would you take a 240SD to the Bahamas?

Taradise

New Member
Sep 5, 2007
170
Acworth, GA
is a 240 SD a big enough boat to make this run? Not really sure how far it is...anyone know of a good website where I could get better information on a trip like this? I'd do it I could get some others to come along...

-Mark
 
No. But that is my opinion and people do it.

What you are asking is if an open bow boat can do a 60 mile open ocean venture that has about a 60 gallon tank and one inboard engine. The boat was not designed for that.

I see boats that size offshore all the time but, other than the occasional idiot in a skiff, they are usually of a design such that they have a steep entry, water drains very quickly out of the boat when waves crash over the front, and there are two big honkin outboards strapped to the back.
 
Gary Gary Gary what are you doing. There have been many many discussions about this on here and eveyone has said "YES" It's doable but would recommend going with a group and doing it during the summer.

Now your saying no way? I was sure you were part of those other posts about the CSR trips to the Bahamas.

Mark although GARY IS A MASTER BOATER in my opinion or is that a master bai ahh never mind..

Do a search on Bahamas here and you will find where the CSR people have done many trips to the bahamas.
 
The question was "would *you* take a 240SD to the Bahamas?"

So my answer is "no"

Ok.. maybe right after I jump out of an airplane without a parachute, eat a box of rat poison, chew on some aluminum foil and rub a cheese grater on my weiner... but *I* just would not take a small open bow boat that is slow draining with an a single inboard engine offshore very far (like 30 miles?).. But hey... people make that crossing in Jet Skis and live. And people here take metal Jon boats out 50 miles to the canyons to go tuna fishing...
 
What will you be towing it with? 48? 52? (Sorry, couldn't resist - just having fun).
 
My answer is also "NO". I have crossed 4 times and conditions can change quickly. I wouldn't do that crossing in any safely equipped boat of less than 35' and equipped with less than 2 engines or one engine plus a mainsail. S**t happens and I don't want to be offshore in a 240DA any time soon, do you?
Warren
 
Mark- You've already received some rather pointed advice. Don't be too discouraged. There is a Marine Max in SE FL that does a lot of "flotillas" to the Bahamas. You might contact them and ask for guidelines. Summer months usually have longer and more reliable weather windows. While I will encourage your interest in the Bahamas and boating, you will need to do careful planning, maintenance checks, and go in a group equipped to provide expert towing and/or other help should the need arise. West Palm to West End is 56 miles. On the rare, right day, the conditions will be flat calm. On the wrong day, they can go from flat to 10 footers in a matter of minutes. Bottom line is that many people do the crossing in all types of boats. Collect lots of information and make your own decision.
 
My answer is also "NO". I have crossed 4 times and conditions can change quickly. I wouldn't do that crossing in any safely equipped boat of less than 35' and equipped with less than 2 engines or one engine plus a mainsail. S**t happens and I don't want to be offshore in a 240DA any time soon, do you?
Warren

Heck.. we are not talking about a "DA" that will basically bob out of a wave hitting it, we are talking about an open bow Sun Deck.
 
Ok.. maybe right after I ................rub a cheese grater on my weiner

Ok Officially we've hit a new, but hillariously funny new low.

Gary, would you take your Dinghy out in this. weiner or no weiner?
P1010108.jpg

P1010109.jpg
 
Sorry I meant 240'SD' not 'DA'. We are on the same page!
Warren
 
With the right planing, weather and group it can be done and be done safely.



http://www.vantagepointguides.com/how_to/small_boat_offshore_bimini.htm


Bimini, Bahamas Weekend
OK, so you don't have the excess funds to charter or buy that huge yacht for a quick run to Bimini for a weekend Bahamas vacation. No worries. Here's how to safely take a small powerboat across the Gulf Stream to the island of Bimini in the Bahamas.


Boat Length Is Only Part of the Safety Equation
However, when it comes to safety, boat length is just one factor in the equation of a Bahamas run. Experience, weather, mechanical condition, preparation and planning all play a part. The reality is that boats in the 18 to 22 foot range have been safely making the trip to Bimini in the Bahamas for years. The key is to manage the other factors since you won’t have size or displacement on your side

First let’s state the obvious. A trip to the islands of the Bahamas requires a rugged boat, one designed to handle the pounding of the ocean. It must have adequate range and be in good working order. Common sense dictates you travel as part of a larger group or with a buddy boat going to the Bahamas. Going solo is not an option in this size range. Always file a float plan and make sure to confirm arrival and departure with your float plan holder.

The ideal weather forecast for a crossing is calm to moderate winds out of a safe direction, i.e., not from the north, northwest or northeast. For obvious reasons, stable weather patterns are desired as approaching fronts often bring deteriorating conditions. From a calendar perspective, summer generally produces the best conditions for a small boat run to Bimini. An analysis of historical wind patterns off of Miami dramatically illustrates this point. Bottom line, summer is the season for small boats

The economic advantages of small boats are obvious — lower fuel, maintenance and insurance costs, not to mention smaller monthly payments. But don’t rush out and blow the entire windfall on a new set of Internationals. Plan on investing in safety equipment commensurate with the task at hand. Remember, if things go wrong on a smaller vessel, the ramification are likely to be greater.

Step one is to toss out those cheap square life jackets that come with every new boat. Their main purpose is to make a boat Coast Guard legal when it leaves the dealership. Upgrade to high quality, type I offshore life jackets and attach a whistle and strobe to each. Since life jackets work only if they’re worn, you may want to carry inflatables. Don’t forget to have a throwable flotation device at the ready, not because it’s required but because it makes sense.

