JetBoaters.net Bimini Fling July 10th to 15th 2017

[Valerie]

@Bruce , can you help me find an Olympus Tough TG-4 for less then $250 refurbished? You have found some of the most killer deals I have seen on things!

 

[Bruce]

@Bruce , can you help me find an Olympus Tough TG-4 for less then $250 refurbished? You have found some of the most killer deals I have seen on things!

Check out the Nikon Coolpix AW line. We have an AW120 that has been to Bimini and back three times. We often use it under water. The viewfinder and zoom are great to have.

Here is an AW110 for $210 or $120 used https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B7N997O/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_uKZMyb63N2358

This video and many of our better pictures were captured with ours.

 

[Bruce]

Can someone point me in the direction of the form for bimini sands is? I just got off the phone with them and need to fill it out.

Sorry, I probably should know where it is but don't lol.

The first post in this thread. Instructions are on the second.

 

[Rob9550]

@Bruce just got the confirmation email. We will be in 8F.

 

[MazzyDan]

So here's the deal as a Canadian towing boat from Canada to Fort Lauderdale. I would clear customs at Detroit as normal. Tow to Fort Lauderdale which is just a quick hop skip and jump of 1500 miles. Once there just launch boat and head to Bimini as usual with proper paperwork and all pre done. And coming back into Port Everglades just need to clear customs as usual. Now having an I-68 is only good they tell me coming not US from Canada. I will be coming in from the Bahamas so an SVRS would be good idea to have to be able to just do the call in reporting. If I had nothing then all is needed is to report in person. Simple. Lol. Right.

 

[MazzyDan]

Now still trying to convince the wife to make this happen. I know time is running out to book condo.

 

[Bruce]

Now still trying to convince the wife to make this happen. I know time is running out to book condo.

Have you shared any of the great videos from previous trips with her?

 

[blacksapphirez]

Have you shared any of the great videos from previous trips with her?

my wife was sold based on the video. It only shows the good part

 

[swatski]

Now still trying to convince the wife to make this happen. I know time is running out to book condo.

Would she let you take the kids and go? I am at the exact same spot...

--

 

[blacksapphirez]

I haven't seen one women that doesn't like turquoise colored water and white sand !

 

[MazzyDan]

Going to share some videos tonight when she gets home. I've also contemplated leaving her behind. Lol. With the dog.

 

[Valerie]

The only bad part is when the vacation ends!!

 

[Hector]

@ClemsonTiger, @Hector, @JKallay, @Augusto David Rodriguez, @DiverB, @Edgar Almonte, @fromrio, @Jr15g, @Justin Edwards, @Lakeboy, @Larry Robinson, @scubarick314, @TexasPilot71, @wallacerb, @MazzyDan, @1948Isaac, @ACrews do you guys have your reservations in if you plan to make them? @swatksi noticed that a group of possibly 130 jet skiers is planning to arrive on the 14th and some have made reservations at Bimini Sands. So if you want to make reservations that you have not yet made I suggesting getting them in fast.

Bruce,
The dates might not work for me as I might have family coming in during that time, will not know until closer to May.
I have crossed before so my plan B is crossing around 6-23 with 3-4 other friends .

 

[DiverB]

@Bruce,

Bimini Sands has charged my credit card for the deposit. Waiting to hear building & room assignment

 

[Bruce]

@Rob9550, many, in non leadership positions, simply install Navionics USA on their phones and tablets and use it to navigate around Bimini. I did this for use in the Gulf in 2013. I bought a plotter after the mount I was using shattered in rough water.

I now use a Raymarine Dragonfly that has worked well for three Bimini trips. The small 4" versions are inexpensive. There are less expensive versions without transducers that do not include depth measurement or fish finding capability. Raymarine will likely have a rebate program in the spring.

If I were shopping now I would seriously consider the Sinrad Go product line. They offered rebates in the fall so there may not be any sales between now and Bimini.

The most important thing with any plotter is to make sure it has recent and relevant maps. Raymarine has started shipping many of their with Navionics Updates. Mine came with Gold charts but no updates. I had to spend another $100 to buy an Updates subscription to download charts for the areas I boat in.

 

[Rob9550]

@Rob9550, many, in non leadership positions, simply install Navionics USA on their phones and tablets and use it to navigate around Bimini. I did this for use in the Gulf in 2013. I bought a plotter after the mount I was using shattered in rough water.

I now use a Raymarine Dragonfly that has worked well for three Bimini trips. The small 4" versions are inexpensive. There are less expensive versions without transducers that do not include depth measurement or fish finding capability. Raymarine will likely have a rebate program in the spring.

If I were shopping now I would seriously consider the Sinrad Go product line. They offered rebates in the fall so there may not be any sales between now and Bimini.

The most important thing with any plotter is to make sure it has recent and relevant maps. Raymarine has started shipping many of their with Navionics Updates. Mine came with Gold charts but no updates. I had to spend another $100 to buy an Updates subscription to download charts for the areas I boat in.

There is a boat show here in SC this weekend. I think I am going to see what they have there and make a decision. I may hold off on the chart plotter since I do have the Navionics on my phone. I haven't used it much so I need to get into it and really learn it. Will I need a cell signal to use Navionics or does it only run off of GPS?

 

[2nazt]

There is a boat show here in SC this weekend. I think I am going to see what they have there and make a decision. I may hold off on the chart plotter since I do have the Navionics on my phone. I haven't used it much so I need to get into it and really learn it. Will I need a cell signal to use Navionics or does it only run off of GPS?

You need to predownload the area you are going to then it just needs GPS after that.

 

[Bruce]

@Rob9550, I do not know if boat shows really have good deals. The ones local to me do not.

Here is a Raymarine Dragonfly 4 with Navionics Gold charts for $237 + $11 shipping. The description seems to be erroneous but the part number E70294-NAG is consistent with having Avionics Gold Charts. At $248 delivered it is over $100 off of retail. You might be able to use it for the trip and sell it to get most of your money back afterward.

 

[Bruce]

Guys, please hold off on Bahia Mar bookings. The hotel is going to offer us a group rate that will be a pretty substantial savings.

 

[Rob9550]

Guys, please hold off on Bahia Mar bookings. The hotel is going to offer us a group rate that will be a pretty substantial savings.

I have already booked...
Hopefully I will be able to cancel and re-book at the cheaper rate.