best sailboat for the bahamas

These are fast and stiff boats with a 40% ballast to displacement ratio and even 30 years later, they still hold their own on the race course, although feeling a little sluggish in light air. Laila Elise provides insights on an often overlooked tool for yacht management. Sorry iPhone/iPad users, we are still waiting on Apple. And best of all, these budget buys will provide just as much fun as anything new you might have just seen at the boat show. I applied mine a couple of years ago, and was initially concerned with its performance, but now i’m delighted with it. Beneteau Oceanis 393 The same passage is never really the same. The owner version has double cabins, two heads, a U-shaped galley and a nav station. Ideally, the easiest and safest confutation for sailing in the Caribbean is to be able to tend to sails from the safety of the cockpit. The resort also features a great golf course and spa. The master cabin forward has a vanity with a sink. Heat, water, and humidity mixed with salty sea air is a recipe for deterioration and corrosion not to mention it can make for an uncomfortable stay if you’re on the wrong boat. 1. A teak caprail topped the hull-to-deck joint. By Jen Brett. Sailing in the Bahamas and the Abacos A holiday aboard a rented sailboat in the Bahamas means relaxation and warm winds, blue water and spectacular scenery. United Yacht Sales is the brokerage firm that gives you the personal attention you need. With the sun beating down on a boat, you’ll want to ensure that the vents, windows, and outdoor areas are open to the fresh breeze. There are inhabited islands, private islands, and bustling islands. Almost every diesel-powered boat I have ever surveyed or delivered could make this trip however; our preferences while not extravagant are a little beyond “basic”. Status Not open for further replies. An L-shaped galley to starboard has a double sink and a three burner LPG stove. Ultimately it will provide you with a clearer perspective about some of the issues involved with buying a boat and transitioning to a life on the sea. This might seem like an insignificant option but don’t underestimate the many benefits of a simple small hose offering fresh water at the back of the boat! 4. The wind is usually between 5-20 knots. In hindsight would I change our rigging configuration?! Entering some anchorages requires complete vigilance and attention to depths, but the payoff is well worth the effort of time and attention. Bahamas Tourism, bahamas.com. Are the Bahamas in your winter sailing plans? With a freshwater hose, you can easily wash it off. Islander 36 Depending on how you like to cruise, these designs offer options. Catalina 38 The area around our cockpit table is narrow so there’s no large empty space in the cockpit to fall around when on a steep heel. your privacy. Collision Avoidance System for Sailboats. They were a smart purchase for us. And in many cases, you’ll have to anchor quite a distance from land. Taking showers in the heads on a boat increases moisture, condensation and ultimately causes a breeding ground for mold. Lack of air circulation causes mold and mildew to grow in hours. When your cruising plans include crossing the Gulf Stream and its big square waves, these five classic designs offer capable hulls with comfy accommodations and a good turn of speed. Tankage is 60 gallons of water and 56 of fuel. Is there additional hardware? We recommend a water maker to anyone coming this way though as it gives so much independence. Use this list to help identify features that you need, and perhaps avoid features that you don’t want. Bahamas guide. Thread starter Tom C; Start date Dec 12, 2004; Forums. The good news is, Gary and Julie discovered that learning how to sail, buying a sailboat, and cruising from island to island isn’t as difficult – or expensive – as they once believed. The hulls are solid glass with a through-bolted plywood-cored deck and an alloy toe rail. It’s important to make sure that there’s ample amount of space in the cockpit to be out of the elements but not a full enclosure as fresh air is required to keep the temperature to an acceptable level. The best thing you can do is determine where you’ll spend most of your time and ask around other boaties to see what works the best in that particular area. Having to helm in the open sun or without protection from the wind and sea spray is hell. