South Florida Trips
 

As I ate breakfast at the Hilton in Key West Monday morning and enviously watched Brandon Lee, Randy Wild, Parnell, and an unidentified Baja heading out with there rigs, I couldn't resist the thought of hauling my rig down. While reading a map on the flight home I noticed Nassau Bahamas and other islands are not further than Lauderdale/Miami to Key West. Does anyone venture out to see to these destinations? I was thinking that would be a great trip too....

Re: South Florida Trips
 

never boated to the bahamas, but I know alot of people that do, it is only about 80 miles off shore. I did alot of boating on the west coast. there are alot of nice waterways, alot of places to stop, like ft myers beach, captiva, sarasota, etc....

Re: South Florida Trips
 

It is only 200 miles from Miami to Nassau, You just Island hop and get fuel along the way. The water is the best. I used to take my scarab to all of the islands back in the late 70's and early 80's before they had GPS or Loran. All you had was a compass. Easy trip. Just pre plan your stops.

Re: South Florida Trips
 

Im in if you do it, i know that the florida powerboat club has a bahamas run. Not sure when. I would like to go to atlantis by boat, they have a really nice marina.

really nice meeting you Neil

Randy - PS the run home was awsome some nice waves.

Re: South Florida Trips
 

Florida Powerboat Club is a good way to learn the basics of boating in the Keys and they do have a trip to the Bahamas.

This spring I went on 3 different runs. Good time, good people, good experience.

Re: South Florida Trips
 

Bimini is like 57 miles off Ft Lauderdale. That is the closest island to the US and is a good first stop. FL Powerboat has a trip scheduled for July 2006. Usually can't go in winter because of rough water, summer is flat.

Re: South Florida Trips
 

When you go look for some square grouper along the way. :evilb:

Re: South Florida Trips
 

Bahamas is an awsome destination. I've been out there 5 or 6 times during the 1990's when I ran stock powered boats. First was in 91' with a 33' Fountain. Not been back since I started running this high perf stuff in 2001. High octane fuel is hard to come by.
I can tell you stories all day long about my adventures out there. FPC is a great way to get your first experience. They say summer is best as winds are lighter but all my crossings were in winter. Been to Bimini, Cat, Gun, Paradise, Nassau and ran the complete Eluthera chain. Crossing the Bahama Bank is the most beautiful water you will ever see. If you get the chance - do it!!

Re: South Florida Trips
 

That would be great! Like Randy said, Stu does a run down in the beginning of the Summer. The gulf stream is apparently extremely rough in the Winter months. Not a run you want to break something on. It's good to go over with someone very knowledgable due to the obvious water hazards but mainly pirates. There are some bad areas in the Bahamas.

Great seeing you this weekend! :drink:

Re: South Florida Trips
 

Pirates in the Bahamas???

Neil, 25 hors la loi and a bunch of guys from Quebec including JF Dubois (the new Sunsation Dealer) are planning a trip to the Keys in March. Depending of the weather, they may give a try and cross to the Bahamas.

Been dreaming about it though...I would feel more comfortable crossing the Gulf with a twin engine... From what I have read, I would also strongly recommend traveling there with experimented people.

Re: South Florida Trips
 

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... :D:D:D

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. :D

Re: South Florida Trips
 

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?

Re: South Florida Trips
 

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.

Re: South Florida Trips
 

try it and you will love the trip over!

Re: South Florida Trips
 

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.

Re: South Florida Trips
 

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.

Re: South Florida Trips
 

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

Re: South Florida Trips
 

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

Re: South Florida Trips
 

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

Re: South Florida Trips
 

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.

Re: South Florida Trips
 

Was just talking about this ealier this week. Never done it but if someone is putting a trip together count me in.

Re: South Florida Trips
 

RE: POKER RUN

I, too was sitting on the balcony of my hotel on Monday morning watching the Poker Run leave Key West. I, too was wishing that I had my boat in the Poker Run! I thought about how easy it is to just fly to Key West, watch the races, watch the Poker Run boats arrive and depart, then fly home. I thought that was an easy decision, not to have to arrange transportation for my boat, not to burn TONS of fuel, etc, etc.
But sitting on that balcony Monday morning it became very clear! Next year I will be in my boat on Monday morning, yes it is all worth it! I have done it 4 times, and it is the best Poker Run you will ever do!

Re: South Florida Trips
 

Uh, yeah! Have you ever been to the Bahama's? It's pretty much a chithole outside of the resorts. It's not Hawaii.

Re: South Florida Trips
 

Should'nt be an issue for fast boats owners?
Any of you carrying shotguns in the boats when traveling to Bahamas?

Re: South Florida Trips
 

How fast is a boat that's tied to a dock with no supervision? Or, a boat that's limping in on one motor by itself? It's not a place to be naive, and no vacation guide you read will give you local knowledge. The Bahama's is mostly a dump with lots of crime on and off the water. If something happens, you are in a foreign country ran mostly by people who could give a damn.

Re: South Florida Trips
 

I guess you wouldn't recommend the trip? I always thought it would be cool, not sure now.

Re: South Florida Trips
 

Me either. :(

Re: South Florida Trips
 

It's not that I wouldn't recommend it. I would definitely do it with FPC if you're going to do the trip. I would have no worries with Stu since he has done this trip MANY times. Going with an experienced guide (Stu) that has local knowledge of the waters and specific islands would be a blast and I wouldn't worry about problems. Anything other than that and I wouldn't do the trip.

P.S. The resorts are excellent! Beautiful water and COLD drinks. You never want to leave. :drink: