Bahamas Gathering 2012 - Updated '08 Thread
 

We might as well get this out there so everyone has extra lead time!! Here is a link to the best web site for pictures:

Abaco Guide

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

I may even be ready by then :D ;)

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

How far of a run is the Abacos from Miami?

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

I just got back from a Memorial Day weekend over there (flew there, no boat sadly). Stayed in Treasure. Those islands are awesome and would be a wonderful place for a get-together. Great fishing, great island hopping, great people.

Have you made the trip by boat before? What route did you take? Clear in Walkers?

Maybe if you put it off until August, a couple more of us in 20's would be able to make it. I think that's when its calmest.

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

I have been going there since 1974 by sailboat. Recently I have been flying over and staying at Green Turtle or Elbow. It is less then 60 miles to West End by boat. As Zach mentioned, even though Walkers is closed, there is a customs office. Heading out from Palm Beach Inlet / Jupiter Inlet are closer runs across the Gulfstream. I always went over in June because of the hurricanes getting better organized later in the Summer, but Denny mentioned the seas being flatter in July. With 18 and 20 foot SC's I think calm seas will dictate our date, that is why I picked July. There is a discovery cruise ship that can ferry the wives/GF's/children across the Stream to Grand Bahama, if they are not up for the bumpy ride(I estimated $225 for the buffet, entertainment,etc for my wife and 3 kids). The experienced boaters will tell you about the wind direction and the quick changes in the Stream. The distance is over 200 miles total one way, but riding on the bank is a bit nicer than the crossing from Florida.

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Your not even that old, for cryin out loud. :D

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Terry-
I'm actually 50 and have just had alot of work done :rolleyes:. Seriously, since I was big enough to go over there(1974), I have been going. I'm a second generation fanatic of the Abacos. I think with the price of gas and the boycott of the new fishing regs, the FL crowd that came over there in droves with power boats has gone back to the Keys. The Abacos have a huge sailing reputation and I think the character of the islands now is probably being preserved better with less boat traffic . When YOU cross the Gulfstream for the 1st time and you spend YOUR 1st 2 weeks there on a boat cruising from different islands, you will understand why it is so great! ;) Check out the Florida Sportsman web site in the Tropical Sportsman Forum and read the "Islands 5/8-5/18 thread" That is what it is all about IMHO..............

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Danny - you're right that the stream can get nasty in a hurry, but for what it's worth, in my 6 trips (12 crossings of the gulf stream), I had only one rough trip across the stream (seas went from 2-3 to 6-8) and that was an afternoon crossing with light winds, but what wind there was (~10 kts) veered from NW-> N-> NE. Most of our gulf stream crossings were early morning and were almost flat calm, never more than 1-2'. The little Bahama bank on the other hand was fairly choppy with 1-2' square waves at least half the time, I think because of tidal currents flowing against the wind in shallow water (you're never more than 10' from land! :D), and because it was usually after 10 am after the wind picked up. Except for Great Abaco, none of those islands is high enough to block the wind, so it typically has 20-30 miles of fetch to kick up a nasty chop. You might not notice that in a 5 kt sailboat, but run thru that at 20 kts in a 20' powerboat for 6-8 hrs, and you'll feel a little shorter by the time you get there!

Your cruise ship to Freeport idea is a good option for the family though, maybe cheaper than flying in to Treasure Cay or Marsh Harbor. Just don't count on flat seas for the ride from there to the Abaco's! Of course then they'd miss the adventure of flying on "island time" on vintage DC-3's, DC-6's and twin engine Cessna's, Aero Commanders, etc.!

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Denny, your right about the different speed and style of boat on the bank for the tight chop........Picking your window to cross over from Florida in any boat is the most important part of the trip(I have been in a tropical storm off West End-not fun)-I would trade the tight chop for that wild ride. Also, a front can be way off the Carolinas and still create heavy waves-see Whale Cay rage conditions. In a sailboat, we would leave at sunset and cross over at night to arrive at West End around 6-8am.

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

The cruise ship idea saves me over $1000 vs flying family into Marsh or Treasure. I have researched this for a few years. It just makes sense financially and to keep the "natives" from getting restless on the crossing. :D The last time I was there by boat I was on a 48 foot sailboat, so the chop never entered my mind. Thanks for the heads up......

