Small boats I've taken to the islands!

[islandhopper00]

Here are some pics of small boats I've taken to the islands.


Polar 2300, 26 ft

Wellcraft 21 walk around

Sea Ray 21 da

Sea Ray 240da

Sea Ray 240 da, Chaparalle 240, tiara 28 ft flybridge

A crossing to Bimini in Sea Ray 240 da

 

[Nehalennia]

How far is that crossing? Are you doing that from North Carolina down to Florida, then cross?

 

[islandhopper00]

How far is that crossing? Are you doing that from North Carolina down to Florida, then cross?

The crossing is 50-60 miles across to Grand Bahamas West End, then 50-100 miles into the islands depending on where we end up.

I trailer down to West Palm Beach, meet up with the family, launch the boat, store the trucks and trailers, run and anchor up at Peanut Island, have a few cocktails, bed down, then as the sun comes up the next morning, We're running thru the jettys on our way.

It used to be much easier when I lived in Florida! It's all an adventure though.

 

[First Born]

Nice Red Cooler :smt100

 

[islandhopper00]

You would have to point that out! I thought your name was Wesley, not Gary.LOL

 

[jg300da]

Looks like we're going to have to reclassify Ilsandhopper...

 

[Morpheus]

Nice Red Cooler :smt100

:smt043 :smt101 That' yellow hose stick'n out of the cooler what's that do? Some kind of special drain :lol:

Something to note though all of his "Small" boats he's taken across are CLOSED bow. Very important here for those thinking of taking a small open bow boat.

 

[Nehalennia]

Looks like a great trip weather permitting. Have you ever been stranded there waiting on weather?

 

[islandhopper00]

Yes, although we always plan for a couple of extra days in Port Lucaya as a buffer.

Seems like most times I worry more about the return trip rather than the run over. When we return home it's usually a following or quarter sea, and if it builds to big, it's tough to keep a track. And your always climbing and dropping off a wave face which means alot of throttle adjustment. I tend to run faster coming back than going but a head sea is mostly predictable. I just slow down in a head sea and plow through. That's why I under prop the boat so I can stay on plane down to roughly 12-15 mph. Then there is no banging.

Oh, I wanted to say, don't let my overconfidance detract from the obvious. It is dangerous, and boat handling skills absoutly plays an important role. That can be witnessed by the number of boats anchored at Peanut island, that are always leaving in the morning, and if you don't mind can we follow you over? Then they are a no show.

 

[sbw1]

Wesley is a trouble maker. At least he did not say that Tiaras are ugly. I'll say it.....that Tiara is ugly.

 

[sbw1]

On second thought...it looks like it was dropped in on a Golden Knight parachute with all that canvas. That's a beautiful thing.

 

[islandhopper00]

Good thing you retracted your statement. I was gonna tell my uncle you said his boat is ugly. And he has 42" biceps, and his brother Doug is badder than he is, and they would give you a real good beat down, just because...LOL

Naw, come on, it's 37 year old styling. How many 37 year old boats are still even running, let alone crossing the gulf stream!

 

[First Born]

Wesley is a trouble maker. At least he did not say that Tiaras are ugly. I'll say it.....Tiara's are ugly.

Some things don't even have to be said

 

[islandhopper00]

Ok Wes, that's two! I know where you boat pal.LOL

 

[First Born]

good point :thumbsup:

 

[jitts3]

Nice Red Cooler :smt100

Oh Dear!!:smt101

 

[Fishnut]

Here are some pics of small boats I've taken to the islands.


Polar 2300, 26 ft

Wellcraft 21 walk around

Sea Ray 21 da

Sea Ray 240da

Sea Ray 240 da, Chaparalle 240, tiara 28 ft flybridge

A crossing to Bimini in Sea Ray 240 da

Gary would like the nice vertical attitude of your radio antenna. where did you put your gps puck? And what is that thing on the bow of your boat?

Nice pictures. That looks like a great time. Did you go with other boaters that you knew?

 

[berth control]

Took this 16' Starcraft to Chicago - 60 mile crossing there and 60 more back in the same day. I know Lake Michigan is not the ocean, but still, doesn't that deserve some kind of "dumbest crossing" award?

 

[papogator24]

And what is that thing on the bow of your boat?

I forgot what it is called but that is where he can tie up the rope for when he is anchored. I imagine that would prevent from swinging while on the hook.

 

[wish2fish]

:smt043 :smt101 Something to note though all of his "Small" boats he's taken across are CLOSED bow. Very important here for those thinking of taking a small open bow boat.

some had 2 motors and looks like always traveled in groups!