Bimini 2015 - July 6th to 11th

[Andy S]

Question for folks who have passed before. Let's say your battery dies while you're over there. Does Bimini have any solutions there or do you all bring a backup?

Don't depend on anything being available in Bimini. If something happens early in the trip there might be time to have something shipped over from the states before we all leave.

 

[ScarabMike]

Cant go guys. Im in NC, and will probably be called to keep travelling by my company till storm season is in full swing. Ill try again next year.

 

[robert843]

Question for folks who have passed before. Let's say your battery dies while you're over there. Does Bimini have any solutions there or do you all bring a backup?

If we were in outboard boats you would prob be able to find a few things but especially with the jet skis I would make sure everything is right before you leave prob won't be a ton of parts over there. I relaced both of mines battery's, spark plugs and oil in the last few weeks just in prep for this. My emergency kit includes basic tools hose clamps and an extra spark plugs for both and a plug tool. The extra plugs are over kill since I just replaced them and both of my skis are new four strokes that only require new plugs every 50-100 hours but as mentioned they prob won't be available over so would rather be safe than sorry.

 

[tim h]

Float Plan filed...BUT NOT activated...

All is good so far !

The clock is tickin'

 

[Andy S]

One thing every boat owner needs to bring is their boat registration, Bahamas Customs will want to see it.

 

[ThatJeepGuy]

You guys are killing me and everyone who can't make it. I bought my boat in early May after trading in the Ol SeaDoo and have been scrambling to be ready for this trip. Doubt I'll make it. Still waiting for my passport. The next time I'll be available for vacation is late August. I hope it's not too late in the season.

 

[JROD]

Our dates have been selected!

This thread has been updated for the Bimini 2015 trip. It is important to notify me of your commitment to participate so that I can keep an accurate headcount. Please provide a contact cellular phone number, number of people on your boat, boat model/make. This personal information will only be shared by the few organizers of the event.

The dates have been changed to July to allow for a 15% discount/group rate that @Bruce arranged for our group at Bimini Sands. We need 15 rooms/condos for the group rate.

DATES
Captain's Meeting - Evening of July 5th at the BahiaMar or nearby.
Departure for Bimini - 6am July 6th from the BahiaMar.
Departure for Ft. Lauderdale - 6am July 11th.

BAHIA MAR HOTEL IN FT. LAUDERDALE
Make your reservation for the BahiaMar hotel at 1-954-764-2233. Sorry, group rate policy was too strict make a group reservation at this hotel.

Make your reservation for your slip at the BahiaMar by calling or filling out the below form. There IS a group rate for the slips at $1.25/ft, no minimum. Their phone number is 954.627.6309. They are located at the BahiaMar hotel, but are a separate business. The group name is "Jet Boaters."

BIMINI SANDS CONDOS
The group name here is also "Jet Boaters." Make your reservation at the Bimini Sands by filling out the attached form and/or contacting them at 242.347.3500 (international call). If you are requesting a specific room, please call 242.347.3500. For general reservations you can call their toll free number at 800.737.1007. If you are emailing your reservation, please email the form to jonisha@southbiminisands.com or lavon@southbiminisands.com. Below you will find their discounted rates and their reservation form. The discount applies to your slip as well.

CUSTOMS
Please remember to fill out the customs form (also attached). We also hope to have the immigration forms available at the captain's meeting. The custom's form needs to be completed by the master of the vessel. This form should be downloaded and filled out prior to departure. Each person/family needs to fill out the immigration form but cannot be downloaded. More info on customs/immigration can be found at Bahamas.com/boating or http://www.bahamas.com/boating-enter-exit

PIGROAST
Last year we had a fabulous potluck/pigroast at honeymoon harbor. Everyone backed their boat up to the beach and put their spread on the swim decks. It was an awesome time and even included a couple of engagements!

@Bruce has already volunteered to supply the razorback ham!

Throw in with your menu, I'm already getting hungry!

https://jetboaters.net/threads/bimini-2015-potluck-pigroast.4412/

T-SHIRTS
Last year @andy07sx230ho put together some awesome t-shirts!

