Explorer Chartbooks, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET PARTNER, has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: “Abacos Update” plus 3 more
Abacos Update
Report on Questionable Fuel Service
Treasure Cay Valentines
Spanish Wells Update
Abacos Update
Posted: 09 Feb 2017 12:29 PM PST
Abaco Update

As we travel the Abacos, we are pleased to share with you things that have changed since our 7th edition of the Explorer Chartbook Near Bahamas. We recently updated you on Spanish Cay and Green Turtle Cay and now we can add our findings for the rest of the island group.

Sara and Monty Lewis

NAVIGATION NOTES: North Bar Channel—wreck of a stranded barge on the north tip of Linyard Cay.

Marsh Harbour— entering the harbour only the red buoy is lighted, not the green buoy. The flashing green lights shown on the chart at Outer Point Cay and Inner Point Cay are not functioning.

GREAT GUANA CAY

Guana Hideaways Marina is not operational.

TREASURE CAY

American and Delta now fly to both Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay airports. Tropic Ocean has added flights to MHH as well.

The phone number for the Treasure Cay fuel dock is 242-365-8869.

New numbers under MEDICAL SERVICES. Integrated Medical Center 242-365-8186/8092 and Emergency 242-458-1234.

The price of the moorings is now $30/night and the anchoring fee in the basin has gone up to $20/night.

Add Bahamas Beach Club and Treasure Sands Club to RESTAURANTS.

MAN O WAR CAY

A disappointment for lovers of baked goods, Lola Sawyer no longer delivers her sweets and treats by golf cart. However, Ena’s Place Bakery (242-365-6060/475-8118) has taken over providing bread and other goodies. She comes around to the marina and the MOW Grocery and you can also call her for custom orders.

Under FERRY, add G&L, a new enterprise from Grant Albury with regular schedules to Marsh Harbour and other spots as well as a charter ferry service for special needs, such as your guests flying in to meet you on the island 242-366-6208.

The government clinic is closed. There is no set schedule for the doctor visits.

Some changes under RESTAURANTS: Islanders Seaside and Island Treats Ice Cream are closed. The good news is, in addition to the Dock n Dine at the marina, the Hibiscus has reopened and also added an ice cream shop to the side of the building.

There is a new gift and straw shop as part of the marina complex. It is called Native Jewels and it carries high quality all- Bahamian straw work, jewelry and other gifts. 242-425-0265.

HOPE TOWN

For GROCERIES, Albury’s Fish Market, Salty’s Sky Market and Sweetings are no longer in operation.

The former Hope Town Hideaways Marina is now a part of the newly expanded Hope Town Inn and Marina.

Sea Spray Resort and Marina is undergoing some improvements and expansion of the dockside restaurant and bar under its new ownership.

As with most Bahamian communities, public phones are no longer available in town.

The Sugar Shack burned and its Sun-Dried T’s is gone along with it.

MARSH HARBOUR

Customs and Immigration will come to the marina docks to clear you in.

Long’s Landing (seafood market) is closed. In its place is the Island Sports Bar.

Marsh Harbour Boatyards also has fuel

The Double R Convenience Store is across the street from the Conch Inn.

The number for the Ambulance is 242-359-6282.

FLIGHTS: Baer Air and Island Express are no longer flying in to MH or Treasure Cay.

No obvious changes in the other island communities.

Report on Questionable Fuel Service
Posted: 09 Feb 2017 08:09 AM PST
Thanks to the Salty Southeast cruisersnet.net for sharing the following:

J.D. French – February 7, 2017 – 9:11 pm
After 31/2 weeks of mixed activities (fishing,snorkeling, cruising) very active and on the boat a lot. We traveled from Walkers down to Hopetown and back up to Walkers with several hotel and fuel splashes at same locations each direction. Returning to Ft. Pierce mid June from Walkers area with a safety margin of fuel of 8o gallons. I have been powerboat crossing since the 1980s to Bahamas . Without boring detaiils we ran out of fuel 30 miles out of Ft Pierce. Coast Guard Came to our rescue. Gotta Love those great guys ! To be honest my fuel gauge is very accurate , but my Flo-Scan is spot on. I logged all fuel gallons I paid for. After all said and done , I did not get all of the fuel I paid for. . Buyer Beware.

Treasure Cay Valentines
Posted: 09 Feb 2017 08:02 AM PST
Treasure Cay, Abaco, is offering several Valentine’s Day specials. Check our their website at www.treasurecay.com.

Spanish Wells Update
Posted: 09 Feb 2017 07:54 AM PST
Spanish Wells Yacht Haven has completed its major renovations and additions and is in full operation now. In addition to the 30-slip all-weather marina with its full services of dockage, fuel, water, and electricity, there is a new restaurant, pool and luxurious suites, plus laundry facilities. Dockage is $2.50/ft; suites, $250/night.