2018 Bimini June trip (June 24th - June 30th)

[ThatJeepGuy]

What's everyone's plans for fuel? I talked to someone who usually works the fuel docks here and they have no idea when they're getting fuel again. I was able to fuel up at Blue Water yesterday but it's concerning that only 1 place has fuel. How long until they run out?

No lights at the pool last night.
No bathrooms at the pool.
Fan in our room doesn't work.
A/C can't keep up with this Bahamain heat.
Some lights don't even have lightbulbs.
Hot water non existent.
The room has a toaster but you have to stand and hold the lever down.
Ice coming out of the ice maker has black yuck in it.
Toilet leaks when you flush.
Bathroom vanity won't live much longer
It's clear some condo owners care about their units and others don't.

It's just not the same as previous years.....

 

[Bruce]

I was able to fuel up at Blue Water yesterday but it's concerning that only 1 place has fuel. How long until they run out?

Blue Water filled their tanks on Wednesday. Their supply should not run dry.

I understand that Bimini Sands ordered a refill last week but I have been pushing without success for the date when the tanker will arrive.

There is a fuel plan C but we will not discuss it publicly.

Unfortunately the pool is owned and run by Bimini Sands and outside the control of the POA.

I have passed your comments on to the POA.

 

[ThatJeepGirl]

 

[Julian]

Bimini sands actually has fuel today but they aren't publicizing it.... They have 500ish gallons (this morning)

More fuel is to arrive Wed or Thursday.

Honeymoon harbor tomorrow?

 

[Julian]

Created a photo and video thread for Bimini 2018

https://jetboaters.net/threads/bimini-2018-june-photo-and-video-thread.18383/

 

[bronze_10]

Are westill targeting tuesday as a honeymoon harbor day?

yes... they just mentioned it on the radio... planning on everyone meeting there around noon according to AndyS

 

[justason]

yes... they just mentioned it on the radio... planning on everyone meeting there around noon according to AndyS

I’d expect us there well before noon or we’ll do a flyby on the sapona early

 

[robert cabrerea]

Stay safe and have a ball you guys. Just the fact you all have the cojones to venture out without land anywhere is bad ass get back safe.

 

[AndyD]

What's everyone's plans for fuel? I talked to someone who usually works the fuel docks here and they have no idea when they're getting fuel again. I was able to fuel up at Blue Water yesterday but it's concerning that only 1 place has fuel. How long until they run out?

No lights at the pool last night.
No bathrooms at the pool.
Fan in our room doesn't work.
A/C can't keep up with this Bahamain heat.
Some lights don't even have lightbulbs.
Hot water non existent.
The room has a toaster but you have to stand and hold the lever down.
Ice coming out of the ice maker has black yuck in it.
Toilet leaks when you flush.
Bathroom vanity won't live much longer
It's clear some condo owners care about their units and others don't.

It's just not the same as previous years.....

I agree with some of the amenity concerns. I wasn’t expecting the Waldorf but still... We had no AC and the temporary unit had no AC either. Took three tries and two days to get us to a cool place to relax. Fingers crossed that it holds 5 more days!

 

[justason]

Well we have AC. But our clothes washer is dead. Our dryer works. Can we borrow someones washer tomorrow?

 

[Bruce]

Well we have AC. But our clothes washer is dead. Our dryer works. Can we borrow someones washer tomorrow?

I think but am uncertain that there are washers and dryers available to use in the building behind the office.

But use of one in a condo near you would be much more convenient. Can you confirm that you are in 3D?

 

[bronze_10]

Well we have AC. But our clothes washer is dead. Our dryer works. Can we borrow someones washer tomorrow?

u can use ours... works fine for now.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Well we have AC. But our clothes washer is dead. Our dryer works. Can we borrow someones washer tomorrow?

It’s ok mon.... jus pour sum rum of that s$&t.

 

[swatski]

So to make sure I am understanding correctly, the waves are getting high/fast enough that taking one over the bow is the biggest concern right? Is structural integrity of the hull ever an issue? Do you guys see other bowriders out and about in this kind of mess? If not are Yamaha owners just crazier than others? Is it the "self bailing" cockpit design that allows these kind of shenanigans? If waves over the bow are the biggest concern, would a snap on bow cover be enough to keep the majority of the water out of the cockpit? How does one learn how to pilot in these kinds of conditions? Straight up experience?

Clearly I have no idea what I'm doing in the ocean, but consider myself a competent pilot/captain on smaller water. I've been on the Ohio River in what I thought at the time were 2-3ft swells before on particularly stormy/windy days, but it didn't look nearly this rough. I've also been on Lake Michigan in what I was told were "pretty big rollers". Am I capable of making this type of trip in my 190, or should I just keep myself safe and stay away? What kind of education/credentials do I need to make this happen?

