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: “Cable Near Anchor on Great Inagua Chart” plus 1 more
Cable Near Anchor on Great Inagua Chart
Posted: 14 Apr 2017 01:51 PM PDT
Thanks to a cruiser for alerting us to the danger of an anchor near a submarine cable on the Great Inagua GI 3 . He reported that he anchored at 20° 58.308’N / 73° 40.840W.

We have studied several satellite photos of the area near the position of the anchor on Chart GI 3 at the very top of the chart. One of the photos appears to show traces of three possible cable trenches just east of this position. They lead to a track through the brush inland. A search world submarine cables and shows three cables terminating at Matthew Town, Great Inagua. From there the cables run to Mayaguana, Ragged Island, and Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The world cable map is not of a large enough scale to be specific as to the exact position of where the cables land. US NGA charts, used as a reference, don’t show any cables landing on Great Inagua.

We will immediately remove the anchor from the data base and all future charts and post an update on the Explorer Charts web site.

Buried cable off Great Inagua
Posted: 14 Apr 2017 03:52 AM PDT
Tuesday we were anchored off Matthew Town on Great Inagua near the airport and when we went to raise our anchor we found it caught on a thick cable. I dove on it and found it to be about 3″ so it is probably a communications cable because when we were on shore we noticed a BTC facility near where we were anchored. The cable is not on charts and there is no warning sign visible. When I dove on the anchor when setting it there was no sign of the cable or that we were hooking to it. The cable must be new.

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: “Bahamas Cruising with 6 1/2-foot Draft” plus 1 more
Bahamas Cruising with 6 1/2-foot Draft
Posted: 10 Apr 2017 10:44 AM PDT
Thanks to our partner cruisersnet.net for forwarding this good report to us:

We spent 8 weeks sailing our boat in the Bahamas; have a 6 1/2? draft. Did not have a problem. Pay close attention to tides when you plan on entering “skinny water”, study the charts closely and don’t fixate on your chart plotter – learn to read the water (color changes).

Don’t let the shallow water keep you from going. People run their sailboats up and down the ICW with little more that a foot of water under their keel and can’t see the bottom., but they worry about the depths in the Bahamas. You can see the bottom there and it’s gorgeous! Go! Enjoy the trip. Wish I were there right now instead of northern Michigan!

David

West End Indian Rock Channel
Posted: 09 Apr 2017 06:02 AM PDT
We went thru indian cut yesterday westbound at dead low tide. the least that we saw between the first waypoint and the reef was 6′. however, There are 2 low spots before the first way point. One is about 3 miles before the waypoint and was 5.5′. The second , about 1.5 miles before was 5.25′.

john (duetto)

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: Porgee Rocks Light missing
Porgee Rocks Light missing
Posted: 07 Apr 2017 04:32 AM PDT
The charted light on Porgee Rocks east of Nassau Harbour (Fl 3s 8m 5M, near 25° 03.98′ N/77° 14.61′ W) no longer exists. Only a short rusted base of the pole on which the light was mounted remains. We have no information on whether the RBDF intends to replace the light.

Also, the Northwest Channel light remains missing. A tall steel pole that was placed at the charted position last year, just south of the Northwest Channel Waypoint, (25° 28.20′ N/78° 09.60′ W) remains as a hazard with no light at night.

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: Little Farmers Cay update
Little Farmers Cay update
Posted: 02 Apr 2017 04:41 AM PDT
TY’s Sunset grill has been on our must stop list for a few years. Now that they have built a 120′ dock it’s even easier to stop for lunch and enjoy home made Bahamian cooking.

The face dock has 5’5 to 6′ depth at MLW, is new and in great shape, more space, although less depth on the main pier behind the face dock.

Coach and his team always go out of our way for us and our guests, always friendly and helpful. Beer is cold, drinks and food are resonably priced.

They also sell ice and have excellent free wifi.

Give it a try!

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: Anchoring to the east of Grand Bahama Yacht CLub
Anchoring to the east of Grand Bahama Yacht CLub
Posted: 01 Apr 2017 04:13 AM PDT
Well, due to the silting in of the Silver Cove inlet, caused by Hurricane Matthew, many deeper draft boats, leave Ocean Reef Yacht Club, on a high tide, and move over to Lucaya, to anchor till morning, when they leave. Deeper water in that channel, at all times of the tide.

