Thinking about planning a trip the end of march

M

macjazzy

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Jan 1, 2000
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405
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I have a friend who kept his boat in Ft Lauderdale for the winter. We are going to pick it up for the trip back north (on a trailer) the last weekend of march.

We want to plan a boat trip when we are down there.

Is late march too early in the season to go across to Bimini?

The boat is a 38" Fountain

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated
 
Pick your day and you'll be fine. A 38 Fountain should handle it well.

Enjoy!
 
Is there someplace (ie on line) you can recomend to get an all over idea of everything involved in making this trip?
 
You're just going across to Bimini or are your going further in.....
 
Probably just to Bimini, we are only planning a weekend trip. Mostly worried about weather or sea conditions for that time of year. And how far ahead we can count on forecast being close or accurate.
 
John,

We'll be arriving in West Palm around April 20th to head over for a few weeks. You're welcome to cross with us (although you're probably faster than we are). We're going with some owner's group folks that have been doing this trip for years.

As for weather, NWS is a great source. buoyweather.com is pretty good too. How much have you read up on this? Are you familiar with when not to go? Others will know more than me as I'm still a virgin for this trip, but I know I don't want to see any Northern contingent in the winds in order to cross.
 
I appreciate the offer but the boat needs to be back in Md by april 5 so we are kind of locked into our time frame. I do understand that northerly winds are bad for attempting the trip. WE would like to be able to make this trip but it is looking like it may not really work out. Seems like the weather is too iffy that early in the season to plan far enough ahead for us. I am still looking into it though for now till I am sure we shouldn't try it.
 
John,
Can you get to Florida a few days earlier to check out the boat and make sure it is in good running condition and is equipped with a working VHF radio and GPS, life Jackets, up to date flares, drinkable water and an Anchor, You can wait till you get to Ft. Lauderdale and check out the weather. If the weather picture is OK you will just need some $$, a Passport, fuel and you will be good to go.
How fast can the boat cruise?
Are you overnighting on the boat or at a hotel?
In case of bad weather, can you stay in Bimini a day or more.?
With a good running boat, its an easy trip.
You wont need much more for a weekend trip, so wait till you get here to make futher plans.
Email me an address and Ill send you a good Bimini cruise guide book.
 
The boat cruises at 50mph +/-, we will stay in a hotel if we go and teh boat has just been checked mechanically by a mechanic and he has finished all his reccomended upgrades or maintenance items. The boat is being run next weekend for a couple hour cruise. So I think it should be in good shape. I am planning on getting an epirb from Boatus if we go.

Any other ideas of good places to eat, sleep , or hang out when we are down there would be greatly appreciated.

So far it is just the water conditions that will dictate our trip. How far in advance is the weather forecast usually reliable for?
 
Jmas, a cruising guide would be great. I can't e-mail you or send you a PM because I am not a full member. If you can send me an e-mail and I will respond. Thanks a lot.
 
quote:
Originally posted by macjazzy

Jmas, a cruising guide would be great. I can't e-mail you or send you a PM because I am not a full member. If you can send me an e-mail and I will respond. Thanks a lot.

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Will do.
At 50 MPH watch out you dont pass the Island.[:-jump]
Hope others will post info on hotels.
 
Which buoys should I be looking at for a trip from Ft. Lauderdale across to Bimini?
 
quote:
Originally posted by macjazzy

Which buoys should I be looking at for a trip from Ft. Lauderdale across to Bimini?

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Buoys? what Buoys? there are no stinkin Buoys, just a lot of water.[:-snorkel]

Look up the coordinates for North Bimini, allow for north moving current in the Gulf Stream,when you aproach the Island, just line up the 2 markers(used to be 2 sticks) as you aproach the beach.
When you have the markers lined up, go towards the beach and turn left along the beach,pass the condos on your right and into the Harbor. You will see the Fuel dock and marinas on your left.
Quite an adventure on a first time trip. Hope you guys have some adventure in your blood.

Any ROs that go to Bimini please chime in if I am giving any false info.
 
The buoys I was referring to are the ones listed on the NOAA website. I can't figure out which one would give me the best info for the water I will be in during the run across. They seem to be listed by number. I should have said sea buoys I guess. Specifically which one do I want to monitor on line to determine whether to even make this run or not.
 
Watch out macjazzy and make sure your charts are up to date. The approach for Bimini Harbour has changed not too long ago so make sure your charts are current. You want to stay in North Bimini and for accomodations, you can't beat the Big Game Club. Blue Water has some rooms as well as Weeches (there's a 'club' next door that will keep you up all night). I mention these places in descending order of (Bahamian) luxury. There are other places but i've never stayed there so others might want to chime in.
 
if you stand on the beach and dont see any elephants rolling by and if the winds are not out of the north/northeast/northwest then you should be there in 1.5 hours at a steady cruise of 25-30mph. Try to leave at first light so you have all day to SEE the island and SEE your way into the inlets since GPS/map and charts can never keep up with the changes. You will be out of sight of land for maybe 15 minutes.

Best advice I have is make sure batteries are up to snuff and may tripple sure your fuel is full and clean. Bring some extra fuel filters/water seps and the wrench you might need to swap them out while in the chop....practice swapping them if you are not familiar.

Lastly - good flares, good VHF or two, good PFDs at the ready and dont forget the beer and reggae

I'm jealous!
 
Sylvain, Olivier, Maybe we can make a weekend trip this summer. We can take turns dragging each other behind the boat to see who can attract the biggest Hammerhead. I read somewhere that it was fun. First one to attract a Shark is the loser.
 
quote:
Originally posted by macjazzy

The buoys I was referring to are the ones listed on the NOAA website. I can't figure out which one would give me the best info for the water I will be in during the run across. They seem to be listed by number. I should have said sea buoys I guess. Specifically which one do I want to monitor on line to determine whether to even make this run or not.

Click to expand...


John, Sorry, I misunderstood you about the buoys. I do think you are doing the right thing by being cautious about the weather. Living here in s. Fla allows us to be a little flexible with the timing of a trip to Bimini. As Footloose says we can go if the weather reports are favorable for the next few days and the morning of the planned trip,the ocean looks fairly flat and looking out over the gulf stream dosnt look like a mountain range or parade of Elephants, we go for it. Once in a while we have to come home a little earlier or stay a little longer, depending on changes in the weather. Most of the time we have a great time.
Sorry I cant answer your question about the weather buoys. When you get to Ft. Lauderdale, keep in touch.
 
Think I figured it out. On NOAA's website buoy Number 41009 is 20 miles east of Cape canaveral. Which I think shouldput it right in the gulf stream.
 
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