Bahamas Charts

[timjet]

Anyone know if NOAA publishes RNC or ENC charts for the Bahamas, specifically the Abacos. I can't seem to find them on NOAA's website.

I would like them for planning purposes.*

Thanks*

 

[Moonstruck]

timjet wrote:
Anyone know if NOAA publishes RNC or ENC charts for the Bahamas, specifically the Abacos. I can't seem to find them on NOAA's website.

I would like them for planning purposes.*

Thanks*

*Tim, the best charts for the area that you are contemplating are the Explorer Charts of the Near Bahamas.* They have preplotted course lines.* Also, C-Map cartridges use their chart data.* I have found them to very accurate.* Where do you plan to leave from, and when?


-- Edited by Moonstruck on Thursday 22nd of September 2011 05:10:53 AM

 

[timjet]

Moonstruck wrote:* Where do you plan to leave from, and when?

-- Edited by Moonstruck on Thursday 22nd of September 2011 05:10:53 AM

*Don, sorry it took so long to reply-been traveling.

Our plans are somewhat tenative, but I have vacation the middle of May. Since we live in Tampa we will cross-over on the Okeechobee waterway and head over from Port St Lucie I guess. Hopefully the waterway will be open, it can get iffy that time of year. *

I have the C-Map NT charts and Garmin charts of the Bahamas, I was hoping for planning purposes I could get NOAA charts.*

I have two main concerns; the quality of diesel fuel and whether I should take a gun.

Your comments?

 

[Moonstruck]

timjet wrote:

*Don, sorry it took so long to reply-been traveling.

Our plans are somewhat tenative, but I have vacation the middle of May. Since we live in Tampa we will cross-over on the Okeechobee waterway and head over from Port St Lucie I guess. Hopefully the waterway will be open, it can get iffy that time of year. *

I have the C-Map NT charts and Garmin charts of the Bahamas, I was hoping for planning purposes I could get NOAA charts.*

I have two main concerns; the quality of diesel fuel and whether I should take a gun.

Your comments?

*Tim, we plan to be in the Abacos about that time.* We will probably leave from FT. Pierce.* From St. Lucie Inlet, you can take an almost straight shot to Great Sale.* If you haven't done this before, watch the water colors as you approach the Little Bahama Bank.* They are spectacular.

You can clear customs at Spanish, Green Turtle, or Treasure Cays on your way in.* Because we anchor out quite a bit, we carry a weapon.* No problem.* Just declare it and the number of ammunition when you check in.

Diesel fuel is no problem in that area.* It will usually be cheaper in Marsh Harbour.* I would order the book of charts for the near Bahamas from Explorer.* You can go on their website for a short preview of the area.* A link is on the 2010 Bahamas page of our blog.

May is one of the best months to go.* The weather is beautiful and not too hot.* The spring fronts are usually done, and the wind usually switches to the prevailing easterlies.* That is good for crossing the stream.

 

[timjet]

Thanks Don. A quick look at the Navionics Charts on my cell phone looks like the Ft Pierce inlet is much better maintained and the preferable exit from the intercoastal.*

We have a lot of info to gather before we go and if you don't mind will probably be asking a few questions. As we get closer to departure we'll coordinate dates and perhaps we can hook up. I generally cruise about 19 kts so we'll be lagging behind a bit if we meet up. Hope we can.