So, I decided to do the same, and anchored to the east of the GBYC, and not in anyones way. Sitting there, a pontoon boat comes out, and the Bahamian captain asks me, “what are your intentions”. So, I asked back, what do you mean, “what are my intentions”? He then proceeded to tell me that I could not anchor in front of the marina….I have never had this happen to me before…and I was just wondering if anyone else has run into this situation in Lucaya, Grand Bahama.

I did explain that I would be leaving in the morning, early, but that did not make any difference to him.

Thank you…DenO

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: Berry Islands Club Reopening
Berry Islands Club Reopening
Posted: 31 Mar 2017 08:01 AM PDT
Great news From the owner of the Berry Islands Club: After a very difficult year of renovation and then Hurricane Matthew, the Berry Islands Club will be operating in two weeks. We will have new mooring lines, a new desalination water unit, re-built dock and are working to put wi-fi in place. We are also expanding our solar system. Petroleum product sales are another month out. We will have great food and a full bar service in two weeks or give us three to be sure.

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: “Staniel Cay Regatta fundraiser – James Bond Casino Royale Costume party” plus 5 more

Staniel Cay Regatta fundraiser – James Bond Casino Royale Costume party
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 04:14 AM PDT
One of the year’s BEST and most enjoyable events! This casino* costume party helps raise money for the Staniel Cay Regatta Committee and the “A-Class Challenge,” an annual regatta that showcases the sailing culture of Staniel and introduces guests to this unique aspect of the island.

Saturday, March 25th
5:00 pm, Staniel Cay Yacht Club

• Dress as your favorite Bond, Bond-Girl, Villain or wear your favorite casino attire!
• Win prizes for Best Costumes – so get creative! Suggestions for Bond, Bond Villains, & Bond-Girls below!
• Try your hand at blackjack*, craps*, and 3-card poker*. Also bid on unique items in our silent auction!
Prizes/Auction items include:
His and her Invicta Dive Watches, Bruno Mars autographed guitar, 3-night stay for 2 in a suite at Treasure Cay Resort including 2 rounds of golf, autographed Chicago Blackhawks jersey, autographed Brett Eldredge guitar, dinner for 2 at Fowl Cay Resort, A-Day-At-The-Beach package (featuring Jypsea Local swimwear & Maui Jim Sunglasses), and a two-night stay at Winter Haven Resort!
• And certainly enjoy our signature drink of the evening, the “Patron Reposado Old Fashioned”! Bond himself would forgo the Vesper for this…
* casino chips have no cash value. prizes for chip leaders.

Have a great time in the Exumas while supporting the local Regatta Committee and the sailing
culture of Staniel Cay!

Valentine’s Resort & Marina giveaway at Palm Beach Boat Show
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 04:12 AM PDT
Valentines Residences Resort & Marina will be at the 32nd Annual Palm Beach International Boat Show, March 23-26, 2017.

Booth #589

Enter for a chance to win a two night stay for two at Valentines Residences

(Hotel & Dockage included)

1. Stop by Booth 589 and fill out the form!

www.valentinesresort.com

Man-O-War Boat Builders Memorial – April 1st
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 04:07 AM PDT
Just wanted everyone to know the Boat Builders Memorial dedication on MOW Abaco is still slated for April 1. Food, presentations, demonstrations and lots of wooden boats. See you there.

Long Island Cruisers Net
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 04:06 AM PDT
The chartbooks indicate that the Cruisers Net in Salt Pond is at 0830 on Channel 18. However, after the previous net manager abandoned it the net was changed to 0815 on Channel 18. I recently mentioned this to FAIRHAVEN the net manager and she is considering moving it back to 0830. If you sail into Thompson Bay and Salt Pond feel free to hail FAIRHAVEN and confirm the time she is doing the net. Lots of great info for new cruisers about the lively happenings for boaters there.

