Bimini Trip 2013

Odyssey said:
look at it this way....in 5 days, we can start looking at the 14 day forecast. Beware, that exercise is a roller coaster ride leading up to 2 days prior to leaving.
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Isn't that the truth Randy, and not made any easier throwing in a 525 mile round trip tow just to find out seas are too much for your lil' boat.........:lol:
 
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Odyssey said:
look at it this way....in 5 days, we can start looking at the 14 day forecast. Beware, that exercise is a roller coaster ride leading up to 2 days prior to leaving.
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Randy,

Do you guys have plan B? I'm thinking that most folks have the dates locked in and in the event if the seas are too rough it's not as simple as "....already then, let's turn around and go home...". If the forecast doesn't look good for the crossing maybe it's a good idea to stay closer to mainland and go to the Keys (Biscayne Bay, Marathon, etc.) instead of getting frustrated and stay at the docks?

Just a thought.
 
Alex F said:
Randy,

Do you guys have plan B? I'm thinking that most folks have the dates locked in and in the event if the seas are too rough it's not as simple as "....already then, let's turn around and go home...". If the forecast doesn't look good for the crossing maybe it's a good idea to stay closer to mainland and go to the Keys (Biscayne Bay, Marathon, etc.) instead of getting frustrated and stay at the docks?

Just a thought.
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Hi Alex - we haven't really talked about a Plan B, I guess we should. The problem with this trip is it is on a holiday weekend which means the marinas and resorts will most likely be filled up. Maybe I can call around and see what resorts may have space.

The Memorial Day trip of 2009 had bad weather and we went down to Boca Chita Key in Biscayne Bay. A really great place but no electric, water or bathrooms. With the right boat, it's a great place to stay for 3 or 4 days.

At last count, there are about 10 boats going.
 
My initial thought, even before you responded, was exactly what you said: head to the Keys, or stay further north (Key Biscayne). I've not been to Key Biscayne yet, but its already on my todo list of destinations. I've spent years playing around in the upper Keys (Islamorada in particular). The diving is great around there, but I don't know that there is much else besides that and fishing. Of course, to me, there isn't any need for anything else but that! :)

Does everyone have the kind of boat that they'd be willing and able to be self sustaining for several days? That is, could we get away with foregoing a marina and just anchoring somewhere if marina space can't be found, or is a slip at a marina with certain facilities a requirement?
 
Odyssey said:
What do you think captains, A Plan B ??????
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I'm going to have a back-up plan (if seas/weather look bad Wednesday a.m.) prior to trailering south, I'll put plan B into motion. I hope to stay w/plan A however..............:smt017
 
Does everyone have the kind of boat that they'd be willing and able to be self sustaining for several days? That is, could we get away with foregoing a marina and just anchoring somewhere if marina space can't be found, or is a slip at a marina with certain facilities a requirement?

If the answer to that question is yes, there are a couple places to consider - Boca Chita and No Name Harbor. Both are in the Biscayne Bay area, both have sea walls to tie up to and neither has electric/water. No Name has a restaurant, bathrooms and a state park. Chita is more remote with campgrounds. No Name does not allow you to tie up to the sea wall over night, you must push off and anchor. There isn't much to do at Chita but it is a beautiful little Key. The area around Chita is protected. Both are on a first come basis and if you leave, you'll probably loose your spot on the seawall. Chita isn't big enough to anchor inside the harbor and will get very crowded on the weekend. You need to conserve water at Chita or if anyone has a water maker, they can help out.

Maybe Miami Beach Marina has slips. That marina is just inside the Port of Miami and of course, there is a ton of things to do around that area. Further south, there is Key Largo and the Keys.

Let's hear from everyone on this subject
 
No for me Randy, but I probably won't even tow down there if weather/seas look bad Wednesday. a.m.
 
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Still workin' on it Randy...... And hopping I won't need it........
 
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NOAA forecast for today, seas 3-6ft, and gulfstream seas 6 feet.............WTH?????:wow:
 
3-6 and or 6'is not bad as long as it is spread apart. 3-6 at 14 seconds is perfect, 3-6 at 5 seconds is rough as hell. Don't let height scare you, check the spacing. Also have to worry about a ground swell with wind blown waves on top of that but won't be able to check that until just a couple days out. NOAA is notoriously cautious with forecast so take with a grain of salt.
 
IMO, rought seas 2 weeks away from a trip are a pretty good sign. What are the chances the seas will progress for 2 weeks at this point in the year, pretty slim, possible but slim. So rough weather on on the 15th means we have a good chance of a smooth crossing as the front will not last. OF course, watch me be wrong this year now that I said that.
 
Agreed Tom, Seconds/separation is very important, 10+seconds are pretty good, 5 or less not so good
 
who says rough seas? this was taken 5 minutes ago at Boca Beach....

BocaBeach5-6-13_zpsebaec337.jpg
 
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