Hello all -
July 6 or 7th through July 12 or 13th of 2019
I will be a first time crosser this year and these are the BEST dates for my family to go. I can use the 4th Holiday to get to Florida and save a little vacation time. I have read almost every Bimini thread and we've been planning on doing this since last summer. We are going one way or another!!
I am really not the person who should be leading the group across the Ocean as it will be my first crossing, but I am quite capable of doing other planning etc.
I am hoping some experienced crossers want to join based on these dates. I am open to suggestions on where to stay and such. I was looking at Big Game Club as my preferred alternate. Also with a smaller group maybe we don't have to add in a night a Bahia Mar, but I am open to that if its best.
I really just want to get the discussion started for these dates. I am flexible for departure to Bimini on Saturday, Sunday or Monday. I would prefer to cross back on Saturday but I am also flexible there too.
About me: I am an experienced inland boater, I have owned a boat since I was 11 years old (Dad's boat) and I bought my Yamaha 212 Ltd S new in July 2017. I have many years experience in a 19' open bow I/O on Lake Michigan. My boat and crew will be equipped and prepared for a solo crossing, but it is not my preference. My first mate is my 20 year old son who has been boating since diapers. Crew of 4 total.
Lets do it!
Edits
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Important highlights:
Please read this thoroughly:
https://jetboaters.net/threads/preparing-for-bimini.3800/#coast
This is my first time crossing to Bimini, however I am an experienced boater and have lots of group organization experience as well. This trip starts with a 57 mile crossing from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini Bahamas. We start with a 6:30 AM departure from the
Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel.
This is a smaller crossing group than in past years so please keep in mind that as the Captain you are responsible for your boat and crew. ALL boats should have VHF radio. When all is said and done, if you aren’t prepared for a solo crossing, then you aren’t prepared to cross with this group.
All boats need to carry sufficient fuel to reach Bimini with a reasonable reserve. For most of our boats that is simply a full tank but for 192/195s that is perhaps an extra 25 gallons.
All boats should maintain sufficient speed to keep up with the group. At minimum that speed will be planing speed. In decent water our speed will be around 30 MPH at which our boats are most efficient. In rougher water we will (try) maintain MINIMUM 25MPH.
Sunday 6:00 PM Captains meeting(s) at
Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel.
Monday 6:30 AM Departure from the
Bahia Mar Yachting Center for Bimini Bahamas.
Saturday ~ 6:00 AM Departure for Fort Lauderdale (Meeting place to be determined later)
It is your decision if you want to take your boat out of Port Everglades and attempt the crossing. I am sure that we will all be monitoring the weather and wave forecasts, keep in mind, the forecast may be wrong. If you do venture out of Port Everglades it is your responsibility to get your crew safely to Bimini or return them to Port Everglades. If you experience difficulties other boats will attempt to help but in conditions such as those experienced in 2015 there is very little that another boat of our size and type can do. If you do take on water please keep your crew on your boat. Once in the water your crew will be moving at an average of 4 mph in the Gulf Stream. It is much safer to stay in the boat and wait for rescue. You need to monitor your fuel consumption. If fuel consumption becomes an issue you need to travel at a more efficient speed.
Stopping - we will do our best to handle any issues that occur within our group. From previous threads I expect a stop part of the way into the trip to clean out seaweed. If a boat needs to stop the others in the group will either circle or stop depending on the conditions. As stated before there is very little that another boat of our size and type can do.
During the crossing we will use VHF marine radios to communicate between boats. In the United States it is not legal to use VHF radios on land. Once in the Bahamas they will be used for communication on shore as well. On shore they are basically a party line to organize outings, find friends, etc.
As users report confirmed details they will be added-
Confirmed:
Trip Leader:
@afsigma21 -
Confirmed at Bahia Mar, 7/8 to 7/13
Confirmed cottage and slip at Bimini Big Game Club 2017 212 Ltd S crew of 5 (Sea Goooals)
Confirmed for Trip with details:
@jaburt - 2017 Vetern.
confirmed 07/08-13, house in canal, SB 2016 242 242X E
@Blue Hawaiian - 1st time,
confirmed 07/08-13, Resort World condo with slip, NB 2018 AR195.
@AJack -
Confirmed 07/08 -12, Resort World condo with slip, NB; 2018 SX24
@SlowDorado -1st time,
confirmed 07/08 - 11 21' Scout
@jctaylor crew of 3,
confirmed at Hilton at Resort World. 2019 Sea Hunt Ultra 211
@Big Papa crew of 3,
confirmed at Bahia Mar Jul 7th & Hilton at Resort World
@BTaylor Crew of 6 on 3 jet skis -
confirmed at Hilton - 1 - Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO, 1 - Yamaha VX Deluxe, 1 - Yamaha V1 Sport. July 8th - 13th
Question Marks:
@Yamaha212limiteds – Crew of 5 with 212 Ltd S, waiting on Resv confirmation.
@chris34 – Originally messaged me he was confirmed, need confirmation of dates/ Stays
leonard delia need details and confirmation
@LayneG is a maybe
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