Canada-USA-Caribbean

[cardenas]

Hello. I know absolutely nothing about boating. So I was looking for a forum full of knowledgeable people. So here I am...

Guys, is it possible to go from Canada down the coast of the US and on to Caribbean in a 27-30 foot power boat (like a 27 ft Bayliner Cierra)? It seems plausible, but do people do this in such a boat? Or is this something that is not usually attempted?

Thanks, I know this may seem like a silly question.

 

[tommays]

Re: Canada-USA-Caribbean

People do it but it require a lot of planing as well as being willing to sit in a port until the weather was good enough to cover the open Ocean sections VS the protection of the ICW

The problem is fuel range in boats of this type which is generaly LESS than 150 miles AT and ideal speed of say 25 MPH

If got a bit rough and you had to slow down the range could drop down to 75 miles or less







Tommays

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Canada-USA-Caribbean

yes it is feasible, and done all the time. you need several years experience of piloting a boat, in different conditions, complete knowledge of your navigation equipment, and a knowledge to make emergency repairs to the boat. it can be a long wait, for the coast guard, or seatow.

 

[JB]

Re: Canada-USA-Caribbean

What Daddy said.

It is done, but only by seasoned boaters with piloting and navigation credentials.

For a neophyte it would be a fools errand.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Canada-USA-Caribbean

Read a story a while back of a father & son who took a 17' canoe from Chicago, down the Mississippi, then followed the coast through Texas and down to Central America.

 

[cardenas]

Re: Canada-USA-Caribbean

Thank you for your replies. It has always been my dream to go island hopping in Bahamas and Caribbean in my own boat.

I was planning to take all the boating and boat safety courses I can get my hands on and practice on lake Ontario for a one season before the trip, but I guess I was overly optimistic.

 

[flashback]

Re: Canada-USA-Caribbean

Don't know about the west coast, but the east coast has a lot of intercostal water ways that are protected, you don't need to spend a lot of time in open water if you don't want to..I would be more concerned about the time you spend in the islands...IMHO

 

[rndn]

Re: Canada-USA-Caribbean

I would not do a trip like this with only 1 year of boating experience. The courses are great but they can't beat experience.

 

[Arima90]

Re: Canada-USA-Caribbean

I would love to make a trip like that. I say-go for it. However, like everyone is saying, know your stuff and prepare for the worst. I remember seeing these crazy SOB's paddling around in kayaks all over Alaska when I was a kid, so anything is possible. I expect you'll keep us posted on your preparation and travels and look forward to hearing about your progress in both.

 

[JB]

Re: Canada-USA-Caribbean

Thank you for your replies. It has always been my dream to go island hopping in Bahamas and Caribbean in my own boat.

I was planning to take all the boating and boat safety courses I can get my hands on and practice on lake Ontario for a one season before the trip, but I guess I was overly optimistic.

That plan changes the picture, cardenas. I say go for it.

Everyone needs at least one grand adventure in life.

 

[whiskywizard]

Re: Canada-USA-Caribbean

After you've gained some experience and prepp'd the boat, it would be the trip of a lifetime.

You've got choices too. You can take the Trent-Severn to Georgian Bay, then up through the 30,000 islands to the North Channel and down Lake Michigan to Chicago, then via inland protected rivers and canals to the the Gulf of Mexico.

Or, Enter the NY state canal system off Lake Ontario at Oswego and carry on down to NYC.

Or down the St. Lawrence to Sorel, QC and into the Champlain canal system, and down to NY.

After that it's a mix of protected intra coastal with a few open hops to get to a jumping off point.

The Bahamas are in reach for your boat, but only in ideal weather conditions and the boat well equipped ad in excellent condition (I'd suggest joining a flotilla when you cross the Gulf Stream)

 

[cardenas]

Re: Canada-USA-Caribbean

After reading previous posts and looking at photos of what seems like 100s of classifieds, I have arrived at the conclusion that for such a long-term trip, I need a boat with dual motors, shower and more space.

An express cruiser, like the 27' Bayliner, is somewhat cramped. Also I probably want an enclosed hard top cockpit in case of bad weather.

So now I am leaning towards a 34-35' convertible. I have a $20-25K budget and seems can get a mid-to-late 1980's Chris Craft or Silverton.

 

[kdb01]

Re: Canada-USA-Caribbean

I may be a little crazier than some, but im planning for the same in 1-3 years with a 24 1979 cruiseliner, and it has head, galley etc, will fit in a shower but the rest should be fine and apart from the Miami-Bimini strech i dont see a problem "Weather permitting". FYI I've been from Key West to half way to Havana on a 17 feet opendeck single engine RIB (Brand new engine and full survival gear included). I do have a few years experience though. Keep one thing in mind, the bigger the boat , the more you'll sink hard earned cash in gasoline. I even have one of my buddy who sail a small 29 feet sailboat from Montreal to Cuba for a year with his wife and two kids in tow in 2006 if i remember right. Im nor shure how far south you could go, but the bahamas are certainly in reach with the right setup and knowledge.
Im from Canada too and will be leaving from Lake Champlain. Keep on dreaming!

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Canada-USA-Caribbean

STOP! this thread is over 2 years old