how about finding a willing experienced captain to go with you offshore out of sight of land with your boat with you at the helm for a trial run.
I have only heard of a few similar boats making that trip.
I've been shopping for fuel bladders for additional fuel capacity, Or even 55 gallon drums. But honestly I'm not a Big fan of getting my brains beat out. My experience in the past has always been the boat could take more than I could. I'm going to keep an open mind but try to find an alternative plan.
No unfortunately not. I don't think many boats in this size range have stabilizers
I have a friend that just ran this thorny path He is currently in Puerto Rico. Of course he is in a 38ft sailboat. He did say it was a bit sporty
I've done the Icw to the Chesapeake a 1/2 dozen times, Not as many trips as you have made. And I have made it to the South end Of the exumas in the Bahamas, But it seems that was mostly a calm weather trip.
Pretty sure the trades have already stated up. They are partially the result of the Bermuda high that seems to be giving Florida a pretty healthy dose of Easterlies the last few weeks.
If you want something tougher try the down east loop or Lake Huron/North Channel.
I winter in Fort Myers, FL. If I were going to spend hurricane season there, I would plan to be able to move (3+ days in advance) the boat across the Okeechobee waterway to Stuart. That transit takes 2 days at 6 knots. Obviously you could stay in Stuart and move to the West coast. There are several in water marinas on the waterway that you likely could use if you wanted to spend a month or two in, that would atleast protect you from waves and flooding. Depending on your budget, you could have a mooring in Stuart and one in Fort Myers Beach (places to anchor out are also available). I'm pretty certain that no hurricane ever went across from Fort Myers to Stuart, they usually move North.
www.trawlerforum.com
You could head for the rivers... through Mobile up to the Tennessee River, maybe the Ohio too if you've got the whole summer. Come back south on the Mississippi and through Louisiana.
I would recommend heading over to the Bahamas first. May or June, watch for a good weather window then send it. You'll out of sight of land for only a few hours and you'll gain experience and confidence. I'd head to Nausau first, regroup, and then head down into the Exumas. Lots of places to stop, Staniel Cay Yacht Club is a must, you're on the leeward side of all the islands and very safe. Just island hop south and pretty soon you'll be most of the way to the DR. Continue on or head back at that point. Many boats much smaller than yours have made the trip but the weather is everything. I did the Exumas in a 52 Hatt for a month a couple years ago and never once had a weather/seas concern.
The trip is possible, but your timing if off you are best to sit out the hurricane season here and sail late winter say December to March. There are lots of resources for this journey. The ABM in the Bahamas will get you thru the Bahamas to Turks . Then you are on your own for the longest part of the trip Turks to Puerto Rico. Avoid the Dominican Republic. the rest of your Journey is almost Line of sight Navigation ( see your destination before losing sight of land) I am from the Caribbean Owner of a 53 Hatteras and is planning that trip to Grenada in the winter. (I have sailed the Caribbean and know you don't have to worry. From Puerto Rico to Grenada are all day crossings from one island to the next)I have done all the planning and I know you can make the Journey. Need at least three persons on board to Cross from Turks to Western PR say Cabo Rojo, This will be the most challenging leg of your trip ( Your only over night crossing) the rest is a breeze, Max 50 to 75 miles between islands. Pull anchor and explore that's what boats are for!!!! Good Luck
Thanks for the clarification, but still think the Caribbean Sea is not for small boats without stabilization, unless you like to torture yourself of course. Only option would be to go in September, but that is the middle of hurricane season, not a good idea to be out there and unable to get quickly out of harms way.
Obviously this person don't know much about boating in the Caribbean This is what it could be Sailing from West Palm beach to Grenada: 74 NMi to Freeport Bahamas, contact the Association of Bahamas Marinas in Freeport. An get guide through the Bahamas: 60miles per day to Turks and Cacois ((about 400+ miles total) 240 miles to Puerto Rico (western end next to the Mona channel which could be rough at times. you need two fair days, Then about 145 miles along the south coast to USVI, The balance of your trip to Grenada on the Leeward side of the Islands are all day trips, none more than 10 hrs at 7 to 8 knots approx. Grenada is about 13 degrees north which is considered safe by some insurances, all sorts of facilities there, Thousands of boaters sail the Caribbean annually From Puerto Rico to Grenada, Most avoid Trinidad and further south to the ABC islands cause of the 600 miles crossing. As for any other crossings the weather must be a factor considered. Sail on favorable forecast only, rest the other days A Caribbean trip DOES NOT include Venezuela,. My friend had his $12,000 dinghy stolen in Madeira Beach. And robbers armed with shot guns tried to steal a new yacht from Harborside Marina a gated property, Just to make a point. If you have confidence in your boat and a capable navigator, don't let any one deter you from your adventure. If needed, take a trip to the Dry Tortugas and see how that feels it is about 75 miles from Florida out in the Gulf. Note 15 Knots wind in the Gulf is a lot more choppy then 15 Knots in the Caribbean, 3 to 6 seconds in the apart in the Gulf to 10 to 15 seconds in the Caribbean sea, and this is relative to existing condition, This is all I have to say on this topic. Good Luck and Fair journey.
