Preparing for Bimini

[Bruce]

Page 3 & 4? Are you guys looking for alternative ramps north?

I am having discussions with Pompano about sending half our group to launch at Alsdorf Park. If Harbour Towne does not step up we likely will. This would likely result in $25K of business for Pompano between groceries, meals, etc so they seem eager to help out. Next year after they finish ongoing construction Alsdorf Park may be able to handle all of us.

 

[blacksapphirez]

how much further will this place be by water? which I assume there is no wake zone the entire way...

 

[Amar Nanduri]

I just registered for MMSI for my VHF Radio. It is 338243703 . Where do I enter this info to make it officially available to the group ? Thanks.

 

[Bill D]

how much further will this place be by water? which I assume there is no wake zone the entire way...

Looks like its about 9.5 miles with 6 "idle speed" zones (2-3 mph) and another large "slow speed" zone right by Bahia Mar.

 

[blacksapphirez]

Looks like its about 9.5 miles with 6 "idle speed" zones (2-3 mph) and another large "slow speed" zone right by Bahia Mar.

Better get to harbour towne early!

 

[MrMoose]

Better get to harbour towne early!

On last year's return crossing, instead of heading into the turning basin, I cruised the beach line north to the Hillsboro inlet (which is north of the ramps in question) and we then cruised south via the ICW to Harbour Towne. It really isn't that long of a cruise. It's very enjoyable and it's pretty neat to see the properties and big yachts that are docked along the ICW. It's a nice add-on for anybody who likes that type of thing.

One yacht that caught our attention last year, because it's pretty massive, was named "Rockstar". After returning back to Houston, I came across this youtube posting form 2014... pretty neat:

 

[Bennie]

I just registered for MMSI for my VHF Radio. It is 338243703 . Where do I enter this info to make it officially available to the group ? Thanks.

To the best of my knowledge:

Your MMSI number gets programmed directly into your VHF radio. When you transmit your radio broadcast your vocal information as well as data information. The MMSI number then is processed at the base and allows the dispatcher to identify you and your emergency contact. Works along the same lines as an EPIRB - but from your radio.

 

[Rick215HO]

To the best of my knowledge:

Your MMSI number gets programmed directly into your VHF radio. When you transmit your radio broadcast your vocal information as well as data information. The MMSI number then is processed at the base and allows the dispatcher to identify you and your emergency contact. Works along the same lines as an EPIRB - but from your radio.

While that is an important safety feature of DSC, we can also save our MMSI numbers in our VHF radios, add name tags to the MMSIs and "ring" each other directly ("calling a buddy") or you can also "call a group". When you initiate the call to someone's MMSI and they acknowledge the call, the radios automatically change to a channel for conversation. There is also a "track buddy" function over DSC that works simmilar to AIS given the other user's permission. It would be good to have list of everyone's MMSI for this. I'm at MMSI 367776160

 

[Bruce]

Looks like its about 9.5 miles with 6 "idle speed" zones (2-3 mph) and another large "slow speed" zone right by Bahia Mar.

Better get to harbour towne early!

It is 10 miles roughly one of which is a 5 to 7 mph zone, the rest is 25 mph this time of year. It may be a faster trip than from Harbour Towne.

 

[Betik]

While at Bahia Mar or Bimini Sands, is it safe to leave the boat without a mooring cover ?

I am debating leaving the mooring cover in the truck or not...

 

[Bill D]

My boat will be nekkid from the moment we launch until the day we retrieve.

 

[Amar Nanduri]

My boat will be nekkid from the moment we launch until the day we retrieve.

Keeping it au natural

 

[Bruce]

While at Bahia Mar or Bimini Sands, is it safe to leave the boat without a mooring cover ?

I am debating leaving the mooring cover in the truck or not...

I have never seen anyone cover their boat at either location.

 

[MrMoose]

While at Bahia Mar or Bimini Sands, is it safe to leave the boat without a mooring cover ?

I am debating leaving the mooring cover in the truck or not...

I brought one in 2015 and didn't use it. It's a good thing if there's a little rain to rinse the boat down from all the salt residue. If you're worried about theft, just give @Bruce a bottle of rum, a can of bug spray, and ask him to sleep on your boat.

 

[Skroggy66]

I brought one in 2015 and didn't use it. It's a good thing if there's a little rain to rinse the boat down from all the salt residue. If you're worried about theft, just give @Bruce a bottle of rum, a can of bug spray, and ask him to sleep on your boat.

I live a block from the beach, my boat is always covered in salt residue

 

[flyingnugget]

Awesome...Wife and kids are totally on board for next year's trip. Thought it would take more convincing LOL... Time to start budgeting and setting up a Bimini fund.

May you Guys and Gals have light winds, smooth sea's and safe travels. Cant wait to to see the pix and video's!!!

See y'all in 2018

 

[Patricia Mershon]

Hello, anyone returning on July 17th?

 

[Amar Nanduri]

I have never seen anyone cover their boat at either location.

Last year I washed my boat daily at the slip in the evening and left it to dry overnight.

 

[Amar Nanduri]

Last year I washed my boat daily at the slip in the evening and left it to dry overnight.

Be warned though. The Bimini sands people were quite happy to swipe my credit card frequently

 

[Betik]

Hello, anyone returning on July 17th?

Patricia, please post the question on the trip specific post. The one which you registered

https://jetboaters.net/threads/jetb...ly-9th-to-14th-2018.16250/page-14#post-286730