BIMINI SUMMER 2021

[ocgrant]

I have not been to the Bahamas yet, but was hoping to make a late trip there towards the end of Sept/Oct. When you say time is running out, do these places close for the winter soon? I realize once the winds come from the north it can be very windy in the Bahamas, and very few good weather/wind windows for the crossing. If too late, I guess next spring will have to do.

No they don't close, it is all about the weather window. It becomes very spotty for "smooth opportunities" to make it and back on a set schedule accross the gulfstream.

 

[Gallf1]

Lol... I agree they lack in the "customer service" side of the business. I don't use the facilities but have seen it looking nasty some weekends. I am a sucker for the nice docks only and the resort area. I only deal with Phil and David so if i need something they seem to make it happen. I wanted to try the "under new ownership" Bimini Sands in South Bimini since it is closer to get in and out but was voted down by my crew.

When are you going to the Exumas? How is your fuel burn in the gasser from Bimini to Chub? Can you make Bimini to Nassau? I really want to make another run this year to Chub for a extended weekend but time is running out.

Not going to do the Exumas trip until maybe after hurricane "prime time" has passed, maybe around December/January if we can line up our dates, if not we may do a run down to Key West and out to Fort Jefferson.
At 3200 rpm, I am burning about 25gph total, at a speed of about 18mph (for my boat this is maximum efficiency). I typically leave Miami Beach Marina to Bimini to top off, then run the 94 miles to Chub to top off and then Chub to Nassau to top off then Nassau to Highbourne Cay to top off and finally Staniel Cay area to hang out. These are my typical run legs with my useable fuel plus leaving 1/3 for in the tanks for reserve. I can double my range by cruising along at 10mph (which equals a 12gph burn rate)...this is what I typically do when I am in the Exumas just exploring around the Islands.

 

[ocgrant]

Not going to do the Exumas trip until maybe after hurricane "prime time" has passed, maybe around December/January if we can line up our dates, if not we may do a run down to Key West and out to Fort Jefferson.
At 3200 rpm, I am burning about 25gph total, at a speed of about 18mph (for my boat this is maximum efficiency). I typically leave Miami Beach Marina to Bimini to top off, then run the 94 miles to Chub to top off and then Chub to Nassau to top off then Nassau to Highbourne Cay to top off and finally Staniel Cay area to hang out. These are my typical run legs with my useable fuel plus leaving 1/3 for in the tanks for reserve. I can double my range by cruising along at 10mph (which equals a 12gph burn rate)...this is what I typically do when I am in the Exumas just exploring around the Islands.

Makes sense. How far do you usually go in one day? Miami to Chub and spend the night or do you push on to Nassau?

 

[Gallf1]

Makes sense. How far do you usually go in one day? Miami to Chub and spend the night or do you push on to Nassau?

I typically leave Government Cut sea buoy around 0500...arrive Bimini 0800-0830 (of course dependent on sea state). Then we top off and run down to the cut between Gun and Cat cay for the banks crossing. If its a nice day we may stop half way to swim/dive and have lunch (just drop the hook for a while) and then finish the run to Chub for an overnight. Pretty long day but we break it up with a nice break swimming/diving on the banks.

If the seas are flat the following day we may leave Chub early....cruise thru Nassau harbor (no stop) and head to Highbourne Cay for refuel and start the Island hopping.

We typically plan our runs between fuel stops so max safe distance would be about 110 miles at best cruise speed and I would still have a reserve of 90 gallons in the tanks. At 10mph I could push the range out to 143 miles with the same reserve.

Sadly with gassers I have to plan in between fuel stops but I love my boat!