Miami to Bimini single boat... Good Idea?

[jff]

I agree. I haven't looked at the forecast but if it's calling for 4-6s you have to assume you could easily run into 6-8s on the way over. I certainly wouldn't make that trip in my boat if that were the forecast ...

On a side note, I know there are a lot of boats out there and have no doubt I could most likely have reached someone on VHF (or Sat phone if not), but the day we crossed back from Bimini we didn't see another boat anywhere until we were about 10-15 miles out of Miami.

 

[ardeprint]

Second story, I was over with a bunch of people at Big Game in June when some bad weather came in. Some people couldn't make the return to FTL but one in the group had a big Viking so about 12 people hopped on that. For reasons not clear, a pilot that was in the bar at Big Game called CBP and said they were smuggling human cargo. They were met by 8 law enforcement boats when they cleared the Port Everglades inlet. Full to the keel search.

Living in South Florida you here stories like that. I guess there must be, and there should be, people who are looking out for this type of activity.

 

[ardeprint]

Won't be going this weekend, but thank you all for the information. It has been very helpful. I am re-planning to go on the weekend of September 21.

 

[Boulder GT3]

Won't be going this weekend, but thank you all for the information. It has been very helpful. I am re-planning to go on the weekend of September 21.

Definitely a good time to stay home.
[FONT=VERDANA,ARIAL]MONDAY[/FONT]
SOUTHEAST WINDS 26 TO 31 KNOTS WITH GUSTS TO AROUND
45 KNOTS. SEAS 14 TO 17 FEET WITH OCCASIONAL SEAS UP TO 20 FEET.
RAIN LIKELY AND SLIGHT CHANCE OF THUNDERSTORMS.

 

[ardeprint]

Trip may be back on for Thursday to Saturday. Forecast call for 2-4 with occasional 5 footer. Winds from the ENE between 8-10 at the time of the crossing.

 

[Ididntdoit]

I personally would not go with any wind out of the North (or any quadrant thereof)

 

[ardeprint]

I personally would not go with any wind out of the North (or any quadrant thereof)

So I learn... Why?

Even if its ENE not N.

 

[jff]

Each Captain has to make their own decisions - personally my rule of thumb on the waves is if the two numbers add up to 6 ... that's the line for me. So 2+4 = 6. Occasional 5's means you could easily see 6's. ie. 2-4 for me would be right on the line of go-nogo (in my 48), I would look at the winds and other factors to make the call (including the longer range forecast in terms of when I planned to come back). 2-4s with occasional 5's and any unfavorable winds and I'd stay at the dock, but I realize I'm overly careful. Yes the boat can handle 5s (and I've been in much worse) but it's not a fun ride and more likely to cause problems (and problems are always much more difficult to deal with in 4-6 foot waves).

All that said, let us know how it goes if you make the trip and I wish you safe and fun travels!

Sincerely,
Capt. Jason

 

[ardeprint]

I was able to secure another boat. So its two boats for the trip.

I am still concerned about the comment Ididntdoit made regarding the ENE winds. I know winds from the North are an issue, but ENE is a problem too?

 

[Ididntdoit]

So I learn... Why?

Even if its ENE not N.

The Gulf Stream runs South to North at +-4knots - any wind out of the north opposses the stream and kicks up a nasty chop on top of anything thats already there - I also agree with Jason, 2-4s likely means 3-5s with 6+ footers mixed in.......That said, its nothing "major" Its all about your comfort level with the conditions.....Your the captain, you make the call.....

 

[LMBoat]

I'll add one other point: ENE winds on a course line to Bimini puts a lot of the wind and seas on your port beam. Not the best of rides.

let us know how it goes.

 

[jetpartner]

I was able to secure another boat. So its two boats for the trip.

I am still concerned about the comment Ididntdoit made regarding the ENE winds. I know winds from the North are an issue, but ENE is a problem too?[/QUOTE

VITA we are going to the sandbar on Columbus day the sandbar by Stiltsville if you want to raft up. It would be nice to get to know another 310 owner. We keep our boat just off the 79 street causway.

 

[katricol]

It's only 50 to 60 miles, so you have plenty of time to slow down to a safe speed if there is an uncomfortable chop. Also it wouldn't be for 50 miles, just thru the stream.