Keys and Bahamas for a fin keel MK1 C36?

[benethridge]

Hi, everyone. I'm thinking about taking this good ole boat down the ICW to the Florida Keys and on to the Bahamas. I have the standard 5'10" fin keel.

I've sailed in the Keys before, but only with a shoal draft keel, and was wondering if any of you had experience with deep keel sailboats down the ICW, and on in the Keys and the Bahamas.

Should I do it? or should I trade this boat (that I love) for a shallower draft keel?

[mutualfun]

Hey Ben.
You will do ok with it. We are on our 2nd trip over to the Bahamas and have seen many deep draft boats. Sure it will limit how close u can get into but if you Luke her keep it. We have a wing keel and sail with a friend that has a 95 36 fin keel and he does ok. We live our boat as well.

[deising]

I, too, know people with 6 foot draft vessels playing the waters of FL and the Bahamas. They make do by being extra careful where they go and watch the state of the tide pretty closely, too.

I know you don't want to hear it, but there are MANY places we go with our boat where we have less than 6 inches under our 4.5 foot wing keel for a dozen feet or so to get into a special anchorage or take a certain pass. We would still enjoy our cruising with a deeper draft, but we would miss being able to visit those places.

[benethridge]

Thanks for the comments. I think I'll take it over and try it... one fine day.

[Rob Kyles]

Go slow over the shallow bits - and BEFORE you run aground have a plan to get off - eg heeling the boat to take you towards deeper water :o