Bimini 2019 July 7th (Bahia Mar) depart July 8th for Bimini return July 13th

[jaburt]

Which one did you rent?

“Playtime”

 

[thefortunes]

We may be interested in going during this timeframe.

My boat (filled with 4 couples - we were crazy) was one of the original 12(?) that originated this back in 2011 with Jeff & Andy.

 

[Blue Hawaiian]

Below are the confirmed, to be confirm list for captains, please feel free to edit/modify/add/amend for better understand and accuracy.

@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


-@Julian - countless time crossing, vetern; Date changed to 07/01-08. 2016 242X E 24.
- @DIRTYOAR - reroute to Abacus


there are 10 boats able to go, and are waiting for further information and detail.

@afsigma21 - 1st crossing, years inland experience, solo with son, crew of 4; 2017 limited S 21.
@thefortunes - reroute to Eastern Mediterranean cruise, ship with 24H A/C 2005 SX230
@chris34 - 2nd trip to Bahama, 1st time Bimini. family trip with 2 kids; 2000 Speedster 30.
@Robert Benedict - 1st time; 2006 SX21
@Av8tor07 - 1st time; 2016 X21
@J Balance - ? 2019 242 Ltd E
@jsoell - ? 2011 Ltd S 24
@Yamaha212limiteds - 1st time; 2018 Limited S 21



Will depart 0600 , Monday of July 8 from Bahia Mar Marina ( also named Bahia Mar Yachting Center, Double tree by Hilton) direct without fueling. when weather permitted .

Please make sure to go through "preparing for Bimini" link below for all practices, and all resources you can rely on for crossing
https://jetboaters.net/threads/preparing-for-bimini.3800/

 

[Yamaha212limiteds]

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!

Count me in.

 

[AJack]

I'm about 70% on the side of going. Still unsure about the logistics. Is this the type where we are traveling in numbers for safety, but lodging coordination is done individually? I've been looking around VRBOs, but seems like it's slim picking or too expensive to find something that I can dock the boat nearby.

As for my stats, this'll be my first Bimini trip. My family is 5 (3 children ranging from 4-9). I may drop the children at the Grandparents. Experience includes owning an I/O about 15 years ago, and then a long break until I got the Yamaha last year. I've been using it in Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Recently, I've been playing around in 3'-4' waves, getting the family accustomed to it.

i went through all forum from top, there are 12 in total ( including me) are ok with dates, please feel free to edit/modify/add/amend for better understand and accuracy.

- @DIRTYOAR - reroute to Abacus
- @AJack - 50/50 2018 SX24

there are 10 boats able to go, and are waiting for further information and detail, except @jaburt has confirmed the place to stay.

@afsigma21 - 1st crossing, years inland experience, solo with son, crew of 4; 2017 limited S 21.
@Julian - countless time crossing, vetern; 2016 242X E 24.
@chris34 - 2nd trip to Bahama, 1st time Bimini. family trip with 2 kids; 2000 Speedster 30.
@Blue Hawaiian - 1st time, great lakes experience, drive w/h son, girls ferry over; 2018 AR195.
@Robert Benedict - 1st time; 2006 SX21
@Av8tor07 - 1st time; 2016 X21
@J Balance - ? 2019 242 Ltd E
@jsoell - ? 2011 Ltd S 24
@jaburt - 2017 Vetern. confirmed 07/08-13; 2016 242 242X E
@Yamaha212limiteds - 1st time; 2018 Limited S 21
@thefortunes - 2011 or 12 crossing, 4 couples; 2005 SX 23

 

[Dean P]

@AJack I'm going to Treasure Cay in Abacos with @DIRTYOAR, @Amar Nanduri and a few others from 7/06-7/14.

As you noted, safety in number and you are responsible for your own accomodations. Let me know if I can help.

 

[Bruce]

@Dean P, most first time Gulf Stream crossers are stressed out when they arrive in Bimini even on a good crossing. Planning in advance the crossing is more likely to be rough than smooth.

I would not recommend anything further than Bimini or West End for first time crossers. They might get lucky and have an easy crossing and the second hop is likely to be easier but I have seen many who crossed to Bimini who were beaten and would not have been able to go any further on their first crossing.

 

[Dean P]

@Dean P, most first time Gulf Stream crossers are stressed out when they arrive in Bimini even on a good crossing. Planning in advance the crossing is more likely to be rough than smooth.

