Captain Terry, I realize gallon fluctuations. Trying to maximize my ‘79 MA which my house was built around and my brother, or someone in the family, will inherit. Haha.

Michael.

Yes....I stayed at Josey Wales, but Rosie’s is the biggest. There are about 5 places to stay. We already have over 5 boats ready to go! I can put up a poll to put the plan in motion. The 2nd week of July 2019 - the 9th-14th. 4-5 night trip to Grand Cay.

I've made the crossing from Lake Worth to West End or Memory Rock in a 13' Whaler many times, with nothing for navigation but a compass and a VHF radio. 54-58 miles, one way.

1982 Johnson 35hp, 4 aluminum tanks, two guys and two dive bags, plus a cooler with lunch and lots of water. It was usually about 1:45 going over on an early summer morning at 30-35 mph over a glassy smooth sea, and about 2:30 - 3 hours coming back over a less-than-glassy sea.

We had an 18 gallon under-seat tank, with an extra 2.5 gallon gas can, just in case. We'd usually burn about 15-16 gallons round trip. First couple of trips we refueled at West End, but then realized we had enough fuel for the round trip.

The 2nd summer, I bought the family 1969 20' Seafari, and began making the trip in that. With only a 29 gallon fuel tank and running a 1973 Mercury 1500, it did NOT have the fuel capacity to go round trip, so we usually carried a portable 12 gallon fuel tank with premixed gas along, and burned it first. I made many trips in that boat too, including several solo trips. I took that boat all the way to the Abaco's twice, and to Bimini and the Berry Islands twice.

My point is this: Have no fear. With careful planning, prudence and a weather eye, the trip is eminently do-able in even an 18" SeaCraft.

Wow alright, I guess that helps me feel more confident with all my fuel compared to what you were working with. I’m in with my 20 for sure, maybe the 23 will be ready to go by then. Let’s get that poll going!

Years ago, we would display a yellow flag before customs. I haven't been there in a while though.

Sounds like a great trip, plan on doing it in a 20SF. 2 of my 3 kids are definates to join me and other will likely end up joining us but is hesitant to commit to any "long" boat rides". At the moment we would likely bookend the 3-day stay at Grand Cay with an overnight at OBB, West End on the way there and the way back. Break up the ride a little bit and change of scenery. However all that could change depending upon what the CSC gang has in store. Nevertheless, the flotilla of CSC members would make for a more comfortable Crossing with my teen and tween on board. We are looking forward to it. FYI, as far as accommodations there is a very large, very nice house with a pool on the island that used to do the occasional rental. It sold in the last few years but might be worth the inquiry if anyone's interested and might be able to find the Realtors email address again and take it from there.

I’m in! Please keep me posted!
 

Hi everyone!
I would definitely be in for this! I am 20 months in on a 23’ 71’ restore and will be done next month. I am located in West Palm/Jupiter and would really like to get in the SC community when she’s done.
Anyone local who wants to sandbar meet and greet or knows of any local gatherings or wants to start one! Contact me gnozmarine@gmail.com
Thanks

Excellent! It will be killer...I am from Jupiter. I will be in town to meet up with Bushwacker and Jim Kramer next weekend. I actually will be there on Sat till noon or so. I will shoot you a pm or email.

On a seperate note, if there are members on CSC that are on Facebook, check out the Classic SeaCraft Facebook group. We are discussing this trip on there.

I want to go! It sounds like a great time and trip.l have never been one of my friends did the trip in his 23cuddy Persuit said it was no big deal great time.i think he stayed at the same place.

It is no big deal! Being offshore a bunch and knowing and respecting the Gulfstream and her sea states is all you need. Of course a prepared and well working boat is a big part of it.

Wish Mel and I could make it but have already planned come coastal cruising up the eastern seaboard.

No worries. We will be doing this again. Also, that coastal cruising up the East Coast sounds kind of good!

Coastal will likely be when it’s too rough in the Gulfsteam as our intent is to hop ports and troll with the stream when we can. The minimum goal would be from Ponce to Savavana but we are hoping to make it to NC if time will allow. The nice part is we can have a friend or my dad pick us up with the trailer once we make it as far as we can go in a week staying at dockside hotels along the way.

