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

[robert843]

how many 19 foot boats are going this year? Is anyone going to have live GPS? I hope to do this run in the future, but want to live vicariously through you all as much as possible!

Fair winds and following seas group

@Bill D has a tracker I think he posted a new thread about it.

 

[jaburt]

Ok I need a crash course on garmin inreach explorer +. I rented one but I need to know what all i need to do to set it up? Just some helpful pointers please. I'm calling the place I rented it from for some help as well but thought y'all would have some good info too.

 

[Amar Nanduri]

@Bill D has a tracker I think he posted a new thread about it.

I have also activated my garmin inreach explorer + and will provide the link on sunday evening

 

[Bruce]

as I print stuff out here at work.........

I am bringing a two sided map printed on waterproof paper for every vessel.

 

[tim h]

After only 3500 miles Majorsmackdown and crew are in Ft. Lauderdale and tired. Gonna try to get the boat to bahia mar tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing everyone!!

Please travel safely everyone. Plenty of nutz on the highways.
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View attachment 58994

First to arrive I believe.
Winner winner chicken dinner !
Looking forward to seeing you guys again.

 

[Majorsmackdown]

Same here Tim. I'm excited!

 

[Majorsmackdown]

@Valerie I'm glad to see you're onboard again this year. Sorry you couldn't make it last year. The hardest fought battles make for the sweetest victories!!

It's going to be awesome !

 

[Majorsmackdown]

Ok I need a crash course on garmin inreach explorer +. I rented one but I need to know what all i need to do to set it up? Just some helpful pointers please. I'm calling the place I rented it from for some help as well but thought y'all would have some good info too.

It's pretty easy once you dig in. Basically start tracking - and when you do you can send an email or text message to yourself that will get you a link to a site with a map and your tracking nodes. Then you can share that link with anyone you care to.

The battery seems to last about 4 days for me with 10 minute intervals.

That's Inreach super simplified.

Next you can install the app on your phone and take over features with your phone. Features such as starting and stopping tracking and sending text messages. Texting with the help of the phone is way easier than straight from the device. But not necessary.

If mine is in my glove box it doesn't always send out a signal but on my center console it does.

Good luck

 

[Betik]

how many 19 foot boats are going this year? Is anyone going to have live GPS? I hope to do this run in the future, but want to live vicariously through you all as much as possible!

Fair winds and following seas group

I will post tomorrow a link, just been lazy.

 

[Betik]

Ok I need a crash course on garmin inreach explorer +. I rented one but I need to know what all i need to do to set it up? Just some helpful pointers please. I'm calling the place I rented it from for some help as well but thought y'all would have some good info too.

I am prepping mine tomorrow, we can facetime and I could walk you step by step. Let me know if you still need help tomorrow

 

[swatski]

All systems checked for the takeoff tomorrow. We are ready to roll.




My Q7 TDI also got an extra service this week, oil and transmission.

And - here is the trans pan - look at all that sludge. Funny - this is at 1/4 of Audi recommended maintenance interval (and a second one I performed) - the car is still under 35,000 miles. Its a major PIA to service but I like this thing enough, not going to let it go.


--

 

[Majorsmackdown]

You've been busy pimping your ride. Looks good !

 

[blacksapphirez]

I've been prepping for last 6 months, little by little LoL

 

[DiverB]

Hey @swatski,

What route are you taking to FL ? I'm leaving tonight around midnight? How does the Q7 TDI tow the boat? I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 3.0 diesel engine and it does very well. Actually I towed the boat to Lake of the Ozarks last year with the Jeep. I'm towing with our truck for this trip, but I have no doubt the oil burner Jeep would do the job

 

[Bruce]

I want everyone to be aware that the wave forecast is unpleasant. It has gone up and sometimes down but the current trend is upward. As much as possible I want you to understand before leaving home that this is going to be a rough crossing. So far the forecast has not been impassable but this is going to be a keeping you on your toes and pounding your back crossing.

Sunday's forecast is a little better but still rough. Tuesday is even tougher than Monday. Unless Monday becomes impassable I do not see the need or a significant benefit to changing the crossing date.

I will continue to watch the forecast as my family heads to Florida. Everyone will need to make their own decision about their willigingness to pound waves to get to paradise and how they feel about safety.

 

[Bill D]

It was sure swell of Sailflow to have a free premium preview this weekend.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

I don't know @Bruce our forecast was similar last week and I found the passing to be as pleasant as I've witnessed. Now, it's still the gulf stream and typically a washing machine but I didn't think it was as rough as last year. Not having the winds blowing directly West makes a big difference IMO.

For those crossing for the first time. You and crew are likely to think it's horrible conditions, but I promise you'll begin to forget the labor pains after a few days in Bimini. I've noticed that @1948Isaac crew lays down when in rough seas and it seems to make it easier on them. I would suggest that to any of your crew that might struggle a bit.

 

[Andy S]

I don't know @Bruce our forecast was similar last week and I found the passing to be as pleasant as I've witnessed. Now, it's still the gulf stream and typically a washing machine but I didn't think it was as rough as last year. Not having the winds blowing directly West makes a big difference IMO.

For those crossing for the first time. You and crew are likely to think it's horrible conditions, but I promise you'll begin to forget the labor pains after a few days in Bimini. I've noticed that @1948Isaac crew lays down when in rough seas and it seems to make it easier on them. I would suggest that to any of your crew that might struggle a bit.

Some of my crew were also laying down during the rough parts of our recent trip. In 2015 when I still had my Yamaha, the wife jarred her back on the ride back to the states and she laid down on the floor with a life vest as a pillow for the last 1/2 of the trip to prevent additional pain to her back.

 

[Valerie]

*doing squats with 50lb weights*


I'm preparing......

 

[Bruce]

@Ramblin Wreck, I hope you are right about the crossing conditions.

I agree that I have never met anyone who was unhappy arriving in Bimini regardless of the crossing conditions.

@Andy S, I really appreciate your input and hope that you will continue to monitor the conditions and provide your insight on the safety of this crossing.

While I know that experienced crews should be able to handle the forecast waters my concern lies with the crews that have never been in the ocean before or who have issues that may reduce their ability to take a beating.