CSR Bahamas Rendezvous (Spring Break 2015)

Randy,

Your route seems to be in line with what I've plotted on the Garmin Blue Chart. Thanks for sharing, now I fee much more comfortable and conclude that Navionics doesn't have truly updated charts (on plotter or mobile).
 
I don't have allot of experience with different chart plotters but I have a Raymarine (older) and Garmin (newer) on my boat. The Garmin is much more accurate.
 
Garmin uses data for the Bahamas from Explorer Charts, yes, they purchase these charts and put them in the data cards or on the chart plotters as this is the most accurate information for the Bahamas. Navionics DOES NOT use Explorer Charts and rely on much older not frequently updated charts , I think from NOAA. Navionics charts are used by Raymarine.
 
This is from a couple of years ago but it may help. I plotted this on Garmin Bluecharts and found the charts to be very accurate. The poles at Loggerhead Cut are not longer all there. The cut was originally put in so a cruise line could pass but was abandoned years ago and many of the markers are gone. The Navionics chart is quite behind. There are rocks from the western end of Guana that turn south but simply watch for them and your depth.

 
I have an unusual question that don't think was mentioned. Anytime we go on a trip (fly or cruise) out of US we get travelers insurance. It's not just for delays and cancellation, it also for medical reasons, in case if something happens. What you guys do in regards to insurance? Do you rely on your primary medical coverage or do you purchase additional travel insurance while taking your boats to Bahamas, or anywhere outside US for that matter?
 
ttmott - So you visited Nipper's? Anchored on the outside? Pig Roast?

Yea, Sunday, it was a lot of fun; recommend it. Tricky getting through the reef but there is a deep cut if you know where it is. Spent the day at Nippers and snorkeling all of that reef structure. I like that area a lot. I understand one can get around to the outside between Guana and Scotland also and not have to go through the reef and breakers.
 
I have an unusual question that don't think was mentioned. Anytime we go on a trip (fly or cruise) out of US we get travelers insurance. It's not just for delays and cancellation, it also for medical reasons, in case if something happens. What you guys do in regards to insurance? Do you rely on your primary medical coverage or do you purchase additional travel insurance while taking your boats to Bahamas, or anywhere outside US for that matter?

Depends on insurance, if you have medicare I don't think they cover outside the US. Private insurance is dependent upon carrier. The reason I say this is my wife hurt herself in Barbados and needed to go to the ED. When we came back to the states we got a bill in the mail a few months latter that we submitted to our insurance (not sure if Blue cross or Cigna) and they did eventually send us a check to reimburse the one we sent to the hospital. Best of luck
 
I thought I would mention to make sure to bring fuel treatment. My last fill-up over there was of questionable quality. Also while I'm thinking bring bottles of that holding tank treatment; you might not need it but when you do you really do....
 
Fueled at West End coming in, Green Turtle, then West End coming out. It was off season last Sept. but fuel dock at West End is always busy.
 
Thanks for the alert, Tom. Based on my findings, Green Turtle Cay is most likely the place to cause an issue. I even marked it in our float plan to get fuel there "only if really need it".

When did you start noticing the issue, on the way back from WE to FL, or once you already got back to the main land? Were you able to swap the racors and get home?
 
Did not notice issue until about three months ago when burning down the last of that fuel. Algae problem; which says there was a lot of water in the fuel or sucking off the bottom of the bulk supply tank. The big thing about any diesel fuel is to add treatment for bio and water to each fill. I ran out of the treatment and seem to be paying now. Suggest 1/2 ounce of Biobor per 100 gal fill would be what I recommend and if you are dealing currently with algae shock the tank with 4 ounces. Also, add a water absorber to each tank; Biobor will not take care of water. Also bring plenty of primary filters for engines and generators, just in case; the Borbor will break down any algae, disperse it in the fuel and submit it to the filter elements. Usually, the generator final filter is a tiny element so I always have a couple of those also on hand.
Don't mean to alarm anyone but it's that school of hard knocks trying to pass on....
 
Thanks Tom... I think I will change my route and stop at West End for fuel rather than go directly to Walkers Cay. It's only an additional 13 NM, just not worth the chance of getting bad fuel. I too always have a bunch of racors and use additives on every fill up... But why chance it.......I'd rather deal with the 'I didn't see that coming' issues instead of 'you idiot! you knew that was going to happen'......
 
So now that we're closer to the departure date, can we get an updated list of boats that are going and which are doing a short trip rather than a long trip? I have an Excel chart that I've used in the past that will provide information for all
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,950
Messages
1,422,866
Members
60,932
Latest member
juliediane
Back
Top