Going to Bimini in 1987 230WE?

[El Capitan]

Buddy of mine in south Fla is planning a flotilla to Bimini this summer. He has a this pocket cruiser and plans to sleep on boat overnight.

He he has made this trip many times in fishing style boats but saw this SR and his wife made him buy it and sell the fishing rig.

I dont want want to dissuade him as I know very little about this particular hull design and its seaworthiness. It has a reliable mercruiser 5.7 and in good condition.

Any owners here here that can pass along any firsthand experience I can offer my bud is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[SCORPIO]

I don't know about taking an old, small boat across the stream to Bimini. Maybe I'm chicken but I wouldn't take my 89 300DA there and I have new engines and know this boat inside and out.

IMO the boat you describe is too small and with only one engine it's a loooong way across should something happen.

 

[Mittens]

Some people cross on skis, or small fishing boats (<20). Others freak on 35-40 footers.

all in you level or preparedness. And understanding

 

[Ididntdoit]

was at haulover the begining of this month and watched 3 jet skis and a seadoo boat leave to cross....single engine center consoles do it all the time....the crossing is like I-95 on nice summer weekends....direct him to the official 2017 bimini thread on tht for tons of info.......there are people cicumnavigating the globe on 24 foot sailboats....its all about how skilled and prepared you are, along with how much risk you are willing to take for yourself and those with you......he should definately carry a plb.....they can be had for under $200....also, many insurance companies wont insure a single engine boat going to the bahamas even if the policy has a 75 mile offshore limit.

 

[k9medic]

If he's going with the Bimini Fling then he shouldn't worry. We did that years ago in our 23' jet boat and it was a blast. AT any given point you ar only 25 miles off shore and they keep a good eye on the weather.

 

[El Capitan]

How does that 230 WE behave in seas? I think his wife will be hurling in no time as soon as he hits the stream swells even if they're small rolling.

Im not sure that hull w the high deck and forward cabin was intended for ocean cruising. I think that hull is too top heavy for that use.

Any owners insights on this so I can pass along?

 

[El Capitan]

Reporting back on the Bimini trip over holiday week. He did cross with his wife and with a flotilla of boats. Said there were 1-2 rollers spread apart in the midway that were very smooth and easy to cruise over, no bad weather, the boat was perfect in terms of fuel range and consumption. He said he averaged 20-22mph and he gestimates approx 8gals/hr at cruise of 3000-3200 rpm.

Thought this could be a reference point for others to compare their or similar craft.

I am tempted.