Here's been my experience and it's only been on a ski so that has to be understood. In 2015 I crossed to Bimini with a iphone and handheld VHF. In 2016 & 2017, I crossed to Exumas/Abacos with an iPhone (Navionics downloaded), upgraded handheld VHF, Garmin handheld GPS, and a Delorme Inreach. I personally felt that was adequate equipment but here's why. There was sort of a buddy system in place. What I mean by that is if something were to happen to me or my ski, I would have had almost immediate assist from a few fellow boaters on this forum. I think it's critical to pair yourself with another vessel. Even with small groups of 10 leaving at a time, you're going to get spaced out regardless of weather and it's impossible for the leader to keep an eye on all the vessels or even possibly hear on VHF. When its just a couple boats or maybe 3 boat arrangement, you can ride close enough together that each one can keep an eye out for the other. Now, this only works when each vessel has an understanding that they are going to ride at similar speeds hopefully set at the larger group leader's standard for a safe passage. I know I've slowed the boats down a few times, but I don't think I've slowed them down enough that our buddy system became strained. This is a very vital component and really shouldn't be an issue on a 55 mile ride if everyone's on the same page from the beginning. I believe a small buddy system linked with a larger group crossing would significantly reduce the likelihood of someone getting stranded. Do you need to be prepared to save yourself/boat if needed sure, but I think that should be a highly unlikely situation.
Preventing fuel issues, IMO is largely a problem that can be prevented for the most part. In normal conditions (not good) all Yamaha boats should be able to make it from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini without refueling. Now, if I was on a 190 yes would I carry extra no question. However, if I was on a 21ft or 24ft I personally would not but of course it's not going to hurt to have the extra. I followed
@1948Isaac AR240 this year in the sloppiest most unpleasant crossing I've experienced to Bimini and I burned around 13 gallons on my ski and I think he was right around 30 gallons if I recall correctly. In short, if it was any rougher I would have turned around and went back to Miami. If I personally can't at least run in the upper teens at a minimum, I don't feel the crossing is worth it with these boats. Maybe that's a tough decision 10 to 15 miles off shore when everyone's out there, the trip has been planned months in advance, the rooms are reserved etc., but I just think it's wise to except the conditions and turn around if you can't or are barely keeping plane because fuel will then become an issue for sure and I personally do not like refueling at sea. I understand weather can pop up but I feel in most all these fuel issues, a tough decision to return probably could have been made. Now, there's also the tough decision to suck it up a little and hit the throttle and stay at speed even if it's uncomfortable as I know that was an challenge for me the first time I crossed. Being 100% lake oriented and not hearing those sounds or feeling those waves will worry you but you just have to believe all will be fine as the boat can take more then you think (unless your
@swatski and you can take more then your boat
).
