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

[ACrews]

Father, please forgive me, for I have sinned....why did I sell the boat so close to Bimini planning?

 

[GMAN2015]

@GMAN2015, there is a lot of routing and planning information for the Exhumas in this thread https://jetboaters.net/threads/big-majors-cay-the-exhumas.4020/. Anyone who is going to make this trip needs to be experienced and only go with a group of experienced and like minded friends. The lodging situation down there and along the way is not suitable for large groups. You also need to be prepared for the possibility that the water conditions could force you to leave your boat somewhere along the way and fly back.

@Ramblin Wreck, I suspect that one reason for routing to Chub even if you have sufficient fuel for a direct hop to Nassau is to cut across or skirt the tip of the Tongue of the Ocean instead of running its length.

View attachment 52114

I believe that section of water crossing over the tongue is call the Rage. There is a deep trench there and from what I have read the best time to cross it is when the tide is flat/slack in good weather.

 

[robert843]

Chub Cay is almost a straight shot from Bimini to Nassau, plus after a 90 mile run, it is nice to get a break even if you don't need fuel.

View attachment 52116

Agreed when you actually chart this following the recommended paths to avoid sand bars on the Bank you will pass with in a mile or so of Chub Cay anyway

 

[JKallay]

There was a group of skis a few years ago that traveled south along the east coast of Andros, then crossed the Tongue and followed a 35 mile sandbar to Exuma.
Now that is awesome!

 

[Bill D]

I got my SunPass today. Does anyone remember how much the tolls are to get through Florida?

 

[robert843]

I got my SunPass today. Does anyone remember how much the tolls are to get through Florida?

Depends on which way you go. I know if you stay on I-95 going south from my location I do not think there are any but not sure coming from the Gulf side. I know the GPS always tries to take me off I-95 and put me on some other road I do not recall which one but it runs parallel with I-95 and that road has tolls.

 

[blacksapphirez]

@Bill D you're gonna have to wait for me I'm paying cash lol

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

I personally take 10 into Jacksonville and come down 95 with no tolls. Yeah, it's 25 or so miles longer but that's marginal when you trailer 600+ or in your case around 800 miles. Sorry, can't remember exactly what it cost to take the turnpike. It was a decent amount I do remember that.

 

[blacksapphirez]

May go ahead and take the detour

 

[sstegh]

It was a small expense compared to the rest of the trip! I remember they charged per axel.

 

[blacksapphirez]

It was a small expense compared to the rest of the trip! I remember they charged per axel.

Not a small expense...
$43.55 each way...

 

[blacksapphirez]

 

[Bruce]

The tolls are less if you get a SunPass. I bought the $10 one and linked it to my debit card. I like the nice, low stress, well maintained toll road at the end of the 1,250 mile tow.

 

[2nazt]

The turnpike is nice but I would hop off in jupiter and run 95 south from that point. Both highways are nice at that point

 

[Valerie]

The sticker transponder is free you just have to load $10.00 on it This is the one I have and it's barley noticeable on my winshield

https://www.cfxway.com/e-pass/get-e-pass/

 

[Bill D]

@Bill D you're gonna have to wait for me I'm paying cash lol

For some reason, I don't think I'll be the one waiting for you. Remember, I drive slow.

 

[MrMoose]

For those who are new to boating, and are crossing to Bimini, this video might be helpful:

 

[jayasaki138]

Any use this Pacific Aerials P6182 Sea Master 6 dB Pro VHF Antenna, 3.3 ft. Is this good as the 8 foot one?

 

[Bruce]

Any use this Pacific Aerials P6182 Sea Master 6 dB Pro VHF Antenna, 3.3 ft. Is this good as the 8 foot one?

No, but it is better than a handheld.

My opinion is that such a small and short antenna could not be capable to producing the quoted 6 dB gain or if it is only in a very narrow field.

I have and am very happy with a Digital 528 which is a 4' antenna rated for 4.5 dB gain. Unfortunately it is three times the price.

 

[MrMoose]

This is what I'm using on my tower.
http://shakespeare-ce.com/marine/product/5401-xt-little-giant/