Catalina 309 safe to take to the Bahamas?

truck7561 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-25-2008

I have been looking at the Catalina 309 and really like the layout. I plan on using it on Kentucky Lake and with in the next five to seven years a trip down to the Bahamas for four to five months. It would be just the wife and I.

My question is would the Catalina 309 be safe to take to the Bahamas?

camaraderie · #2 (**permalink**) 08-25-2008

Absolutely. Just wait for the right weather to cross the stream and have her properly equipped and she'll be just fine for you.

JohnRPollard · #3 (**permalink**) 08-25-2008

I agree with Camaraderie that properly equipped, and given the right weather window, there'd be no problem (structurally speaking) making the crossing. But I wonder if it would be a good choice once you arrived?

It's been a while since I looked at the figures for that boat, but my fuzzy recollection is that it is pretty light on tankage (potable water, diesel, propane). Cam has more experience in that region and could probably comment whether frequent replenishment would be a nuisance.

PierreMundo · #4 (**permalink**) 08-25-2008

Go for more detailed information to the Catalina 30/309 site: www .catalina30.com

camaraderie · #5 (**permalink**) 08-25-2008

Water and fuel and propane are abundant and costly in the Abacos. About $1/gallon more than in the states for fuel and 25c a gallon for dock water but free if you are taking a slip and often if you are doing a fuel fill.

NauticalFishwife · #6 (**permalink**) 08-25-2008

Truck,
Your question is one I get asked quite often during seminars. And honestly, the only one who can answer the question is you! You should know the structure and the capabilities of your boat. The more you know, the more you can repair. And the more you know about your boat the more comfortable you'll be with her. The issue of tankage as presented above is one you should address. I've known quite a few people who have sailed 28 foot boats from New England to Caribbean, safely. The made good use of solar power and a good rain catcher. You have given yourself a nice block of time to prepare yourself and your boat! Will you take her down the TenTom? Our boat was on Kentucky Lake for many years before we bought her and they made the trip down and around to the Chesapeake and down to Caribbean many times. Good luck you to!

truck7561 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-26-2008

Thank you for all the comments. It gives me some food for thoughts and things I need to work around or plan for. When it comes time to head south we will go down the Tenn-Tom. Again thanks.