Ahoy Conch Cruisers?

[Chinook]

I'm trying to gather information for a cruise out to the Exumas next March. Being 3000 + miles from my anticipated jump off point, thought I'd try to hook up with the Conch Cruisers. I registered with their forum and posted some questions regarding things like sources of boat insurance for cruising the Bahamas, best places to launch, and long term parking options for truck and trailer. My posting just seems to sit there, occasionally viewed but with no replies. In fact, I see very little activity in their forum at all. Any clues? Have they all simply furled their sails and moved on to other pursuits? Maybe my mistake was straying from this forum in the first place. Response and support on questions here is always tops. I would appreciate hooking up with someone who's been out to the Exumas recently, who can provide answers to some of the questions I have, as I begin to prepare for this trip.

[kmclemore]

Well, many of their members used to hang out here, but I haven't seen most of them for a while, so I'm afraid I really can't answer your question. I'm sorry!

[NiceAft]

I believe Chip Hindes has gone on two of their cruises. He might have a means of getting in touch with people in the know?

Ray

[James V]

The Exumas is a little far for the Counch Cruisers. Try sailfar.net . Many of us have.

No first hand knowledge.

[Hamin' X]

DaveB might have some knowledge, or know someone in the West Coast Trailer Sailing Squadron that does. You might want to look him up and drop him a note.

~Rich

[Chinook]

Thanks all for the ideas. I did see Chip's name in one of the blogs about a trip of theirs to Bimini. I'll try a pm to him, and will follow up with the others.

[kmclemore]

Chip hasn't visited this board since Feb '09, so I'm not sure he will see a PM. He was one of the ones I meant when I said I hadn't seen the members here in a while.

[DaveB]

I saw your post in the Conch Crusers and thought one of the other members that Cruised over to Bimini in June may chip in.
Conch Cruisers are not what they use to be as for a large turn out in their cruises. Only 3 Mac.X's did it in June and they had a great time. I was hopeing for a Dry Tortugas trip but I still haven't put a autopilot in.
South Dade Marina would be the least expensive by the Mo. @ $120 for trailer and truck.
http://southdademarina.com/index.php?page=rates

I personally like Pennikamp Marina,the best reefs in the Keys are a short distance from the Marina.You can call them to get a extended stay for your Trailer and Truck. 305-451-6316.
Black Point Marina is also nice. 305-258-4092
All are great jump off points for Bimini.
I am about 3 yrs behind you to make a 2 mo. trip to the Bahamas (retirement). The $150 entry fee plus Passport isn't worth it for me to do it in a week.
Dave

I'm trying to gather information for a cruise out to the Exumas next March. Being 3000 + miles from my anticipated jump off point, thought I'd try to hook up with the Conch Cruisers. I registered with their forum and posted some questions regarding things like sources of boat insurance for cruising the Bahamas, best places to launch, and long term parking options for truck and trailer. My posting just seems to sit there, occasionally viewed but with no replies. In fact, I see very little activity in their forum at all. Any clues? Have they all simply furled their sails and moved on to other pursuits? Maybe my mistake was straying from this forum in the first place. Response and support on questions here is always tops. I would appreciate hooking up with someone who's been out to the Exumas recently, who can provide answers to some of the questions I have, as I begin to prepare for this trip.

[Chinook]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the input. I'll check out the locations you've listed. I'm glad to hear the Bahama cruising permits are still just $150. That's what we were charged in 2004, when we visited the Abacos. The larger boats were being charged $300, and they were really grumbling. I think the fees had just been increased that year or the year before. Experienced Bahama cruisers were bemoaning the good old days when permits were a small fraction of the new amounts. I agree that $150 is steep for a short visit, but if you can carve out the extra time, it's easy to more than get your money's worth.

[DaveB]

Regarding Ins. I have Progressive, it covers out to 75 miles off US coast but you can get a rider to extend that. Costs me $370 a year for full covarage includeing $1000 towing per insident.
Dave

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the input. I'll check out the locations you've listed. I'm glad to hear the Bahama cruising permits are still just $150. That's what we were charged in 2004, when we visited the Abacos. The larger boats were being charged $300, and they were really grumbling. I think the fees had just been increased that year or the year before. Experienced Bahama cruisers were bemoaning the good old days when permits were a small fraction of the new amounts. I agree that $150 is steep for a short visit, but if you can carve out the extra time, it's easy to more than get your money's worth.