Bimini July 2nd-8th 2023

[Jahall812]

So we need to break the proverbial ice, if we are to risk life and limb together! Maybe a FB group?

I am fine with that. Go find me. My gf will want to join in the group on fb as well if we create one.

 

[jaroofoo]

@svana you want to great the group, as the leader of this shit show?

 

[svana]

@svana you want to great the group, as the leader of this shit show?

Sure. I’m not terribly active but my wife is. I’ll do it later tonight.

 

[svana]

Alright, just made the link and sent it. If it’s ok with y’all it might be beneficial to keep planning related conversations here so those that are interested can catch up. Obviously if the WAGs or others that are going aren’t on here the FB group will be a great spot to discuss, feel free to invite them to the group as needed.

 

[jaroofoo]

Ok, just booked my AirBnB! Where are you guys planning on storing your truck and trailer in FLL?

FYI - There is still a 1 BDR and 3 BDR available where we are staying if anyone is looking for a spot. Does have a boat dock.

Rental unit in Bailey Town · ★4.97 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath

Lovely 1-bedroom apartment apt#4

www.airbnb.com

 

[Jahall812]

I'm hoping to be able to park at Harbor Towne. I've read they charge $20 a day for parking. I will eventually begin looking for back up options in case we can't get a spot there.

 

[svana]

Ok, just booked my AirBnB! Where are you guys planning on storing your truck and trailer in FLL?

FYI - There is still a 1 BDR and 3 BDR available where we are staying if anyone is looking for a spot. Does have a boat dock.

Rental unit in Bailey Town · ★4.97 · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath

Lovely 1-bedroom apartment apt#4

www.airbnb.com

I'm hoping to be able to park at Harbor Towne. I've read they charge $20 a day for parking. I will eventually begin looking for back up options in case we can't get a spot there.

That’s correct and our plan as well. The key is to arrive early enough and you’ll be fine. If not, folks have parked at FLL after dropping off their boat. One of the guys that went with us in 21 didn’t that and ubered to/from harbour towne. Also of note, parking at HT only accepts cash.

 

[Jahall812]

That’s correct and our plan as well. The key is to arrive early enough and you’ll be fine. If not, folks have parked at FLL after dropping off their boat. One of the guys that went with us in 21 didn’t that and ubered to/from harbour towne. Also of note, parking at HT only accepts cash.

I'm worried we won't be down there early enough. When you say arrive early, how early are you talking?

Also, I have a painted trailer. Still debating if I'm going to dunk it or try to get the boat lifted off. Any experience with that? Cost? I feel like I have read they don't do that at Harbor Towne?

 

[svana]

I'm worried we won't be down there early enough. When you say arrive early, how early are you talking?

Also, I have a painted trailer. Still debating if I'm going to dunk it or try to get the boat lifted off. Any experience with that? Cost? I feel like I have read they don't do that at Harbor Towne?

Last time we got there at like 4pm and got one of the last spots. Since we’re planning on driving on Saturday, I’d like to get an earlier start and head out of here by like 8am, getting there around 12-1. There’s also a bit of an exodus in the evening when folks are going home for the day, but I’d rather not bank on that. Variables that are difficult to account for are weekend populace and holiday weekend. Last time we drove on a Saturday as well but wasn’t July 4 weekend like this will be.

I don’t remember if HT would be willing to lift the boat or not, I’d just give them a shout and ask. Also not sure about the wash down or not either, sorry. We don’t have a trailer since we’re in a high and dry so we just rent one for the week that’s galvanized.

 

[Jahall812]

Last time we got there at like 4pm and got one of the last spots. Since we’re planning on driving on Saturday, I’d like to get an earlier start and head out of here by like 8am, getting there around 12-1. There’s also a bit of an exodus in the evening when folks are going home for the day, but I’d rather not bank on that. Variables that are difficult to account for are weekend populace and holiday weekend. Last time we drove on a Saturday as well but wasn’t July 4 weekend like this will be.

I don’t remember if HT would be willing to lift the boat or not, I’d just give them a shout and ask. Also not sure about the wash down or not either, sorry. We don’t have a trailer since we’re in a high and dry so we just rent one for the week that’s galvanized.

That makes me feel a little better. We will leave Kentucky on Friday and arrive sometime Saturday. I'm hoping to only be a few hours away before we stop driving on Friday.

I'll eventually get around to doing some research.

 

[jaroofoo]

What radios do you guys have? I have a BAOFENG BF-F8HP

 

[Jahall812]

What radios do you guys have? I have a BAOFENG BF-F8HP

I have a standard Horizon HX890 handheld and I'm currently shopping for a mounted vhf to add to the boat. Leaning towards the Standard Horizon 1800 or 1850

 

[jaroofoo]

I have a standard Horizon HX890 handheld and I'm currently shopping for a mounted vhf to add to the boat. Leaning towards the Standard Horizon 1800 or 1850

Copy! I will probably just keep what I have, I have the marine channels already programed.

 

[svana]

Copy! I will probably just keep what I have, I have the marine channels already programed.

I’d strongly recommend a beefier radio than the handheld unit if you can. Take a look at the preparing for Bimini page which will give you some solid advice on what prep is recommended on the boat for the crossing. Keep in mind the crossing is 55mi, the BaoFengs are only capable of transmitting a few miles without repeaters and that’s with clear line of site.

Edit: We have an Icom IC-M506 hard mount with an 8’ antenna and a Cobra HH500 handheld. I might pack my BF-F8HP as well depending on our personal group size to communicate on the island.

 

[jaroofoo]

I’d strongly recommend a beefier radio than the handheld unit if you can. Take a look at the preparing for Bimini page which will give you some solid advice on what prep is recommended on the boat for the crossing. Keep in mind the crossing is 55mi, the BaoFengs are only capable of transmitting a few miles without repeaters and that’s with clear line of site.

Good advice!

 

[jaroofoo]

Thoughts on the ICOM 330 or the Garmin 115 ?

 

[svana]

Thoughts on the ICOM 330?

That should do the job just fine. Icom's a solid manufacturer and IMO after a certain price point you're paying for any bells and whistles you want. Just be sure you get a solid antenna for it as that's just as (if not more) important.

 

[jaroofoo]

That should do the job just fine. Icom's a solid manufacturer and IMO after a certain price point you're paying for any bells and whistles you want. Just be sure you get a solid antenna for it as that's just as (if not more) important.

Yeah, the Shakespeare antennas seem to be the favorite in the forums.

 

[svana]

Yeah, the Shakespeare antennas seem to be the favorite in the forums.

Yep, that’s what I have. 8’ quick disconnect that is used for crossings and a 3’ for regular use.

 

[AshleyPro83]

We're looking at going the last full week of June and crossing back July 1st. We'd love to jump in with your trip but don't think we can make that week work. I'll talk to hubby. We went last June and had a blast!