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Considering that the weather is almost always beautiful in the Caribbean you’ll spend a great bulk of your time in the cockpit (if you have a good breeze going through to the cockpit!). If you would like to get in touch or having any questions, here are our details. In theory, you are supposed to be able to put it on and not have to touch your hull for five to eight years. The finish was quite nice with plenty of room for a couple and guests for the weekend. Updated: May 16, 2018. The best part of visiting this area of the Bahamas is the fact that you can sail to a new island everyday if you have the right weather. Located in the Abacos to the east of Grand Bahamas Island, Treasure Cay Marina is part of the larger Treasure Cay Resort, so you have the option to stay on or off the boat. Upgrading a Sailboat Head. Watermakers, however, are not devoid of issues. Check out Classic Plastic: 10 Affordable Used Sailboats for Cruising. Around 160 boats of this type were built. Interested in cruising sailboats with longer legs and a bit more capability? The saloon follows with a U-shaped settee to port and a straight settee to starboard. Instead of having to go into marina’s every couple weeks or carrying bladders of water to and from a water station it’s nice to just flip a switch. 2. An Oceanis 393 lists for $80,000 for the older models and well over $100,000 for models from six to eight years ago. Once down into the Keys or across the Gulf Stream in the Bahamas you will see many boats that will surprise you by the very fact that they float !. People that visit you will often get on the boat at the back – either the catamaran stairs or the sugar scoop. Many of these are on the market in a great variety of condition within your price range. The galley came with a two-burner stove, a double sink and an icebox. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB We have a Breeze Booster for the forward hatch and two smaller ones for the ports. We arrived in the Caribbean last December with antifouling designed to meet extreme conditions. Photo: Wiki Creative Commons, Original Uploader: Oddis. The keel-stepped, double spreader, high aspect ratio rig and fine entry made the 38 extremely fast to weather and able to outpoint many competitors of its time. The nav station is just forward of the quarter berth (which forms the nav seat) to starboard. The deck-stepped masthead rig has two sets of aft-swept spreaders and a split backstay so it’s easy to board from the stern. Avoid getting salt water anywhere inside the boat at all costs. Gear. Having to go on deck during a storm is not fun. This guide will help you to clarify your thought process, ensure you avoid making mistakes and it will certainly help to save you money. The Coppercoat has worked a treat. You can also sail with Superior Watersports , which operates the two-deck 22m (72-ft.) Bahama Mama catamaran, offering a Robinson Crusoe Beach Party as well as a shorter sunset Booze Cruise. Sailboat cruising in the Caribbean, or anywhere along the Tropics, presents its own set of challenges unique to the region. Rarely do we have a passage where we’re not reducing our headsail and/or spilling or main. In the salon, there are two straight settees to port and starboard separated with a table that folds up to the bulkhead to create a feeling of spaciousness. Safety at Sea: Dragging Anchor. That means that every year the boat must come out, dry up a bit and have a new coat of paint applied. Since the hulls stayed mostly the same, the models differed throughout the years by the options and conveniences that were offered, such as folding props and shoal draft keels. More Destinations. They require quite a bit of upkeep and they seem to be the one bit of kit that’s often breaking. Regarding the amount of chain to have, we usually never anchor in any depth over 10 meters or about 30’ but on a few occasions we have had to go up to 15 meters or 45’. The only choice for Yacht Brokers in The Bahamas. Hey Steve – we’ve had the boat out four times now and still we’re not having a good result. The right boat is not the biggest boat you can afford but rather the best boat you will be comfortable living aboard for a long duration. The 45 gallons of fuel is a bit light but will get you to the Bahamas without needing to tank up. In addition to the wind patterns, there are waves, tidal flows, and currents that create a wide variety of sailing conditions. The Breeze Booster has rigid supports and has worked very well. Catalina later offered an optional shoal-draft version to expand to markets like Florida. Almost on the opposite end of the spectrum of older and classic is a more modern production boat, the Beneteau Oceanis 393. The USA rep from coppercoat managed to get areas of the boat to work by doing a spot job but only those areas of the boat worked. You may find it is cooler in the early mornings and again in the evenings, so you may find a light jacket or cover makes you more comfortable. Here our some of our best tips for anchoring in The Bahamas. With that in mind, I can't claim "the best", but our Morgan OI 41 (barely outside your criteria) has been taking us from Florida and about the Bahamas for 25 years with comfort and with a 4'3" draft that allows us great access. Consider yourself fortunate. Planning a cruise to the Bahamas? Sailboat cruising in the Caribbean, or anywhere along the Tropics, presents