Your route from Rodriguez to Chub (probably through Gun Cut/Cat Cay) is one of the standards and should work fine if you time the departures/arrivals with a good weather window. At 8 to 9 knots you could leave Rodriguez before dawn and anchor on the banks this side of Northwest light, then continue on to Chub in the light of the next morning. We came down from Tennessee ourselves last year using that exact route. Feel free to check out our cruising log at http://www.stationr.org.
–Rodger
Rodger, Annie, and Laura Ling
S/V Seaductress (S2 35C)

I am heading to the Exumas from Tennessee next month. I am hoping for someone with knowledge to give me a recommended route from Marathon, Fl. to the Exumas.
I am thinking Marathon to Rodriguez key, cross the Gulfstream to the Bahama bank and on to Chub Cay.
I would like to bypass Nassau but I have great dogs and they need to see land every couple of days. Anybody have any ideas?
I am a trawler that runs about 8.5 to 9 kts and range is not a problem. Draft is 6ft!!!
I would love to hear about others experiences in the Exumas.
Thanks,
Bob Taylor
"Istaboa"

Your route from Rodriguez to Chub (probably through Gun Cut/Cat Cay) is one of the standards and should work fine if you time the departures/arrivals with a good weather window. At 8 to 9 knots you could leave Rodriguez before dawn and anchor on the banks this side of Northwest light, then continue on to Chub in the light of the next morning. We came down from Tennessee ourselves last year using that exact route. Feel free to check out our cruising log at http://www.stationr.org.
–Rodger
Rodger, Annie, and Laura Ling
S/V Seaductress (S2 35C)

We took our dogs to the Abacos early this year and yes you definately need to follow the paperwork instructions to the letter. At West End they looked over the papers with a fine tooth comb. You can bring in a gun easier than your dogs. But once there… no problem… Very dog friendly place.
Bob and Melonie

You can get the necessary permit from the Director of Agriculture, P.O. Box N3028, Nassau, Bahamas. It usually takes about 6 weeks, however; I understand that you can expedite the process by calling them at 242-325-7413 and they will fax the paperwork to you. The animal will need certain vaccinations and a health certificate validated through a veterinarian within a day or so of you leaving. Good luck and I believe that any veterinarian you find in the Yellow Pages can help you.
Russ Achzet
Total Return

We're planning on cruising to the Bahamas later this winter with our dog. We already applied for and received our import permit. When we opened it we were surprised to see it had additional requirements i.e. obtain a vet certificate within 48 hours of import and then see a vet in the bahamas within 48 hours. Is this something everyone does or are they overlooked as long as you have the permit and a rabies certificate?
Pam and Jeff Martell
m/v Annie M.

We took our dogs to the Abacos early this year and yes you definately need to follow the paperwork instructions to the letter. At West End they looked over the papers with a fine tooth comb. You can bring in a gun easier than your dogs. But once there… no problem… Very dog friendly place.
Bob and Melonie

You can get the necessary permit from the Director of Agriculture, P.O. Box N3028, Nassau, Bahamas. It usually takes about 6 weeks, however; I understand that you can expedite the process by calling them at 242-325-7413 and they will fax the paperwork to you. The animal will need certain vaccinations and a health certificate validated through a veterinarian within a day or so of you leaving. Good luck and I believe that any veterinarian you find in the Yellow Pages can help you.
Russ Achzet
Total Return

Paul:
The "Rim Route" of the Okeechobee is actually closed until further notice. This is due to damage caused by the 2005 hurricane season. The "Lake Route" is currently your only alternative. And, if you do take this route, you can expect minimum 6 1/2 foot depths on the entire passage, with most soundings being far deeper.
Hope that helps! Good luck, good cruising and Happy Holidays!
Eddie Jones

Can anyone provide the current lake Okeechobee draft restrictions for crossing using route 1 and/or 2. The Corps reporting shows only 3.4 ft available on route 2.
Paul & Stacy Brannon
m/v SEASEA
1978 Gulfstar 44 MC

