Bimini Trip 2013

Ok, dinghy, no dinghys and if yes, what you are planning on doing with them? I have one but am unsure if I want to bring it for just 4 days. I am thinking we are going to be out on the boat and roaming town, beach more than using the dinghy so for me to bring it to use once or twice isn't worth the hassle, thoughts?
 
Not bringing mine Tom, are we still doing a sort of dock party w/food, or is it too much trouble??
 
Hmm. I just bought one for this occasion! :)

Actually, that is not the only reason I'm getting one, but I WAS planning on bringing mine. I figured that since I have a 4 1/2 foot draft, I didn't want to get left out of any trips to shallow places. Also, I think it would be handy for collecting divers/snorkler who manage to wander too far from the mother ship.

That being said - this is my first trip to Bimini, so I have no basis to determine if it having it will be an asset or a liability. Waiting for the more experienced to speak up...
 
Every time we have gone to Bimini with a dinghy it was a pain in the butt and the reason for my inquiry. Not saying that there will not be times that it would be nice, but for only 4 days I am thinking it might be a liability to load, store, carry over etc. Watch this is the one time I wish I had it. BUT, we are looking to take the boat around the beach side and anchor out and just relax for 1/2 day as well as taking it to Honeymoon harbor and you can get pretty close to the beach at each place. I also have a DPV that I will use to get back and forth to the beaches if needed. I am bringing my fishing gear as well so I need room in my cockpit for all that stuff if we decide to fish.
 
Joel, if you have a lift and can store it easy enough, I would bring it. If you have to deflate, carry in cockpit or drag behind you, might not be worth it. Really depends on the easy of deployment and retrieval that makes for a huge difference and since you have a cruise ship (56') I am thinking it might be easier for you than me.
 
I say we do the dock party pot luck. Just everyone bring something to eat, doesn't really have to be organized but bring it out on night and we all just share. We will have plenty to eat I am sure. Only bad part about this is if we are all not close to each other, then it may not work out real well. Usually everyone is close by when we do it, at least on the same dock.
 
as my tender is on my TNT lift/swim platform, I take it with me everywhere. here are things to do with a tender in Bimini

- go over to the sand bar across from Big Game at low tide and walk around. cool place with starfish, invertabrates and baby conchs
- use it to go ashore at Honeymoon Harbor
- use it to find the "Healing Hole", a mystical place of zen somewhere in the middle of Bimini Harbor flats
- use it to go "up river" at the north end of the island
- put your cleaning gear and dive gear in it for the ride over and back
- put rowdy crew members in it to "sleep it off"
 
trit21 said:
I say we do the dock party pot luck. Just everyone bring something to eat, doesn't really have to be organized but bring it out on night and we all just share. We will have plenty to eat I am sure. Only bad part about this is if we are all not close to each other, then it may not work out real well. Usually everyone is close by when we do it, at least on the same dock.
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everybody should stay clear of my pot luck offering. As the better half isn't coming, my contribution will be poor at best.
 
Howdy, Making our first trip to Bimini on May 21 - 23 depending on conditions. Anybody been there recently and want to pass on some sage piloting advice? We'll be coming from Black Point marina near Homestead and staying at the Big Game Club. Thanks, Brett.
 
Hi Brett - I haven't been there recently, I know that Tom Mitchell was there about 3 weeks ago, he may reply. What kind of information are you looking for?
 
I agree with Randy, if it is easy to bring your dinghy, store it, launch it and retrieve it, then bring it. I just don't have any place to store it since I have a fishing boat, dinghy on the back is a big no no.
 
I'm looking for some pointers on entering the channel at North Bimini and on to the Big Game Club. I have recent charts but I've been told to seek recent knowledge as things can change there and sometimes aids to navigation don't keep up. Thanks.
 
GAdolphusRwx said:
I'm looking for some pointers on entering the channel at North Bimini and on to the Big Game Club. I have recent charts but I've been told to seek recent knowledge as things can change there and sometimes aids to navigation don't keep up. Thanks.
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this was posted on the Explorer Charts website on March 3, 2013....

There are currently no problems with the channel leading into North Bimini. Two large, easily seen buoys, a red and a green, mark the entrance to the channel near their charted locations. The dredging operation has been suspended and there is no equipment in the harbour, yet it is expected to continue on an as-needed basis to keep the channel open for the fast ferry, which comes on weekends. Seaplane service from Florida is active in the harbour, so you should be aware of the possibility of a landing in North Bimini harbour as you traverse the area.
In North Bimini off of Alice Town, there is a new concrete jetty jutting out from the government dock. It has a green quick-flashing light on the end of it.
Also, the old Customs building near the government dock is slated to be torn down. It is currently not being used. The Customs officer is now located at Bimini Big Game, where cruisers must go to clear in. The Immigration officer is still in the small building next to the old Customs House. Reports are that stays as long as six months are being granted in Bimini.
 
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