Miami to Bimini -- Anyone for caravaning out there?

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nporras

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Apr 23, 2008
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We are going to Bimini from Miami on Memorial Day, Would appreciate any advice from someone that has done the trip. Also, if there is someone going that weekend and would like to caravan with us or you know of a message board where we could find someone doing the same trip, that would be ideal. Happy boating!
 
JB

JB

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Re: Miami to Bimini -- Anyone for caravaning out there?

What boat, how equipped, how much fuel?

Who else is going in what boat, etc.?

I went twice from Haulover to Bimini in 1983 and 1985. Both times in convoy with 5 to 7 other Boston Whalers, 16s, 17s and an Outrage 22.

We took enough fuel for 8 hours at cruise, CB and/or vhf, EPIRB and at least 2 boats had licensed Captains and LORAN C. (No GPS in those days).

I think we averaged about 15-20mph. Took about 4 hours one way by the time we were officially welcome. We returned to Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale).

No passports were required then, just photo ID. We cleared customs at Bimini and at Port Everglades on the return.

Not a trip for lubbers or those without sea legs. I buried the bow of my Boston Whaler Sakonnet in green water. . .water up near my knees and fuel tanks floating about. Cracked the throttle and drove her out from under the water.

I wouldn't attempt that trip in anything under 25' but a Whaler.
 
RubberFrog

RubberFrog

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Apr 9, 2005
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Re: Miami to Bimini -- Anyone for caravaning out there?

Just remember that JB wouldn't even recommend getting some groceries in anything less than a Mercedes SUV... ;) Lot's of folks make the trip in boats less worthy than a 25' Boston Whaler. I even read of some fool who did it on a Jet Ski!
 
C

crw1957

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Apr 13, 2008
Messages
61
Re: Miami to Bimini -- Anyone for caravaning out there?

I made the trip twice in a 23 ft cuddy in the early 90's. Both times the weather was great and the seas calm. Both times, I went in June. Smooth sailing there and back. Not a drop of water in the boat. I ran out 25 miles and decided if things did not look good I would turn back. Not a problem. Slept on the boat for five nights. Great fun. Watch the weather close. I have a 90 gal fuel tank and used about 50 or 60 gals as I recall with a 150 Johnson. Now have a 225. Had a 20 HP kicker and Loran. 50 Gal fresh water and food for 5 days. My wife and son were with me as well as a co-worker. Customs was easy then. Not sure about today. If I go again, I would prefer to go with other boats. More comfort I think. Two other boats were to go with us however, they dropped out. Not me.
Docked at Big Game and met a nice couple on a 40 footer. They invited us over to relax in their boat. It was great!
Any questions? Would love to tell you all I can. I talk about those trips often to friends. They think I'm crazy. You know we are not. We are just boaters.
Plan for the worst, hope for the best and enjoy the ride. What a great feeling.
 
A

aerospot

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Joined
Nov 18, 2007
Messages
38
Re: Miami to Bimini -- Anyone for caravaning out there?

Alas, even if I had the funds for such an adventure I fear my wife would have no part in it.
She did surprise me when we rode out to Sombrero Light House off of Marathon about one year ago. What land we could see vanished in a haze that rolled in during our snorkeling.
Perhaps with enough exposure to small trips like that and the promise of adventure and good time she may come around...

Of course there is still the issue of fund$ tho...:(
 
C

Cptkid570

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Oct 18, 2005
Messages
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Re: Miami to Bimini -- Anyone for caravaning out there?

Are there still sea planes that fly out to Bimini from Miami (I recall one crashed at miami beach a while back).. You could fly the wife and kids over in the sea plane, and you take the boat...then they could boat with you, stay on the boat, and stuff.. and fly back?
 
Y

Yamon

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Joined
Jun 4, 2008
Messages
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Re: Miami to Bimini -- Anyone for caravaning out there?

Hi everyone,

My husband and I are planning a 4th of July weekend trip to Bimini and we have never been. Is anyone going out of Miami? We would love to tag along.
 
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