Cruising by MailBoat
5.0 out of 5 stars
Book for Today
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2021
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"I just finished reading the book*entitled "Cruising by Mailboat." This is the 2nd in the series written by CAPT Fred Braman. Fred is an articulate storyteller and this book captures the essence of a salty sea captain's adventures traveling through his beloved Bahama out islands by various mailboats. In this book he details the pros and cons of mailboat travel as well as the opportunities this means of travel afford. He captures and documents the behind the scenes history and struggles of some of the not so prominent local families that contribute so much to the development of the Bahama islands life-style and economy. So much of this book centers on lesser known communities of the out islands that are rarely visited by tourists. The people depicted in the book are Bahamians that live and work without so much as a note of gratitude for their contributions and that of their families. If you are interested in wanting to capture the essence of the real Bahamian life-style; then this is the book that tells it like it is. In summary, CAPT Fred's book allows you to vicariously live the lives*of the people that make the Bahama out island so great.”
Perry McDonald Cruising by MailBoat
5.0 out of 5 stars
An artistic view of the Iconic Bahamian mail-boat
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2021
If you have an interest in historic and iconic water-going vessels, from the ancient coracles, the Nile fellucias and the famous Peterborough canoe, this book will be an endearing addition to your collection. After Fred's first book about sailing in the Bahamas, this book is a well-researched and well-crafted portrayal of another iconic water-going vessel, the Bahamian mail-boat. Fred just doesn't write about this boat and island system, but takes the reader on a journey full of the factual evolution of the mail-boat system but fills it with the fanciful art of sailing with exquisite art work and photos. If you have, like the rest of the world has, a love for the "Bahamian"-lifestyle, this book will bring new insights into a vital part of the Bahamas.
Beth Lugger Cruising by MailBoat
Note: For transparency, a three star "review" was omitted as it was a complaint that a Kindle version of the book is not offered, even though the reason for not doing so was clearly indicated. With 158 color photographs and paintings, the Author believes that a black and white digital treatment of the book would not do it justice. The reviewer did not buy the book and made no pretense to have read it.
Chip Fuller 5.0 out of 5 stars
Reconsidering our cruising plan!
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2021
A rich and diverse journey, well told. Motivated me to go, but see these places and people under no rush, from my own boat. Thoroughly enjoyed the book!
Mike Jeglic 5.0 out of 5 stars
The author and colleagues experienced mailboats across the archipelago
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2021
"Been there, and you should too!" might be a subtitle to CRUISING BY MAILBOAT, which I thoroughly enjoy and often refer to. It is well illustrated and laid out in a very accessible format allowing you to skip to ships or islands, people, culture, and history. The most important aspect of this project, having also worked on a different kind of Bahamian Mailboat book during the same decade, is how very genuine Capt. Braman, his companions are, esp. the generous photographer Dave Blake, as are their Bahamian hosts. Capt. Braman is one of the most observant sailors, writers, naval officers and gentlemen who I have had the honor to work with. There were no books focused on mailboats of Bahamas in their first 217 years of history, then suddenly two books in the same month in 2021.
Capt. Braman and his fellow swashbucklers not only managed to have adventurous fun, the book infuses others with their sense of adventure, they bent with the odd winds of this peculiar archipelagic trade, and most importantly they improvised. They have made fast and loyal friends along the way, many of them happy to contribute however they could, and I am pleased to be one of them. Bravo, corsairs! It is lovely that so many were so helpful so often.
With a project lead like Capt. Braman, the results his team produced are predictably delectable, informative, and inspirational. So, peel out a $20 bill and hop on the next mailboat at Potters Cay Nassau with a cooler, hook and line, your copy of CRUISING BY MAILBOAT with Messrs. Braman, Blake, Curry, and Dodge by your side. Enjoy - they certainly have.
Eric WibergNone Kim Leverich
5.0 out of 5 stars A pleasant account of true to life experiences with the Bahamian mailboat system.
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2021
Uncertainty is the key element in travel by mail boat. The island philosophy of “No plane today, mon, maybe tomorrow” summarizes the Bahamian mailboat system. Not unlike their flag air carrier, “If you’ve time to spare, fly Bahamas Air”. Captain Frederick fills in the blanks on everything you’ve ever wondered about the mailboat system in a humorous, flavorful way.
"Cruising by MailBoat"
Michelle (Moondara)
5.0 out of 5 stars Embracing the beauty, the culture, & the natives of the islands.
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2022
Listening personally to the author from his very first mailboat experience to his latest journey I was able to experience the adventure again through his book in a more detailed format from his experiences and through the photos, which visually helps someone to determine if this is a type of excursion one would like to explore. Me personally, I'm sold!
One of my concerns traveling via mailboat an being on "Island time" and of course the unexpected changes that can and will happen, this book has put my concerns at ease and not to worry, there's always away home. :) Mailboat Cruise 2022, lets do this!
Michelle "Cruising by MailBoat"
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very informative book of how MailBoats are essential to the Bahamas islands
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2022
Verified Purchase
Captain Fred Braman has written an excellent account of how imperative the MailBoat is for the chain of the Bahamas islands. Like him, having been an avid sailor in the Bahamas, his account of how friendly and forever helpful the Bahamian people are is so true, they are just a delight to be with.
The history and culture make this a terrific read for anyone wanting to learn the flavor of the islands.
We also think the MailBoat is not only essential for goods but also a little gossip for the locals from island to island!
I received the book within a couple of days of ordering and a follow up email from Captain Fred offering any advice or help with planning a MailBoat journey. Anyone who is wanting to see the beautiful islands of the Bahamas and has the luxury of time and open to adventure should certainly read this informative book and plan a trip!
Thank you Captain Fred for this history of the MailBoat, we love the islands as much as you do!
Dison "Cruising by MailBoat"
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars An artistic view of the Iconic Bahamian mail-boat
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2021
If you have an interest in historic and iconic water-going vessels, from the ancient coracles, the Nile fellucias and the famous Peterborough canoe, this book will be an endearing addition to your collection. After Fred's first book about sailing in the Bahamas, this book is a well-researched and well-crafted portrayal of another iconic water-going vessel, the Bahamian mail-boat. Fred just doesn't write about this boat and island system, but takes the reader on a journey full of the factual evolution of the mail-boat system but fills it with the fanciful art of sailing with exquisite art work and photos. If you have, like the rest of the world has, a love for the "Bahamian"-lifestyle, this book will bring new insights into a vital part of the Bahamas.
One person found this helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating!
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2022
Verified Purchase
Great read! Fred is an intrepid adventurer who takes us on this way off-the-beaten-path journey with him & his crew of seasoned travelers. What a fantastic way to experience The Bahamas from a perspective few ever see. I can’t wait to follow in his footsteps!
Jaime Davis Thomas K. Boardman
5.0 out of 5 stars A CLEVER GUIDEBOOK FOR TRAVELERS TO THE BAHAMA OUT ISLANDS
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2022
An interesting and informative narrative about an unusual mode of travel. Cruising By Mailboat is almost as good as a personal trip to The Bahamas. This book unlocks the secrets to what is, in my opinion, the best way to travel in the islands. Clearly written and accurately stated, anyone considering a trip to the out islands will find it a useful guide.
Thomas Boardman