Bimini 2020 - early interest - dates TBD

[symbianx]

I know this is rather early, but wanted to post something up because my family is in for a 2020 Crossing.

Hopefully @Julian or another veteran will go as well!

 

[jaburt]

If we have a good trip this year then we plan on doing a 2-3 week trip in 2020 on down to the Exumas

 

[Julian]

Many of the "veterans" will likely be in on the planning for Bimini 2020. I expect it to be a bigger trip(s) next year due to this years challenges with Bimini Sands and the power situation.

I do know there is also an Abaco 2020 trip in the planning....but this is not for first timers and requires a lot of time, and a lot more prep.

If you haven't already read the Bimini prep thread....read that before considering this trip.

EDITED>>>
July 12-18 Bimini crossing: https://jetboaters.net/threads/2020-bimini-trip-july-12-18th.25240/#post-421921

 

[amccoy]

I'm planning to go in 2020. Hopefully I'm able to tag along with one of these groups with some experienced crossers, it will be my first time.

 

[Speedling]

We are planning on leaving a couple days after the 4th of July which lands on a Saturday upcoming year. So the weekend after the 4th is one we hope at Fort Lauderdale and to cross that Sunday or Monday

 

[Water Girl]

I’m in for 2020. I have a lot of the 2017 group wanting to make a comeback as well. Hoping the Sands gets it act together by then. I’m hoping for a June crossing if I can

 

[Dean P]

Count me it too. Got screwed this year but hoping to make up for it next year. I should have my boat back by then.

 

[amccoy]

I'm in for June. Never done it so any recommendations for marinas, equipment, lodging, etc is greatly appreciated.

 

[Bruce]

We should know if the Bimini Sands sale closes within the next few months. That will greatly alter the ability to host large groups in Bimini.

If it closes I expect a highly functional Bimini Sands with some improvements for 2020 possibly at higher prices.

If it does not close I expect Bimini Sands to continue to deteriorate.

My family situation prevents me leading large groups to Bimini. However if Bimini Sands returns I would like to arrange the discounted parking, dockage and lodging in Florida and Bimini for multiple groups to make the trip in. 2020. We need groups of at least 10 vessels to start getting discounts which max out at around 20 vessels. 40 to 50 vessels is likely the maximum group size that could be accommodated in Bimini.

My family is planning to return to Bimini in 2020 if Bimini Sands has been sold. We may do so with a small group of veterans or join in one of the larger groups.

 

[Bruce]

@amccoy, @symbianx please read https://jetboaters.net/threads/preparing-for-bimini.3800/#post-64515

I just read about a first time crosser who ran out of fuel 8 miles from Bimini and was rescued by a larger boat that towed him. That could easily have become the first Yamaha crossing fatality.

 

[Water Girl]

@amccoy, @symbianx please read https://jetboaters.net/threads/preparing-for-bimini.3800/#post-64515

I just read about a first time crosser who ran out of fuel 8 miles from Bimini and was rescued by a larger boat that towed him. That could easily have become the first Yamaha crossing fatality.

I don’t know how they ran out of gas. We plowed water for 4 plus hours and still made it in.

 

[Julian]

I don’t know how they ran out of gas. We plowed water for 4 plus hours and still made it in.

If you aren't intimately familiar with your boat and dont know what cavitation is....its easy to drive the whole way with a pump full of weeds and run out of gas....that is why I had to rescue a boat in 2017.

I burned way more fuel this year due to not stopping as often as I should have on the ride over. My eagerness to get there cost me money! That said, I still arrived with 25% of tank and 15 gallons in addition as backup. (Which came in handy when the fuel boat was late!)

 

[Gwynnmoore]

I know this is rather early, but wanted to post something up because my family is in for a 2020 Crossing.

Hopefully @Julian or another veteran will go as well!

Count us in

 

[Water Girl]

If you aren't intimately familiar with your boat and dont know what cavitation is....its easy to drive the whole way with a pump full of weeds and run out of gas....that is why I had to rescue a boat in 2017.

I burned way more fuel this year due to not stopping as often as I should have on the ride over. My eagerness to get there cost me money! That said, I still arrived with 25% of tank and 15 gallons in addition as backup. (Which came in handy when the fuel boat was late!)

Where is @Betik when we need him to clear the sea weeds ??

 

[Betik]

@Water Girl next time I will bring a mask and fins, so I can be more efficient LOL

 

[Speedling]

@Water Girl next time I will bring a mask and fins, so I can be more efficient LOL

Yeah, at first I thought I was bad because I needed to reverse move, but then like everyone did it while people stopped. And stopped. and stopped again. Stupid weeds.
I made it with half a tank and 15 gallons strapped on the back though.
I bought trim tabs so next year should be even nicer. I told my wife it was her birthday present. She didn't care as long as we go back to Bimini!
Looking forward to seeing a familiar face or two when we go in 2020!~
Looking to cross July 11 or 13.
I would prefer not to lead due to having children on board and that takes organization in and of itself (take care of your own boat first!) but we're a year out so lets see what happens!!
My wife didn't like the idea of going last week of March which is our kid's spring break. For the sole reason being we couldn't get friends to come with.
I love planning for this trip!!!

 

[Bruce]

I really do not like this method of jumping in the water to clear sargassum from the pumps. Especially doing so for other boats. I see too much risk of someone being harmed by the stern hitting them. @kthrash's brother in law ended up at the emergency room for just that reason. It is less likely but what if someone started the boat? @Rana and I both have reached forward to clear the intake grate through the clean out port several times. It certainly is a task that can be accomplished while remaining on the boat.

 

[Speedling]

I really do not like this method of jumping in the water to clear sargassum from the pumps. Especially doing so for other boats. I see too much risk of someone being harmed by the stern hitting them. @kthrash's brother in law ended up at the emergency room for just that reason. It is less likely but what if someone started the boat? @Rana and I both have reached forward to clear the intake grate through the clean out port several times. It certainly is a task that can be accomplished while remaining on the boat.

Agree, one of the times I pulled it all through. The reverse move gets it 90% of the time!

 

[AJack]

After this year's trip, I'm very motivated for a 2020 crossing!

 

[My Way Yamaha]

Me and my buddy are planning a crossing for 2020. Definitely would love to go with experienced crossers for this will be our first time. He has the AR210. Does anyone have tips on equipment to purchase? Would really appreciate it. Going down this year to cross on ferry to get an idea.