2020 Abaco trip?

[jethrof16]

I’m looking at making a run to Abaco sometime this year after everything opens back up in the Bahamas. It’s a 24 miles farther than Bimini but still well within the 149 NM range of my 242X at 74 NM from FLL. Has anyone done this trip? Any reasons why I shouldnt?

I have read some amazing reviews about Abaco and want to go see the sights for myself.

 

[Dean P]

Abaco was literally wiped out in the hurricane last year. I doubt they're back in business.

 

[robert843]

I have been and the way you would go to Abaco is significantly further then Bimini. Its around 60 miles to West End from West Palm then its roughly another 100 miles to Spanish Cay to refuel and still another 40 miles to Treasure Cay and further if your going to Marsh Harbor. I agree with @Dean P though with the hurricane and covid -19 delaying the rebuild they are still having daily power issues and water issues in some areas. I would not do Abaco this year it still maybe a few years before they are really ready for tourist.

 

[jethrof16]

Abaco was literally wiped out in the hurricane last year. I doubt they're back in business.

I incorrectly assumed things there were somewhat back to normal. You are spot on...Abaco island is still a mess.

 

[jethrof16]

I have been and the way you would go to Abaco is significantly further then Bimini. Its around 60 miles to West End from West Palm then its roughly another 100 miles to Spanish Cay to refuel and still another 40 miles to Treasure Cay and further if your going to Marsh Harbor. I agree with @Dean P though with the hurricane and covid -19 delaying the rebuild they are still having daily power issues and water issues in some areas. I would not do Abaco this year it still maybe a few years before they are really ready for tourist.

Thanks for the feedback and routing Robert. Sounds like a possibility for 2022. I would like to do it though.

 

[Dean P]

I incorrectly assumed things there were somewhat back to normal. You are spot on...Abaco island is still a mess.

It's devastating to see how much is gone. I planned a trip to go there last year but had to cancel. Really wish we could have gone. So sad...

 

[jethrof16]

It's devastating to see how much is gone. I planned a trip to go there last year but had to cancel. Really wish we could have gone. So sad...

Please post or contact me directly if you want a running mate. We really want to make this run as well.

 

[jethrof16]

I attached an aeronautical chart showing the routing Robert. Its 175NM all the way to Marsh Harbor and 154NM if you just go to Treasure Cay. Definitely doable.

 

[Dean P]

Spanish Cay is shorter than where I was going to Treasure Cay. TC adds another 28 miles. Spanish Cay is definitely doable but probably not as a first trip. Many suggest going to Bimini first as there are lots that make this trip every year. Have you ever been in open water with no land in sight? There's also lot to do to prep for a trip like this. Luckily there's post and YouTube videos to help prepare.

 

[jethrof16]

Spanish Cay is shorter than where I was going to Treasure Cay. TC adds another 28 miles. Spanish Cay is definitely doable but probably not as a first trip. Many suggest going to Bimini first as there are lots that make this trip every year. Have you ever been in open water with no land in sight? There's also lot to do to prep for a trip like this. Luckily there's post and YouTube videos to help prepare.

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Spanish Cay is shorter than where I was going to Treasure Cay. TC adds another 28 miles. Spanish Cay is definitely doable but probably not as a first trip. Many suggest going to Bimini first as there are lots that make this trip every year. Have you ever been in open water with no land in sight? There's also lot to do to prep for a trip like this. Luckily there's post and YouTube videos to help prepare.

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Good stuff Dan. I have read extensively on the crossings and as an International airline captain I understand the planning required for blue water ops...contingency plans, weather, sea states, emergency equipment, etc. That said I do plan to make one of the Bimini crossings.

 

[Betik]

With you being a pilot it is none of my business, yet I will not get to comfortable with the stated range of your boat.

 

[Betik]

@Berrie is the go to person for Abacos although he is not likely to join this year.

 

[Sbrown]

If youre looking to do Abacos 2022, my family would be in. We've already done Bimini several times. Twice with this group and solo another 3 times. Bimini is beautiful, but getting stale for us, we'd like to explore more of the Bahamas.

 

[Dean P]

Agree. You'd still want to bring 10 gallons with you. Hopefully you wont need it but better safe than sorry. In good conditions you should be able to get to West End, fuel up and go the rest of the way. I believe there is another place to get fuel also (~ half the distance from West end to Spanish Cay).

I hope I can find out. Would love to go.

 

[Wisefam22]

With you being a pilot it is none of my business, yet I will not get to comfortable with the stated range of your boat.

You said it before I did.. stock tanks you are not getting close to 150miles sorry

 

[robert843]

Off shore no way you get 150 miles. The AR240 with us on the Abaco trip ran out of gas between West End and Spanish Cay so even 100 miles is sketchy.

I attached an aeronautical chart showing the routing Robert. Its 175NM all the way to Marsh Harbor and 154NM if you just go to Treasure Cay. Definitely doable.

You can't use those numbers they have you going across land which is not possible with a boat. There is about a 20 mile difference between that path an the path you can safely take to Treasure Cay. The safe path to treasure with fuel stops is 190 miles to Treasure Cay. Also Range is about 100 miles off shore in good conditions the AR240 with us on the Abaco trip ran out of fuel between West End and Spanish cay so it got less the 100 miles and conditions were not bad. Trip is for sure doable as we have done it and Exuma which is further but it takes a lot of planning and prep I would do Bimini first if you have never done it as you may find your crew or you actually have no desire to go further. About half the people who go to Bimini never even return there as they find its just not a journey they enjoy. I hope they get it back together next year as we were going to go back this year as well but postponed again.

 

[Jack Long]

100 miles max and you better have at least 10 gallons extra.

 

[Berrie]

As others have said, Abacos is still a mess. GTC is ready for a few tourists, TC is not even close. TC is still in demolish and clean-up mode, they aren’t even thinking of rebuilding yet. There’s still no water and power. They may be ready for 2021. Same with Marsh Harbor and Hopetown.

We went to TC in 2017 with less than ideal weather. It was great but intense.

 

[jethrof16]

You said it before I did.. stock tanks you are not getting close to 150miles sorry

I agree completely. I would not plan more than 2/3 of advertised range depending on weight. With a full load more like 1/2

 

[jethrof16]

As others have said, Abacos is still a mess. GTC is ready for a few tourists, TC is not even close. TC is still in demolish and clean-up mode, they aren’t even thinking of rebuilding yet. There’s still no water and power. They may be ready for 2021. Same with Marsh Harbor and Hopetown.

We went to TC in 2017 with less than ideal weather. It was great but intense.

Thanks for sharing Berrie. This would be a great trip...and Im definitely up for “intense” lol