Let the preparations begin!

[hibanx]

I am well into the preparations actually, but there are many more still required. I will soon be embarking on the first extended cruise aboard my 43 convertible. I purchased the boat in June of last year and have slowly but surely been tweaking and upgrading her over the past 9 months. Thanks to everyone here that has helped out so far. I plan to leave April 9 on the first leg of the trip which will take me from home (Flagler Beach, FL), to Palm Beach. This leg is intended as a sort of sea trial to confirm that all systems are go for the next leg which begins April 16 with the short jaunt over to Bimini. After a couple of days fishing around Bimini the plan is to cross the bank to Chub Cay. 2 More days of fishing around the "Pocket", an infamous area for billfish, tuna, wahoo, etc. From Chub there will be the short run to Nassau where the Admirals will be flying in to meet us for the more leisurely part of the trip...4 days cruising, diving, and fishing in the Exumas. Then, the Admirals fly back out of Nassau and the boys again begin the return trip to N. FL via the Berry Islands, Lucaya, Ft. Pierce and finally home. In all I have given myself 2-weeks plus a few extra weather days.

I have been to the Bahamas and Exumas in particular many times, and am comforatable with the navigation etc (my day job is captain of a 120' Broward motor yacht), however, there is no doubt that I will forget something or fail to inspect something important. So, after that long winded introduction, I am open to any and all suggestions of things that I might need, or should inspect or replace. I am especially looking for suggested spares to bring along, and other items that will make the trip more enjoyable. Thanks in advance. I will post some of the major items I have done already, and look forward to your comments.

 

[magnawake]

OH Man, That sounds like a great trip. Dont forget the filet knife. Extra mono, leader, baits and lures. Maybe some real lube, a reel brush for cleaning on the run. Hummm, lets see.....Where do you draw the line for long term fishing? bring the kitchen sink too. Happy fishing. Well, I guess spare parts for the engines might be a good idea. Then, maybe some water and food. I think fishing stuff would top the list though. Wish I was going. Keep us updated.

 

[Tim Powell]

Can not tell you what to take but i am sure envious . Sounds just like a grate family affair . Have a ball and good luck fishing Tim

 

[Canuck Dennis]

sounds great...after all the prep work,,,AT LAST.....fun in the sun...be safe...

 

[saltshaker]

Can not tell you what to take but i am sure envious . Sounds just like a grate family affair . Have a ball and good luck fishing Tim

I can tell you what you need to take, ME!

 

[Ross Macdonald]

We had a 43 Hatt for 4 years and had a great time with the boat. Solid boat, great ride. Have fun...Ross

 

[rsmith]

I am well into the preparations actually, but there are many more still required. I will soon be embarking on the first extended cruise aboard my 43 convertible. I purchased the boat in June of last year and have slowly but surely been tweaking and upgrading her over the past 9 months. Thanks to everyone here that has helped out so far. I plan to leave April 9 on the first leg of the trip which will take me from home (Flagler Beach, FL), to Palm Beach. This leg is intended as a sort of sea trial to confirm that all systems are go for the next leg which begins April 16 with the short jaunt over to Bimini. After a couple of days fishing around Bimini the plan is to cross the bank to Chub Cay. 2 More days of fishing around the "Pocket", an infamous area for billfish, tuna, wahoo, etc. From Chub there will be the short run to Nassau where the Admirals will be flying in to meet us for the more leisurely part of the trip...4 days cruising, diving, and fishing in the Exumas. Then, the Admirals fly back out of Nassau and the boys again begin the return trip to N. FL via the Berry Islands, Lucaya, Ft. Pierce and finally home. In all I have given myself 2-weeks plus a few extra weather days.

I have been to the Bahamas and Exumas in particular many times, and am comforatable with the navigation etc (my day job is captain of a 120' Broward motor yacht), however, there is no doubt that I will forget something or fail to inspect something important. So, after that long winded introduction, I am open to any and all suggestions of things that I might need, or should inspect or replace. I am especially looking for suggested spares to bring along, and other items that will make the trip more enjoyable. Thanks in advance. I will post some of the major items I have done already, and look forward to your comments.

Do you know Ronnie Lane he's up your way running some boats for the France family?

 

[hibanx]

Do you know Ronnie Lane he's up your way running some boats for the France family?

Sure do, I work with Ronnie every day. we are docked side by side!

 

[hibanx]

OH Man, That sounds like a great trip. Dont forget the filet knife. Extra mono, leader, baits and lures. Maybe some real lube, a reel brush for cleaning on the run. Hummm, lets see.....Where do you draw the line for long term fishing? bring the kitchen sink too. Happy fishing. Well, I guess spare parts for the engines might be a good idea. Then, maybe some water and food. I think fishing stuff would top the list though. Wish I was going. Keep us updated.

