Help - We need Boat advice!! March Trip

[pelander]

Hey there - My wife and I need some help. This is our 1st time to Abaco and we'll be staying at Sea Spray. We've rented a golf cart for the week. In addition, we've rented/ reserved a boat, but now we're a little scared! When it comes to boating experience, we have none - except that we've ridden in a boat!!! We've reserved a 17' whaler for a week, but we wonder...if we dont rent it, will we still be able to Island Hop - is there someone that can take us to places other than Elbow...snorkeling, etc, etc..

At the time I rented it, I thought that I'd become "learned" about these things - but after reading the Dodge Guide, and some of the other things about whaat to look for, compassing, weather, - now we're just not too sure.

I'd like your help making up our minds - To Rent or Not to Rent...(i figure I could save some $$ and spend it on rum drinks instead!

[Henz]

Definately rent! it really is nothing out there that can harm you if you follow a few basic principles..#1 listen to the Barometer Bob report in the morning and plan your day trip accordingly.. Take your Dodge Guide with you in the boat at all times. I used a rubber band to hold mine open to the area that I was cruising in. I also had a GPS unit and had inputted all of the routes etc so it was nice to check with from timt to time although I always used my eyes first, and thats my #2 point, trust your eyes.."Brown brown run aground, blue blue cruise on through, white white you jsut might.
#3. with a 17' whaler, you will not want to cruise long distances in any kind of chop, whatlers are known to be dependable but the ride isnt great. I always recomend at a minumum of a 20' boat for two people. You could go up to the 20' with your rental company for an additional charge I would imagine.

[islandgator]

I second Henz; keep the boat! Most of boating in the Sea of Abaco is line of sight meaning you can see where you are going. You want to pay attention to water colors which will tell the depth and bottom composition, but it is really easy. Thats the attraction to the Abacos; anybody can do it. Just remember
speed kills. Take it easy and you'll be amazed at how much skill you really have.

[kingfish]

You'll be OK. First time we went I had no boating experience and rented an 18' whaler. By the time we left, I felt pretty comfortable. Just take your time and if the wind is up, don't go out.

[elcahun]

Ditto. Although it's worth the price to get a slightly larger boat. Maybe rent just for three days instead. Guana one day, Tahiti beach and such another, and a third just tooling around a bit.

You really have to be out on the water to appreciate it.

[abbyliz]

do you LIKE boating? personally, I'm terrified of it. every time we go down there, we have one blow-up fight because I'm neurotic and scared in the boat. I'd be perfectly happy, every time we're there, to sit on the beach or at the bar with my rum drink and book.

That said, you will miss out on a lot of what makes the area so special, so maybe follow elcahun's advice of renting for a shorter period „ you can always rent for longer on your NEXT trip back (because there will be one) ...

[pelander]

Ok, I feel a little better...after reading the info on boating, it scared the heck out of us! How about docking - I've read where people will help you out- but I'm concerned about tides, etc...I'd hate to have the boat float under the dock and get stuck! And I'd rent for 2 or 3 days days, but then if the days I wanted were too choppy, I'd sit in the boat all day in the dock..I guess it's all week or not at all!

I dont think I'll have a GPS, so line of sight will probably be my best guide...I look at the info in the Dodge guide and I'm lost! Set a compass??? I can barely read a compass!!!

If the water is calm, will I be able to take the boat from Sea Spray to Guana Cay? Treasure Cay?

Thanks for all your help - I just dont want to end up like Gilligan!

[Sail41]

If you have the time before you go, it wouldn't hurt to take a boating safety course from the power squadron or USCG. It would help with lots of basic information. By all means rent the boat. Have fun and be safe.

[Charlotte Couple]

If it's calm, any of those places should be fine. Don't worry about boating there. You'll get the hang of it quickly, and wonder why you were worried.

