Boating trip from Miami to Eleuthera Island

2times

Last week my brother's neighbor who is also his co-worker is originally from Bahamas and he recently asked my brother if he would like to make a boating trip to Eleuthera this summer (probably in late July) where he has a house.   He said they can take their boats to the island and spend up to 2 weeks there and stay at his house.  Now it seems there is another co-worker who was asked so potentially they would all (total 10 or 11 people) go in 3 boats.  The neighbor has a 28' Contender with which he had made the trip 3 or 4 times in last few years.  My brother has a 25' Boston Whaler Outrage but he has never gone further than to Bimini in 25+ years he's owned various boats.  The other co-worker has a new 23' Mako which is the smallest boat in the group and has only started going offshore for last 2 years. 
Would you feel safe going as far as Eleuthera Island in group of such boats?  Anybody else make such trips to Bahamas in their boats? 
Any comments and suggestions would be appreciated.
   

rudyeng

Consider the following:

1. Fuel capacity and quality of fuel
2. Buy a fuel funnel with Water separator and filter
3. Buy an electric fuel pump & Hose  (auto parts store)
4. Change out fuel & Water Separator (Racor)
5. Take spare fuel & water Separator
6. Take spare motor oil and filter
7. Take spare prop & Wrench
8. Battery solar charger
9. Sat locator Beacon
10. Raft
11.All safety gear
12. Extra wire and tool kit
13. Jumper cables
14. Look into flexible fuel Bladders
15. Dry ice & regular ice
16. Min 2 anchors
17. Upgrade to offshore vests and add whistles and lights

Remember that weather will be the most important factor. Sometimes a storm develops on top of you.  Don't think you can outrun a storm.  Consider mechanical issues from one of the three boats. Bring enough rope to tow one of the vessels if needed. 



Best of luck

evernic1

I believe you mean  “fuel” and water separators , might be wrong, but I don’t think so 

rudyeng

FYI: I would do those long distance trips on my 31 Contender (33' LOA). Perfect size and speed for that trip.

pottydoc

All of those boats can make that trip. Just make sure that all of them
have sufficient fuel capacity. Should be no problem with the Contender, not sure about the other two. I strongly advise against a fuel bladder on the two  smaller  boats. That’s a whole lot of weight on the front deck. Make sure everything is in good working shape, and at least get a PLB. 

rudyeng

Additional info:
Update boat insurance to include Bahamas coverage.  Service all 3 boats prior to the trip. Select a good weather window for your trip. Give yourself a few days to adjust departure and arrival days

Best of Luck !