Bimini 2015 - July 6th to 11th

[upperdeck]

So, my fireworks job just paid me to NOT go during the month of June. Paid me $1000 and another $2k after the 4th if I don't go in June/July.
Anyone up for April/May?
I may look for some of the Bimini fling trips or something because I do NOT want to go across alone, but I still want to do this trip.
How is the weather earlier in the year? What about February, March, April, May?

The Fling dates are always in June and July because of the predictable good weather. But, I know they hold tournaments in Bimini in the winter months. The Sands also has a fairly generous cancelation policy. For us, it's late June or bust because of the kids' summer schedule.

 

[SoFla David]

Heads up - Bahia Mar

http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/07/23/4251573/bahia-mar-sold-may-be-upgraded.html

 

[Andy S]

Heads up - Bahia Mar

http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/07/23/4251573/bahia-mar-sold-may-be-upgraded.html

Sounds like they are going to leave the hotel and marina which will be good for the trip, just hope they don't jack up the price after the new additions.

 

[Volffas]

Our refrigerator in the boat eliminated the need for ice once we got there. We kept spare Gatorade on the boat and refilled the fridge each day.

When you say "refrigerator in the boat" do you mean an actual type of refrigerator, or just a big cooler? If it is a refrigerator can you please explain what it is? I have seen some in truck stops before that operate off of a 12volt cord, is that what you used?

Thanks!

 

[Andy S]

When you say "refrigerator in the boat" do you mean an actual type of refrigerator, or just a big cooler? If it is a refrigerator can you please explain what it is? I have seen some in truck stops before that operate off of a 12volt cord, is that what you used?

Thanks!

This what @Bruce installed, https://jetboaters.net/threads/installing-dometic-waeco-cd-030dcw-refrigerator-in-yamaha-sx230.2630/

 

[chris24]

I'm in next year. I'm a new jet boat owner but I'm ready to go.how do I sign up? who's in charge?Do I have to give my information to anybody?

 

[Bruce]

@chris24, Glad to have you !

@upperdeck is in charge. A list will be assembled closer to time to go. Last year I believe it was in December. You could send him your contact info now if you want.

 

[chris24]

For some reason I can not open the attached file for the Bimini 2015 trip..

 

[Andy S]

I was able to open it without trouble, it is a Word document. @chris24 I sent you a message with the document attached to it and the content pasted directly in the message.

 

[cane.mba]

Ok, if @0627Devildog is in, and Mel is on the fence, I guess I'm in (maybe we can all convince Mel @txav8r to jump in). Party of 4, two adults and two very over active boys (9 and 7 by next June)!

 

[Bruce]

@txav8r and @Julian need to committ to Bimini 2015!

We will bring our by that time 8 year old daughter and almost 6 year old son.

 

[Volffas]

We went 75.06 miles on our boat on the Ohio River yesterday. When we got home my wife said, "Is it bad that every time we go out on the boat, all I can think about is how great the trip to Bimini will be next year?" She is ready to go! It comes up in conversation at least several times per week.

 

[tim h]

I am thinking for next year maybe a little bit longer stay... The time just flies by while your there and next year I want to bring my (will be) 8 and 9 year old girls.
Perhaps 8 nights instead of 5. Maybe cross on a Friday morning instead of Monday morning...
Something to think about...
For me, coming from Wisconsin, a few extra nights wouldn't add that much expense.
Any thoughts/comments ??

 

[Bruce]

@tim h I also would like to stay longer next year. My by that time 8 year old daughter will be excited to have yours along. Once the main group decides on their dates let's figure out how to go early or come back late.

 

[kthrash]

im in to go a few days early.

 

[tim2808]

We brought 0 food. Ate out every meal and loved it. Food was good, prices were average.

Here's my write up from 2014

We ate out EVERY meal in Bimini and drank at most of them Figure $25 for breakfast, $50 for lunch, $60-100 for dinner. It all depends on what you eat. We had a large fresh made pizza for $25 (serving 4 adults), cheeseburger for $13, sushi for $16, mahi-mahi for $28, spicy shrimp for $6, conch salad for $9, etc. those are all per plate prices (except the pizza). So it is "reasonable" considering you are on an island or at a marina. I pay that much for a cheeseburger at a marina here in TN!! So we were very pleased with the food and prices.

I think total with the room & slip at Bahia Mar for 2 nights, 5 nights & slip at The Sands, a hotel stop on the way home in GA, boat gas, souvenirs, golf cart rental, casino money, diesel for a 1,800 mile round trip, all food for the entire trip, all drinks for the entire trip, and having an AWESOME time in a BEAUTIFUL PLACE we spent about $3,500 per couple...... BEFORE the supplies we bought beforehand like gopro, memory cards, GPS app, radio, etc, etc

We would definitely go again too

 

[Cory]

I'd love to do this trip. I'm going to start working on the Mrs. @txav8r we could have a convoy from DFW.

 

[BoatPosers]

We did a FtLauderdale-Bimini run this summer shortly after you guys went, as part of the official Bahamas Boat Fling. Being 'organized' by the Bahamian government means it wasn't terribly well organized but it was an awesome adventure, and the Bahamian authorities presented us with a bottle of rum because our AR240 was the smallest boat to cross. We'll keep an eye on this thread and would love to join y'all in 2015...

 

[Bruce]

Welcome Aboard @BoatPosers! Would be great to have you on the trip next year.

 

[Andy S]

View attachment 10682 We did a FtLauderdale-Bimini run this summer shortly after you guys went, as part of the official Bahamas Boat Fling. Being 'organized' by the Bahamian government means it wasn't terribly well organized but it was an awesome adventure, and the Bahamian authorities presented us with a bottle of rum because our AR240 was the smallest boat to cross. We'll keep an eye on this thread and would love to join y'all in 2015...

In 2011 a group of Yamaha's went via the Bahamas Fling and since then we have done the trip on our on schedule. Once you know the logistics of getting through customs the rest is easy.