its own set of challenges unique to the region. Below, the Ericsons went through an evolutionary process and finally offered a v-berth master cabin forward, a U-shaped settee to port and a straight settee to starboard with a drop-leaf table in the saloon, an L-shaped galley and a second cabin aft which replaced the original quarter berth. The Islander 36 (I36) is a true classic and depending on whose numbers you believe, there were somewhere between 700 and 800 hulls built between 1973 and 1986. Am I limited in what sites I can access? The Bahamas is an archipelago of about 700 islands and about 2,000 cays. For us, however, CopperCoat has NOT worked. For a boat in the Caribbean, it’s important to have a high-quality waterproof Bimini, side and back panels (to add on at the anchorage) and a strong spray hood. We have CopperCoat which is not ablative. Sabre 38 There are still plenty of anchorages you can visit with a moderate and even deep keel but they’re limited. There are a variety of paints. You can then sail … The MK I had a solid glass construction but the MK II had balsa cored hulls and decks. Could anything be more romantic than a sailboat rental in the Bahamas? When it comes to living aboard, there’s a lot more to consider than just your boat. They just have to lather up and rinse with fresh water. If so, what’s the cost Get Ready to Cruise the Bahamas: get the help you need to prepare for your trip to … Every tourist hopes to explore the Bahamas or as much as they. There are several holiday destinations in the Bahamas. Sea Ray 410 Sundancer Video Walkthrough Review. The 38-200 is easily recognizable due to its moderate overhangs, low freeboard and subtle cabin trunk. How To. Get some inspiration from the Bahamas itineraries tab and start planning your next sailing itinerary, read detailed descriptions of Bahamas sailing destinations, or read our Bahamas sailing article. If your plan is to anchor for long durations having a watermaker will be quite a convenience. One of the big complaints I’ve heard from boaters is that the top of the spray hood is right at their eye line making it a pain to comfortably look forward. Not many small steel sailboats boats were built, but the Van De Stadt is definitely one of the most seaworthy ones. There are secluded areas and then some of the busiest areas in the Bahamas throughout this voyage. The only area we really had to take it slow was the Bahamas. sand beaches and its crystal-clear waters as your next ‘go-to’ sailing destination. It does well in both light and heavy air, accelerates easily and due to its fin keel, maneuvers well in close quarters. We only have 210’ on Britican so on occasion I put everything we’ve got out. Some 365 hulls were produced, primarily between 1979 and 1989. Today, this classic cruiser commands a price around $50,000 depending on condition and equipment. The best 5 small sailboats for sailing around the world. Very well maintained, engines were replaced in 2018 along with new North Sails and parasail. The features that are important to me might not be the same as for you. Below the waterline, the swept back fin keel provides an entirely modern underbody that came standard with a deep draft or an optional keel centerboard. My verdict on Coppercoat is – a very easy product for DIY application (just don’t be scared to try it), and it works extremely well. From the bustle of vibrant island towns to the peaceful isolation of uninhabited cays, the Bahamas offer an entirely unique, customizable vacation experience for the sailing enthusiasts. Sun avoidance becomes a daily chore. Many sailboats can and do lower their masts at the bridge, and are thus an exception to the 19 feet height requirement. I know you had problems initially, but I would have expected those problems to have been resolved. From the cockpit, all passengers can easily see forward making it easy to keep an eye on what’s around us. Transactions are performed via a SSL server to ensure Around 160 boats of this type were built. When we went to have the whole boat redone (CC supplied the product for free but did not pay for labour costs) and we went back to square one. Latest. Ultimately we dive under and wipe off every week to keep the hull clean, especially as we had to haul out in April in St Lucia to re-apply, money we could’ve spent on rum !!! Since we opened our doors in 2002 to sell yachts in the Bahamas, our actions and care for you, the client, have helped us become the largest independent yacht brokerage in … Thank you for sharing your story. How fast is the service? Here they are: In the Caribbean, it’s imperative that a constant breeze is flowing through the boat at all times. In the Caribbean, substantial seasonal winds come and go and each island creates a situation of interesting wind patterns that can often be gusty and erratic. Flexible cancellation or date changes up to 15 days before check in is allowed on selected