You better let me know if you get up here! I'll take my 18 out if the weather allows.
http://www.classicseacraft.com/commu...1&d=1522234745

I would love to do this trip with you guys. Not sure if the 19’ Moesly will be ready by then, but would rather take our Rosborough 246. We launch at Hobe Sound and can leave from anywhere you all would like.

HEY OTTO!!! How are you? Where/how have you been? I’m crossing in a 20’ Seafari! May have room!!!

Vezo, Part II

I’m currently supporting the Four Boat Theory, but only three are SeaCrafts!?!

deflation I guess, I bought 150 lbs from Rosie for $43, last week. Love Grande Caye

2019 Grand Cay Trip 7/11-7/14 12 Month Roll Call
 

Let's get this thing moving, brothers....I am looking at locking in my extended trip dates around July 4th next year. Those houses get booked early. And besides, I enjoy the plan and the planning.....Whoever wants to do the extended trip, now is your chance to get your plan together while the gettins good. One of the more common things that guys say about the trip is that going for a week should be the minimum (especially because of all the work). If the extended crew crossed together around 7/2, we would still have a few buddy boats and CSC friends to enjoy the Abacos for those 10 days, and then meet up with the crew on Grand Cay on 7/11 or 7/12 and cross back on 7/14. Also, We need to open this up to friends of CSC. We need to bolster our ranks on this one.

Please post your Bahamas crossing must haves lists (Capt Chuck has one of the most comprehensive lists).....

If I'm still kicking......I'm in!!!! :)

Trip List-I will repost occassionally during the year
 

Excellent, Don!

This is a group list, so just post what you are bringing, and I will add it (for those pirates that have "off the path" requirements, we will create sub-category lists that will give you full credit. For example, GFS may bring his micro-tent and Spider Crab may bring his floating mobile home.

List your max wind and wave height / duration to cross. We also need to discuss the necessary weather window including wind out of the Northern quadrant. It has been decent weather this Summer so far...I had a SE wind with 10-15 knots most of my 14 days last year, plus a 2-3ft wave height crossing with heavy rain, wind, and lightning. My buddy boat and I made it just fine though.

Trailer Parking - Lake Park marina or a new THT member in Jupiter that will pick up and drop off
Epirb/PLB
2 VHFs Boat and handheld w/ DSC
Spot Tracker / Garmin InReach
Windfinder App / Buoy Data from SE FLA
Raft
Offshore vests/Throw cushions
Sat Phone
Full Rain Gear
2 anchors w/chain
Sea Anchor
4 fenders w/lines
6 dock lines - 25ft scope
Extra Prop
Extra fuel filter
Extra gas tank plumbed to fuel intake
10 gallons of water
Battery jumper
Fuses
First Aid Kit
3 Cases of Beer min
$2K cash for extended trip
Sirius/XM Weather - radar
Steve Dodge Book
Check boat Insurance (single motor in Bahamas)
SeaTow/Tow Boat in Bahamas
Bahamas GPS Maps
Back-up Navionics on iPhone
International package for ATT / Verizon $10 day
Input Steve Dodge waypoints via SD Card download PC into Garmin
Input Fishing/Diving Spots
Bahamas Courtesy Flag / Quarantine Flag
Request Bahamas Customs Packets for # of people on boat - Complete all forms before leaving
Passport
Download US ROAM app
Download Coast Guard App for filing float plan
Ice-Freeze blocks if possible
Dive equipment
Hawaiian Slings
Rods / Bait
Bean Bags
Change impeller/oil/gear oil
Inspect primer bulb, bring an extra one
Zip ties for flags, ect.
Tools
Eisenglass if possible due predominant SE wind at 10-15 knots with a 2-3ft swell/chop
Motion sickness meds and wrist bands

Don’t want to try it in my 20 so I figure I have 7-8 months to get my 23 in order. If I can pull it together, I’m in. Better get rollin

Absolutely! Looking toward to seeing it in person.

These are a MUST...

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Charmin-F...3=1087&veh=sem

That 23' Sceptre for sale by Jeff79Sceptre looks like a great buy and beautiful boat for this trip. However, living too far inland I'll stay with my 20' Seafari for watersports. Hope somebody picks it up with this trip in mind!

Absolutely! Good call.

That 23 is meant for that trip!!

