Heading to the Keys and Then Bahamas

Well... We never made it to the Bahamas this trip.

But... We've had an awesome time exploring the Keys, from Key Largo to Key West.

I'll write up a detailed accounting and post it.

We did find a place to store the truck and trailer in Islamorada, so we are leaving it here for a couple months with a plan to return and probably try the crossing again when our schedules open back up.

Bobby and May
 
Well... We never made it to the Bahamas this trip.

But... We've had an awesome time exploring the Keys, from Key Largo to Key West.

I'll write up a detailed accounting and post it.

We did find a place to store the truck and trailer in Islamorada, so we are leaving it here for a couple months with a plan to return and probably try the crossing again when our schedules open back up.

Bobby and May
 
Hello Tugnutters!

We are still planning to go the Bahamas! We are now planning to try for May.

We have taken the pandemic pretty seriously, so please don’t think we travel in haste. We nap in the truck, if the boat is not behind us. We get our groceries (and booze) delivered to marinas, so that we can provision when we fuel up. We wear N95 masks when anybody approaches or we are sharing a dock. What saddens us most is we can’t have extended family or friends along (maybe a blessing?), or get cozy with other Tugnuts we meet along our travels. This time has made us feel very thankful for what we have, our health, healthy family, and yes, I will say it, our boat! We are amazed how many times we have looked at each other over the last year and said, damn lucky we have this boat!

There seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. We both just got our first shot. Following our second shot later this month, we will be heading back to the Keys for a work “Retreat” (wisely named our boat The Retreat), for a short visit, check on things and play around a bit.

We are putting the Bahamas back on our schedule, hopefully for May. If anyone would like to join in, it would be great to make the passage with a buddy boat or two. Let us know if you are interested.

Best,
Bobby and May
 
I've used Marv's site. He gives great advice for crossing the gulf stream.
 
We are heading back down to the Keys to check on the boat and spend about 2 weeks "working from aboard."

We have been keeping her on the hard at Seven Sports Marine, Islamorada (305)664-4055. They have a gated yard and employee who lives on premises. $9.00 per foot, per month, boat and trailer. We launch across the street at Angler Marina for $50. We were going to stay on the hard at Angler, but they didn't have room for the big trailer. Just as well across the street. They are really nice people at Seven Sports, family owned, and when you pull your boat they have a great wash station, etc...

After this 2 week trip, we intend to come back down in mid-May and try for the Bahamas again.

If anyone is around the Keys March 5-18, let us know. Still social distancing, but we both are vaccinated so we are not quite so scared...

Best,
Bobby and May
 
What's your Bahama's itinerary look like? Our plan is the Abacos. Been their on a sailboat and our tugs will be awesome there. Watching closely as they continue to rebuild. We won't make the trip for another year. Going to winter over next season in Marathon though.
 
Hoping to head for Bimini in mid-May.

We are heading back down to Islamorada this Thursday, to stay and play for about two weeks between Key Largo and Sugarloaf Key. Please let us know if anyone around and we'll see if we can connect for a cocktail and a chat.

After this, we plan to come back again in May to head across to Bimini. If anyone is considering doing this around our dates, might be a good flotilla opportunity. We will be coming up from Islamorada (by boat) and will probably anchor in No Name Harbor while we wait for a weather window.

There has been some discussion about what to do to prepare for going to the Bahamas (Bimini), if you plan to trailer to Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area first. Here is what my homework has panned out:

To stage for Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale/Miami:

Check out:
Bill Birds Marina (State Park) at Haulover Park.
https://www.miamidade.gov/parks/bill-bird.asp
305-947-3525

This state park marina has boat launch, etc. and you can take a slip for $64 per day, if you need that to help get ready.
Boat Launch and Parking Rates
Weekdays:
$5 for cars
$13 for boat trailers
Fridays - Sundays and holidays:
$7 for cars
$17 for boat trailers

You can launch you boat and leave the vehicle and trailer right there, as long as you want, at the above rates. You have to pay in advance though. I gave them a call and asked what if I needed to stay longer and could not get back to pay. They said to just give them a call. This seems to be the best deal around. If anyone has other information, please post.

Because we will be coming up from Islamorada (by boat), we will probably anchor in No Name Harbor while we wait for a weather window. That is about 20 miles south of Bill Birds, but I understand it is super protected and lots of people use this as a staging anchorage.

Do share if you have any ideas.

BTW, ANYONE considering Bahamas should read restrictions carefully. COVID testing required and don't expect to do much off your boat (which we don't).

Best,
Bobby and May
 
A boating friend was planning a trip to the Bahamas and found he could not get insurance coverage because he has only one engine (outboard). He tried several of the major boat insurance companies without success. This caught him by surprise since he made the trip several times with his sailboat. If you only have a single engine you may want to double check your coverage.

