Gulfstream Crossing Thoughts

TheBobC

Member
Sep 21, 2017
79
Pompano Beach, FL
Boat Info
1999 400 DA
Garmin 1242xsv, 742xs, Fantom 24 Radar
Highfield 10.2 Tender w/Tohatsu 9.9
Engines
Cat 3116
Quick question for those of you with a 340 or similar and experienced in South Florida waters. I have been South Florida Boating for years. Most of it in smaller crafts. I have a good friend coming to town Friday and we were planning on a run over to Bimini. Current forecast is:

SATURDAY Northeast winds 10 to 15 knots. Seas 2 to 4 feet with occasional seas to 5 feet. Intracoastal waters a moderate chop.

I always prefer a non-northerly wind, but should this concern me? In my 27 cruiser I used to run around in, that would be mildly concerning. With another 7 feet and twice the weight, I feel like we should be fine.

Thoughts?
 
It will be rough. You can make it but just know it will be uncomfortable. I would not take anyone with you who does not like being in the washing machine.

We crossed in the same conditions in a 260 Sundancer a few years ago but it wasn't pretty.
 
Yes, I made the crossing in my 27' cruiser in about the same, yes, that was rough. I am looking to see the difference the 7' and 6500lbs brings...
 
Not a good idea. I'm not Mr. Safety but the gulf stream is no joke. 15knt winds from the north is a huge deal against the GS and you will have 6 footers.

Josh
 
Crossed the gulf stream many times... don't do it when there is a north component foretasted at 15 knots. As other have said, it makes for a rough ride with steep, short period waves.
 
The Gulfstream is named because it facilitates the flow of water coming around the bottom of Florida (Florida Straits) and run up the east coast in a northery direction. It is a huge river running north inside of the Atlantic Ocean...please picture that in your mind. In the summer time when the prevailing winds are coming from the south such as hurricanes and such, you notice those weather patterns begin off the southern tip of Africa and then while crossing the Atlantic. Over warm water they create conditions that are conducive to hurricane makings. Sailors of old called these the Trade Winds and tried to catch them in their sails for propulsion. Wind and flow both are heading in the same direction. But when old man winter starts brewing, the fronts change from coming from a southern direct, and we start receiving what weather people called "cold fronts". With the prevailing winds now coming down from the north and that flow of the Gulfstream still ever so strongly flowing up from the south...well, what happens when water flowing one direction, butts heads with winds coming from the direct opposite direction....big waves, that's what.
I have been off of Lauderdale in what appeared to be calm seas, then while heading to Bimini, I encountered 10-15 footers, and of course calm again once I approach the Bahamas Bank.
I know I took too many words to express my opinion but to sum up in a few words...don't do it, unless you have checked all weather sources for the East Coast, and the Bahamas, to include reading the Stream reports....be safe, which starts with safe decisions!

Capt. Rusty
 
Add me to the list of "don't do it"

I've crossed many times and Rusty is spot on. Glass until you hit the stream then crazy for 20 miles. I won't cross with any winds that have "north in them"
 
We have a current that runs off the bottom of the North Island called the Karori Rip. It can be so severe when the wind is in the wrong quarter that even the RO/RO ferries avoid it. Dont do it....unless its known to be in safe conditions.
 
I'm assuming you've checked the marine forecast today for tomorrow (NE 15-20K, 3-5ft, 6 in the GS) and scrapped your plan. These seas would be hitting you on your port side on a course line to Bimini and would be horrible. You did not mention your return date. That forecast is equally important. On our last trip, we had to wait a day for better seas. I've done the trip a dozen or so time and agree with all that has been said.
 
We go to Alaska and we and most other boaters have rule for one 50 mile crossing. Go in 3 foot waves. No go in waves greater than 3 feet. With the 3 foot waves you get swells usually 3 to 6 feet. One person I know did not follow the rules and hit some bigger waves. It knocked out his electronic navigation. He did not have a backup. He ran on compass until he saw land. His comment was never again and he said he and his wife drank a bottle of gin. Make sure you have navigation backup even if it is a hand held GPS.
 
Good comment about needing back-up navigation, When I run over to the Bahamas, I have 3 units running, the 3rd being a handheld that will run on batts if there is an electrical issue.
 
The OP greatly appreciates ALL of the advice. As it turned out, the weather laid down a bit on Friday morning, so we made the run. Was not too terrible. Seas were indeed coming on the port side, but nothing over a 5 footer now and then, mostly 3's. Came back on a comparatively peaceful Sunday. Was not dangerous, just a tad uncomfortable, and not particularly great for the cabin...lots of stuff bounced around.

Had it not been for the friend, I likely would not have gone. I am not sorry I went, but having dealt with a NE wind and waves, I do not feel the need to again.

THank you again for all the thoughts and advice. Please do not be harsh on my decision. :)
 
BobC, Yes running over to Bimini in any kind of North wind will make the run a little "Sporty". For us winds SE 5-10, waves less than 2 feet, make it an enjoyable trip. Glad you guys had a safe trip. JC
 

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