358player

For the Miami show, a friend of mine and his wife will be visiting and asked about a run to Bimini.....

If I'm not mistaken, winter time is not exactly the best ...

Any experience out there, looking for your .02 /
Any recommendations - restaurants, customs, running time, etc...

LapseofReason

If it's windy don't do it. The Gulf Stream gets bad I have crossed a few times one time in bad weather it took 5 hours and I thought I was going to die, did it once when it was glassy and took 50 minutes. I would not do it if they say waves are over 4 feet. I have a 42 Sonic and it ain't no fun it 8-12 swells.

Fountain38SC

What he said be careful in winter.

LapseofReason

As far as Bimini goes it's $200 for customs and there isn't a whole lot to do unless they have their Casino open. They were building it last time I was there. It's just a fishing village, powerboaters use it more for a gas stop or bad weather stop. The food is good but if they tag you with the 200 buck customs fee just for stopping to get lunch. I have Been all over the Bahamas so if you want to call me I can give you a heads up. 703 362 8011

358player

OK, well the next time we will all be in Lauderdale will be Thanksgiving. Do you think the end of November might be good or should we pick a fry all you want weekend in the summer ?

LapseofReason

Most of the time November to March are not good time's to plan a trip. There will be good days to cross but you will have to wait for one. I have fiends that do it in the winter but sometimes they have to wait a week, I don't have that kind of time. Once your there you can run in the flats most of the time and it's only about 30 feet deep OR LESS in most places. So it's smooth.

If I was going to cross for a day just to eat and maybe do some duty free shopping I would go to Freeport there is a lot more to do.

GLH

Check with your insurance also I'm sure they'll love the idea.

LapseofReason

The last time I went it was to bad to go so we just ran the Inter coastal side of the Keys the whole time and had a blast. Plus you can just idle around the canals of South Florida and see all the homes we will never own.

I hope you have a good GPS or charts because it can get tricky back in the keys if your not looking.

LapseofReason

Yes you will have to let them know where you are going, most charge 50-200 bucks to go.