Nothern Exumas cell service
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 04:05 AM PDT
we spend more time in the southern Exumas (Gtown to staniel) and this was our first time stopping around Normans and shroud since the hurricane. Don’t know if it’s related but cell service was worst than before, either no bars or a couple of bars but no connection.

Much better coverage in staniel, farmers, barraterre and Gtown

Normans cay update
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 04:04 AM PDT
Looks like work has restarted on the marina project. We were there yesterday and dozers were working (on a Sunday…) on opening the access to the new marina basin, they had big generator powered lights indicating they may even be working late in the evening.

Pascal
84′ Lazzara My

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: Port of entry
Port of entry
Posted: 20 Mar 2017 05:56 PM PDT
Can u still c!ear Customs at Walker Key?

Staniel Cay Yacht Club, a favorite destination for cruisers in the Exumas, has always been most accommodating for its guests and word of such exceptional service for cruisers spreads like a wind driven wild fire. Staniel Cay Yacht Club is a longtime SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR.

CLICK HERE FOR THE SCOOP ON CASINO ROYALE PARTY

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: Planning first trip to Exumas!
Planning first trip to Exumas!
Posted: 16 Mar 2017 03:11 PM PDT
I have done so much reading… and then more reading…

320 EC World Cat – Two Adults – Two Children (6 & 8)… Past experience is running from Deerfield Beach FL to Fort Myers (Lake O, Ditch, etc.) as well as Deerfield Beach to Ft. Jefferson (Tortugas). Generator, AC, Ability to ice. Updated charts (Garmin G2 Vision and Raymarine Navionics +) and a Delorme Sat. Tracker… Also have iPad with Active Captain, etc.

Caves, Pigs, Iguanas, Deans Hole (Maybe), Snorkeling, Lazy Beach Days…

I’ve read so many different threads and blogs… sorting through things… I just changed wireless carries from MetroPCS to T-Mobile, and it appears that they are pretty good in many of the islands that we are looking at.

So far we are leaving from Hillsboro Inlet (Pompano Beach, FL) and heading to Paradise Island (Atlantis Marina) for 2 nights. (Kids are begging to try the water park, and it looks like a logical place to do Customs, fuel, etc. (although we may stop in Bimini for fuel depending on circumstances). After the 2 nights in Paradise Island, there are NO PLANS. And this is 100% intentional. We have plans as far as fuel, etc. But we have no set dockage or anchorage plans. We will maintain a list of anchorages and/or dockage based on our location, but we really want to just enjoy the time and do as we please. Our only limitation is fresh water and fuel. We can carry around 40 gal of fresh water in our tank (not *exactly* potable)… and will have upward of 10 gal. of potable at any given time. This does not include our ice bottle system (Engel Freezer).

So… now that you have a decent idea of our plans. Let’s hear it. The good, the bad, the ugly… My goat with this post is get some ideas as to “don’t miss this” items… and still fit with our laid back no plans ideal.

Thanks!
Pete

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: First timer
First timer
Posted: 15 Mar 2017 02:55 PM PDT
I’m headed to Bahamas from Charleston SC Via Stuart, Fla. Frankly worried about grounding. Have 6.6′ draft sailboat. Have no clue where to first arrive and what best cruise plan/areas are. Could use some advice. I’m used to deep water sailing: Nova Scotia, Maine, New England, Bermuda.

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: “New BTC data rates” plus 1 more
New BTC data rates
Posted: 09 Mar 2017 01:55 PM PST
Appears BTC has changed their data rates again.
500mb $2.49 1 day
1 GB $7 10 days
2 GB $10 30 days
3 GB $20 30 days
4 GB $30 30 days
All +vat

Long Island Update
Posted: 09 Mar 2017 05:36 AM PST
Good news not only for the Long Island Rally heading for Salt Pond from George Town today but also for all cruisers to the Thompson Bay area. The former Pirates of the Caribbean, on the north shore of Thompson Bay, has reopened to offer several important services to yachts in the Bay. It is now called Tiny’s Hurricane Hole and boaters can take their dinghy there to enjoy a meal at the restaurant, use the WiFi, and even do laundry while relaxing with a beautiful view. Two of the cottages are available as well for those who want to bring guests to the island.

