2019 Bahamas Grand Cay MOAG (Mother of All Gatherings)

[Snookerd]

Originally Posted by MasterBaiter

I have wanted to do this trip for a long time. Would this a cruising or fishing trip? I wouldn't mind a little cruising around but I would be more interested in the fishing.

It would be both.......I could see us trolling over and back and spearing around the area and fishing offshore. The island is not a tourist destination, only a sportsman's destination. Double Breasted Cay is the local hang out to chill. On Grand Cay, there are a couple bars , 3-4 restaurants and good quality rooms. They have 4G cell service that is $10 a day with our ATT international day pass program. They will cook your catch and there is even a "Crusty Crab" food hut near Rosie's.

[Snookerd]

Here are video links:

https://youtu.be/lq7piQ-W39A Spearing off Grand

https://www.youtube.com/embed/khW19zBX1Ow Drone Video

https://youtu.be/jGDAftSF13g ******SeaCraft Sceptre Trip 2014 by a CSC member

https://youtu.be/9Z_LIPpmxpQ

https://youtu.be/Fd2QV73k3YQ

[Vezo, Part II]

Very cool video. Would anyone be doing the trip in a 20? The MA will have a new 80 gallon fuel tank, 175 Johnson, and the Seafari only has 40 gallon fuel tank, and 150 Etec. I’d prefer the Seafari and a fuel bladder. Is it like 80 miles to island fuel? Hoping to get 3+ mpg (or 3+ gph?) with addition of PowerTech four blade prop, as well as lower planing speed.

Yes I’ve seen the video of the BW 15 Sport make the crossing. Haha

Vezo, Part II

[Snookerd]

Originally Posted by Vezo, Part II

Very cool video. Would anyone be doing the trip in a 20? I’d prefer the Seafari and a fuel bladder. Is it like 80 miles to island fuel? Hoping to get 3+ mpg (or 3+ gph?) with addition of PowerTech four blade prop, as well as lower planing speed.

Yes I’ve seen the video of the BW 15 Sport make the crossing. Haha

Vezo, Part II

Michael-You have to take the 20 Seafari! Bushwacker did it over 1/2 dozen times. Count on it being around 105 miles, then add the 1/3 reserve fuel.

[Fr. Frank]

Originally Posted by Vezo, Part II

Very cool video. Would anyone be doing the trip in a 20?

Yes I’ve seen the video of the BW 15 Sport make the crossing. Haha
Vezo, Part II

Originally Posted by Vezo, Part II

Very cool video. Would anyone be doing the trip in a 20?

Vezo, Part II

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.

[Jasnyder1]

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!