bimini emergency

[Jameson Clark]

As a new member on this site, I just want to say how awesome it is to see so many people come to someone's aid (even if they aren't taking full advantage of it.) This is the first time I have seen the help feature used since being here and seeing so many offer their expertise, advice, or time to ship out parts overnight is really awesome. Makes me feel good to be part of this community and hope I can be that kind of help to someone one day! Y'all are awesome!

 

[Coheeba]

After the lightning strike I would not try to make it back on one engine or two, if they get it "fixed". The transit on a good boat is iffy and on a questionable boat could be disastrous , not only for the gimp boat but anyone else that feels obligated to help. I would get it towed and not worry and have a good time while on my vaca. Count your blessing that no one was seriously injured and have a stiff "Zacapa and Coke".

 

[veedubtek]

I walked down 3 times yesterday morning to what I thought was the boat and never saw anyone. If it is the boat I think it was, it's gone this morning.

 

[Ronnie]

It was interesting / educational reading all of the posts on this thread but ultimately if the boat owners don’t give a shit about their boat neither do I. At least they know now that help is available if they need it.

 

[swatski]

WHo knows, maybe they need to prioritize their issues? We know those involve the boat's mechanicals but may also be medical, legal, etc.
Quite frankly, if my boat was struck by a lightning at a remote island in the Bahamas while hauling family and friends fixing the boat may not be the top priority.

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[swatski]

I walked down 3 times yesterday morning to what I thought was the boat and never saw anyone. If it is the boat I think it was, it's gone this morning.

Hopefully they have insurance and can have the thing towed back stateside.

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[bronze_10]

Well they came in two boats.. The 242 and a 28 foot cabin cruiser.. They had mentioned they would tow it back to florida with the cabin cruiser.. The single engine cabin cruiser... That had to stop twice for mechanical difficulties on the way over... ( it seems they were able to straighten it out due to boating around bimini all week. )

 

[Dan_NC]

UPDATE: Greg and his crew just texted, they made it safely back to the dock in the US; limping on one engine. Greg said they averaged 12 MPH and it took 5.5 hours to get back. Luckily, the seas were very calm today, and they only had to clamp the non-running engine, knowing that sea tow could reach them the if they were at least 3 miles west of the Bimini coast. Thank you to the forum and everyone that threw out ideas. Unfortunately, the jet mechanic here was unable to diagnose their engine problems. Fingers crossed that it is an easy fix stateside. Again, thank you guys and gals for taking the time to brainstorm and throw out options.

 

[swatski]

UPDATE: Greg and his crew just texted, they made it safely back to the dock in the US; limping on one engine. Greg said they averaged 12 MPH and it took 5.5 hours to get back. Luckily, the seas were very calm today, and they only had to clamp the non-running engine, knowing that sea tow could reach them the if they were at least 3 miles west of the Bimini coast. Thank you to the forum and everyone that threw out ideas. Unfortunately, the jet mechanic here was unable to diagnose their engine problems. Fingers crossed that it is an easy fix stateside. Again, thank you guys and gals for taking the time to brainstorm and throw out options.

Fantastic news!
@JetBoatPilot - well, you called it.
Good call!

@Dan_NC for our information - any idea how did they do on fuel? Did they manage with one tank or did they have spare fuel on board? That would be really good to know as a future reference.

I do not believe we know of anyone else attempting the Bimini crossing on one engine!
Very impressive, actually.

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[bronze_10]

i believe it was nearly as flat calm as u can get... that helped im sure.

 

[Bluewater272]

On the bright side, I’ll be using the fact that these boats can get port to port on a single engine to help convince the lady to cross next year.

 

[scokill]

On the bright side, I’ll be using the fact that these boats can get port to port on a single engine to help convince the lady to cross next year.

In dead calm seas....

 

[haknslash]

On the bright side, I’ll be using the fact that these boats can get port to port on a single engine to help convince the lady to cross next year.

It would need to be calm conditions. If it were even a little bit rough I think it would be pretty hard to make it back on a single engine 21' or 24' boat without having as good bit of reserve fuel onboard, which of course would make the single engine struggle even more. Statistically the smooth crossing the June group experienced was rare compared to other trips.

 

[Rod5]

I'd be very interested to hear how much fuel he actually used with just one engine. I'm betting he had plenty! Yes a single engine will work harder and burn more than usual, especially until he got up on plane, but it is only one engine instead of two drawing from a 50 gallon tank. If on a normal run with two engines, each consuming 50% of the total burn, I'm guessing that a single engine will burn 60 to 75% of the total consumption of two engines yielding a net savings of fuel. I could be wrong but that's what I'm guessing...

 

[haknslash]

I just try to imagine of it like this: If it can be hard for a lighter 19' single engine boat to make it on a 30 gallon tank in mild to rough conditions, then a heavier boat will have a harder time staying on plane and burn more fuel. Even if it has 20 gallons more than a 19' boat I think it may be close to the same range when it's all said and done ....but who knows. With it being calm I would have done it so long as I had a buddy boat crossing with me. If it were unpredictable weather and got caught in a storm like they did last year I don't think it would make it since several twin engine boats ran out of fuel before reaching Bimini.

I too would be interested in what they got but if this help thread was any indicator..... we likely won't hear from them

 

[scokill]

I'd be very interested to hear how much fuel he actually used with just one engine. I'm betting he had plenty! Yes a single engine will work harder and burn more than usual, especially until he got up on plane, but it is only one engine instead of two drawing from a 50 gallon tank. If on a normal run with two engines, each consuming 50% of the total burn, I'm guessing that a single engine will burn 60 to 75% of the total consumption of two engines yielding a net savings of fuel. I could be wrong but that's what I'm guessing...

I wouldn't imagine the boat could get on plane. I would be surprised if so.

 

[Rod5]

It takes a while but I absolutely can get on plan with one engine idling. The key is to not go straight to WOT from dead stop but roll it on so that it never cavitates.

 

[Drift Away]

Fantastic news!
@JetBoatPilot - well, you called it.
Good call!

@Dan_NC for our information - any idea how did they do on fuel? Did they manage with one tank or did they have spare fuel on board? That would be really good to know as a future reference.

I do not believe we know of anyone else attempting the Bimini crossing on one engine!
Very impressive, actually.

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Shit i could not make it on 2 engines lol

 

[bobbie]

@Bruce i think you need to make another bimini t-shirt! “I made it back from bimini with one engine!”

 

[Bluewater272]

It would need to be calm conditions. If it were even a little bit rough I think it would be pretty hard to make it back on a single engine 21' or 24' boat without having as good bit of reserve fuel onboard, which of course would make the single engine struggle even more. Statistically the smooth crossing the June group experienced was rare compared to other trips.

In dead calm seas....

Shh, she might eventually find this. My story is good enough