Miami to Bimini by Jet Ski's

J

Jonathandbry

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Me and a friend are planning on traveling to Bimini by Jet-ski's and didn't know if anyone here has done it. I have seen where guys have done it with no problems and I think it would be a blast. Any thoughts?
 
People have gone over Niagra Falls in a barrel and survived, but it is not recommended!! J et skis have their place and they are a blast to ride, but I would think REAL HARD on crossing the gulf stream on one. Now if you had a reliable "buddy boat" along in cast of problems it may be possible!!
 
Are you serious, or is this a troll?

Are you related to anyone with a bow rider going ot to Block Island?

Surely this is NOT a genuine post?

Perhaps you should tie a lanyard to your body with a float and a tag.

That way, you see you will be able to participate in the organ donor program and at the very least someone would benefit from your folly.

RWS
 
This is a real post, I would like to hear from anyone that has crossed on a small craft. The videos of guys crossing the water looks extremely calm.
 
Some friends did a round the island trip some years ago. It took them 4 days
not because of the distance (roughly 280 miles) but because of gas stops on
the water (with a mother boat) and the need to rest their backs after hours
of pounding.
Some tips:
* Take at least one 28-30 boat as a mother ship that can keep up with you.
* Bring water, spares, fuel, emergency kits (2, Ben-gay or Heat for back pain.
* Have a mechanic in the mother ship.
* Check the weather. Be prepared to cancel if seas get even mild.

Life is short. Enjoy and come back & tell us of your feats.
 
It's has been and can be done.

The smallest boat I've crossed in was 24'. I've heard of others crossing in 13' Whalers.
 
"* Take at least one 28-30 boat as a mother ship that can keep up with you.
* Bring water, spares, fuel, emergency kits (2, Ben-gay or Heat for back pain.
* Have a mechanic in the mother ship.
* Check the weather. Be prepared to cancel if seas get even mild."

And after all this FORGET IT!!!!
 
I did it several times in a 24' Wellcraft Coastal. 3 out of 4 times it was a blast. That 4th time the weather turned ugly and we had engine issues so, no, I wouldn't do it without another, large and reliable craft that stayed close by.
 
Good luck pulling that 15 cubic foot fuel tank. Ever hear of the Gulf Stream?
 
it's really no problem... at least from my perspective: that will two fewer mosquitoes on Fl waters! :)

sure it's possible, on a calm day!
 
One of our members just had a wonderful flat trip over last week (I did too the first week of May). But it seems the Gulf Stream only gives you a one way pass. we came back a few weeks ago in 3-4' rollers with 1-2' chop on top. I've got a 300 mile range at my cruising speed and I always top off before crossing. What's the range on your jet ski?

Here's the current crossing forecast from NOAA and BarometerBob.com:

REST OF TONIGHT
EAST WINDS 13 TO 18 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET.
INTRACOASTAL WATERS CHOPPY IN EXPOSED AREAS. ISOLATED SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS.

WEDNESDAY
EAST WINDS 14 TO 19 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET.
INTRACOASTAL WATERS CHOPPY IN EXPOSED AREAS. SCATTERED SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT
EAST WINDS 13 TO 18 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 5 FEET.
INTRACOASTAL WATERS CHOPPY IN EXPOSED AREAS. SLIGHT CHANCE OF
SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.

THURSDAY
EAST WINDS 14 TO 17 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 4 FEET.
INTRACOASTAL WATERS A MODERATE CHOP. CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS.
 
Jetskis make the run to Catalina all the time. I think the biggest problem is not having a radio to communicate with anyone.

I have been with a group that had 21 ft boats and a bowrider go over.

Due dilligence...

and a back up plan.
 
Our last three crossings have been less than desirable. Think about what it's like to ride in chop for 2 hours screeming away. Do you have hearing protection? If not you may be deaf when you get there.
 
Hey, if you have all the backup and safety plans in place, as some mentioned above.....try it! Plans and dreams are only that....until you put them into action!
 
quote:
Originally posted by Shadowcruzr

Jetskis make the run to Catalina all the time. I think the biggest problem is not having a radio to communicate with anyone.

I have been with a group that had 21 ft boats and a bowrider go over.

Due dilligence...

and a back up plan.

Click to expand...


Which reminds me another safety tip:

* Bring along a water proof VHF handie-talkie on each jet-ski.
 
And attach a 6' VHF whip to get your signal out when in the wave troughs...or better yet, no radios so you don't waste CG $$ in a futile rescue attempt.
 
What is the big deal? I have never done it, but if you have a buddy boat and know your limitations, then go for it.

Seems like it would be a great 4 person trip. Two ride over while two in the buddy boat, then switch for the return trip.

I would imagine though that you would need to be flexible time wise as you may have to wait out a weather window.
 
There are plenty of days between June and October where it is like a pond out there. Its a 45 mile run to Bimini from Government Cut. You are out of sight of land for about 30 miles. In a jet ski on a calm day that equates to 30 minutes LOL. I know of guys that have ran all the way to New Providence Island on their jet skis. Just choose your battles wisely and be prepared for the worst.
 
With good weather info and proper logistics, of course
it can be done. No need to diss the man for his ideas.

What common people call crazy ideas, when properly
implemented, become genius accomplishments.
 
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