Navigation around the Abacos

[CaptainDenny]

Fellow Cruisers,

A navigation question follows, but first some background. Our plans are to depart Chattanooga Tn in late June and transit to the Abacos for 3 weeks of cay-hopping and getting to know this area of the Bahamas. We've been cruising for years, but this will be our first cruise to the Abacos.

I've been planning for months and have researched the charts/guides/tides and depths, and I was surprised to see so many shallow depths in and around the islands and at the recommended anchorages and marinas.

I'm hoping that some of the folks that have cruised the Abacos can impart some of the local knowledge of the area, and tell me what locations to steer clear of. As they say, there are two kinds of boaters; those who have run aground and those who will. I'm one of those who have experienced it first hand and would like to avoid it in the future.

Our boat "Make It A Double" is a Carver 38SS and draws 3' with full tanks and provisions. My primary navigation system is a Raymarine C80 and I use Navionics CF Platinum Cards. Of course, the hardcopy charts remain on the bridge for backup and verification. Taking into account that no one can predict the silting and shifting of sands, is it safe to say that if I remain outside any blue shaded shoals on the charts, that I'll remain in plenty of water, even at low tide?

Any information or personal experiences is greatly appreciated.

Best to all, CaptainDenny

[gummy67]

The Cruising Guide to Abaco is a must. It will answer all of your questions.

[Hank G]

Mk 1, Mod 2, I-ball works well in sunshine.

[CaptainDenny]

Thanks...I have the Cruising Guide (2008) and the Explorer Charts.

[Moderator Elf]

But, as you point out, "if you ain't been aground you ain't been around". Would encourage you to listen to the NET each am on ch. 68 at 8:15am. Most of the time any new obstruction or major shift in shoals is pointed out as well as sea conditions and any tide deviations from mean due to new and full moons etc. If you are planing a trip you should feel free to get on the Open Mike section of the NET and ask about the area if you have any concerns. You will get plenty of friendly and courteous help (and probably an invitation for a drink from a cruiser who is already at your destination) :cool:

[islandgator]

Between Little Harbor and Green Turtle Cay there a couple of areas well marked on GPS and paper charts. First Tilloo Bank is well marked and visible. Take that well to the west, if headed to Marsh Harbor stay to the west as the next bank is west of Lubbers and extends toward Great Abaco. The next area is the inside Whale Cay Bank which runs north of Don't Rock. In June the Whale Cay passage has calmed from winter fronts and should be no problem if you are patient. Other than those areas your 3' draft should present very few problems on the water or at anchor.

[concheyjoe]

Capn Denny, I am planning on crossing 6/15 & looking for a crossing buddy. This will be our 7th trip to the Abaco. We are a 34' Four Winns cruzin 26-28 mph. We too have C-80 set up. The Dodge guide is the best source to stay safe.

[CaptainDenny]

ConcheyJoe,

Thanks for the offer, and please keep me posted on your plans. We're on email daily at dndclark@comcast.net. Not sure if I'll cross that early in the month, but would welcome another boat to cross with. Where do you plan to depart from? I can cruise at 27 kts if the seas are calm.