R23 to Bimini from states?

[jzois]

Realizing there are many factors to consider i.e. weather always priority 1, gulf stream, wave cycle w longer seconds preferred, etc, is traveling to Bahamas from Key Largo or Biscayne Bay in an R23 even reasonable or get real, get a bigger boat? How about fuel burn? I have seen many many posts regarding trips to Bimini but non w/ 23 or 25 OB's. I know...anything is possible, just looking for voices of experience.

 

[Capt’nKarl]

I’ve never done it but it’s something I want to do. Check out this site “Crooked Pilothouse” on Facebook. He’s made the trip many times by himself in a 21-23 foot boat with a 200 HP single engine Yamaha and makes the trip look easy. His site is also an excellent source for routine maintenance on the 200 Yamaha.
Cheers,
Karl

 

[CaptainMatt]

I made a number of trips to Bimini years ago when I had a Boston Whaler and saw many smaller boats (I even saw a 14' boat that made the crossing) of multiple brands. The key is to pick the right day. It can be like a lake one day and a raging tempest the next. I recommend getting as close to Miami as possible before heading east so you can ensure your fuel tank is topped off.

 

[jzois]

Thank all for responses.

 

[knotflying]

If you have insurance concerns check yours out. You may not have coverage at a specific distance off shore. However, I never asked my insurer if going to the Bahamas is really more than 75miles off shore. It is about 64 to Bimini so at the half way point I am only 32 off shore.

 

[jzois]

That is an interesting angle to consider too. I'll remember that as part of my due diligence.

 

[Matty]

I met a guy that did it on a jet ski. But I also met a person when I first moved to FL. I asked if people swim in the lakes (alligators). He said they sure do. I was comfortable for a second. Then he said "I wouldn't, but some people do."

 

[Bobby P.]

Hi jzios,

Ok, in my opinion, a 23 is a pretty small boat to cross. That being said, it can be done and smaller boats have done it as well. You must be diligent about the weather. Spend time online and due your homework. Keep in mind that just a few miles off shore, you will not have any cell reception. And you've got the gulf stream running north at about 4-5 knots.

My suggestion would be to go with two other boats (preferable somebody who has done the trip) and maintain visual site of each other the entire time. Leave early in the morning, so that you have maximum daylight if you need it. Buy or rent an EPIRB (best way to get the Coast Guard's attention). With your size boat, you should look for weather of less than 5 knots and seas less than 1ft and at least 5 foot apart (or more). Marv's weather (http://www.marvsweather.com/mbw/report_link1.html) is a pretty good resource. Never go with a forecast of ANY wind out of the North. Wind out of the north opposes the current and makes for nasty seas. Create a float plan with time estimations and circulate it to the right people. Wear your life vests the entire time. Finally, don't be tempted - if the weather is not right, don't go. Biscayne Bay and the upper Keys are a wonderful place to waste some time.

And by the way, the day we crossed there was a coast guard bulletin of two jet skis that left the same morning to run from Miami to Bimini. The two jet skis were reported missing about 9:30 am and continued to be reported that way throughout the entire day. The last I heard was around 3 in the afternoon. Should have been a 90 minute trip for them. We had a forecast of waves 1-2 feet and winds 5-10. When we were only about 6 miles from shore and we were in 10-15 winds and seas easily 2-3, with 4s and more mixed in. Would not have wanted to be in a smaller boat that our R31CB.

Finally, double check with your insurance. I called Boat US (Geico) and they had to add Bahamas to my policy. There was no extra charge.

When you get closer to a decision time, let me know. Maybe I'll be one of your two companion boats.

Best,
Bobby

 

[Salish Seaker]

Great post Bobby!

 

[Chimo]

I made a number of trips to Bimini years ago when I had a Boston Whaler and saw many smaller boats (I even saw a 14' boat that made the crossing) of multiple brands. The key is to pick the right day. It can be like a lake one day and a raging tempest the next. I recommend getting as close to Miami as possible before heading east so you can ensure your fuel tank is topped off.

I also did a lot of things in the days of our Boston Whaler that I wouldn't do today. I went out in very rough conditions, took the boat airborne to the point where the motor limiter cut in and more than once got water a foot deep in the cockpit. I was younger then and more foolish but there were two other factors. I KNEW the boat would not sink and the large scuppers drained directly overboard. Leaving the stern door open let water out as well as in but without those other two factors I would have been staying home. Certainly wouldn't be out like that in a RT23. Watch the weather and don't go alone are great pieces of advice.