Another common shortcoming is the standard emergency signaling kit on most boats. As with life jackets, just because something meets the Coast Guard requirements doesn’t mean it’s adequate for venturing offshore and to the islands. Many standard kits come with three aerial flares yielding a total burn time of just 18 seconds. That would be almost comical were it not for the fact that your life may depend on being located quickly.

Tools, Spare Parts and Basic Knowledge Required
Like computer hard drives, it’s not a matter of if, but when your outboard will decide to play dead. Adequate spares and a basic tool kit will fix many of the common problems. At a minimum spares should include oil filters, fuel filters, thermostats, fuses, extra prop, cotter pins. For emergency repairs add duck tape, wire, electrical connectors, zip-ties, hose clamps, epoxy and rope. Before each trip you will want to charge the batteries and change spark plugs and filters. Perform a mechanical check on important systems.

Fishing / Drift Anchor In Case of Engine Loss
Losing power offshore can result in your boat drifting in a dangerous orientation relative to the waves. Making matters worse, it will be difficult to fix the problem while rocking sickeningly from side to side. The solution is a simple drift fishing anchor. Deployed off the bow of the boat, it accomplishes three things. One, it holds your bow into the waves, generally the safest orientation. Two, it reduces boat motion allowing you to concentrate on getting the problem sorted out. And three, it reduces wind induced drift keeping you relatively stationary. Available for less than fifty bucks, no boat should be without one.

Navigation and Communications
Given the space premium, communications and navigation choices should focus on functionality and reliability. Modestly priced GPS / fishfinder units are small, accurate and designed to withstand exposure to the elements. Fixed-mount VHF radio is still the gold standard in marine communications — it is the most effective means to communicate boat to boat. Because VHF is line of site, go with an 8 foot antenna and mount it as high as possible. With prices for handheld GPS and VHF units plummeting, there is simply no excuse not to carry one of each onboard as back-ups to fixed mount units. Don’t forget to purchase an antenna adaptor that allows your handheld VHF to connect to your main antenna for increased range.

406EPIRB - Get One!
It goes without saying, if you venture far from land, carry a 406 EPIRB. Starting at roughly $700, they’re not cheap but worth every penny. If cost is a barrier, you can rent one from BoatUS for $40 per week.

A recent development is the emergence of the handheld sat-phone, with prices dropping to less than $500 with reasonable per minute rate plans. Since satphones cannot broadcast a system wide emergency call, they do not take the place of VHF. However, the ability to communicate over long range has obvious safety benefits. I make it a habit on crossings to stop half way and call back to my float plan holder —this way I can give a quick update and let them know everything is going according to plan.

THE "SPEECH"

“The night before the trip we’ll have a pretty good
idea of whether we’ll attempt the crossing. The
morning of the trip is when we decide whether to leave
the dock. And finally, when we’re 10 to 15 miles offshore,
that’s when we’ll make the final decision to proceed all
the way across the Gulf Stream.”

Summary - It Can Be Done Safely (and Enjoyably)
Know when to say no. It sounds simple but can be tough to do in practice, particularly when you’ve spent weeks planning and getting psyched. I would hazard a guess that the majority of bad crossings occur when enthusiasm gets in the way of good judgment. Before every trip my crew is treated to what I call “the speech”. It goes something like this, “The night before the trip we’ll have a pretty good idea of whether we’ll attempt the crossing. The morning of the trip is when we decide whether to leave the dock. And finally, when we’re 10 to 15 miles offshore, that’s when we’ll make the final decision to proceed all the way across the Gulf Stream.” If all goes well, you’ll be in Bimini and fishing by lunch. And remember, NEVER GO SOLO ON A SMALL BOAT!!!

 
See... I think you forgot this part in that writeup:

"First let’s state the obvious. A trip to the islands of the Bahamas requires a rugged boat, one designed to handle the pounding of the ocean."

In my opinion, an open bow rider 240 Sun Deck does not fit that description.
 
Mabey I've been fortunate enough to cross the stream at just the right time. Everytime I've been out there is been <2-3 ft.
If I knew without a doubt the seas would be like that while I made the 3 hr crossing, I'd go.
But then again I'd go in a Catalina 22 swing keel too.
 
It is one of the trips I plan to take. May be the summer after next, since I've already got a couple things going on this coming summer like the CSR TN River trip and hope to do a East Coast FL trip.
 
It is one of the trips I plan to take. May be the summer after next, since I've already got a couple things going on this coming summer like the CSR TN River trip and hope to do a East Coast FL trip.

I plan on doing some of those trips too so we'll have to keep in touch as trips like those get closer.
 
See... I think you forgot this part in that writeup:

"First let’s state the obvious. A trip to the islands of the Bahamas requires a rugged boat, one designed to handle the pounding of the ocean."

In my opinion, an open bow rider 240 Sun Deck does not fit that description.

Gary, as the saying goes we are all entitled to our opinion, but I would have to disagree with you if you think the Sea Ray 240SD is not a rugged enough boat to handle 2-3 foot seas.
 
I plan on doing some of those trips too so we'll have to keep in touch as trips like those get closer.

Sounds good to me:thumbsup: Have you signed up for the CSR TN River trip? Presently I'm planning out a FL East Coast ICW/(Out side if the weather is good) trip. Starting out at St Simmons GA and running all the way down the coast.
 
I boat with my family aboard, and I would not attempt this crossing with my crew in a 24 LOA open bow boat with a single engine.

I've buried the anchor on the 420DA out on the Chesapeake on a sunny day in sight of land, and that gave the Admiral the willies.

Just my .02

regards
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