More info here
https://jetboaters.net/threads/2015-bimini-shirts.4413/

BIMINI INFO
Lots of helpful info about preparation and the destination is posted in the thread Preparing For Bimini https://jetboaters.net/threads/preparing-for-bimini.3800/

THANKS
Thanks to @Bruce, @andy07sx230ho , and @justason for their help organizing all of this for our group!

CONFIRMED PARTICIPANTS
@upperdeck Unit 12A, from Milwaukee WI, 212X, 4 adults, 4 kids
@andy07sx230ho, 7Q, from Chapin, SC, SX230, 4 adults
@Bruce, 21M, from Royal AR, SX230, 2 adults, 8 year old daughter, 5 year old son
@tim h 4Q, big ass boat, FL, 2 adults, 2 kids
@veedubtek and @DieselCamel, 1A, Winston Salem, NC, 4 adults
@chris24, 15B, from Tampa FL, 212SS, two people, maybe more.
@kthrash 8E and 8F, from Madison MS, 212X, 4 adults, 4 kids
@robert843, 7B, From Myrtle Beach, SC info to follow
@Justin G., 3D, From Hinckley, IL, 4 adults, 1 child
@waterboy 15J, from Holly Springs, NC, 2 adults
@zedxmike, 12B, from Orlando, FL, 2 adults
@1948Isaac from Cape Coral, FL
@BigJay17 from Orlano, Fl, 2 adults, 3 kids
@Tony Sweasy, Enterprise, AL, 3 adults
@Kristen, info to come
@DiverB, Harrison TWP, Michigan, 1 adult
@ScarabMike, Fleming Island, FL
@ArmyChief, 21R, AR192, North Port, FL, 1 couples, 1 teens
@David Hoff, 16B & 16C, AR210, Atlanta, GA, 2 adults, 2 kids
@Ramblin Wreck, 4K, Ski, Atlanta, GA, 2 adults, 1 child.
@MrMoose, 10F, AR240, Spring, TX, 3 persons

PICTURES FROM BIMINI 2014
@waterboy's pictures are in the gallery at https://jetboaters.net/media/albums/bimini-2014.134/
@Bruce and @Tylers pictures are in the gallery at https://jetboaters.net/media/albums/bimini-2014.120/

#Bimini2015

We have a Preparing For Bimini thread with useful information at https://jetboaters.net/threads/preparing-for-bimini.3800/ (Added by Bruce)

Our dates have been selected!

This thread has been updated for the Bimini 2015 trip. It is important to notify me of your commitment to participate so that I can keep an accurate headcount. Please provide a contact cellular phone number, number of people on your boat, boat model/make. This personal information will only be shared by the few organizers of the event.

The dates have been changed to July to allow for a 15% discount/group rate that @Bruce arranged for our group at Bimini Sands. We need 15 rooms/condos for the group rate.

DATES
Captain's Meeting - Evening of July 5th at the BahiaMar or nearby.
Departure for Bimini - 6am July 6th from the BahiaMar.
Departure for Ft. Lauderdale - 6am July 11th.

BAHIA MAR HOTEL IN FT. LAUDERDALE
Make your reservation for the BahiaMar hotel at 1-954-764-2233. Sorry, group rate policy was too strict make a group reservation at this hotel.

Make your reservation for your slip at the BahiaMar by calling or filling out the below form. There IS a group rate for the slips at $1.25/ft, no minimum. Their phone number is 954.627.6309. They are located at the BahiaMar hotel, but are a separate business. The group name is "Jet Boaters."

BIMINI SANDS CONDOS
The group name here is also "Jet Boaters." Make your reservation at the Bimini Sands by filling out the attached form and/or contacting them at 242.347.3500 (international call). If you are requesting a specific room, please call 242.347.3500. For general reservations you can call their toll free number at 800.737.1007. If you are emailing your reservation, please email the form to jonisha@southbiminisands.com or lavon@southbiminisands.com. Below you will find their discounted rates and their reservation form. The discount applies to your slip as well.

CUSTOMS
Please remember to fill out the customs form (also attached). We also hope to have the immigration forms available at the captain's meeting. The custom's form needs to be completed by the master of the vessel. This form should be downloaded and filled out prior to departure. Each person/family needs to fill out the immigration form but cannot be downloaded. More info on customs/immigration can be found at Bahamas.com/boating or http://www.bahamas.com/boating-enter-exit

PIGROAST
Last year we had a fabulous potluck/pigroast at honeymoon harbor. Everyone backed their boat up to the beach and put their spread on the swim decks. It was an awesome time and even included a couple of engagements!