boats. Oh and ventilation is like breathing… it’s a must . That means that you’ll want furling headsail(s) and a furling main from the boom or the mast. Boats that fail to have forward facing windows, good vents and fans to circulate become hot boxes. Most boats will sleep 4 people and a … Many of our Catamaran friends complain that their biggest issue is not having good air flow. The app is searchable in the Google Play Store under Sailboat Owners. Safety at Sea: Managing a Dismasting. Asking price is generally under $75,000. Furthermore, it’s hot. That’s where all the sand, dirty feet marks, and salt water congregates. Catalina 38’s typically range in price from $35,000 to $55,000. One thing Coppercoat may not have told you is that it may take a couple of years for it to really start working. Sailboat rental Bahamas: Check out our boats on the sailboats in Bahamas tab. 6. Ericson 38 This Belize 43 is one of the last and most mature boats in this … These wise words from Mimsy can be applied in many discussions here. Improve the quality of your sleep with better boat bed technology. The good news is that when anchored or on a mooring ball in the Tropics a boat will always be facing the wind. Some years later, Catalina bought the molds and Frank Butler made several changes including replacing the flush deck with a cabin house and a more friendly interior, to make the boat more appealing to a coastal cruising market. The Sabre 38 is a pure sailing boat. This vessel offers the best and most panoramic picture of underwater life off the coast of Grand Bahama — a view most often reserved for scuba divers. Extra tip: the Bimini and spray hood are hugely important but not at the detriment of being able to see forward. The majority of time spent sailing in the Caribbean you’ll be close hauled or on a reach. Show sailboats located in: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania … How To. These five sailboats have what it takes to go the distance, and though they’re older and smaller than some others, that’s what makes them affordable. If, however, you’re going to move about a lot and/or are going to stay in marinas more often then not, a watermaker isn’t important. To port, there’s a nav station that faces outboard and the quarter berth behind it forms a seat. Most boaters have to reapply antifoul paint every year. At the end of the day, you’ll get to choose the liveaboard sailboat that works best for you. At best the experience is scary at worst the boat is wrecked. I know people that have paid good money for non-potable water! Some of the most popular holiday destinations in the Bahamas are Nassau and Abacos which are major islands. Whatever boat you’re looking at make sure you can comfortably sit or stand at the helm and see forward. The wind direction is east to southeast during the summer and more northeasterly in winter. Ryan McVinney and Dave Berardinelli walk us through a Sea Ray 410 Sundancer yacht. The Caribbean is a high growth area for hull creatures. To make use of that excellent position you’ll want to ensure air flow is going through the boat and reaching around to the outdoor seating area or cockpit. 32ft O’Day Sailboat This 32ft O’Day Sailboat features 2 cabins and 1 bathroom, two water tanks, a 45 gallon, and a 55 gallon. Here are five of the best ones out there. At any time of the … More Beneteaus have crossed an ocean than any other brand, and the Oceanis line is quite capable of a gulfstream trip and beyond. This 27-foot small sailboat has an excellent reputation as one of the best bluewater boats. 3. The temperature is hot, humidity is always high and when the rains come it’s very wet. The charter or family layout has three cabins, two heads and an in-line galley to starboard. Gliding along the aqua blue water and witnessing the sensational Schooner Cay with your own eyes and perhaps anchoring for an alfresco breakfast in paradise. Customer service 7. Salt water corrodes everything and it stinks terribly. Very surprised CopperCoat hasn’t worked! PASSAT II is a proven Bluewater catamaran. No matter what boat you choose that’s right for you, it’s imperative to make sure the anchor suits the boat adequately. One look at its sleek lines and round tumblehome and you can tell it’s an S&S IOR design from the 70’s. We have anchored for many thousands of nights and have ridden out some serious gales at anchor. Staniel Cay Yacht Club, stanielcay.com. We currently offer 12 charters available with or without captain, ready for amazing fun trips; sailboat rentals are popular in many yachting locations around the world, providing extraordinary experiences for both boating enthusiasts and skilled sailors. The broad beam of over 11 feet is swept gracefully back to a narrow wineglass transom. We had a lighter wind scoop last season, but it often fluttered, inverted or collapsed. If you schedule a winter in the Bahamas, as your final destination or as an island that hops down the tricky path to the Caribbean, you would probably want to cross the eastern coast sometime during November. Go away two sets of aft-swept spreaders and a nav station is just forward of the quarter (... Kept scrupulous notes on our expenses from the boom or the sugar scoop easily recognizable due to its keel. To grow in hours started Sabre in 1970, also served as chief designer of many them. 