Long Island Petroleum is fully operational with plenty of water at the new dock. However, a word of caution: the dredging may have left a little silt at the channel entrance, but it is easily manageable at high tide.

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: “North exit/entrance to Grand Bahama Waterway” plus 2 more
North exit/entrance to Grand Bahama Waterway
Posted: 03 Mar 2017 05:12 PM PST
I know that Monty Lewis checked out the waterway’s north exit/entrance for depth, and found it to be passable for drafts of 5 to 6 feet at high tide. However, just recently talked to a fellow boater with a power cat, and indicated that he touched bottom, with 3 1/2 feet draft at high tide.

I know there is a hard spot that must be avoided on the right side going out and he was not sure if this was what he touched or not.

Has anyone been through the waterway recently, and if so, what was you draft and tide situation. Thanks…DenO

Buddy Boat to the Abacos
Posted: 03 Mar 2017 05:09 PM PST
Planning Abaco trip from SW Florida (Punta Gorda) via Okeechobee leaving April 7, 8, or 9. 17+ knot power boat. Would like crossing buddy boat.

swansontyler7@gmail.com
Tyler Swanson

Exuma Yacht club update
Posted: 03 Mar 2017 05:04 PM PST
Good news, they are fixing up the docks at Exuma Yacht Club. We were there a week ago (late February) and new planks had been installed on the main dock and there were making progress on the finger piers. Power working at some pedestals and both gas and diesel pumps working. Restaurant open as well.

Our thanks to Norman Quinn sending this report and video.

Mysterious wave of death strikes the Bahamas’ famous swimming pigs

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT from The Washington Post

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: Traveling to the Exumas 
Traveling to the Exumas
Posted: 27 Feb 2017 05:24 AM PST
We were planning to travel from West Palm to the Exumas in June however the boat that was going to travel with us has backed out. Is there anyone going to the Exuma’s during that time if not maybe next year?

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: Propane Tank Dates 
Propane Tank Dates
Posted: 22 Feb 2017 04:08 PM PST
I want to make sure my tanks are legal for refilling when we get to the Bahamas. In the US it is 12 years from the date stamped on the tank and 5 years after retesting.

Does the Bahamas have any requirements?bh

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: Repost: Another source for weather forecasts
Repost: Another source for weather forecasts
Posted: 22 Feb 2017 08:06 AM PST
Another source for weather forecasts
Here is a link for Marvin Market’s free weather forecasts:

www.marvsweather.com

Marv has been offering this service for a number of years. Marv says… After checking out our daily buoy reports if you find them of use, feel free to sign up for our free service and we will add you to our daily eMail list …

also once you have had a chance to check out our free service please feel free to share our free service via your Bahamas Chatter …

please let us know if you have any questions .

marvboater1@aol.com

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: “ALIV Phone Service” plus 1 more
ALIV Phone Service
Posted: 21 Feb 2017 09:41 AM PST
There is a new phone plan available called ALIV with calls to the Bahamas, U.S. and Canada. Their website is bealiv.com. They offer 7- and 30-day prepaid plans as well as smartphones of various brands.

Has anyone of our subscribers used this plan? Can you give us a report on how and where it works. All of our Chatter subscribers would be interested in knowing about this new phone service and/or company for Bahamas cruisers.

Clearing in at West End
Posted: 20 Feb 2017 05:09 PM PST
White Pepper cleared in at West End last Sunday. Everything went well. Customs and Immigration were very professional as always. However, I was asked about pets for the first time in 5 clearings. Just a heads up. If you clear in at West End have your pet documentation in order.

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: New Vet established in Eleuthra
New Vet established in Eleuthra
Posted: 20 Feb 2017 04:59 AM PST
Eleuthra has a vetinarian now. Dr Sands-Johnson has established a roving practice here in Eleuthra, and should have a clinc up and running sometime in the next month in Rock Sound.
The practice is called Noah’s Ark Animal Center.
She does house/dock/boat calls!
Reasonable rates as well.
Email is noahsark.eleu@gmail.com
The clinic is on fb, follow her and you will see when it opens.