I would not recommend anything further than Bimini or West End for first time crossers. They might get lucky and have an easy crossing and the second hop is likely to be easier but I have seen many who crossed to Bimini who were beaten and would not have been able to go any further on their first crossing.

Good point. Thank you!

 

[Berrie]

@Dean P, most first time Gulf Stream crossers are stressed out when they arrive in Bimini even on a good crossing. Planning in advance the crossing is more likely to be rough than smooth.

I would not recommend anything further than Bimini or West End for first time crossers. They might get lucky and have an easy crossing and the second hop is likely to be easier but I have seen many who crossed to Bimini who were beaten and would not have been able to go any further on their first crossing.

I wholeheartedly agree.
My first crossing was to West End, no buddy boats. We ran into a cell that was hovering over West End which turned the last 10 miles into a 3-4’ washing machine with whitecaps everywhere. It was rough.
Once we got there and cleared customs, I was emotionally drained and needed another hour before I was ready to go on to the Abacos. And we were on our 31’ cruiser.

 

[Blue Hawaiian]

i had a call to Bimini Sand marina toll free this noon, Merci said the phone number of 1.888.588-2464 has been forwarded to this management office, the property has been sold, she has no idea when the transaction will be complete, or any idea of what exactly. ask me to local Marina directly.

Called 242.347-3500 wish to talk to Donnie or Fritz, unfortunately, ......the number is no longer in services.

 

[Bruce]

i had a call to Bimini Sand marina toll free this noon, Merci said the phone number of 1.888.588-2464 has been forwarded to this management office, the property has been sold, she has no idea when the transaction will be complete, or any idea of what exactly. ask me to local Marina directly.

Called 242.347-3500 wish to talk to Donnie or Fritz, unfortunately, ......the number is no longer in services.

There certainly is a sale in progress. The buyer has not been officially announced. The best information that I have is that the sale is in escrow, the American buyer wants to make a lot of improvements but it is unlikely that there will be an official rental pool for summer 2019.

It is possible to rent some condos directly from their owners. Those condos are filling up since they are the only ones available. The dining facilities and much of the normal services are shut down.

At this point Donnie and Fritz still work for Peter who attempted to sabotage group visits to Bimini Sands last year. Currently the marina is full of boats being stored for $100 a week in slips that would normally rent for that a day!

Until new owners take over it is impossible to know if the sale will close. Then it will be a question of what positive change occurs and how slowly.

 

[Blue Hawaiian]

There certainly is a sale in progress. The buyer has not been officially announced. The best information that I have is that the sale is in escrow, the American buyer wants to make a lot of improvements but it is unlikely that there will be an official rental pool for summer 2019.

It is possible to rent some condos directly from their owners. Those condos are filling up since they are the only ones available. The dining facilities and much of the normal services are shut down.

At this point Donnie and Fritz still work for Peter who attempted to sabotage group visits to Bimini Sands last year. Currently the marina is full of boats being stored for $100 a week in slips that would normally rent for that a day!

Until new owners take over it is impossible to know if the sale will close. Then it will be a question of what positive change occurs and how slowly.

the risk may be unable to reach them to confirm by phone prior to book a lodge, i contact few of condo owner, they have now idea what about the Marina, i am just worry if unable to dock the boat when arrive ( or really have to bet on it if season open), or Do you think that shouldn't be a problem ?

 

[Bruce]

the risk may be unable to reach them to confirm by phone prior to book a lodge, i contact few of condo owner, they have now idea what about the Marina, i am just worry if unable to dock the boat when arrive ( or really have to bet on it if season open), or Do you think that shouldn't be a problem ?

Do you already have a condo reservation?

Donnie and Fritz are good guys. Hopefully they will be retained under new ownership.

Currently they work for Peter Maury who sabotaged our visits last year.

Most likely new owners will be operating Bimini Sands before summer.

I would wait to make slip reservations with the new ownership unless the owner of the condo that you rented can provide a slip.

I doubt there will be an issue getting a skip with most of the rental condos unavailable.

Due to the small number of condos available for direct rental getting a condo should be a much bigger issue than getting a slip.

 

[Amar Nanduri]

@Dean P, most first time Gulf Stream crossers are stressed out when they arrive in Bimini even on a good crossing. Planning in advance the crossing is more likely to be rough than smooth.

