Preparing for Bimini

[LayneG]

Does anyone have pictures of how they tied down gas cans, coolers, etc for the Bimini trip? I've seen some somewhere but now I can't find them.

 

[Mohamed Z Sherif]

Following

 

[robert843]

@LayneG here was how mine was set up

 

[LayneG]

G

@LayneG here was how mine was set up

Good information, thanks!

 

[Betik]

Maybe @Julian can chime in. I believe he run a ratchet strap with the fuel cans at the lower deck of the swim platform.

A few people have put fuel can in the ski locker or behind the dashboard. In this case though you have to make 100% sure it is not leaking ( fuel or vapors)

 

[Julian]

Does anyone have pictures of how they tied down gas cans, coolers, etc for the Bimini trip? I've seen some somewhere but now I can't find them.

Below is a photo of what I did(this was on the return- 2 cans were empty so I only used one strap. On the return you always use less gas as you are going with the waves, wind and current)


I took 3 five gallon gas cans and lined them up with the handles facing the stern and put them on the lower swim platform (right behind the handle on the swim step). The photo above only has one strap, but on the way out when I they were all full, I used 3 straps - probably overkill - just to make sure they wouldn't move. I put them on the lower platform so that we would be able to access the clean out ports to clean our sargasso weeds. I didn't want them inside the boat because I didn't want the fumes risk.

 

[LayneG]

Thanks!

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Make sure you get gas cans without all those stupid government "save the world" regulated nozzles that cause you to spill more gas than what goes into the tank! Filling up in2-3 foot seas is tough enough, you don't need additional problems. There are aftermarket nozzles you can buy to improve the operation and flow.

 

[LayneG]

Thanks for the help on the gas cans! How/where is everyone securing their coolers?

 

[Betik]

Those are real heavy and usually do not go anywhere but I secure mine at the end of cockpit with line through the rear rails.

If you search on YouTube “ boat 011 bimini crossing back to Florida short version “ you will be able to get an idea.

Sorry for not posting the link , but I do not want to use this thread for YouTube videos

 

[LayneG]

Those are real heavy and usually do not go anywhere but I secure mine at the end of cockpit with line through the rear rails.

If you search on YouTube “ boat 011 bimini crossing back to Florida short version “ you will be able to get an idea.

Sorry for not posting the link , but I do not want to use this thread for YouTube videos

Thanks! I see it in the bottom corner of the video.

 

[Dean P]

I found this tip watching one of these videos. I installed these little brackets (2 on each side of the seat) and will use 2 tie-down straps to secure the gas cans (or coolers) to them. Think it's a great idea.

 

[Speedling]

I found this tip watching one of these videos. I installed these little brackets (2 on each side of the seat) and will use 2 tie-down straps to secure the gas cans (or coolers) to them. Think it's a great idea.

View attachment 95549

Not bad! Good placement

 

[zipper]

An article on Sargassum Seaweed. Sargassum seaweed: The good, the bad and the ugly

 

[afsigma21]

Is this the right item for Bimini Marinas?

Amazon.com: Cable Matters 3 Prong 20 AMP to 30 AMP Generator Cord (LED-lit Generator Y Splitter Adapter) - 3 Feet (NEMA L5-30P to 2X 5-20R): Home Audio & Theater

 

[Bruce]

Is this the right item for Bimini Marinas?

Amazon.com: Cable Matters 3 Prong 20 AMP to 30 AMP Generator Cord (LED-lit Generator Y Splitter Adapter) - 3 Feet (NEMA L5-30P to 2X 5-20R): Home Audio & Theater

Looks like it but I know the cable linked in the second post is. You will need a slip with 30 amp service to use that cable.

 

[Berrie]

Those are real heavy and usually do not go anywhere but I secure mine at the end of cockpit with line through the rear rails.

If you search on YouTube “ boat 011 bimini crossing back to Florida short version “ you will be able to get an idea.

Sorry for not posting the link , but I do not want to use this thread for YouTube videos

I have to disagree there @Betik.
We had a 45qt Artic filled all the way, I couldn’t lift it. Sitting in the front of the cabin. By the time we made it to West End it was sitting in the back of the cabin.
If the waves are bad enough they will move.

 

[LayneG]

I have to disagree there @Betik.
We had a 45qt Artic filled all the way, I couldn’t lift it. Sitting in the front of the cabin. By the time we made it to West End it was sitting in the back of the cabin.
If the waves are bad enough they will move.

I found out on the crossing I made Thursday that everything moves and you just have to let it go. I couldn’t even take a drink from a water bottle, much less try to move something around on the boat.

 

[swatski]

I found out on the crossing I made Thursday that everything moves and you just have to let it go. I couldn’t even take a drink from a water bottle, much less try to move something around on the boat.

I know, right? lol. It can be hard to appreciate from a different perspective.
Everything moves in these boats, even things that should not move, lol.
And refueling a yammie from a 5gal jag in rough seas is even less trivial.

--

 

[LayneG]

I know, right? lol. It can be hard to appreciate from a different perspective.
Everything moves in these boats, even things that should not move, lol.
And refueling a yammie from a 5gal jag in rough seas is even less trivial.

--

Absolutely! We even found a couple small bolts on the floor under the front seats.