JetBoaters.net Bimini Fling July 9th to 14th 2018

[Andy S]

So it shows the forecast changing the wind to out of the east. I would assume wind from the west would be best for crossing and northwest would be worst for return.
Does Florida block any of it really? I know great lakes it makes a big difference but out there perhaps not.

Normally during the summer the wind is out of the east that is why the waves are the worst leaving Florida and get less as you get to Bimini.

 

[Bruce]

3.1’ at 13 seconds does look nice but the waves are headed south against the stream and the significant wind is in your face. It would likely
be a painful crossing.

 

[robert843]

3.1’ at 13 seconds does look nice but the waves are headed south against the stream and the significant wind is in your face. It would likely
be a painful crossing.

We have seen these situations a few times now where this forecast makes no sense. I promise 3ft at 13 seconds is not real with those wind speeds that would probably be an ugly crossing.

 

[Mainah]

I have posted up the details for the VHF Antenna and mount as promised. See the thread below for details.

https://jetboaters.net/threads/my-trip-down-the-vhf-antenna-rabbit-hole.16678/

VHF Antenna Mount 1

• Mainah
• Mar 10, 2018
• 1

Pacific Aerials P6759

VHF Antenna Mount 2

• Mainah
• Mar 10, 2018

Pacific Aerials P6759

Removable VHF Antenna with mount

• Mainah
• Mar 10, 2018
• 6

Pacific Aerials

VHF Antenna with Flags

• Mainah
• Mar 10, 2018

Pacific Aerials P6125 Pro Series Black 6ft Antenna

VHF Radio Install

• Mainah
• Mar 10, 2018
• 1

 

[Erica Almond]

Erica Almond has registered to captain Polar with a crew of 3 adults and 2 children. They hail from the home port of Southport, NC.

The crew is described as: My name is Erica, My husband is Nate and we have two little girls Skyler(9) and Willow(6). My mom Tina will be on the boat with us while my dad will be following on a waverunner. We spend all our time around a body of water! We keep a live aboard boat in Southport NC that we stay on every other weekend. We love to go exploring, deep sea fishing, surfing, snorkeling, Island hopping. We can’t wait for our adventure to Bimini.

You can register for the event using the form at
https://jetboaters.net/forms/bimini-2018-registration-june-25th-to-30th.8/respond for June 25th to 30th
or
https://jetboaters.net/forms/bimini-2018-registration-july-9th-to-14th.6/respond for July 9th to 14th

 

[Speedling]

Erica Almond has registered to captain Polar with a crew of 3 adults and 2 children. They hail from the home port of Southport, NC.

The crew is described as: My name is Erica, My husband is Nate and we have two little girls Skyler(9) and Willow(6). My mom Tina will be on the boat with us while my dad will be following on a waverunner. We spend all our time around a body of water! We keep a live aboard boat in Southport NC that we stay on every other weekend. We love to go exploring, deep sea fishing, surfing, snorkeling, Island hopping. We can’t wait for our adventure to Bimini.

You can register for the event using the form at
https://jetboaters.net/forms/bimini-2018-registration-june-25th-to-30th.8/respond for June 25th to 30th
or
https://jetboaters.net/forms/bimini-2018-registration-july-9th-to-14th.6/respond for July 9th to 14th

I just love that i am not the only crazy one bringing kids!

 

[Berrie]

I think there are quite a few of us bringing kids.
And from a behavioral point of view, sometimes you couldn't tell me apart from them....

 

[Speedling]

I think there are quite a few of us bringing kids.
And from a behavioral point of view, sometimes you couldn't tell me apart from them....

I am not taking care of u guys though! Find your own pajamas and change your own diapers, lol
Seeing my kids in the pool u may get out on the boat a bit extra!

 

[robert843]

For anyone looking to fly people over Tropic Ocean Airways is running an early bird special right now for $87.50 each way. This is limited to the first 3 seats on the flight booked these are smaller sea planes only seating 8 people so more like a charter flight then commercial and it flys out of the Sheltair hanger so no long security lines or large airport hassles compared to flying out of the main terminal of Ft Lauderdale airport.

 

[Hector]

For anyone looking to fly people over Tropic Ocean Airways is running an early bird special right now for $87.50 each way. This is limited to the first 3 seats on the flight booked these are smaller sea planes only seating 8 people so more like a charter flight then commercial and it flys out of the Sheltair hanger so no long security lines or large airport hassles compared to flying out of the main terminal of Ft Lauderdale airport.

Is there someone in particular to contact? Just checked their website for July 9 with nothing available.
I might have 3 extra people that would fly over.

 

[robert843]

Is there someone in particular to contact? Just checked their website for July 9 with nothing available.
I might have 3 extra people that would fly over.

Make sure your going to the correct site flytropic.com I still show 2 seats available for $87.50 on the 9th and then it goes to $125 below is the link. Make sure your selecting departing Ft Lauderdale Sheltair and arriving at the North Bimini Seaplane base not the South Bimini airport as this is on the sea planes.

https://flytropic.tflite.com/Public/TOA/Booking/Flights

 

[bronze_10]

Flying on a sea plane would be cool.

 

[robert843]

Flying on a sea plane would be cool.

I think so too but will know for sure on the June trip as I booked 4 seat on the 25th for my crew to fly across for $87.50 each it wasn't even worth putting them on my boat and dealing with the headache is anything went wrong but also at that price point if the weather is just perfect and they want to ride across I won't feel bad if the skip the flight.

 

[Rod5]

Does fly tropic handle customs and customs forms or do passengers have to go through customs on their own like us boat captains?

 

[robert843]

Does fly tropic handle customs and customs forms or do passengers have to go through customs on their own like us boat captains?

Even on a commercial flight you have to clear customs in the Bahamas it's something everyone must do. From what I understand the have all the forms at the Sheltair terminal and customs is right there when you step off the plane in Bimini and your on your way. @veedubtek flew with them in 2016 he said it was quick and easy.

 

[robert843]

@Rod5 I do believe all customs fees are included in your fare though so I do not think the pay customs anything.

 

[Rod5]

Got it thanks!! Sorry I poorly worded my question about customs, meant do they have to find customs somewhere on the island like us boaters or was it like you describe near by and obvious when disembarking the plane. I'm guessing the same upon return flights.

 

[Bruce]

Got it thanks!! Sorry I poorly worded my question about customs, meant do they have to find customs somewhere on the island like us boaters or was it like you describe near by and obvious when disembarking the plane. I'm guessing the same upon return flights.

@veedubtek, How did customs work out for you on the seaplane?

If you fly to the airport you receive priority clearance at the airport.

 

[veedubtek]

@veedubtek, How did customs work out for you on the seaplane?

If you fly to the airport you receive priority clearance at the airport.

We literally just hopped off the plane onto the dock (over by RWB), and walked inside this tiny little building. They stamped our passport, and wished us a good day. Super quick and easy. Although, we ended up walking from RWB all the way to Big Game Club. There weren't any taxi's there and we had no cell service. Probably could've walked inside RW and had them call us one or something, but we were just happy to be back in Bimini.

 

[112Vulcan]

I am new to this forum and I am using this guide to research for a possible jet boat purchase. I have been to Bimini a few times on my 29' SeaRay and it's great fun! The question I have is this; why don't you all leave from Miami as it is 42 miles instead of 50 miles? The shorter distance would save gas, your boat and boat if conditions are rough. Just my .02!