@Bruce has already volunteered to supply the razorback ham!

Throw in with your menu, I'm already getting hungry!

https://jetboaters.net/threads/bimini-2015-potluck-pigroast.4412/

T-SHIRTS
Last year @andy07sx230ho put together some awesome t-shirts!

More info here
https://jetboaters.net/threads/2015-bimini-shirts.4413/

BIMINI INFO
Lots of helpful info about preparation and the destination is posted in the thread Preparing For Bimini https://jetboaters.net/threads/preparing-for-bimini.3800/

THANKS
Thanks to @Bruce, @andy07sx230ho , and @justason for their help organizing all of this for our group!

CONFIRMED PARTICIPANTS
@upperdeck Unit 12A, from Milwaukee WI, 212X, 4 adults, 4 kids
@andy07sx230ho, 7Q, from Chapin, SC, SX230, 4 adults
@Bruce, 21M, from Royal AR, SX230, 2 adults, 8 year old daughter, 5 year old son
@tim h 4Q, big ass boat, FL, 2 adults, 2 kids
@veedubtek and @DieselCamel, 1A, Winston Salem, NC, 4 adults
@chris24, 15B, from Tampa FL, 212SS, two people, maybe more.
@kthrash 8E and 8F, from Madison MS, 212X, 4 adults, 4 kids
@robert843, 7B, From Myrtle Beach, SC info to follow
@Justin G., 3D, From Hinckley, IL, 4 adults, 1 child
@waterboy 15J, from Holly Springs, NC, 2 adults
@zedxmike, 12B, from Orlando, FL, 2 adults
@1948Isaac from Cape Coral, FL
@BigJay17 from Orlano, Fl, 2 adults, 3 kids
@Tony Sweasy, Enterprise, AL, 3 adults
@Kristen, info to come
@DiverB, Harrison TWP, Michigan, 1 adult
@ScarabMike, Fleming Island, FL
@ArmyChief, 21R, AR192, North Port, FL, 1 couples, 1 teens
@David Hoff, 16B & 16C, AR210, Atlanta, GA, 2 adults, 2 kids
@Ramblin Wreck, 4K, Ski, Atlanta, GA, 2 adults, 1 child.
@MrMoose, 10F, AR240, Spring, TX, 3 persons

PICTURES FROM BIMINI 2014
@waterboy's pictures are in the gallery at https://jetboaters.net/media/albums/bimini-2014.134/
@Bruce and @Tylers pictures are in the gallery at https://jetboaters.net/media/albums/bimini-2014.120/

#Bimini2015

We have a Preparing For Bimini thread with useful information at https://jetboaters.net/threads/preparing-for-bimini.3800/ (Added by Bruce)

I would like to join this Bimini trip on my jet ski, but concerned that in rougher seas I may not be able to keep up with boats?

 

[Andy S]

I would like to join this Bimini trip on my jet ski, but concerned that in rougher seas I may not be able to keep up with boats?

There are at least 3 jet skis going, so you will have company. Also, this group will not leave anyone.

 

[JROD]

There are at least 3 jet skis going, so you will have company. Also, this group will not leave anyone.

HOOAH! Great! I am in! What next?

 

[Andy S]

For our group all you have to do is show up for the captains meeting at the Bahia Mar on Sunday night July 5th.

Other thing you will need to do:
Book a room at the Bahia Mar for at least Sunday, July 5th, so of us will also be there on the 4th.
Book a slip at the Bahia Mar Marina.
Reserve a condo at Bimini Sands or any location in Bimini.
File a float plan with US Customs.

If you are interested I have a few Bimini shirts leftover, https://jetboaters.net/threads/2015-bimini-shirts.4413/page-6#post-101194

Here are a few more threads to review.
https://jetboaters.net/threads/bimini-vhf-mmsi.5266/page-3#post-109039
https://jetboaters.net/threads/preparing-for-bimini.3800/
https://jetboaters.net/threads/bimini-2015-potluck-pigroast.4412/

 

[JROD]

I would like to join this Bimini trip on my jet ski, but concerned that in rougher seas I may not be able to keep up with boats?