Docking - Best advice is to have a passenger throw a stern anchor out as you slowly approach the dock, pay out the line until you touch, and then tie off the bow to the pilings, and cleat the anchor line. You can offload people & gear, then adjust the anchor line so you can still reach the dock, but won't drift under it. When you drop the anchor, do it when you're relatively close to the dock, and so that it is directly astern of your boat when it's secured. That way it won't block other boats as they manuver in or out from the dock themselves.

[elcahun]

Do a search for boating or boat rentals. Lots of threads have covered the topic. Our first time we did get stuck under the dock, but it's all part of the adventure and learning process. Once you get there you will "get it" I'm sure. Just take it easy. Guana is about 12 miles, TC about 20. No worries on calm days.

[Knockdown]

If you are staying at Sea Spray...the docking and such should be no problem! Very protected easy marina there. Just take it slow. Ask around the docks/hotel to follow someone around to show you how to get in and out or to Hopetown Harbor, Tahiti, Lubbers, Pete's Pub, etc. If money is not the biggest issue, I'd rent the boat!!!!!
Have a great time, take it slow, ask questions!

[A.J.Chase]

You'll get the hang of it quicker than you think. Just be careful. Try to follow some other boat-that way you don't have to worry about going aground. I'd get a 20 footer if its not too late-it'll be more comfortable. TC would be a long, long trip, especially if the wind comes up. Watch other people dock, and you'll quickly see how best to do it. But you definately need a boat in Abaco waters! Have fun, and let us know about your trip.

[yellowpages]

...I can't agree with many of the responses. However...since most are optimistic and encouraging...you can send a "private message" if you wish and I would be happy to reply.

[abacomah]

You might consider going out with soom charters your first time in Abaco, especially since you do not have boating experience. Froggies is right there on Elbow. That way you could get a feel for the water while someone else is at the helm. There will be plenty to do with Froggies, Ferry and golf cart on Elbow for a week, especially since this is your first visit.

You didn't state the dates but if it's at the end of February you can catch the HTVFR Fair on the 24th.

[darnold]

I have always found VERY helpful people in Abaco by simply asking. For example, when you swing up in a harbor to dock - just pull up and ask, "hey where can I dock?" You are in a rental, most people will know that you are a newbie and offer to help anyway. No worries.

I gotta be the worlds worst docker, but my simple rule is SLOW DOWN. If you ease into it, no problem. The same rule applies for boating all over Abaco, if you are boating along and feeling a little weird, slow down, take your time. Heck you are on vactaion anyway. Slowing down will prevent most issues you will encounter boating in Abaco.

Second tip, polarized glasses. Dont drive a boat without them.

Just my 2 pennies. : )

[Treasure Divers]

Good advice from Abacomah.
Take a day or two with a charter or hire a guide to show you around.
Remember when you rent a boat that the fuel will cost about $150/day therefore an excursion with a local dive shop might work out better.

[Buckeye]

Just a tip. Take your Dodge guide and copy a lot of the charts in areas you might go. Put then in plastic folders you can buy Wal Mart and then you can make up a 3-ring notebook that is water proof and easier to read than thumbing through the book. I have used one of those for years up dating when changes are made.
Howard

[pelander]

so in your opinion, we'll have plenty to do without the boat - using froggies and such?

[abacomah]

so in your opinion, we'll have plenty to do without the boat - using froggies and such?I would have plenty to do without a boat on Elbow and I've been coming for 18 yearshttp://coconuttelegraph.net/forums/images/icons/icon6.gif

SeaSpray itself is a great place - marina to watch the boats come & go, pool, Atlantic side beach,

South is Tahiti Beach

Just a little north is Abaco Inn - pool, bar, beach which is a great place to find some Treasures. I could sit for hours and watch the waves crash on the rocks at Abaco Inn.

Further north is town - golf cart ride - that's at least a day. Visit Hopetown Harbour Lodge for the day - pool, bar, beach

Even further north is north end of Elbow which I have not visited yet.

Froggies for a day of snorkeling. Check them out for a Nippers trip.

