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.