Longest Tow to the Bimini Crossing

[Julian]

After the first 950 miles 3200 doesn't really seem any longer.

Can't wait to follow this trip! Bet you are starting a list already! I had one for my short trip to IL from NC.....spare tire has air, jack, grease gun, temp sensor for hubs (one of those laser ones), flashlight, Audible books downloaded.....

I love WAZE....my favorite GPS app!

 

[latitudeadjuster]

After the first 950 miles 3200 doesn't really seem any longer.

Wouldn't it be more fun if you put in on your coast and just come down and around?? lol wow and I thought I had a long tow.

 

[Majorsmackdown]

Wouldn't it be more fun if you put in on your coast and just come down and around?? lol wow and I thought I had a long tow.

Oh man - that sounds grueling... and the boat doesn't get very good gas mileage. OUCH.

 

[Majorsmackdown]

Can't wait to follow this trip! Bet you are starting a list already! I had one for my short trip to IL from NC.....spare tire has air, jack, grease gun, temp sensor for hubs (one of those laser ones), flashlight, Audible books downloaded.....

I love WAZE....my favorite GPS app!

Actually, I think I'd be just as prepared as anyone else - just have to allow a bit more time.

 

[BigJay17]

@Majorsmackdown I am glad I don't live in Oregon no more to challah on the trip. I have about 180 to drive from kissimmee.

 

[robert843]

Wow @Majorsmackdown this is impressive I won't lie if I lived on the west coast I would probably try this trip one as well. Have you looked into shipping options instead of having to tow? In you planning how many days are you giving your self to tow?

 

[Majorsmackdown]

I think it'll take 3 but im trying to have 4 days. Never thought of shipping... Imagine lost luggage or lost boat.... This will be my furthest tow to date.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Is anybody taking a drone?

 

[BgTravis]

Calvert city Kentucky around 1000 I believe

 

[Majorsmackdown]

Please appease the weather gods. I'll be too far along to turn back by the time many might consider cancelling due to weather. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for all of us - and admittedly - especially me. I can't imagine dragging my gang (4) across the country for a weather related non starter.... But I actually am imagining it now.

Best of luck to all of us in making this a safe trip !!

 

[tim h]

Safe travels to you and your family @Majorsmackdown !

 

[Majorsmackdown]

Thanks @tim h

Im in a pickle now. The weather forecast is giving me a moment of pause. I have about 12 hours before my planned departure and it's looking like I should stay home. Waiting out the departure weather is one thing but crappy weather all week looks pretty sad. I don't know what it's like in FL but here in the NW we don't change plans based on weather.... Because if you do the weather always (almost) turns out just fine. I wonder if bimini would be any fun without the boat since we're at the non refundable point with our condo reservations. I don't cry often but I might today.

 

[kthrash]

@Majorsmackdown if you booked through the Sands.. you should be able to apply your deposit to a future use.. rather than it being non-refundable.

 

[latitudeadjuster]

If bad weather...I am heading east with boat to siesta key, Florida with blue waters and white Sandy beaches. I will save my deposit for future use...it never rains in the bahamas....lol...always have a backup plan. Anyone is welcome if this happens.

 

[Majorsmackdown]

@Majorsmackdown if you booked through the Sands.. you should be able to apply your deposit to a future use.. rather than it being non-refundable.

Well yes - There's that. If they'd let it ride till next year it may not be a loss. BTW, I'm glad things turned out as well for you and your crew as they did last year (as to say I'm glad it wasn't worse).

 

[Majorsmackdown]

If bad weather...I am heading east with boat to siesta key, Florida with blue waters and white Sandy beaches. I will save my deposit for future use...it never rains in the bahamas....lol...always have a backup plan. Anyone is welcome if this happens.

Can we take this discussion of an alternative boating trip to the bigger thread? I'm all for a backup plan. Thanks.

 

[kthrash]

Well yes - There's that. If they'd let it ride till next year it may not be a loss. BTW, I'm glad things turned out as well for you and your crew as they did last year (as to say I'm glad it wasn't worse).

I was told it was good for that long..

 

[tim h]

One should always have a PLAN B...

 

[kthrash]

If bad weather...I am heading east with boat to siesta key, Florida with blue waters and white Sandy beaches. I will save my deposit for future use...it never rains in the bahamas....lol...always have a backup plan. Anyone is welcome if this happens.

That is where we ended up for the week last year.. Awesome water and beach, just wish I had my boat.. so Good Plan!

 

[Majorsmackdown]

It's probably not as bad as you could imagine to make this trip from out west. We started in Battle Ground, WA and it took us 3.5 days to get there with a couple rest area sleep breaks and a couple motel stops. I drove the whole way myself and pushed hard but not too hard. I'd encourage other westerners to do it if you have the time. Also there is safety in numbers if some folks were at least taking the same route. Our round trip's gas bill was about $1500-$1600. And we avg about 9.5 mpg.

We (I) ran out of gas once in the middle of Wyoming (11 miles short of an open gas station) and had to wait about 2.5 hours for some $6 gallon gas to be delivered in the middle of the night. Good Sam roadside assistance and the WY state police helped arrange that.

One motel stop along the way was for a 2 hour nap and well needed/deserved showers for the crew. Lots of fuel stops helped force rest breaks on about 200 mile or 3 hour intervals. There was a little coffee and about 3 bottles of diet dew consumed.

Ft. Lauderdale was a welcome sight and there was no trouble getting to sleep at the BahiaMar.

I suggest packing a few things for the trip: Flashlights; headband and handheld, quality air compressor, gloves, tire pressure gauge, flares, rain gear, lug wrenches for truck and trailer, spare gas jugs (not empty-oooof), tire plug kit, spare fuses, and a jack.

On the trip home a trailer malfunction caused a blowout but otherwise was uneventful. We took our own sweet time going home with two full nights in motels and it was a 4.5 day drive home.

We had the privilege of a comfortable pickup to drive in and a bit of luck and a little preparation which made the trip quite doable. We are hoping to make it in '17 as well.