Charts for the Bahamas

[Stormer]

What does everyone recommend in terms of charts for the Bahamas? I''ve heard that Lewis'' Explorer Charts are far better than government chart packs and can serve as a substitute....sounds sort of suspect to me. Can someone please advise?

Thanks.

[welch]

Stormer''

I have heard "Yachtsman''s Guide to the Bahamas" is the best guide-book. It has charts, photos, GPS cords., tides, phone numbers, etc.. I do not know, I don''t own it. I am very interested in what everyone else has to say. Just my 2 cents worth.

Dave

[GordMay]

Some excellent Bahamas Guides & Chart Kits:

Monty & Sara Lewis - EXPLORER CHARTBOOKS
Near Bahamas, Exumas, & Far Bahamas

Mathew Wilson - BAHAMAS CRUISING GUIDE

TROPIC ISLE SKETCH CHARTS

YACHTMAN''s GUIDE to the BAHAMAS

DMA Charts

[GordMay]

Some excellent Bahamas Guides & Chart Kits:

Monty & Sara Lewis - EXPLORER CHARTBOOKS
Near Bahamas, Exumas, & Far Bahamas

Mathew Wilson - BAHAMAS CRUISING GUIDE

TROPIC ISLE SKETCH CHARTS

YACHTMAN''s GUIDE to the BAHAMAS

DMA Charts

GPS GUIDE to the BAHAMAS

[BlueWorldSail]

I have been looking at Maptech charts for the Bahamas. So far they seem to be as good as their Long Island Sound charts that I have been using for years. I will be heading their myself starting next week and will be looking at some of the suggestions posted on your site.

Good Luck.

[Quidam]

Explorer charts are the best, by far! Their soundings are accurate, as the Lewis'' are very conscientious, responsible people. They cruise the Bahamas on a shallow draft trawler; so they explore areas others often ignore. We (family of 5) used Maptech until the time it almost put us on a beach instead of through a cut. That was 4 years ago; maybe Maptech has made the corrections since. But, if I were you, I would definitely buy Explorer Charts only, and save my money for conch fritters! Have fun!!

[mlc101]

We are headed for the Bahamas this fall, and have purchased both the Maptech and Explorer charts. After comparing them in detail, the Explorer are clearly superior. Lots more detail, better soundings, etc.
That said, Pavlidis also has cruising guides for the Bahamas with the best soundings of all--he coupled a depth sounder, laptop and GPS together on a fast dingy and sounded most of the harbors in the Bahamas. I just bought the complete set and it is impressive. His guides are also fantastic--not just the rote and dry "keep the reef to port...." kinda stuff. Rather lots of local interest and character.
So, for my 2 cents, use Pavlidis guides and Explorer charts.