The Caribbean Only

jojodir · #1 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008

If am planning on doing my cruising only in the Caribbean. Do I really need a real 'passage maker'?

camaraderie · #2 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008

Nope...not if you go down the Thorny Path. Just a solid cruiser, well fitted out is all you need.

hylas49 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008

I have lived down here for quite a while now and see each season the boats coming down for the season and then leaving and heading back north (or south). People do it in all sorts of designs and seem to do it safely, even in boats that are pretty suspect.

In my opinion, if you are not planning any thing but what you mention, you should focus more on getting a boat within a budget so you can sail freely versus what brand or what it's pedigree is.

Schuckerman · #4 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008

And of course an ideal boat for Caribbean cruising is:

Just in case you needed any suggestions

.

Scott

Tumblehome32 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008

Shucks, Scott! It looks like St. Patrick's Day out there. Nice!

Faster · #6 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008

Judging by some of the rather sketchy looking craft we've seen in the various harbours along the way, once you are in the island chain I'm sure any solid cruiser in good condition will do the job.

gonesailin40 · #7 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008

If the Caribbean is your only goal, I would suggest you concern yourself with low draft and comfort at anchor.

As long as you are not on a time crunch, you can wait for a perfect weather window to cross The Stream. Maybe even one of those funny looking multi hull things might suit your needs.

What kind of budget do you have? Time and money?

camaraderie · #8 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008

Low draft? Not an issue in the Caribe...just the Bahamas.

erps · #9 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008

All you "need" is a floating craft to afix your tax sticker to. IMO the difference between a very minimal craft compared to a nicer craft is enduring the voyage vs. enjoying the voyage and that varies from person to person.

gonesailin40 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by camaraderie

Low draft? Not an issue in the Caribe...just the Bahamas.

Right you are sir. My somewhat limited experience, is in the Bahama islands were low draft gives you more options. My mind always thinks Bahama when I hear Caribbean. I need to work on that.