Miami to Bimini trip

[agallant80]

Re: Miami to Bimini trip

Yes you have to check in with customs.

Boating Entering/Exiting Policies | The Official Site of The Bahamas

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Miami to Bimini trip

Take the ferry, leave the little boat at home. Much safer.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Miami to Bimini trip

Take the ferry, leave the little boat at home. Much safer.

But where is the fun in that.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Miami to Bimini trip

Not what I would call fun in a small boat, limited time to stay there, weather dependant, fuel costs, etc. just for a boat ride.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Miami to Bimini trip

"ONLY make the crossing during the Summer months in Florida, when the wind blows a little less."

I agree with this but would not attempt the trip in a single engine boat unless maybe in a group and that's a big maybe. Then again, I wouldn't do it in a 20' or less but to each his own. Mother Ocean is an unforgiving "B word" and the Gulfstream is about as predictable as my wife's moods. You could have a whole lot of fun starting at the Fort Lauderdale or Miami marinas and ICS, and then encircling the Keys all the way to KW and back up the bay side crossing back in Key Largo. Closer to land, lots of places to stop and enjoy and a whole lot safer in a tiny boat.

Whatever you do, smooth sailing!

 

[rem9607]

Re: Miami to Bimini trip

Hello, I am a first time owner of a boat... finally a dream come true.
I did alot of work on it and is good not, just few more cosmetic updates that i keep postponing just becuase I rather ride the waters with it that the trailer that sits for most of the week.

I have heard of people crossing over to Bimini from Miami with all sort of boat type and sizes, I even seen youtube videos of people going there with wave runners. I saw a video of a guy and his wife going there with a 15ft boston wailer. So now I got this thing in my head of gong there too with my boat. She is a 20 ft cuddy cabin with a single 3.0 Mercruiser engine that runs like a fine tuned violin, and consumes so little gas I can't even believe it.

On all videos I have seen i noticed the water is really calm and especially smooth, almost looks like oil, what is the best website or source to find out the next time the water is so smooth? when si the best time of the day/year weather wise to go there? anybody doing this trip in a month or so? I even thoguht of following a cruise ship, thre is one that goes to bimini actually but it comes back too soon , you only get to stay 2 hours in the island.

much appreciated.

danny

Hey Im doing the trip in May if your wanting any help with prepping your boat/trailer and or logistics with customs/hotels.

Rem9607.

 

[rem9607]

Re: Miami to Bimini trip

Whats with all the safety talk and leave the boat behind? Safest thing to do is not leave the house, but if your a boater and have a sense of adventure, then fuel that boat up, study up, learn about weather, EPIRBs, Custom Regulations, have a back up plan for the keys or Miami incase the weather turns on ya. ENJOY the trip/planning.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Miami to Bimini trip

In addition to the GPS/satellite electronics and a manual compass/charts etc. I would pack a really good long range radio, perhaps a satellite radio along with an inflatable life raft (they don't take up a lot of space). Obviously extra containers filled with gas from the mainland (or built in fuel tanks) and food/water/sunscreen. Oh yeah, and one of those emergency beacon things, flags, flares, and shark repellent :facepalm:

I think we're going to need a bigger boat.

Have fun!!

 

[agallant80]

Re: Miami to Bimini trip

I think my biggest worry about going over would be getting bad gas and having to pay what ever rate they charge over there to get the boat back in working order. I would consider bringing extra gas. I can make it over and back on one tank no problem but others may not have an 80 gallon tank like me.

 

[GregMcQ]

Re: Miami to Bimini trip

Miami To Exuma Bahamas on Sea-Doos Part I - YouTube

Ever since I found this, it's became my #1 goal. There are ten of those videos. Three days can't go by without me pulling them up and watching. Planning on going around early June. Looking for a friend or three.

My list of essentials:
Sat phone w/internet
epirb
Good long range radio
Two gps units
Raft
Flares
Laptop
Good first aid kit
Paper charts and a regular compass
And file a plan with CG

This is obviously on top of tip top boat, life vest etc. Boat holds 50gal and has excellent range, and wife's says the portable ice maker is a for sure or she's out. Lol

 

[sphelps]

Re: Miami to Bimini trip

Don't think I could go that far on a Sea-Doo but that sure looks like a fun trip !
I'll bet they slept for a week after they got back ..

 

[Danny93]

Re: Miami to Bimini trip

That video is amazing, what kind of boat do you have? I have been hanging around at the sandbar and met few boaters who have done the cross over and they common denominator is that the size of the boat is not as important as going with a group and good weather condition, which brings back my original point.

In all these videos I see a very clam and perfect ocean, I'm just looking for any advise on how to recognize bad weather patterns. It seems in summer is best as long as there is no storm near by.

I'm in for the cross over, but we should find a couple of more boats I think.

