the odds of needing a weapon drop out of sight. I am a retired law enforcement officer and I choose not to bring a weapon with me on our trip to South America. I have NO doubt as to when to use deadly force. Most cruisers don't have that training. Just because someone boards your boat at night, is no reason to kill them. There's lots of actions that can be taken to ward off intruders. You might even put on a pot of coffee for the poor soul that came aboard because he was delirious from having survived a MOB incident. As such, NO gun was aboard our boat. We've beat this subject to death. No pun intended.
Glad we never even had to think about it
Our cruising waters are U.S. west coast, Hawaii, Pacific, and way way up north in Canada and Alaska. All usually friendly cruising areas. Every night when we are on the hook and get ready to go to bed, We have never even had the thought of possibly someone boarding the boat. I think if I ever have a gun onboard, I will probably hole the boat the 1st chance I get.
Our cruising waters are U.S. west coast, Hawaii, Pacific, and way way up north in Canada and Alaska. All usually friendly cruising areas. Every night when we are on the hook and get ready to go to bed, We have never even had the thought of possibly someone boarding the boat. I think if I ever have a gun onboard, I will probably hole the boat the 1st chance I get.
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