I would not recommend anything further than Bimini or West End for first time crossers. They might get lucky and have an easy crossing and the second hop is likely to be easier but I have seen many who crossed to Bimini who were beaten and would not have been able to go any further on their first crossing.

Totally agree. @DIRTYOAR and @Dean P the crossing is more to do mental toughness and tremendous luck. My first Bimini crossing is in 2017 and we have taken quite a solid beating with my windshield shattering and tower speakers ripped off. A normal 2-2.5 hours crossing turned into a 5.5 hours crossing and at the end of the crossing you feel both physically and emotionally drained. This is a 52 mile crossing. Now imagine a 140-150 mile crossing which is Treasure Cay and if the weather turns bad expect a rock solid beating in those waves. If this is a first time crossing the Gulf I sincerely recommend Bimini crossing first as there is more safety and experience in that crossing. If the weather is rough, be prepared to abandon the crossing and fly to the destination and rent a boat there.

 

[Dean P]

Totally agree. @DIRTYOAR and @Dean P the crossing is more to do mental toughness and tremendous luck. My first Bimini crossing is in 2017 and we have taken quite a solid beating with my windshield shattering and tower speakers ripped off. A normal 2-2.5 hours crossing turned into a 5.5 hours crossing and at the end of the crossing you feel both physically and emotionally drained. This is a 52 mile crossing. Now imagine a 140-150 mile crossing which is Treasure Cay and if the weather turns bad expect a rock solid beating in those waves. If this is a first time crossing the Gulf I sincerely recommend Bimini crossing first as there is more safety and experience in that crossing. If the weather is rough, be prepared to abandon the crossing and fly to the destination and rent a boat there.

Understood. Would not be doing this alone (that's why I'm piggy backing with you) and if too windy/rough we're not going. Of course I'm hoping for the best but am preparing for the worst. I'm also hoping the 2nd part of the journey will be better than the first (due to being very close to shore). Would you agree?

 

[Berrie]

Understood. Would not be doing this alone (that's why I'm piggy backing with you) and if too windy/rough we're not going. Of course I'm hoping for the best but am preparing for the worst. I'm also hoping the 2nd part of the journey will be better than the first (due to being very close to shore). Would you agree?

No. The route across the Bahama bank takes you about centered between Grand Bahama and the barrier islands, which are 35 miles apart.
In the Gulfstream the waves may be higher, but it is not uncommon to see 4-5’ waves at close intervals on the bank. The islands have very lityle elevation and provide very litte protection.

 

[Dean P]

No. The route across the Bahama bank takes you about centered between Grand Bahama and the barrier islands, which are 35 miles apart.
In the Gulfstream the waves may be higher, but it is not uncommon to see 4-5’ waves at close intervals on the bank. The islands have very lityle elevation and provide very litte protection.

Understanding how wind is the main cause for waves, how much wind would be necessary to create these 4-5" waves? At what point/number does it (the wind) become too dangerous?

 

[swatski]

No. The route across the Bahama bank takes you about centered between Grand Bahama and the barrier islands, which are 35 miles apart.
In the Gulfstream the waves may be higher, but it is not uncommon to see 4-5’ waves at close intervals on the bank. The islands have very lityle elevation and provide very litte protection.

One issue is that weather forecasts can be useless, or misleading, in the gulf of FL. there are these small storm cells that appear quickly and come out of nowhere, and they are hard to foresee unless you carry a radar.
The wave height becomes less important than the period, too, and anything above 2 feet can beat you up if the period is short. Those waves there seem to often have no direction! Big swells are not that bad with our very powerful (for the size) boats but a short period makes for a very hard ride.

—

 

[Berrie]

Understanding how wind is the main cause for waves, how much wind would be necessary to create these 4-5" waves? At what point/number does it (the wind) become too dangerous?

On our way there we actually had very little wind, with hard rain. The water was as flat as can be.
On the way back was the first nice day we had; 5mph wind and sunny, and 1’ waves at short intervals.
While we were there the wind was blowing 15mph from the south, creating 2’+ waves at short intervals all day long. More like a washing machine.
It doesn’t take much.

 

[Amar Nanduri]

On our way there we actually had very little wind, with hard rain. The water was as flat as can be.
On the way back was the first nice day we had; 5mph wind and sunny, and 1’ waves at short intervals.
While we were there the wind was blowing 15mph from the south, creating 2’+ waves at short intervals all day long. More like a washing machine.
It doesn’t take much.

You make it sound interesting @Berrie