Panama Canal to Dominican Republic

[bajacch]

I’m planning to cruise from San Diego to the Dominican Republic. I need to be there before June (hurricane season) but I am unsure of weather patterns along the way through central America. I will mostly be marina hopping with a few planned anchorages along the way. My longest stretch will be 450nm. My boat is a Colombia 34mkii. Which is on the small side, so I need to plan the run carefully. When is the best time to arrive at the canal? Or, better yet when not to come into the Atlantic? What should I expect?
(I’m especially worried about the run from the Panama canal to Colombia-Aruba-Boca Chica.)

[sageofsalem]

I've never heard of any one making that passage in a small boat. Many have come to grief in that area. You may consider making a roundabout instead of rhumbline route.

[Miniyot]

I understand you wish to plan your travel.
However, you do not know what speed you will be making, unless you motor it the entire distance and take into consideration of the currents. It will be extremely difficult to maintain your itenerary.
Another factor will be how long you will be held up at the canal before they let you through it.
Do not attempt this trip while you are on vacation, but rather take a leave of absence so you may enjoy your "vacation".

There are too many variables to establish a timeline.
Someone please correct me if I am wrong....

[Paul L]

Mid-April to May is a good time to head north out of the Canal. This when the winter trades start to give up. You are making the trip much tougher trying to go via Aruba.