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Here is a checklist for people to grasp the thought that gets put into one of these trips. this came from a forum member on FL Sportsman 5 yrs ago:

[QUOTE]
I am gonna throw my 'list' out there, add to it if I forget anything please.

Mechanical (outboard based since I own outboards)

1) set of plugs for each engine (plug wrench)
2) spare props or hubs with ALL parts needed (cotter pins, washers, etc including wrench for em)
3) 'good' basic tool kit, screwdrivers, pliers, ratchets, electrical tape,etc
4) Hydraulic fluid if you have hydraulic trim tabs
5) Impeller/water pump kit for each engine
6) any and all fuses for engine (my mercs have a blade type fuse on the brain, didn't know it had that till one went POOF) and electronics
7)spare fuel bulb
8) various hose clamps
9) JB WELD (this stuff can be used to fix LOTS of things!)
10) duct tape
11) two-part epoxy (don't know why I carry it but I do)
12) spray can of wd-40, lithium grease, silicon spray
13) 2-cycle oil

SAFETY

1) USCG package (flares[bite the bullet and get the 25mm], jackets, etc)
2) GPS 406Mhz EPIRB (or a buddy boat that has one!)
3) Satellite phone (or a buddy boat that has one!)
4) First aid kit, and NOT the $20.00 Wal-mart stick under the kitchen sink one
5) "ditch bag" of water, food, etc. your other safety stuff should be in here too.
6) VHF ( I have two permanent and a handheld)
7) GPS
8) hand held GPS
9) cruising guide, chart, or similar thing.
10.)Bahamian courtesy flag
11.)yellow quarentine flag

PERSONAL

1) two bathing suits, AND NO BANANA HAMMOCKS!
2) couple t-shirts
3) couple 'columbia' or other lightweight long sleeve shirts
4) two pairs of shorts
5) undies
6) shaving kit stuff (glasses, contacts, saline, toothpaste, razor, etc)
7) Light windbreaker, sometimes it gets cool in the evening or a summer shower breaks out
8) deck shoes, flip flops
9) snorkel gear/ hawaiin sling or pole spear
10) couple large beach towels
11) couple disposable cameras
12) CASH! Nowadays most places take credit cards, but you never know. I usualy carry about 1,500.00 cash but use my card if I can. Factor gas at 3.25 Edited: $6.00 gal. a gallon and figure your fuel burn from there.
13) Passport,
14) couple pens for your crew to assist you in filling out their forms.

FOOD

1) ICE! I usually carry anywhere from 300-500 pounds of ice (depending on YOUR boat size; I have two built-in coolers under my seats that can hold about 200 pounds a piece). My system is that I have a 'main' cooler (an igloo 182) with nothing but ice in it and frozen gallon jugs of water on the bottom for towards the end of the trip, and I do NOT open it during the day. Every morning I transfer ice from the main cooler to my food cooler and drink cooler as needed. Make sure all your stuff is pre-chilled so you don't use your ice to cool it down. I have also found if you have a holding space or cabin that if you put your food cooler in there, it stays out of the heat and requires less ice. The drink cooler (AND ME!) usually consumes the most amount of ice as you are making drinks or reaching into the drink cooler alot.
2) Water, bring plenty. I usually take 3 cases of bottled water and have 2-3 gallon jugs frozen in my 'ice hold.'
3) Fruit Juice -- last year I bought a case of JIMINEX fruits juices for making cocktail and they go with rum like rum and, well, rum and juice! I sometimes find mysefl having a few cocktail throughout the day and using Coke as a mixer gets old.
4) Food, I bring 'snack' stuff for breakfast, breakfast, cereal bars, etc, and lunch meat and snacks for lunch. Dinner I try to cook what I caught that day; good thing about Bootle is they have a restaurant and the prices are decent and they make a mean conch salad.
5) don't forget ziploc baggies, paper plates, paper towels, etc., a good 'kitchen' knife
6) I also bring a couple dozen limes, lemons, Old Bay, etc.
7) case of beer and liter of rum, I buy the rest while I am there

FISHING
1) lotsa terminal gear, swivels, hooks, leader, etc.
2) bait, personal preference. The bottom bite over there is better than trolling most times so I bring 'bottom' bait and for trolling usually just drag plastics
.3) I usually bring 3 4500 Baitrunners, two tld 25's and two tld 30's. Jeesh, I just looked at what I wrote, no wonder I only can hit 50MPH with all that on board! Speaking of that, NO ONE WILL BE WITHOUT A BUDDY BOAT so don't get worried. I think the 'main' group can scoot along at 25-30 knots seas permitting but we have some inboard folks going too, so as long as you can maintain at least 20 knots, you will be among friends and NEVER out of radio contact. I usually set my VHF on dual watch and monitor 16 & a 'crossing' channel so I don't have to hear other boats out fishing whle running over.

