Bahamas on mid 90's two strokes?

Very reliable engines. I’d put 50 hours on them to build confidence with them and then no concern running to Bahamas.

The hours don't concern me one bit - that's not a lot of hours. What is concerning is the lack of use and just sitting around - but it seems you are working on that. Do the raw water impellers, as well. also check the lower unit seals and fuel lines (both on engine and boat-side).

But, to answer your question... no, offshore trips wouldn't concern me.... once I had some decent time on the engines to build up a confidence level, as mentioned above.

If you have issues with the precision oiling system, that can take a while to show up. The idea of putting some more hours sounds like a good idea but I would also pull the plugs and document how they look. Then after the additional hours, pull the plugs again and see how they look.

You didn't mention lower unit servicing so at a minimum check LU il for water or oil leaks

We have made a number of crossings to West End and to Bimini and beyond. Once you've gained hours in the boat, I agree with others that older carbureted two-strokes shouldn't hold you back - as long as you are prepared for a Bahamas crossing.

Best to go with a buddy boat. Most of the Grady clubs in FL make a summertime trip to the Bahamas. The Gulfstream Grady Group does as well as the Grady Bunch out of Vero. Others do as well. I believe they would welcome another Grady visitor.

Should carry an EPIRB or at least a PLB on your life vest. You can hear the Coast Guard all the way over with a good VHF and antenna, but they won't be able to hear you unless you happen to have a 'relay' boat situated just right.

Watch the weather and have a back-up plan.

For us, we'd go 5-10 miles out. If weather or forecast wasn't what we wanted we'd just point our bow south and be in the Keys in a few hours. I know I was less tempted to push it in questionable weather with a Plan B that was never far from an inlet and was still a great place to go.

If you get near to the point of going, I can make some suggestions as to where to put in and leave your truck/trailer and the pros and cons of heading to West End or Bimini.

Rob

There's actually a reasonable argument to be made that 2-strokes are more reliable than 4-strokes.

As others have said, once you put some offshore hours on it and complete the remaining service items, I wouldn’t hesitate a bit to make the crossing to the Bahamas. A 2 stroke with new fuel tanks and clean carbs is really unstoppable as long as everything is in good working order.

I’ve heard that the Bahamas has tightened up on American tourists coming via private vessel and are now requiring that you have AIS. I don’t know the facts around this but have heard from multiple sources. If true, that’s a bit frustrating and is a barrier to many unless you upgrade electronics. Does anyone out there know more details around these new requirements?