John & Della
Sunny Tug
R 29 S
 
I was onto that. I let them know that I have two engines. I didn’t go out of my way to let them know that the second engine was for the dink. I’ve got my insurance through Boat US.
 
fishheadbarandgrill":1csa2tqz said:
What's your Bahama's itinerary look like? Our plan is the Abacos. Been their on a sailboat and our tugs will be awesome there. Watching closely as they continue to rebuild. We won't make the trip for another year. Going to winter over next season in Marathon though.
Click to expand...
Mine will be rushed. Only have about 8 days or so.
Miami area to Bimini. Say night on the hook.
Bimini to Nassau, spend night in marina and take my wife to a nice dinner after the long slog.
Nassau to Exumas. We will bop around down to Staniel Cay and then return to Nassau, Bimini, Miami.
Anything in the middle of the trip is just whatever anchorages we find to say and play.
Well depart withing a couple days starting on the 8th then if no window hang out till the 10th. If still no window or weather reports on the 8th say no window ever, we will just hit the Fl Keys for a week and head home.
I've been there on a Lagoon 450 and also a few cruise ships. Should be very sweet there for sure!!!

Still have not fully committed to the long slog of a trip, so Berry Islands are a possible consideration.
 
Bobby P.":366e59wv said:
I was onto that. I let them know that I have two engines. I didn’t go out of my way to let them know that the second engine was for the dink. I’ve got my insurance through Boat US.
Click to expand...
Boat US didn't ask how many engines I had. I did say I wanted Insurance throughout US and Bahamas and its on my policy.
I will have a 20hp kicker mounted to my swim deck for emergencies.
 
We are pending the night in Postcard Marina in Islamorada. Is anyone here? We have been fully vaccinated.
Richard and Patty Kent
 
RichardK":qt7vtv4w said:
We are pending the night in Postcard Marina in Islamorada. Is anyone here? We have been fully vaccinated.
Richard and Patty Kent
Click to expand...
Wish I wasn't at work in New Mexico. Just got shot yesterday. Waiting on #2.
 
Bobby P.":1h3p0t5m said:
I was onto that. I let them know that I have two engines. I didn’t go out of my way to let them know that the second engine was for the dink. I’ve got my insurance through Boat US.
Click to expand...
Have you considered that you may have now paid for insurance that could very likely be denied if you did make a claim? I suppose the piece of paper may be useful to stay in marinas that require proof of insurance to let you stay, but I would be worried about being covered if you actually needed it.
 
I think I may have misrepresented my position. No fraud, here.

I already had insurance and I was calling to get Bahamas added. As part of a series of questions, my rep asked if I had one or two motors, I said one. Then my rep said something like, "Oh, that might be a problem, I'll have to check". I said, "Well, I have a second motor, an outboard kicker, a 9.9 Susuki (it is the truth). She said, "Ok, I'll indicate that you have two motors."

My point is that I didn't downplay the second motor saying something like, "I have a dinghy and that has a small motor. Does that count?" Sometimes people are looking for you to give them an answer that fits in the checkbox. No lies, I just made it easy.

Thanks for your concern, though.

Best,
Bobby
 
Hello All,

Patty and I are having our second (5 day) Bahamas covid test today in Bimini. We arrived Bimini Thursday (2/25) after spending about 6 weeks in Key West (Stock Island). We did a direct 185 mile run from Key West... started Weds at 0830, arrived Thursday 0430. Pretty Salty trip. Used about 45 gallons.

If we get our test early enough today, we’ll head for the Berry’s ( may spend the night on The Bank). It’s about 95 miles...

Our only complaint is time is going too fast!

Hoping to see some Tugnuts out here!

Tom and Patty
 
Hello Fellow Tugnuts!

We are gearing up to try the crossing once again. The last two times, in early January and Late February, we had too much wind to attempt.

We are now planning for departing Biscayne Bay, Saturday, May 15, and heading for Bimini. Our R31CB is currently waiting for us in Islamorada. If we get down there (May 13/14) and weather is snotty, we will just spend a few more weeks in the keys and then head back to Baltimore (on the trailer).

Anyone interested in joining in? Please drop us a line.

Best,
Bobby and May
(410-294-9998
 
Plans are falling into place.

Still shooting for May 15 crossing (Bill Bird Marina to Bimini).

Let us know if you are interested.

Best,
Bobby and May (410)-294-9998
 
Hey Bobby,

We have Bahamas on our list to do but nothing in the near future.
A great wind wave app is Buoyweather. it is free and shows two days but with a subscription you can get 16 days of wind, weather and tide forecast. The premium yearly cost is 79.99 and month to month 14.99.

Cheers
Gary
 
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