Bahamas in the summer.....good idea??...bad idea??

[Mark Johnson]

We are going to leave our new to us trawler in Florida for the summer months instead of bringing her back up to New England. The boat is now on the west coast of Florida in the St. Pete area. Our thought was to visit the Keys then head over to the Bahamas for two or three weeks. Never having done any boating during the summer months in Florida, I thought I would put the question to those that have. Aside from a threat of Hurricanes (August maybe) and or squalls, I would think the weather would be pretty good. Light winds, clear waters and less crowded. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Greg]

Bahamas

MarkYou will have a great time there anytime of the year. We've been in all seasons and highly recommend. Not much wind in the summer but that doesn't look it will be a problem for you.Looks like a beautiful boat. Probably has plenty of A/C which you will want from time to time in the Bahamas in the summer. We have cruised there many times in the summer, esp the Abacos and been quite comfortable most of the time. Try not to nestle up too close to the islands at night to avoid bugs. Hurricanes can be a problem--but more like September .Our 420 has been through 2 of them there. Both times we left her in Hopetown on a ball and had only minor damage. When you get to Nipper's have one for us.Good luckGreg Beckners/v Champagne Girl

 

[Brian]

summer is nice

You usually have better weather for crossing the gulf stream in the summer since the winds are usually out of the south. Just watch the weather, a strong front from the north can make the crossing nasty. And like Greg said, once you are there you will have a blast. I spent six weeks there on a 32 ft. trawler with no A/C. The only times we were really hot were when we went ashore. We drank LOTS of water, no only because it was hot but we usually needed to rehydrate from the night before! Have a blast, I highly recommend the Abacos. Nipper's is a blast, especially on Sunday afternoon's for the big grill out. Go to little harbor and visit Pete's Pub also, how many bars have a beach as the floor, saw horse style benchs for bar stools, no walls, mostly boat traffic for customers and are located in an area of almost no year round resident's? It stays in business because it is that unique, and fun. Listen to the cruisers net every morning at 8:00 on the vhf, I think it is either 68 or 69. Lot's of info for you there.