depths accros Little Bahama Bank

[Star]

Greetings from a new member:
I want to cross Little Bahama Bank and need minimum 6'8" depth. Can anyone confirm that I would have this depth from West End area to Turtle Cay? I will be travelling during the day only, so need this depth at low water for anchoring; any suggestions.
Thanks for you help. I prefer an email directly to me.
Howard

[DrRalph]

Your first potential problem is the Indian Cay Channel; depending on the tide, you may not have six feet. You might want to consider sailing NNW from West End and entering the Bank two miles south of Memory Rock. Sail east from there at least two miles before making any turn toward the north to avoid the shallow sand bores in that area.

If you plan to pass south of Great Sale, stay far enough to the south to avoid the shoals that extend south from the island.

In the Green Turtle area, be very careful about entering both Black and White Sound, you will need all the tide you can manage. It may be prudent to anchor off New Plymouth and dinghy in.

Make sure you have a copy of Dodge, and I'd also get Daryl Wyatt's book.

[MountainTop]

Should not be any great problem as long as you watch your tides, about 3 feet worth. We did it with 6 ft draft and only touched bottom when trying to sneak up on shallow areas, but never in the channels and passageways. Of course getting into Green Turtle can be a little shallow into the Sounds. Get Dodge's book it is quite accurate as Dr Ralph said. Good Luck

[Jon]

The 2005 issue is now available!

www.wspress.com (http://www.wspress.com)

http://www.wspress.com/cg2005cover.jpg

[capran]

ditto what was said. Skippered a gulf star 50 with 6' draft one summer. Definately entered the bank at Memory rock, not Indian Cay channel. Heck, Indian Cay channel made me nervous at 4'3" at low tide. You'll mostly stay outside with that draft. We even bumped anchored off Hopetown! I'd also pick up the Lewis Guide. There are some blow up charts and info not in Dodge. Very helpful.

Sigh! Been spending everyweekend working on restoring Voyager, overlooking the San Juan Islands. I will miss the Abacos after having spent a total of 12 summers cruising there.