Trips to Bimini

[Squid_Bait]

Any of you personally taken your Ray to Bimini Islands or anywhere else in the Bahamas from FL?

I know screwballs that go in small craft under 20' which is nuts in my book but hey *shrug* if you have the gear and skills...

Just curious whats the smallest size vessel you feel is safe to go during the summer months when the seas are laying down the most. The smallest I have gone in was a 30' but the ocean was glass smooth and the weather perfect and it made me confident with good weather tracking and planning it would be a safe trip in a smaller cruiser.

I would like to one day take my 25' over but just want to open up a discussion of stories and tips.

I still need to restore her before I go, but I like to plan ahead... WAY ahead. =)

 

[Morpheus]

This is probably one of the most talked about things, do a search on Bimini you will find hundreds if not thousands of posts on it.

 

[Nacho Boat]

Any of you personally taken your Ray to Bimini Islands or anywhere else in the Bahamas from FL?

I know screwballs that go in small craft under 20' which is nuts in my book but hey *shrug* if you have the gear and skills...

Just curious whats the smallest size vessel you feel is safe to go during the summer months when the seas are laying down the most. The smallest I have gone in was a 30' but the ocean was glass smooth and the weather perfect and it made me confident with good weather tracking and planning it would be a safe trip in a smaller cruiser.

I would like to one day take my 25' over but just want to open up a discussion of stories and tips.

I still need to restore her before I go, but I like to plan ahead... WAY ahead. =)

You wil have no trouble crossing with your 25' boat. I just went to Bimini and it was very smooth all the way. Obviously, you need to pay attention to the forecase and not try it on your own.

If you go on a Bahamas Fling, they require you to have at least a 22' boat. When I went in early July, we had a couple of 24' boats, including one bow rider.

There are several others posts already on this site, do a search and check it out! Good Luck!

 

[earthmover17]

I went over with a Ray 306 about a month ago. We had a good time.
Jack

 

[Mystic Dreamer]

I took my 380 from St. Pete all the way to Port Lucaya on Grand Bahama. Although it was glass calm on the way over, the forecast changed while we were there and the winds picked up to 20 knots, keeping is stranded there for three extra days.

Bottom line is plan ahead, pay close attention to the forecast and be flexible on your schedule.

Brian

 

[barryg]

There is one last "fling" to Bimini put on by Bahamas Tourism. It's the first weekend in August and a good way for you to get your sea legs and feel safe. Richard and Carlton put on a great trip and it's a great way to also make new friends.

I have a few posts with the website, or just go to bahamas.com/boating and you should be able to find it.

If you go, bring some snorkeling gear and head for the half sunken concrete ship Sapona; and of course Honeymoon Harbor. Doesn't get much better than that!!

Barry