Bahamas boat storage

[dwightgry]

Hi to all, new member here. Read for quite a while, but just signed on as I have a question about storage for my sailboat in the Bahamas. I bought a Pearson 323 this sumer, after reading for many hours on this site about what sailboat to buy. And I am fairly satisfied with my choice, thanks to all who endlessly answer the same questions about which boat to buy. I am currently in dry storage at Indiantown marina on the Okeechobee, and plan on going to the Bahamas after Christmas, and might want to leave the boat there for a year. I will try to get as far as Georgetown this time. Are there any good storage facilities down there? I have tried several searches but can't find the right info. Many thanks. Dwight

[sailingdog]

You might have a problem getting insurance coverage if you're leaving the boat in the Bahamas for Hurricane Season.

[camaraderie]

Dwight..there is a small boatyard just south of Georgetown that I can't remember the name of but which does have a travel lift and on the hard storage. It is exposed and I would not recommend leaving a boat there in hurricane season but it is the ONLY facility in the area.
I would not feel comfortable leaving a boat anywhere in the Bahamas during hurricane season but perhaps the best place would be in Abaco Yacht Services in Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos which is about as protected as you can get there. http://www.go-abacos.com/ays/ays.html

Note that Bahama cruising permit for YOUR boat will be $150 for one year and you can also extend 2 more years for $500 if necessary.

[dwightgry]

Thanks. Good points. Looks like where I am may be the best bet for storage. They are really nice people down there at Indiantown. For my information, about how long would it take a sailboat to return from Georgetown, sailing days only not allowing for bad weather?
Dwight

[camaraderie]

I'd allow 7 days of day sailing to Indiantown assuming you will go offshore from Miami. That is pushing though.

[dwightgry]

Thanks for the info, Camaraderie. I will have up to three months to go from Indiantown down thru the Bahamas, starting in the Abacos. I wanted to get to the Abacos this summer but it was a new (to me) boat, and I also am new to sailing, tho' a power boater for a while. I can basically set my own itinerary and wait for the weather, but want to see some of the Bahamas, esp. the Exumas, on this trip. Forgot to clarify; the 7 days return you estimate means only day sailing, with no or limited overnighters, right?
Dwight

[camaraderie]

Dwight...that's right...just day sails. I figure one day from Georgetown to the northern Exumas...a day to Chubb Cay...a Day to Bimini...a day across to Miami...and the balance in day hops or ICW work to Indiantown. Off the top of my head that is seven days...but could be eight. Given the need to wait out the weather or Gulf Stream, it would be prudent to allow 2 weeks for the trip back. You could save a couple of days with a direct trip from Bimini to Lake Worth letting the stream help you rather than going the short route to Miami...I think that can be done in one long day but have not done it myself.
Thinking about your plans, you may be better off heading down to Miami and visiting the Exumas first...then work your way up to the Abacos. When it is time to leave...you can get from the Abacos in 3 day sails to FL which may give you more flexibility.

[Schuckerman]

I think the yard in Georgetown is called Georgetown Marine, clever eh? And I believe the proprietor's name is Mark. A lot of folks, especially Canadians, spoke highly of leaving their boats there all summer.
Scott

[camaraderie]

That's it Shuck...thanks. Good folks there and they helped us out very competently with a heat exchanger replacement in a timely manner. Just not a very protected location during hurricane season.

[Schuckerman]

Glad I could help. Just wish I was back there in Georgetown or anywhere in the Bahamas .
Scott