I would like to join this Bimini trip on my jet ski, but concerned that in rougher seas I may not be able to keep up with boats?

My cell#910-885-5571, 2007 Yamaha FX Cruiser HO Jet Ski and just me riding it. I am looking for the possibility of my wife riding on a boat with someone on this group and willing to pay for it.

 

[JROD]

For our group all you have to do is show up for the captains meeting at the Bahia Mar on Sunday night July 5th.

Other thing you will need to do:
Book a room at the Bahia Mar for at least Sunday, July 5th, so of us will also be there on the 4th.
Book a slip at the Bahia Mar Marina.
Reserve a condo at Bimini Sands or any location in Bimini.
File a float plan with US Customs.

If you are interested I have a few Bimini shirts leftover, https://jetboaters.net/threads/2015-bimini-shirts.4413/page-6#post-101194

Here are a few more threads to review.
https://jetboaters.net/threads/bimini-vhf-mmsi.5266/page-3#post-109039
https://jetboaters.net/threads/preparing-for-bimini.3800/
https://jetboaters.net/threads/bimini-2015-potluck-pigroast.4412/

Thanks BIG! I'll take a large, white short sleeve T-shirt.

 

[Andy S]

Thanks BIG! I'll take a large, white short sleeve T-shirt.

I just sent you a PM with payment info for the shirt, THANKS ordering one!

 

[Bruce]

You guys are killing me and everyone who can't make it. I bought my boat in early May after trading in the Ol SeaDoo and have been scrambling to be ready for this trip. Doubt I'll make it. Still waiting for my passport. The next time I'll be available for vacation is late August. I hope it's not too late in the season.

There are services that can get your passport overnight. We got ours in a few days last year.

 

[Bruce]

Is anyone else watching the wave forecast? The seven day forecast has mostly one foot seas building to 2 foot on the 2nd which is the end of the forecast.

 

[Andy S]

Is anyone else watching the wave forecast? The seven day forecast has mostly one foot seas building to 2 foot on the 2nd which is the end of the forecast.

Been watching and liking the trend I'm seeing, early in the month is was continuous 2'-3'.

 

[upperdeck]

I've seen the same forecasts. Passageweather.com

 

[robert843]

Been watching and liking the trend I'm seeing, early in the month is was continuous 2'-3'.

Yeah it's looking a little better then it had. It was like mentioned 2-3's across the whole area now there is a lot of white on that map.

 

[robert843]

@JROD you should be fine to keep up with the boats. I have done a bunch of off shore runs latley and even in 2-3 ft seas if it's clean I can hold a pace of 35 mph. I will admit once it jumps to 3-4ft that number falls pretty sharply down to about 20-25 but I would imagine those seas would also restrict most of the boats under 24ft to similar speeds. Just throw the wife on the back of the ski I know several people who have ridden 2 up across if the conditions are descent it's not that bad in fact the extra weight would help the ski track and stay planted better. Below is a video of friends of mine who went last September the had 7 people on 5 skis so 2 where riding 2 up the still made both crossings in less than 2 hours even with 2 skis carrying passengers.

 

[JROD]

@JROD you should be fine to keep up with the boats. I have done a bunch of off shore runs latley and even in 2-3 ft seas if it's clean I can hold a pace of 35 mph. I will admit once it jumps to 3-4ft that number falls pretty sharply down to about 20-25 but I would imagine those seas would also restrict most of the boats under 24ft to similar speeds. Just throw the wife on the back of the ski I know several people who have ridden 2 up across if the conditions are descent it's not that bad in fact the extra weight would help the ski track and stay planted better. Below is a video of friends of mine who went last September the had 7 people on 5 skis so 2 where riding 2 up the still made both crossings in less than 2 hours even with 2 skis carrying passengers.

Robert, AWESOME! Thanks BIG for all your help on this! Wife, Trudy, has many jet ski miles with me but due to recent knee issue don't want to risk making it worse with all the inevitable wave jumping impacts etc. All fail, I'll fly her over like I did last year.

Thanks again, looking forward to meeting you.

Juan