And don't forget all those places in between to discover yourself

Relax, soak it all in, take it easy ........ you will be back ..... unless you prefer high rises & casinos ....... then book Freeport or Nassau next timehttp://coconuttelegraph.net/forums/images/icons/icon12.gif

[Abacowilly]

. . . . can I just DELETE my post? You are getting quite an array of responses which only further highlights the value of this BOARD and some really good folks who have a willingness to share their perspectives - all of them sincere and valuable.

After reading your original post, I'd consider the facts that you've never captained a boat b4, you're only staying a week, it's your first trip to Abaco and you're staying at Sea Spray as relevant information here.

Having "never operated a boat" in itself is not too alarming (unless you are the rental boat company or the owner of the boat you might be trying to dock next to;) ). And, generally speaking, getting around Abaco by water is not too difficult. Yes, it is almost a "crime" to come to Abaco and not see it by water but given the parameters you've provided, I'd be a little apprehensive to navigate that area in a 17' skiff in March as my very first boat outing.

Since you're only staying a week for your first trip, I'd try to really relax and find your way around. Aside from deciding on Abaco and Sea Spray, the golf cart is probably the next best decision. That is a great way to explore one of Abaco's most interesting cays from Hopetown to Tahiti Beach, there's a lot in store for you right there.

I mentioned Sea Spray in my list of factors NOT because of anything negative about them - that is one really cool spot and they provide outstanding service! It's just that navigating in that general area of Elbow Cay can be a bit tricky as there are lots of shallows. In a 17 footer you might be sitting pretty "low" and not really be able to appreciate the changing depths and numerous sand bars. Besides, who wants to buy a new outboard on their first trip to "paradise" . . . . . :eek:

Enjoy taking a ferry boat to Guana or Marsh Harbour to do some other "out island" exploring. I think you'll be glad you did. ALL of Abaco is a great choice and you'd have to work really hard at not liking a particular area.

Have a great trip guys!

[abacomah]

Pelander,
Thought you might enjoy this thread. This is why I could sit at either SeaSpray or Abaco Inn for dayshttp://coconuttelegraph.net/forums/images/icons/icon10.gif View up to 11/20/2006 ..... it got a little crazy after that and all that has been cleared uphttp://coconuttelegraph.net/forums/images/icons/icon6.gif
Elbow Cay - Diff. btwn Seaspray and Abaco Inn? (http://coconuttelegraph.net/forums/showthread.php?t=5297&highlight=Abaco+Seaspray)

[pelander]

[thanks for your advice - all of your points are well received and appreciated..tomorrow i email island marine and cancel the reservation - it'll save me $$, worry, and i think other boaters will appreciate it!http://coconuttelegraph.net/forums/images/icons/icon7.gif

i was afraid that we'd need a boat to get around, but it appears that there are other sources to get us out on the water - and i think that's best.

we're looking forward to leaving the snow and cold - we were in arizona in dec, florida in jan - my wife sd we should have gone away in february! i dont have that much vaction time or money - just relatives living in better climates than we do!

Again, thanks for the advice - all the other boats will be safe!

[JRH]

Our first trip we stayed in marsh harbour. The first few days we used the ferry to island hop. On Wednesday we rented the boat and had it three days. Having been on the Sea of Abaco on the ferry, we had a feel for the area. You could do the same as suggested by having a charter or useing the ferry. You'll do fine on navagating. Most everything is in site once you know what to look for. BUT...if you have never driven a boat, I would also second the suggestion to take the helm of a boat before you go...or get someone to drive with you the first day to help you get used to driving a boat. I grew up on a lake but hadn't driven a boat for quite some time before our first trip. It took me a little bit to get used to the feel of it again. I would not trade the experience of being on a boat on the sea of Abaco. Its just amazing, beautiful, breathtaking, ......I could go on forever. Darn this cold front! I want to be in the warm!

[islandhoppers]

We are going to be in Treasure Cay and will have an 18' Whaler. Does anyone know how much the dockage fees are in TC.