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

This comment is by far the funniest add-on list to consider:

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

That's either a very old list or the gas should read $3.23/liter :)

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Reelescape-Yea exactly 5 yrs ago this coming week [img]/forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img].I hear it is $6.00 gal. over there now.

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Last May this week I was in Bermuda....gas $2.80/liter....Coronas $7.50 ea. :)

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

wow :o

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Upon reaching West End, reviewing the weather is important.

The last trip I made, we went to the Fish Cays and Mt. Hope/Fox Town on NE side of Little Abaco. We had a 12-15kt southeasterly breeze, and decided to go around the north side of Grand Bahama Bank to avoid the chop so many of us are familiar with. It was a very good decision. I was riding in a 20' Wellcraft V20 with a 140 Johnson. We had a 1-2' gentle NE swell with no chop at all for the first 20 miles, run at about 22-25 mph all the way to Water Cay, and then we ran in close in almost flat calm water generally only 6-8' deep at about 32-34 mph the rest of the way to Spanish Cay. We would have had to wear a mouthpiece to protect our teeth if we'd pounded our way along the south side of Grand Bahama Bank. You travel several miles less from West End to Spanish going the northern route, but the only refueling is at Water Cay or all the way to Fox Town, and sometimes they don't have anything. because it's unprotected from the north, though, you need to be sure of the weather. Going to Walkers that way is much shorter.

BTW: The lobster fishing in the Fish Cays is incredible!!!

Moral of the Story: Watch the Weather!!

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

IMHO the crossing from WPB to West End is the cake walk, I had 2 try's at Walkers - spun a prop once and they cancelled the other tourny due to weather going across - wait till 9 AM and it gets real flat in the summer. So never have run all the way across but sure would like to, any ideas on what the deal is on where we would stay and how long this endeveor is, I'm not going for a weekend [img]/forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

If you can watch these upcoming programs :)

Bahamas Crossing

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Capt. Chuck- Thanks for the heads-up. That FS Bahamas show is tonight and re-airs in the days following tonight. Great timing ;)

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

We'd be up for a run over if you'll have us. Lets all hope the fuel prices decide to come down some before then...out in town we getting close to the $7/gl mark..I'm sure Abaco is a little less, but not greatly.

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Take a couple poly drums over, run on them and use belly tank for trip back.

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Heck, we'll probably take the poly drums and fill them there...I think GB and Abaco are running cheaper than we are on gas prices. They are just hitting $6 I believe and we are nearing $7 (nearing $8 in the middle bight)

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

where is that hydrogen powered outboard? Wow , this is getting out of control!

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Lets have a party right here in ft lauderdale I will buy 10 cases of BEER What do you think, As for gas like my daddy used to say, if you cant afford to pay than you cant play, Anyway let me know where this gathering will be i will be there Regards

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Keep giving input........this trip will be the one to be on......There are bunch of CSC members all along the East coast including Fellowship who should seriously consider this trip............If they haven't made the trip before, then they have missed out, and need to experience this island paradise in their backyard.

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Hi Snookerd;

Your right I could be interested in this one. There is some real fishing to be done there. It’s not a cheep trip but could be a great trip. The other location I always thought would be a fun trip for everyone would be down in the Florida Keys renting out a hotel with slips so people with smaller boats could do the back country and others do the ocean side.



Fellow-Ship


Just for the Grins :D

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Ken-
Sounds good if you can make it happen. Price wise the Keys is the best deal. As of now that would be a great option for me. I am interviewing with a company that would relocate me down there (the Keys) if I requested it. I mentioned it to Mrs. Snookerd and she was NOT interested :eek: :eek: I guess she will be busy with our 3 kids by herself in Bradenton. :D What a life to be down there 24/7.

