There is a current called the Gulf Stream running NNE parallel to the Florida coast. It averages approximately 2 1/2 kn.p/hr. for the distance between the SE Fla. coast and the Bahamas, varying between 1.5 to 3.5 kn.p/hr, the greatest speed in the axis of the Stream, about midway between Florida and the Bahamas, the slower speeds just off the coast of Florida and off the coast of the Bahama chain. But making the crossing which we have done for the past 40 years in boats varying from a 23 ft. Seabird cuddy cabin with single I/O, to a single engine Mainship trawler of 34 ft, to a twin engine Mainship trawler of 40ft., to a 27 ft. SeaRay Sundancer with twin 165 hp I/O's, to a 30 ft. Ericson 30+ sailboat, we have always had to contend with the Gulf Stream. It was always the most emotionally charged period of the whole trip, because most of the time, the trips were made prior to the benefit of GPS, prior to instant access via laptop to sattelite weather imagery, prior to EPIRB. It was dead-reaconing all the way. With the sailboat, it is interesting to note that heading direct East (90 degrees) out of Hillsboro Inlet the Stream will carry you North 30 miles, and after 12 hours of running your boat will be heading straight down the entrance channel to the Old Bahama Bay Marina in West End, Grand Bahama Island, 60 miles East of the Florida coast, so the Gulf Stream has given you a free ride north of 30 miles. NOW, if West End was not your destination, you have a problem that you will have to work through with a different strategy.