It's at least 55-60 miles to the closest island from Jupiter. I have a 19' Dargel and a 26 Grady and when its showing 2ft offshore I stay inshore. Hope these kids made somewhere safe though.Experienced or not......14 years old and in a 19' single engine boat going to the Bahamas is not very smart, IMHO.
I took the CG aux boaters course when I first got my boat....and I also own such a boat as theirs (Mako 19' w/150 Evinrude) and would never try to go that far, no matter what the circumstances.
Good for Joe to step up for his neighbors - I truly hope they are found soon.
Here's the report: