Florida to Bahamas

[Dick Whetstone]

I did a google search and a search on this site but cannot find what I am looking for. One thing still on my bucket list is taking my 270 Sundancer from Miami (or?) to the Bahamas and stay a week or two cruising the islands. I have even watched YouTube videos of people doing it on jet skis, so I assume with good weather doing it in a 270 Sundancer should not be a problem. I have been boating the ICWW for over 40 years but have never left the US. I am also a private pilot with instrument rating, so I know a little about watching weather and reading charts, but those same characteristics also make me careful in what I try to do.

I know I can check the weather, leave at dawn, set an easterly course, watch my GPS and eventually end up in the Bahamas, but as a first timer I prefer to go across with a group or at least with another boat with a captain who has done it before and who "knows all the ropes".

Does anyone know of "escorted" trips across the Gulf Stream for "first timers"? It has been suggested that I follow one of the day-trip boats or ferries from Miami to Freeport and go from there.

Any ideas or recommendations will be greatly appreciated.

 

[sdarc]

Might ask these guys:

Mhttp://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/68564-Finally-a-Bahamas-trip!

 

[Ididntdoit]

Search Bahamas boating fling - they are put on by the ministry of tourism - check with your ins co many will not cover a single engine vessel crossing the stream - and don't go if there is any northerly component to the wind....a trip to bimini from Miami is probably your best bet or west end/port lucaya from ft worth inlet

 

[Dick Whetstone]

Thanks - the Bahama Boat Fling is exactly what I was looking for. Apparently when leaving the US on a private boat or plane, there are lots of things to do and prepare for that I did not realize.