Newbie First Post - Ft Lauderdale to Keys/Bahamas - The Hull Truth

Captain_Elvis · 03-03-2010, 02:38 PM

Hello, I looked for other posts on this, and have read some. But my first post is a question about what size boat (32, 33, 34) would I need if I wanted to take a boat from Ft. Lauderdale to the keys and eventually The Bahamas.

We have had a boat on a lake for 10 years and I know that means nothing in the open water, but I have driven my buddies 30 foot pro sport in the Gulf before numerous times.

After I choose a boat, then is there some posts you can direct me to that tell me on how I should approach traveling the keys to start out, then work my way up to going to the Bahamas.

Thanks!

C Skip R · 03-03-2010, 06:59 PM

When your ready post your questions here. You can also register for free on www.floridasportsman.com and get local Fl information there as well.

triplenet · 03-03-2010, 07:16 PM

U can take a row boat to the keys from Fort Lauderdale,,, and on a flat day you can take that same row boat to the Bahamas...

What the heck are you talking about?

bumster · 03-04-2010, 04:42 PM

Any of those you have listed would be more than enough.

bigbender · 03-17-2010, 11:28 AM

As referenced above you can make the Bahamas run in any boat on certain weather days and others the gulf stream is not suitable for any size vessel. Ideally if I was doing the run a lot I would want something near or over 30 feet with twin outboards or diesels, EPIRB, life raft, etc. However, if you have the luxury of picking the weather you cross in (bad weather stay home) and crossing with a buddy boat a single engine outboard is fine as long as you are on a solid boat that is well maintained. Do a search on here and you will find a lot of info. Some people will tell you they have crossed in a jon boat and others will say don't cross on anything under 30', it's like anything else take it all with a grain of salt.

Prop Blast · 03-17-2010, 02:50 PM

It's not uncommon for folks in 20-22' boats to run from SE Florida to the Bahamas. Yes, they pick their days. In other conditions, a 54' Bertram will have a rough trip.

As far as the Keys are concerned, getting around in a smaller boat is always easier. On top of that, finding a quality public boat ramp in the Keys can be a challenge, so a small boats have many more options. If you trailer in the Keys, make sure your trailer is completely functional to include the brakes and lights -- the Monore County Sheriff will gladly write you a ticket if they aren't.

Just remember, when going to the Keys, you're leaving the US, so a passport is required for everyone. Opps, I meant the Bahamas .

PB

slickster · 03-17-2010, 03:38 PM

I did the run to Bimini a few years back in a 19ft twin vee cat....it's all about the weather...any blow from the north and you wait...leave at dawn...a reliable, moderately seaworthy boat will do...there isn't a minimum size you need...sometimes the larger boat inspires false confidence and they try crossings in iffy conditions...helps to run your boat out there several times to get a feel how it will do....5 miles then 10 then 20 then go....you are only going 30 miles out then you are going 30 miles back in a sense....boat up and down the coast of FL is pretty easy with just about any size boat...intercoastal when the wind blows...outside when it's calm...