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Danny - one place you might check out is the Sea Star Villas on Black Sound in Green Turtle Cay. They had 4 cottages and 1 apt that would sleep anywhere from 4 to about 8 folks; not fancy (no A/C) but great place for kids. Were on the beach facing Pelican Cay, with a couple of nice docks on Black Sound. Was owned by a German guy, run by a nice Bahamian, Walter Sands. Walter's son may now be the caretaker. Last I heard Walter was living in Okechobee; Walter and the skipper of the Unohu were good friends, so I'll ask Bob next time I see him if he know's who's currently running it. When we stayed there years ago, we'd have to make reservations about now for the following year!

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Denny-Can you find a link to post?? Sounds like a great spot! Here is the link to the house on Black Sound where we stayed in 2005 Key Lime House Hopefully we can get a reservation wherever we go by the time we get this nailed down

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Danny, you can try this link: Green Turtle Rentals
Haven't seen anything on the Sea Star - it may have been sold; last time we were there was over 25 years ago, so a lot of stuff has undoubtedly changed. It was ideal location on SE side of island, so always a good breeze, and it was only a 15-20 minute walk into the village, which we did at least every other night. The Bluff House and GT Club are on north end of island on White sound, so not convenient to the village. Most places in the village and around Black Sound tend to be hot due to 80' hill just east of town that blocks the breeze. I notice they do have A/C now so maybe it's tolerable. Great Guana, Man-O-War, and Elbow Cays are other options, but they're another 15-25 nm further, more crowded, and the reefs are more fished-out than those north of GT. However, I'm sure I don't have to tell you that any of those reefs is spectacular compared to anything in Florida! Denny

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Denny-I may be in Green Turtle in Dec.. So, I can check spots. I have walked the island as a kid from New Pymouth to the GTC at midnight-long story :o. The Bluff House has either $ issues and/or a sale is pending. Since our group will be at least 25 boats, we may have to look at Treasure, with all their condos and marina facilities.

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

2 pictures from our 05 trip : One at the Green Turtle Club, the other is by Whale Cay just south of GT
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...05-20060-1.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a1...DSC03093-1.jpg

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Another great Abaco trip report from the FS Forum.... Trip Report

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Count me in.....

I just got back from Fox Town a few days ago, we had a great trip. I normally head over for August 1 each year since that is when Lobster Season opens in the Bahamas.

For those who are wondering, fuel was $6.37 at Foxtown and short of one day, it was available.

I normally run out of St. Lucie inlet to Walkers and then down to Foxtown. I fish along Fish Cays and a little North of there. This year the grouper bite was slow, but we caught a bunch and we had an exceptional yellow eye snapper bite every day. We caught a bunch of very large yellow eye.

Our crossing was flat calm on the way to the islands, but the trip home was not so nice. The Sea of Abaco was not a very happy place with a tight 3-5 foot chop. The Ocean was better until the afternoon thunderstorm found us.

All in all, not a bad time.

Were are we talking about heading?

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Good deal Rainmaker-We were discussing clearing @ West End/Walkers and heading toward Green Turtle? I am game for exploring and spending time in different places. Now that Lost2a6 went to Bimini from Mississippi with his 23 Seavette, I believe he primed the pump for the Gathering. The members offhand that are considering coming are Todd's 27SC, the Elitist Moesly 21SC crowd :eek: :D, NoBones,Capt. Chuck, GFS,Bushwacker, and everyone else that is part of the regular SC Gathering group.

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

We are thinking about it also :cool:

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

Here are a few pics from my recent visit to the Abacos. (If I can get them to post)

http://i513.photobucket.com/albums/t...3/HPIM0318.jpg


http://i513.photobucket.com/albums/t...3/HPIM0342.jpg

http://i513.photobucket.com/albums/t...3/HPIM0307.jpg

http://i513.photobucket.com/albums/t...3/HPIM0313.jpg

http://i513.photobucket.com/albums/t...3/HPIM0360.jpg

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

I go to the Abaco's every summer, take my trawler, this year I will be towing my "new" redone 1970 20cc. What is the time line and iteinerary? August might be alittle late, some restraunts and such close the 1st of August. If anyone needs help planning let me know, like I said go there all the time, I know ima newbie, butttt.

Re: CSC Bahamas Gathering July 2009
 

By the way, the cruise idea I think is done, Discovery is no more, unless it's out of Palm Beach or somewhere else.