Did Bimini with the Fountain in 89' and 90'. It is great.
I can't even imagine how hard it would be to get an insurance rider for those trips now however.


Regarding getting your rig down there Niel... here are a few stats from our trip.

-420 Gallons of Diesel
-390 Gallons of 91 Octane for the rig
-4300 miles on the Dually
-24 hours down driving
-30 hours driving back from Key West
-Docking fees in KW
-Lauching Fees in&out
-Hotel in KW...

not counting the repair on the trailer, the new wheel and the new belt... and the booze.


It was WELL worth it, to see all those awesome people.

I'm looking to make the run to the Bahama's in mid January from Miami. Anyone wanna lead the way? If not, does anyone know where to find trip planning for this run?

good info GLH...does anyone wrap the front of hull to protect against road chips? Or just giant mudflaps on rig? That is alot of road driving.

try it and you will love the trip over!

Something a little different but as fine a boating trip as you'll ever do is crossing the Okeechobee Waterway from Stuart on the east coast to Ft. Myers on the west coast. Just check with the Army Corp of Engineers to make sure all five locks are operating. Once in a while one goes down for repairs.

Halfway across on the west side is Rolan Martin's Marina, through a lock, in Clewiston is a great layover. I've done it twice and can't wait to do it again.

We just did the Florida Triangle this past weekend for the second time. Drop the boat in the water in Miami on Thursday afternoon. Key West FPC poker run on Friday. Hang out for the worlds Saturday & Sunday. Monday return via back side from Key West to St. Petersburg Beach. We enjoyed the trip.

Bill is on its way Thanks, we had a great time

the run outside coming home till you guys cut inside.....

parnell.... (then the camera died.... )

Some tips if you go:

Buy a Bahamas Cruising Guide - available at most Marine retailers in the FLL, Mia area.
If at all possible have a second boat along - buddy system
If not, have full safety gear with inflatable raft, flares, backup VHF, GPS etc.
File float plan
Check weather and know your window of opportunity. Weather can be completely different on your return. I once went to Bimini for lunch in 1hr 15 min and got caught when a front came thru and in an hour 4 ftrs became 12 ftrs. - 3 hrs to get back.
I believe there now is a $300.00 fee on your vessel entering Bahamas.
Remember you are entering a foreign country and they will bury you in paperwork. Have all your documents. And remember to check in on your return.
Have a backup plan for an alternate trip to Keys or elsewhere as there is a good chance weather will not allow you to go.
Have fun. It is worth it despite the trouble.