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Fort Lauderdale to Panama canal

Discussion in 'Marinas & Waypoints' started by Catspajaumas, Mar 2, 2014.

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  1. Catspajaumas, Mar 2, 2014
    #1
    Catspajaumas

    Catspajaumas New Member

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    Mar 1, 2014
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    Location:
    Gig Harbor WA
    G'day,
    Would appreciate some input from the group about the best route from Lauderdale to Panama. Am leaving next week on a 47 Nordhavn.
    Has plenty of range for non stop so fuel is not an issue. Speed would be 6 knots. Distance is about the same in either direction. Looking for input for things like, current, wind, swells etc. Any help appreciated.
    Thanks in advance Mike:)
  2. NYCAP123, Mar 2, 2014
    #2
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    These might give you some info and people to contact:

    http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/general-yachting-discussion/17905-panama-florida.html
    http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/marinas-waypoints/7385-panama-canal-crossing.html
    http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/marinas-waypoints/13318-crossing-panama-canal.html
    http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/marinas-waypoints/13448-panama-canal-passage.html
    http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/general-yachting-discussion/12228-heading-out-2.html
    http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/marinas-waypoints/7954-panama-canal.html
  3. Catspajaumas, Mar 2, 2014
    #3
    Catspajaumas

    Catspajaumas New Member

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    Location:
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    Thanks for the info, unfortunately none address the best route this time of the year. Hopefully someone has some experience from fl to panama.
    Not looking for anything hard and fast just some input for either route.
    Thanks Mike
  4. K1W1, Mar 2, 2014
    #4
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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  5. NYCAP123, Mar 2, 2014
    #5
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Some of those posts go back awhile. Try PMing some of the people on them. By now they might have the answers you seek.
  6. Swamp fox, Mar 2, 2014
    #6
    Swamp fox

    Swamp fox Member

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    Have you consulted the Sailing Directions or Pilot Charts?
  7. Catspajaumas, Mar 2, 2014
    #7
    Catspajaumas

    Catspajaumas New Member

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    Yes, have done lots of research. Just trying to get input
    from people who may have done the same thing.
    Thanks. Mike
  8. Capt Bill11, Mar 3, 2014
    #8
    Capt Bill11

    Capt Bill11 Senior Member

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    I've done it twice. Once down and once back. PM me and I'll give you my email address.

    The short answer is I'd look at going down the Bahamas, then to Jamaica and from there on down to Panama.

    I used Commanders Weather Routers and OCENS weather software for both trips. Along with various other online weather sights.