Paul:
The "Rim Route" of the Okeechobee is actually closed until further notice. This is due to damage caused by the 2005 hurricane season. The "Lake Route" is currently your only alternative. And, if you do take this route, you can expect minimum 6 1/2 foot depths on the entire passage, with most soundings being far deeper.
Hope that helps! Good luck, good cruising and Happy Holidays!
Eddie Jones

Construction is ongoing at the moment, with the new span in place but still being finished. Currently, fixed clearance is 70ft at the main span, but the drawbridge is still in place, and still functioning. Some work restrictions – closures – of the channel occur from time to time, so check the local notice to mariners. Your alternative route would be to use Boca Grande Pass to the north.
Capt Mike
GB 32 "Otter"
Pine Island

Claiborne
I read the info on the cruisernet and saw one entry dated back in June (6/9/06) concerning the Sanibel Island causeway bridge. I was told last week that the drawbridge is gone and replaced with a new 'highrise' of 55 feet. Do you have data to validate that info? I need a bit over 57 feet and I would like to get to the mooring field in Fort Myers from the south.
Thanks
Larry Hodge

Construction is ongoing at the moment, with the new span in place but still being finished. Currently, fixed clearance is 70ft at the main span, but the drawbridge is still in place, and still functioning. Some work restrictions – closures – of the channel occur from time to time, so check the local notice to mariners. Your alternative route would be to use Boca Grande Pass to the north.
Capt Mike
GB 32 "Otter"
Pine Island

Regarding how mooring fields work, the answer is: it depends. Some mooring fields require that you contact whomever "owns" the mooring field (a marina, the town dockmaster, etc) prior to taking a mooring; with others you just take an available mooring (there may be restrictions written on them, such as boat length, or weight) and wait for someone to come around and collect your money! The best thing to do is to check your cruising guide; the next best thing is to look on the mooring ball for information; an alternative is to get on VHF channel 16 and request local knowledge, then when you've established radio contact switch to a working frequency and ask.
Bob McLeran and Judy Young
M/V Sanderling
Hampton 35 Trawler

I am unsure how a Mooring Field works. Do I just pick a mooring or do I have to make arrangements before I get there… and if so, with who and how do I do this.
Thanks.
Marty Fabiszak

Regarding how mooring fields work, the answer is: it depends. Some mooring fields require that you contact whomever "owns" the mooring field (a marina, the town dockmaster, etc) prior to taking a mooring; with others you just take an available mooring (there may be restrictions written on them, such as boat length, or weight) and wait for someone to come around and collect your money! The best thing to do is to check your cruising guide; the next best thing is to look on the mooring ball for information; an alternative is to get on VHF channel 16 and request local knowledge, then when you've established radio contact switch to a working frequency and ask.
Bob McLeran and Judy Young
M/V Sanderling
Hampton 35 Trawler

Coming out of Steinhatchee, Fl. What would be the most desirable wind direction heading down to Tampa Fl?
Thank you
Bob Levine
Sandpiper

We are first time snowbirders. We came down to Lake Worth from Virginia. Currently we are at New Port Cove Marina. We are waiting to go to Lucaya. What is the best way to make contact with fellow cruisers who are going to the Bahamas?
Claudia Young

We plan on visiting Key West for a month or two sometime in January. Does anyone know if the Post Office will hold mail at general delivery for visiting cruisers? Any help would be appreciated.
Sam & Barb

Greetings from Scotland, UK
Just looking for advice please. I would like to purchase a boat located in Slidell, Louisiana to ship back to the UK. Can anybody please advise the nearest shipping port that might transport a 44' yacht back to the UK please & whether it would be practical to motor-sail to this port's location this time of year & distances involved? Do you know of any web addresses to look at local charts for this area?
Any info/advise greatly appreciated.
Regards
Eric Wardlaw
eric@drumblair.f9.co.uk

I was curious how long it takes to go from Port Lucaya marina to the abacos via the canal? Any information will be helpful. Thanks
Patrick D Fowler