I live in Louisiana and have wanted to go there for years with my offshore boat. After reading some posts about doing the trip in speed boats and jet skis has me really thinking about this trip next summer. Boat would be a velocity 280 with a single 509 (building motor now so it would be fresh).

We fish 45-65 miles offshore every time we go so I'm not all that worried about being 50 miles from land. Difference is I'm used to being in the gulf and have no experience with the Gulf Stream.

I saw there is a poker run that goes over in the summer, but we would have to plan our vacation around the run and wouldn't leave with the group.

Just looking for input from those who have done it. Or if there's a yearly group of people that do this run that we could possibly buddy boat over with.


Thanks in advance.

For your first time over, go with the poker run group. Stu Jones runs a great poker run and you can learn a lot about the stream from those that have gone many times before.

A great trip....one that you will come back again and again.

Stu jones? Is that the Florida powerboat cub run?

Stu prefers twin engine participants on Bahamas runs. I have gone 3 times and can't remember any single engine boats.

Plenty of people make the crossing with single engine boats but they are usually outboards.

Same thread two days ago. Take a peak in GD.

I figured that people prefer twins, but single is what is working with. I look at as we go out almost every weekend and run 35-65 miles per day all summer long with out any problems so I'm going to have to "chance it". The motor will be new and the drive is fresh so I have covered all the bases I can to insure a safe crossing with the single, but you know how Murphy's law goes. I also won't be running full tilt while crossing to be easy on the boat.

My present offshore boat is a single and we go 45-65 miles out every trip and have for years, but I also try to maintain the boat as best I can as to not have issues. It is in the back of my mind while out there but I've grown use to it since we have been doing it for a long time.

Is it the best... No, but I have to make do with what I have. I will just have to have all of our safety gear in order and have a ditch plan in case of the worst.



How is the overall experience? I've watched some videos of people making the trip and it just looks like an awesome trip. The adventure and the whole idea of leaving land until you hit land again. That's probably why I like offshore fishing so much. Trolling 65 miles out for tuna away from everything in cobalt blue water!!!. It's a world I feel blessed to be able to experience.


Thanks for the replies and look forward to hearing others comments.