 

[Okieboatguy]

Re: Miami to Bimini trip

Greg, Being that you are a fellow Okie, that is a long trip just to trailer your rig across to Miami or Ft Lauderdale. You would have to plan on at least a full days drive just to get there plus some recovery just from the drive. My plan, since it is a 20 hour drive, is to take a week from work and leave on Friday just to get 6-8 hours or so down the road. Then try and finish it off the next day giving me the remainder of Saturday to get to the marina, get equipment checked again, and again, and then rest and head out on Sunday morning early. If I am unsuccessful during the first few days of trying to make the crossing due to water conditions, I was going to head south and hug the coastline and visit the Keys. The other key I think is, as Danny posted is to go in a group, for safety and back-up. Another issue is being prepared to spend a few days there waiting on the weather to come back, which depending on your boat and if you are able to sleep aboard may turn it into a very expensive trip. There are a lot of variables, that I don't think you can fully expect to plan for them all, that being said, yes it looks like a kick-A trip and I plan on doing it! I would love to have my boat, ported out of Jenks Oklahoma pictured off the wreck of the SS Sapona as I am snorkeling! If this is something you are seriously interested in, message me, and maybe we can start getting some logistics worked out.

 

[rem9607]

Re: Miami to Bimini trip

Greg, Being that you are a fellow Okie, that is a long trip just to trailer your rig across to Miami or Ft Lauderdale. You would have to plan on at least a full days drive just to get there plus some recovery just from the drive. My plan, since it is a 20 hour drive, is to take a week from work and leave on Friday just to get 6-8 hours or so down the road. Then try and finish it off the next day giving me the remainder of Saturday to get to the marina, get equipment checked again, and again, and then rest and head out on Sunday morning early. If I am unsuccessful during the first few days of trying to make the crossing due to water conditions, I was going to head south and hug the coastline and visit the Keys. The other key I think is, as Danny posted is to go in a group, for safety and back-up. Another issue is being prepared to spend a few days there waiting on the weather to come back, which depending on your boat and if you are able to sleep aboard may turn it into a very expensive trip. There are a lot of variables, that I don't think you can fully expect to plan for them all, that being said, yes it looks like a kick-A trip and I plan on doing it! I would love to have my boat, ported out of Jenks Oklahoma pictured off the wreck of the SS Sapona as I am snorkeling! If this is something you are seriously interested in, message me, and maybe we can start getting some logistics worked out.

I'm doing the trip in May on a four winns 268 vista, with wife and kids. Driving from Mississippi. All welcomed to group up. Planned out pretty well. Drive out of MS on May 24 and cross the morning of the 26th. Staying 3 nights at the big game club. Back up plan for weather are the keys, maybe even south Miami.

 

[Okieboatguy]

Re: Miami to Bimini trip

I know the following youtube poster;
KevinandCorrie - YouTube

They have been all over the Bahamas on Seadoo's and have hours of it documented on Youtube. It is worth checking out for those interested.

 

[GregMcQ]

Re: Miami to Bimini trip

Okie, if you know Kevin&Corrie, can you ask them how to get in touch with the places they stayed the night? I sent them a message but no reply.

The tentative plan for me is leave okla saturday morning arrive in Miami Sunday night. Leave out of haulover boat ramp, and hit Bimini. If conditions have been good push on to chub. If not stay at Bimini. The goal for me is staniel cay. But planning on following their trip loosely.

I'm thinking dates of May 31st - June 8th. Will be running a Yamaha 242 limited S so gas and range shouldn't be a huge issue, will just make sure to top off every chance I get.

 

[Okieboatguy]

Re: Miami to Bimini trip

Okie, if you know Kevin&Corrie, can you ask them how to get in touch with the places they stayed the night? I sent them a message but no reply.

The tentative plan for me is leave okla saturday morning arrive in Miami Sunday night. Leave out of haulover boat ramp, and hit Bimini. If conditions have been good push on to chub. If not stay at Bimini. The goal for me is staniel cay. But planning on following their trip loosely.

I'm thinking dates of May 31st - June 8th. Will be running a Yamaha 242 limited S so gas and range shouldn't be a huge issue, will just make sure to top off every chance I get.

Sorry I do not know them. I just subscribed to their YouTube Channel.

 

[GregMcQ]

Re: Miami to Bimini trip

GPS Check
VF Radio Check
Sat phone w/internet Check
Laptop with USB GPS Check
Good first aid kit check

epirb
Flares
Paper charts

Place booked for last week of april in Staniel. Chub room, calling in the AM. Trying to find a room for less than a 1500 a night from May until Aug is showing unavailable and I am fully open to suggestions.

Weather In April is pushing it from what I have heard, its a 50/50. Wind is more an issue than a tropical storm/depression so plan B is to have a few days window to wait it out or push it back.

 

[Okieboatguy]

Re: Miami to Bimini trip

Check the Big Game Club on Bimini. I did a quick check and put in 3 nights, April 28 -30, and came up with a room rate from $175 - $350 a night depending on the room.

 

[sailor55330]

Re: Miami to Bimini trip

a little late on the subject, but here's my take. NO.

As mentioned, the gulfstream, plus weather plus a 20ft boat just doesn't sound like a good idea. If you haven't ever been in weather, I guarantee you that 4ft swells sound like fun, but in a 20ft boat, you'll be wishing you had changed your mind.

My boating experience? 20+ years sailing 30ft boats in the gulf of mexico. I guarantee you that I'd be careful planning that trip in my last boat, which was "A" rated by the NMMA. That means this:

A. OCEAN: Designed for extended voyages where conditions may exceed wind force 8 (Beaufort scale) and significant wave heights of 4 meters and above, and vessels largely self-sufficient.

The 20ft run about will be beat to pieces if you encounter sustained 4-6ft swells.

I think if you do decide to make the trip, you're forgetting to mention the most important 2 pieces of prep work. Boat insurance and Life Insurance premiums paid, just to be safe.

Good Luck