The time is now… Everyone, get your admiral “on board”
 

Time to set this time aside for next summer’s gathering! 5 day trip: July 10th-14th. Extended trip June 30th - July 9th (rent places between Green Turtle and Hope Town). The five day trip to Grand Cay can be booked 5-6 months ahead of time, but on the extended trip, places with docks get rented out up to 12 months in advance. The highlight of the extended trip will be the Cheeseburger in Paradise party with 200 boats rafted up around a giant Sandbar with a full day of food, drinks, and partying north of green turtle cay (Fiddle Cay)on July 2nd!

Cheeseburger inParadise Video:

https://www.facebook.com/cheeseburge...9728345643085/

YouTube link:

https://youtu.be/RA7K_d0vlus

Here is the list of pirates that said they were going next year:

I’m very interested in making my first crossing. Is it really responsible to try it in a SC 20?

My Seafari, I believe is up to the task, but only holds 40 gallons with 350 hour ‘06 Etec 150, new 20” (I believe) transom and trim tabs. I’d rather not sleep on the boat, but would appreciate storage.

My Master Angler is going through some serious upgrades, new 70 gallon fuel tank, lines, separator, complete rewire, Garmin 1040sxv and thru hull, stereo, switch panel, two underwater lights, everything but new 20” transom. 162 hours on ‘99 Johnson 175 carbed.

Both on reliable trailers coming from Hernando Beach. I know a lot of people have done it, and yes I’ve seen the video of the BW 15 Sport do it.

Any thoughts appreciated. TIA

Vezo, Part II

Vezo- Absolutely take the Seafari. Especially with the ability to shed water over the bow! As long as you read the weather and wind direction you are good. The key is to be willing to wait a day or 2 if the weather turns. The Jupiter Waterfront Inn is a great place to stay with a dock that can handle over 10 boats set to leave early the next AM. Not to mention, the biggest sandbar hangout in the area!

Jupiter Waterfront Inn w/ dock in the background:

Fortunately I have nowhere to be on a day to day basis. As a smoker, would the crossing require a bladder tank for security? I know the nut in the Whaler made it, stayed until weather crapped, flew back and then back to get it when weather cleared. I don’t want to be that guy. Haha

Thanks Vezo

Here is the link for all the Bahamas Customs contact info(I recommend ordering packets and not printing the forms on your printer):

https://www.thehulltruth.com/florida...-crossing.html

You may want an extra 25 gals. The longest run would be on the extended trip where it will be 100 plus on the 2nd leg from West End to Hope Town. In July chances are good there will be great weather. If not and it doesn’t change, people should be prepared to wait. We flew home in 1974 because of an early season tropical storm.

Agree with Snookerd, take the Seafari, way better for that trip. Fuel should be fine. Etecs are good on fuel. The 100 mile run can be cut short with fuel stops at Foxtown or Grand Cays and 40 gallons (call it 38 usable) should be enough for the long leg, including allowing a reserve. You might be short of reserve if you load the boat very heavy and burn more fuel than it normally does.

Total agreement on willingness to delay for weather. I've made that crossing in crummy weather in a 20 seafari. The boat will be fine, but you would not like it much.

The Seafari.
Its like my mini motel.

With an outboard.

I may go to WE.
54 gallons @ 1.5 with 1/3 reserve is much less than 169 ga.

Can the 21 make it....just joking of course:D

This would fit my time frame next year...I know the wife would not do the boat trip...can she fly in somewhere?

I'm in the same boat, pun intended! Maybe both our wives could fly together.....wait it would have to be a real airplane, not a little one, she won't get close to one of those let alone get in it!!! :)

Where in Palm Beach or Jupiter is safe parking available for a truck and trailer for a couple of weeks?

My wife would make 3. Marsh Harbor would be the flight destination, taxi to Treasure Cay and we could pick them up or, if there were enough passengers, a taxi to Foxtown or ? would be reasonable.

Making the crossing with my pretty little wife will more than likely
be more of an issue with me......
While fishing out of Islamorada many years ago we went from lake like greasy
flat calm ocean into the hump !! :eek:

Patti goes this ain't bad !! 10-12 ft seas upside down conditions...:(

So needless to say she has bigger gonads than I do !!!

OK, I will let her run the "NoBones" over while I fly over with your wives ! :D

Terry and I need to think about that..........

Deb & Sharon will be in good hands....:p