Bimini 2018

[Julian]

So many people bring extra fuel but have your tried holding a 5 gallon jug in 6’ Seas when you are trying to pour it in your fuel tank.

Yup...did this for the boat we rescued myself as the captain was so seasick from drifting in high seas for a while, and it wasn't hard at all. I took a docking line, tied it to the side handle on the 5 gallon jug, then stuffed the nozzle in the fuel filler hole and held the tank up via the rope with my elbow on gunnel.....wasn't hard, and I wouldn't go to the extent of setting up a pumping process given my experience. Now that I've actually done it in high seas....I'm totally comfortable with this, but if I'd not thought of using the rope and bracing myself the way I did...yes...it would have been much trickier.

 

[Amar Nanduri]

Yup...did this for the boat we rescued myself as the captain was so seasick from drifting in high seas for a while, and it wasn't hard at all. I took a docking line, tied it to the side handle on the 5 gallon jug, then stuffed the nozzle in the fuel filler hole and held the tank up via the rope with my elbow on gunnel.....wasn't hard, and I wouldn't go to the extent of setting up a pumping process given my experience. Now that I've actually done it in high seas....I'm totally comfortable with this, but if I'd not thought of using the rope and bracing myself the way I did...yes...it would have been much trickier.

Hi Julian. I think we will need a short video or pictures on how this is done in the FAQ. It is a high probability of people running out of gas and no clue on how to fuel up in rough water. A video (or) pictures will certainly help.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

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 ).

 

[Julian]

Hi Julian. I think we will need a short video or pictures on how this is done in the FAQ. It is a high probability of people running out of gas and no clue on how to fuel up in rough water. A video (or) pictures will certainly help.

Boat is at the dealer....when I get her back I'll try to remember to at least take a photo of the position that worked for me.

 

[James R Whitten]

I'm thinking about investing in one of these. But I also have a small cheap electric fuel pump that'll basically to the same thing.

 

[Amar Nanduri]

I'm thinking about investing in one of these. But I also have a small cheap electric fuel pump that'll basically to the same thing.View attachment 67213

Link to above ?

 

[James R Whitten]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/TERA-PU...MIzbGQ4PzB2AIVmKDsCh1q2Q0dEAkYBSABEgJhs_D_BwE

 

[James R Whitten]

This is the one I'm looking to get

 

[James R Whitten]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/TERA-PU...MI3IP6x4vC2AIVj_hkCh1a8wGZEAkYBSABEgLcgvD_BwE

 

[James R Whitten]

Or this one. It's not electric but no batteries required.

 

[Rod5]

I'm thinking about investing in one of these. But I also have a small cheap electric fuel pump that'll basically to the same thing.View attachment 67213

I like this idea!

 

[Julian]

I would still go with good old nozzle and tilt....siphoning is really slow....even these pumps might be slower than pouring. If I hadn't just done it on the water in rough water, I too might be on board with over thinking this....but I'll stick with KISS (Keep it simple)

 

[robert843]

I agree with @Julian the best method on this is the fastest. The racing jugs pour real fast. I always use the no spill jugs just because the don't leak on the boat you would want the extension on the boat. The thing I really like about the no spill jugs is you can use it before you leave to truly fill you boat up to the nozzle before departure to make you have every ounce of gas you can in the tank. I prefer a couple smalls can over a large one as well. I use the 2.5 gallon ones they are easier to manage then a 5 gallon or a 10 gallon tank.

 

[James R Whitten]

To each there own I guess. One of those pumps claims a 3 gpm transfer rate. So it could empty a 5 gallon can in less than 2 minutes. In theory if your proficient enough you should be refueled with 20 gallons of fuel and back ready to go in 10 minutes and your not having to hang over the side of the boat. I think the best way is whatever your comfortable with. There's more than one way to skin a cat.

I do agree the 2.5 gallon cans would be easier to handle.

 

[JKallay]

To each there own I guess. One of those pumps claims a 3 gpm transfer rate. So it could empty a 5 gallon can in less than 2 minutes. In theory if your proficient enough you should be refueled with 20 gallons of fuel and back ready to go in 10 minutes and your not having to hang over the side of the boat. I think the best way is whatever your comfortable with. There's more than one way to skin a cat.

I do agree the 2.5 gallon cans would be easier to handle.

Research shake siphon. This is what I use. Super fast. No hanging over the side. Inexpensive and easy to store.

 

[Rod5]

Research shake siphon. This is what I use. Super fast. No hanging over the side. Inexpensive and easy to store.

This is pretty cool too! I’m just struggling with the fact there’s no motor on it so it’s difficult for me to want it...

 

[swatski]

Call me paranoid/overly cautious/whatever but...
I do not believe I would want ANY electric device or fuel pump around to transfer fuel inside a boat.

--

 

[Amar Nanduri]

This is pretty cool too! I’m just struggling with the fact there’s no motor on it so it’s difficult for me to want it...

All you gotta do is shake it

https://goo.gl/images/UY74xm

 

[Julian]

I agree with @Julian the best method on this is the fastest. The racing jugs pour real fast. I always use the no spill jugs just because the don't leak on the boat you would want the extension on the boat. The thing I really like about the no spill jugs is you can use it before you leave to truly fill you boat up to the nozzle before departure to make you have every ounce of gas you can in the tank. I prefer a couple smalls can over a large one as well. I use the 2.5 gallon ones they are easier to manage then a 5 gallon or a 10 gallon tank.

View attachment 67218

I think I'm going to have to get me one of these! But not sure I'd use it with the boat as you'd have to be over the side holding the button....unless there is a lock on the button?

 

[robert843]

I think I'm going to have to get me one of these! But not sure I'd use it with the boat as you'd have to be over the side holding the button....unless there is a lock on the button?

No over the side at all and no holding the can over the side either. I don't have the boat here but all you have to do is rest the can on the gunnel and hold it there so all the weight is being supported by the boat you are just holding it steady. You cut a piece of hose that is long enough to slide into the fuel filler on the boat and slide it over the nozzle of the no spill can. With your free hand press the button and fuel will begin to dispense. Nice part is no fuel will dispense until you press the button so you can get all set up how you like with no worries of fuel coming out till you are ready unlike a traditional can as once you reach a certain angle of tilt fuel will begin to dispense. I have done this multiple times in the ocean on a ski including on the 2015 Bimini crossing which was a moderately rough crossing with ease.