Abaco's Trip

Thinking about cruising from North Carolina down the ICW and across to the Abacos next spring/ summer.
My biggest concern is all the talk about crossing the Whale Cay Cut .
Is there times when it can be crossed in a 41' single screw 7 knot trawler and not encounter 4' seas doing so?? We did the down east loop last year up thru Canada , Lake Champlain and back with no problem. But All i hear is bad stories about the Whale Cay Cut.
First hand knowledge appreciated

I went through Don't Rock Passage a few months ago in my 4' draft boat rather than out around Whale Cay. Had 6-7' of water all the way through. It might be possible to avoid it.

That said, I've gone through lots of similar cuts. In an onshore breeze you want to go through when the tide is incoming. And more throttle is almost always good. Pick your window and it'll be fine.

Someone must be hyping Whale Cay passage to you. Just avoid the middle of the tide/current cycle and you will be fine. Kind of like Hell Gate and Woods Hole. I have done all three at peak flow, but would rather not.

David

Although I can’t help you as I have no knowledge, I can perhaps confirm that "4’ seas" is quite different to 4’ of water which has been commented on. Or, perhaps I am wrong….

We've crossed the Whale many times without issue and we don't do rough. If it's rough, we just turn back.

We did the Abacos and Whale Cay passage for our first time earlier this year. “The Whale” can be rough if you don’t watch the weather and tides. As previous members have commented, make your cross in lighter winds at or near high tide. Avoid any period when the tide flows against the wind. While we are experienced cruisers, we made two rookie mistakes. We tried to leave Lake Worth for West End in early February. We were delayed three weeks waiting for a crossing window. It was too early in the season. On our return, we departed Great Sale Cay for West End. Windy, Predict Wind and NOAA were just off that day. We had strong winds from the north that created 5’ and 6’ seas on our starboard beam the entire day. That stretch is wide open to the north and it was not a fun time. But the Abacos is totally worth it and in my opinion the best choice for first time Bahamas cruisers. I hope you go later in the Spring after the northerlies lie down. Enjoy !

FriendShip said:

Thinking about cruising from North Carolina down the ICW and across to the Abacos next spring/ summer.
My biggest concern is all the talk about crossing the Whale Cay Cut .
Is there times when it can be crossed in a 41' single screw 7 knot trawler and not encounter 4' seas doing so?? We did the down east loop last year up thru Canada , Lake Champlain and back with no problem. But All i hear is bad stories about the Whale Cay Cut.
First hand knowledge appreciated

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I have crossed Whale Cay Cut many times over the last 15 years in different boats from 23’ to our current 52’ in June and July. There has only been a couple times it was too rough in which case we used Don’t Rock passage on our smaller boats.
Main thing during the summer months at least, watch the winds and if it’s blowing strong, I’d guess over 15 kts, use Don’t Rock at higher tides or wait out the winds.