Tips & Preparations

Liquid weighs more than seven pounds per gallon. The more weight you have on board, the less fuel efficient. While running between ports in the US, don’t fill up your fresh water holding tanks more than half way. You only need enough to flush the head. Bring plenty of bottled water.

If you will be taking meals on board, use fresh vegetables and meats first, switching to canned and frozen items last. When going shopping, check with the locals and find out what day the supply boat arrives. Plan your shopping trip the same day. Fresh vegetables, meats, milk, etc. go very fast. For those packing a large cooler – block ice melts much slower than cube or crushed ice. Place the items your will need most often near the top of the cooler.

Service Boats – Schedule full service with the MarineMax Service Department. Being prepared will save you money in repair or towing charges (back to the U.S.) in the Bahamas.

Clean Bottoms – Have a diver clean your boat bottom and running gear no more than one week before departure. Even just a film of scum on your boat bottom will seriously affect your performance and speed, resulting in many extra dollars in fuel spent for the trip.

Spare Parts Kit – Contact your MarineMax service department and have a spare parts kit prepared for your boat. This should include: fuel/oil filters, engine impellers, generator impellers, oil, coolant and transmission fluid.

Safety Equipment – Check your safety equipment before departure. Have plenty of lifejackets in good condition. Be sure your flares are not expired. Check your fire extinguishers and make sure they are properly charged. Check to be sure your garbage and oil discharge plaques are in place.

Paper Charts and Plotter Chips – Although there is a lead boat with a trip leader, you should still follow along in case you want to do this trip on you own at some time, or in an emergency, you may need to lead the trip. *Please ensure you have a chart card that includes the Bahamas

Renew Boat Registration/Documentation – Check that your registration will not expire while you are on this trip. If it does, be sure to renew your registration before we go.