JetBoaters.net Bimini Fling July 10th to 15th 2017

[Ramblin Wreck]

@chris24 what make and model is the ski she will be riding over on. I ask because IMO it really helps to have cruise control as you can concentrate on holding on vs. trying to hold on with a lessor grip while trying to keep your speed constant. It's not necessary for a 55 mile crossing, but last year I used it a ton on the trip to Exuma. It's really nice as you start to fatigue and need a full 10 finger grip. She'll want to have a goal regarding speed IMO. I say that because too slow and its miserable because you're out there forever and too fast and not as fun because you're on edge the entire time. If she can run 20mph you all will be very happy. I'm pumped for her and can't wait to see some more pics of Beth smiling on a ski! Lastly run 20mph and you will not have to worry about refueling on any of these 4 strokes.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

@Bruce you ain't kidding, plus you may be able to see some wildlife! It is a beautiful ride
My gps stinks in the sunlight
We had 2 gps fail on our last run over thankfully we all had one
But the trip back we ran with the guys from Riva and it was really the easiest ride with refreshments along the way!!

I agree. It's much easier not to have to worry about tracking, mounts, etc. Definitely preferred to tag alone with a boat.

 

[robert843]

@chris24 conditions will be everything the 2015 trip I would say for me the pace I wanted to keep that year was around 25 or so but that wasn't an option for me. In good conditions she will have no issues if it like 2015 she will probably wish she was on the boat but I understand the bucket list thing. Just be patient and let her keep her own pace and if it's rough expect a long day. Good days are rough days are mentally and physically exhausting

 

[MrMoose]

@chris24 If I were you, I'd have a plan B, like bring another couple with you, and if Beth needs to switch with someone along the way, it's an option.
and/or, @Bruce , when you plan the groups, put a bunch of skis with the big glastron. I remember how, even at speed, @tim h cleared a nice path in 2015.

 

[chris24]

She has an SUV conversion?

Yes, Yamaha SUV 1200,

 

[Valerie]

super smooth ride

 

[chris24]

@chris24 If I were you, I'd have a plan B, like bring another couple with you, and if Beth needs to switch with someone along the way, it's an option.
and/or, @Bruce , when you plan the groups, put a bunch of skis with the big glastron. I remember how, even at speed, @tim h cleared a nice path in 2015.

Thanks mr. Moose, I do plan on having back up driver in the boat ready to go if necessary.

 

[blacksapphirez]

what is the likely crossing date so far?

 

[Bruce]

what is the likely crossing date so far?

July 10th to 15th.

 

[Betik]

I cannot believe it, we almost have a date

 

[Glen]

July 10th to 15th.

Hooray!!!! My June was starting to get booked with vball & college commitments!!

@Bruce, for those of us thinking of going for longer, I believe you would ask that those with experience with the crossing would consider making the 'going to' crossing with the big group (more leaders for the many w/o experience), and then extend longer. The return crossing would happen in smaller groups, but everyone at least has 1 crossing, under their belt. Right?'

 

[Glen]

Now that's funny right there !

As a member of @chris24's group in '16 (who decided not to keep pace,..., and did not have windshield issues (@Kevin Sargent, @chris24)), it is hysterical!!!! Love you brother!

 

[Glen]

Last year, our group was going between 23 and 25 miles an hour on average. Do you think she could keep up that pace.?

Now @chris24, that was not your speed TO Bimini (was for way back). You and @Kevin Sargent were up in the low 30's on the way there. The rest of us only caught up with you 2 when you had to stop to repair broken stuff, and when @tim h had a fuel issue (I think).

For '16's crossings (both directions; after letting Chris go) We set at 23-24mph and it was comfortable. We'd speed up to 27, and down to 19, depending on which side of the roller (up or down) we were on. But once outside the inlet, it was mostly, set it and forget it, at that speed. No slapping or leaving the water.

 

[tim h]

CHANGED MY MIND.

I'M BACK IN.......

 

[MrMoose]

I'm out.
Please be safe and watch out for each other.
Going to do a different trip this year.

Be safe and have fun.

 

[blacksapphirez]

yea if its the date Bruce said it would be... I am unable to make it.

 

[Kevin Sargent]

Gents and Wogents, for 2018, I have an idea!

I noticed the distance between Ft Lauderdale and Bimini, is very close to the distance between West Palm, and the West End of Freeport.

After this trip, who would be interested in planning a crossing to Freeport, from West Palm?

 

[Bruce]

After this trip, who would be interested in planning a crossing to Freeport, from West Palm?

I believe @ArmyChief has made that crossing. It certainly is an option for the future. My family is still enjoying Bimini. I believe that Bimini has a concentration of activities around good facilities and fuel supply that is hard to beat.

 

[Kevin Sargent]

Oh, forgot to mention...last year I purchased a box anchor. It worked great in a lake environment/sand bottom. I will post a youtube link...check it out. You can buy the baby box of large box anchor.

 

[2nazt]

West End is a little more pricey and IMO more of a fishermans getaway as to me Bimini is more a family getaway. I plan to head to west end a few times this year with friends as I have not been yet. I know from what I have read and watched on Bimini I would rather do a family trip there. These are my opinions but cost to experiences Bimini wins just from my research. I can not wait to go to both though.