Boat size to Bahamas?

[allingeneral.com]

Ok..so, today is definitely not the day to head off to the Bahamas (Hurricane Ike and all) - but my wife asked me today how big of a boat we would need in order to motor from Miami to the Bahamas. So, I pose that same question to you folks...

What is the smallest size boat that you could (or would) safely ride from Miami to the Bahamas? How far is it? How long would it take at about 20-25 knots?

Once there...are there any special "visitation" requirements - i.e. customs, etc? Or can one just pull up to a dock, disembark and go exploring the islands?

[DropinBack]

People do it all the time in CC's.
Some fisherman, some running drugs, some just exploring...

And yes, there is custom requirements...

[Deep C]

From Miami its like 43 miles to Bimini... A couple hours. I have done the trip in a 20 Aquasport but its better if you have bigger for safety sake. Try to go over with other boats too.

Once there you will need to clear customs. Birth certificate or passport required... On returning to usa ypu must clear via telephone then present yourself at port or airport customs/ imigration to verify citizenship. You can pre clear that part by going to a port office before heading over....

[floridadeckie]

i wouldnt go over in anything smaller than a 25' CC with twins. from lake worth inlet to west end, Grand Bahama is about 56 nm. from miami to west end is around 90 nm. to make that 90 mile run would take you around 4-5 hours depending on conditions. upon arriving, you have to clear customs and immigration, which entails paying for your fishing license and vessel permit

[allingeneral.com]

Thanks for the responses.

Once there, what are the fees? How much is a vessel permit and fishing license? I probably wouldn't be fishing the first couple of times I head over there. And it will probably be a few years before I get down there anyway...

What is the sea state generally like out in that area? 2-3 foot rollers on a normal day?

[OUTCAST1]

About 50 mi. from Ft. Lauderdale to Bimini-2 hrs. at 25 knots. Some make that run on a Waverunner. Another 110 mi. to Nassau. You must clear Customs and Immigration if you plan to land anywhere in Bahamas. Cruising and Fishing Permit (6 month) is (was?) $200 (cash works easiest.) You must declare weapons and rounds of ammo. You must declare supplies on board (correct answer is "adequate to sustain crew"-they're just interested in preventing bulk transport for resale, that may evade import tax.) You need something that indicates who owns the boat.

They are SLOOWW!

What's the last thing Christ told the Bahamians?
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Don't do nothing' till I get back!

[OUTCAST1]

Thanks for the responses.

Once there, what are the fees? How much is a vessel permit and fishing license? I probably wouldn't be fishing the first couple of times I head over there. And it will probably be a few years before I get down there anyway...

What is the sea state generally like out in that area? 2-3 foot rollers on a normal day?

Cruising/Fishing permit is combined-take some fishing gear.

Don't cross to Bimini when wind is out of any northerly direction! That's against Gulfstream, kicks up seas real nasty, big boats don't even like it!

[aprilfool]

you will need a passport and 150 dollars cash for a cruising and fishing permit if your boat is less then 35 ft if over it is 300 us dollars no checks no credit cards with that you can re enter the bahamas one more time within the life of your cruising permit, winter time you need a larger boat then summer time as it gets rougher then. if you are going to cross you need to be patient as you need to be flexible as to weather leave yourself a few days both coming and going especially in a smaller boat!

[Gringo]

heck, if you had been down here last night you could have gotten to the Bahamas with a stout beach umbrella.

[allingeneral.com]

Gringo - it's good to hear that you're ok. I went and read your blog last night after pulling up a post here on the forum. I know Ike must have been a harrowing experience, especially after Hanna a few days ago! How did your place make out in Ike?