In all seriousness, if you have never gone off shore in a small-ish boat, the Bimini trip may not be the best first time. Yes, you would be going with a group but there are very limited options for help, short of just ditching the boat and transferring the crew. The logistics and cost are also significant.

Our first trip was fine for me, but not fine for my wife. While I never felt we were in danger or unsafe on that trip and frankly loved every moment of it, her perception was dramatically different, as afterwards she actually told me... she did not think we were going to live through the crossing... It surprised me, and made me feel terrible I was not able to see the situation through her eyes.
It is a bit like that: imagine you like big roller-caster rides and are a thrill seeker, and take yourself and the spouse on a Vegas Startosphere (scary) ride, only to find out she is afraid of heights (of something like that)...

Also keep in mind, big river chop can be dreadful but it is not the same as pounding big swells for hours when you do not see the land. Kind of makes one feel really small and insignificant. I actually love the feeling, lol, always had, and wanted to expose my kids. Well, turned out two of my three daughters LOVE being out there. The third one and my wife do not care for it.

Just my 0.02, sharing some personal experience, YMMV!
But I will say crossing in a 190 yammie, if it gets even a bit rough, is not for everyone.

--

 

[MrMoose]

What's everyone's plans for fuel? I talked to someone who usually works the fuel docks here and they have no idea when they're getting fuel again. I was able to fuel up at Blue Water yesterday but it's concerning that only 1 place has fuel. How long until they run out?

No lights at the pool last night.
No bathrooms at the pool.
Fan in our room doesn't work.
A/C can't keep up with this Bahamain heat.
Some lights don't even have lightbulbs.
Hot water non existent.
The room has a toaster but you have to stand and hold the lever down.
Ice coming out of the ice maker has black yuck in it.
Toilet leaks when you flush.
Bathroom vanity won't live much longer
It's clear some condo owners care about their units and others don't.

It's just not the same as previous years.....

What's your condo # @ThatJeepGuy ?? It will be good to know.

 

[Valerie]

Our washer and dryer works if anyone needs them

 

[Valerie]

Can we please confirm the plans for the “meet and greet” at honeymoon harbor ?

 

[2kwik4u]

In all seriousness, if you have never gone off shore in a small-ish boat, the Bimini trip may not be the best first time. Yes, you would be going with a group but there are very limited options for help, short of just ditching the boat and transferring the crew. The logistics and cost are also significant.

Our first trip was fine for me, but not fine for my wife. While I never felt we were in danger or unsafe on that trip and frankly loved every moment of it, her perception was dramatically different, as afterwards she actually told me... she did not think we were going to live through the crossing... It surprised me, and made me feel terrible I was not able to see the situation through her eyes.
It is a bit like that: imagine you like big roller-caster rides and are a thrill seeker, and take yourself and the spouse on a Vegas Startosphere (scary) ride, only to find out she is afraid of heights (of something like that)...

Also keep in mind, big river chop can be dreadful but it is not the same as pounding big swells for hours when you do not see the land. Kind of makes one feel really small and insignificant. I actually love the feeling, lol, always had, and wanted to expose my kids. Well, turned out two of my three daughters LOVE being out there. The third one and my wife do not care for it.

Just my 0.02, sharing some personal experience, YMMV!
But I will say crossing in a 190 yammie, if it gets even a bit rough, is not for everyone.

--

Thanks for the thoughts. The logistics, and risk are definitely some huge considerations. I had considered making it an "adults only" trip for us and another couple. Fly/ferry the ladies over and let me and a buddy take the risks. I suspect my wife would be much like yours and I much like you. Time of the life for me, literally scared for her life and afraid to say anything for her. We'll see how it goes on future planning. There are some honest and hard conversations to be had there I think.

I really do appreciate the inputs from all. If we get serious about making the journey you better believe my question list will expand in a hurry!

Best wishes to all that are there now. Safe travels and safe return voyage! If I was a praying man I'd say a few for you all.

 

[bronze_10]

@andys said to meet there at noon... @justason and I and maybe a few others are going to go a little earlier. 9 to 10ish.

 

[Bruce]

As you head to Honeymoon Harbor you will see a mooring ball on the West side of Turtle Rocks. If you tie to that mooring ball and snorkel to the island heading South East you will find beautiful coral and fish. Several boats can tie up either in a chain or rafted to the mooring ball.

My family found this to be a better experience than the Sapona.