Grand Bahama Island by boat???

[Instigator]

Who has or currently does this trip??
We are getting close on our end and this trip is one of the reasons we moved here. Trying to get real world info from people that have actually done this trip and recent enough to where info is still accurate.
I am eye balling the "West End". Looks like there is a marina, hotel/resort, airport and maybe nothing else which is exactly what we're looking for. We'll be staying on the boat and just need access to a shower, gas, tiki bar and shelter.
Looks like Freeport is only about 20 mls away for everything else we need. We will have bicycles for everything within a few mls but wondering about renting cars, clearing customs etc.
We have our passports but know we need to clear their customs and have heard, I think $150. per person and is good for 30 days??
It's only 55 mls from Reviera Beach but also wondering about where to leave the tow rig for long weekends and week long trips.
Anyone know current prices of boat gas over there?? Can get there and back on one tank but no exploriing or saftey net. Probably bungee on a couple jerry cans too.
Any "real" info would be greatly appreciatted. If you would feel more comfortible replying in private, send me a pm or e-mail.
Thanks guys. Gary

[captainsteve]

Hey Gary

Clearing in the Bahamas is easy. It's 150 for boat 35 and under and 300 over 35 ft. Also anymore than 4 ppl on the boat it's 15 Per person. Fuel over there is about 4.70 p/g. We usually go to pt lucaya marina. I'm going to west end at the end of the month. I haven't been there before so I can let you know how it is if your not planning on going before then. Any questions give me a call. 954-242-4293

[Frank Molé]

this sounds great..........:thumbsup:.:cool:

[mrcrsr]

gary, kim has all the ph numbers for over there, last time we went we stayed in west end at ginn's new resort in west end,old bahama bay, lucaya is more touristy, but has all the gambling places and stuff to do. i think lucaya adds another 20 miles to the trip(from st lucie inlet), from here it is 67 miles across to west end, and good snorkeling on the back end of west end w/ reefs,etc

[jphii]

Never went to West End, but I've been all over the islands by boat. We always stayed away from the major cities and hung on the small islands. Bicycles can be a PITA to get through customs. Don't forget your quarantine flag.

[Instigator]

Great info guys! Steve, perfect! I have snooped on line at the resort Charlie mentioned and it is way nice but aimed at rich guys like Charlie and not broke dicks like me ;) We've got a Keys trip planned for Sept that the Mrs has informed me "we will have a running boat for" so we keep the Mako until then and then sell it to help finance completion of the Sonic.
The trip is almost identical in length to what I did every weekend in Lake Erie from U.S. shore to Canadian and back for yrs. Been here 4 yrs and still ain't seen as bad of conditions as up north. Biggest thing I see is down here if you lose power 1/2 way across it's too deep to anchor and you will go north at 3 MPH's ;)
Will have an 8' or 9' inflatable in the sun lounge and already have a folding 4 HP motor for it.
Steve, will buy you beers anytime your'e up this way to have you edumacate me on what to expect and what I'm missing.

[26Stinger]

When do you plan on doing the Bahamas trip? I've always wanted to do that!

[Instigator]

When do you plan on doing the Bahamas trip? I've always wanted to do that!

Still working on it. Was told of a ferry service out of West Palm but it looks to be out of operation. There is a cruise line out of Ft. Lauderdale but is almost the cost of air. Would like to do this as a recon mission. We are off next wk and may do it then. Boat builder I worked for is close to completion of his gorgeous 28' demo and he and the wife have been and want to go back on a regular basis.
We are headed your way in couple hrs to play too Shad. Bringing the convertible, the bikes and a cooler. Going to play Yankee tourists for the next wk. Probably start at Ft.Myers Beach and then head to the Keys. I'll call you later.