Heres a partial list of the major spares I already have:

Impellers for mains and gen
Filters for mains and gen
Complete water pump assembly for mains and gen
Spare injectors
Complete spare turbo for mains
2 cases of 40 wt oil (in quarts, easier to handle in tight ER)
Spare A/C pump
Spare fresh water pump
Spare tail shaft
Spare set of props

Thats pretty much the big stuff....what am I missing?

 

[34Hatt]

Sounds like you have a good handle on everything!

But Like Jack said

TAKE ME

Good luck sounds like a great trip nice mix of it all!!!

 

[hibanx]

Sorry guys, I have a full boat of guests. I'll be happy to send some updates along the way, complete with pictures. Oh, did I mention i am towing my 16' skiff behind? That involves a bunch of additional preparations.

1. Custom tow eye manufactured and installed on skiff
2. Custom tow bridle and Plasma Rope hawser
3. Service outboard
......

Who knew going on vacation could be this much work!

 

[rsmith]

Sure do, I work with Ronnie every day. we are docked side by side!

I've known Ronnie since the early 70's when he ran a 45 called the Joey out of Stone Harbor NJ. of course he had the 45 Davis the Breakwater for a million years down here in Ft Pierce. Miss hearing him on the radio. Tell him Scott Smith from the Endless Summer said hi.

 

[Fanfare]

Bring your own beer and diet soda. Diet Coke is pretty much available, but no other kinds. Diet tonic water saves a lot of calories.

The attitude at Chub really sucked our last visit. Customs went home early and wouldn't clear us at 3 pm. With no customs clearance they wouldn't sell us fuel. Customs then held us up until about 11 the next day while he chatted with the cleaning staff and we lost our weather window and got beat up that afternoon. The bar guy tried to cheat us again as he had tried the last year and had the nerve to give us trouble about it. The place is bankrupt, and I'm sorry for them all, but this is no way to treat guests. The new marina is nice, but $$$ for no services. In the past I have spent a lot of time at Chub, but they won't see me again until they change their attitudes. Among other things, the Admiral would kill me if I even suggested it.

 

[hibanx]

Bring your own beer and diet soda. Diet Coke is pretty much available, but no other kinds. Diet tonic water saves a lot of calories.

The attitude at Chubb really sucked our last visit. Customs went home early and wouldn't clear us at 3 pm. With no customs clearance they wouldn't sell us fuel. Customs then held us up until about 11 the next day while he chatted with the cleaning staff and we lost our weather window and got beat up that afternoon. The bar guy tried to cheat us again as he had tried the last year and had the nerve to give us trouble about it. The place is bankrupt, and I'm sorry for them all, but this is no way to treat guests. The new marina is nice, but $$$ for no services. In the past I have spent a lot of time at Chubb, but they won't see me again until they change their attitudes. Among other things, the Admiral would kill me if I even suggested it.

I have heard similar things. My plan is to clear customs in Bimini, then we are going to stay at the Berry Islands Club instead of Chubb Cay Marina. I hear it is cheaper and friendlier.

 

[hibanx]

I've known Ronnie since the early 70's when he ran a 45 called the Joey out of Stone Harbor NJ. of course he had the 45 Davis the Breakwater for a million years down here in Ft Pierce. Miss hearing him on the radio. Tell him Scott Smith from the Endless Summer said hi.

Will do! He runs a 50' Forbes custom named "AWOL" now. He spends most of his time in Daytona with the occasional trip to Palm Beach, Key West, and Bahamas.

 

[hibanx]

A few essential items!!

 

[magnawake]

Now Thats what I'm talkin bout. Sounds like you have everything including the kitchen sink. How bout a dive mask and fins if you have to get in the water? An underwater camera on a stick would be nice to capture that bill fish your gonna catch. Thats going a little overboard though, no pun intended.

 

[hibanx]

I have a full set of SCUBA gear aboard. A digital camera, but not an underwater one. I also have a couple of pole spears in case the fish are't hungry. I think the water line is getting a lot lower!

 

[jim rosenthal]

A few suggestions, if it's not too late: bring some wooden plugs for through-hulls, in case you need them. Some spare hose clamps. And some rolls of that self-welding silicone tape that you can close up anything with and repair leaking hoses. And spare light bulbs for your running lights. Don't ask me how I know on that one....

Have fun, I am jealous, they are calling for SNOW up here, it is nearly April, can you believe it?

 

[hibanx]

Jim,

Good call on the emergency tape. I'll add that to the list. I have wooden plugs and a good assortment of hose clamps. Keep the suggestions coming...thanks.