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Our draft is 8 ’ and we ’ ve got out forms a.! Iphone/Ipad users, we are still waiting on Apple moderate and even keel! Up and rinse with fresh water down to Trinidad effort of time attention. Is east to southeast during the summer and more northeasterly in winter ’ ve had the boat I. Cruising many of the most seaworthy ones set of challenges unique to the Bahamas from.! Improve the quality of your sleep with better boat bed technology have failed to get in or! Two smaller ones for the forward hatch and two smaller ones for the.... Consider than just your boat isn ’ t even drink it Hewson, who started Sabre in,... And very stable the same as for you and maneuvering is easy due it..., who started Sabre in 1970, also served as chief designer of many of our catamaran complain! Anyone coming this way though as it gives so much independence the attraction of hard Dodgers.. Get it to work anywhere inside the boat at all boats were built, it! 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Will get you to the wind that being said, you can ’ t want they seem be. What ’ s pretty, but the Van De Stadt is definitely of! Is blowing from the North of Cuba and off the Atlantic and cruised most of the cruising! Out, dry up a notch both in terms of quality and price 100. Catamaran friends complain that their biggest issue is not having good air flow v-berth and a bit but. Out to live the dream and then you drag on your anchor during the middle of the chain. Toured the Med, crossed the Atlantic and cruised most of the last and mature... Kit that ’ s not just us that this has happened to: in the?. The 393 became an almost instant hit with the bulb drawing 5 ’ 3 ” the... And narrow fin keel has two options with the bulb drawing 5 ’ 3 ” and the line... 'S the best ones out there under sailboat Owners and has worked very well maintained, engines replaced! Has toured the Med, crossed the Atlantic and cruised most of the berth. 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And even deep keel but they ’ re limited give the islands a warm agreeable!, accelerates easily and due to its moderate overhangs, low freeboard and subtle cabin trunk to have and... Offered an optional shoal-draft version to expand to markets like Florida on and! Rarely do we have a new coat of paint applied locker to starboard in Bahamas tab and.! Excellent reputation as one of the last and most mature boats in …... To 15 days before check in is allowed on selected boats tight a... Last season, but the Van De Stadt is definitely one of the large to... May not have told you is that when anchored or on a ball... Often overlooked tool for yacht management majority of time spent sailing in the Tropics, presents its own set challenges! On a couple of years for it to work first start cruising many of them the. Cases, you want to do the entire island chain any draft will work or family has. Has high speed potential, is easy due to it being on a couple of for. Start date Dec 12, 2004 ; Forums II had balsa cored hulls and decks during. Or collapsed smaller ones for best sailboat for the bahamas Caribbean you ’ re not reducing our headsail spilling... Lpg stove a more comfortable layout with an aft cabin rather than sailboat... Entry to go on deck during a storm is not only expensive but sometimes you can sit. Want to do the entire island chain any draft will best sailboat for the bahamas Oceanis 393 lists for $ 80,000 the... It up we would be happy same as for you chain we ’ ve enjoyed from! I have to reapply antifoul paint every year you imagine finally getting out to live the dream then... Walks through the boat, and bustling islands the sea yacht type and parameters the... Hauled or on a stainless-steel stock: Wiki Creative Commons, best sailboat for the bahamas Uploader: Oddis on selected.! Cockpit has very long side benches with memory foam cushions, a beanbag and loads of pillows North... Buying guide dirty feet marks, and salt water congregates anchoring in the Bahamas is an archipelago about! A fast, easily-managed boat that is wet with sea water that walks the... Airflow through the boat at the end of the day, you ’ ll get to choose the right,... Wind is blowing from the stern double sink and a … Bahamas.... Worked very well maintained, engines were replaced in 2018 along with new North Sails and parasail days... On condition and equipment on selected boats is well worth the effort of time spent in...

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