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Author Topic:   Bahama trip

jhill posted 01-20-2003 02:32 PM ET (US)
Does anyone know if a Bahama trip is planned for this summer. I missed the one last year but would like to make it this time.
TRAFFICLAWYER posted 01-20-2003 05:23 PM ET (US)
There are a number of trips planned to the abacos,etc. check floridasportman site, tropical forum. Also Bahamanian tourism ministry has bahamas flings to different ports.
wayne baker posted 01-23-2003 02:24 PM ET (US)
what is would you say is the average cost of a nights stay over there if you made the trip in a center console? This is something my wife and I have heard about and would like to make this run one day.
lhg posted 01-23-2003 02:51 PM ET (US)
I have made the Whaler sponsored trip twice, and it runs about $3000 for the 9 days. Hotel rooms at the Bluff House or Green Turtle Club are about $150-$100 per night, and at $3.00/gal, you can easily spend $1000 on gas for the 600-700 water miles you will travel, including the boating when you get out there. Then there are the fees, food, drinks, ice etc.
Swellmonster posted 01-24-2003 11:26 AM ET (US)
I just booked my trip w/ fla sporstman trip to Bimmini.
50 mile run accross, but rooms are expensive where I booked ($160 + dockage @ $1.75 p/f + 18% tax and grat) high season
Im gunna search other resorts prices....
lhg posted 01-24-2003 03:40 PM ET (US)
Unless you REALLY like to slum it, the only reasonable place to stay in Bimini is the Bimini Big Game Club. And even that is not all that fancy, and gets a lot of hard use by the party animals. Basically, the island is a pit. But the surronding water is beautiful, still with good fishing.
Last time I went there was Memorial Day weekend, and the island and surrounding water was mobbed with a 1000 Florida boats, a real zoo, much of it the go-fast booze and cruise crowd. It was like being in Miami. Never again during a US holiday weekend. The only time to go there is mid-week, when no one is around. Then you can enjoy it.
To get there, leave the inlet at 6am, on a day where the forecast is "light and variable winds", and with no North aspect to them. Sometimes you have to weave your way around early morning rain squalls. In a Whaler sized boat, passage over there not recommended much before May 1st.
David Pendleton posted 01-24-2003 08:02 PM ET (US)
Larry,
You're the second person I've heard say Bimini is a dump, or pit as it were.
Is Green Turtle Cay any better?
Thanks.
North Beach posted 01-24-2003 08:32 PM ET (US)
Swell:
You going to make the run in your 20 outrage?
lhg posted 01-24-2003 09:49 PM ET (US)
Dave - I think Green Turtle and the Abaco chain are a whole different world. Highly recommended.
At the southern end of the Bimini chain, however, there is the very upscale private island of Cat Cay. But it not accessible to the public.
Swellmonster posted 01-25-2003 05:34 PM ET (US)
NB,
I have no worries running there in the 20, as long as other boats are with me.
Just talked again with my sweetie, and for the trip May 28th -june 1, its over 200 p/n over a grand for the trip and for that kind of money, we could rent a 4wd and cruise around costa rica!
Samars posted 01-28-2003 07:22 AM ET (US)

I just came back from spending a week in the Abacos. We stayed in Marsh Harbor and Hope Town. I enjoyed both sites and the people are friendly. Good food and great weather...and saw a year's worth of Whalers.
Bigshot posted 01-28-2003 08:36 AM ET (US)
Pat....we'll run over there one weekend. I do not want to d othat trip but I do want to run to Bimini or Freeport. Maybe we can set up a Bahama rendezvous?
smirkless posted 01-28-2003 12:46 PM ET (US)
Pat, I've been to Bimini over 30 times. I'm glad to think others don't like it, keeps the crowd to a minimum. When is your trip planned? I would love to go over!! Skip March and April - too windy. Personally, I like the Sea Crest Hotel. The top floor has a view of both coasts! Depending on the season, room rates are about $90/night.
Smirk :-)
Bigshot posted 01-28-2003 01:34 PM ET (US)
taking Ole' Blue Smirk?
smirkless posted 01-28-2003 05:50 PM ET (US)
Definitely but depends on when. Last summer we had four days of glassy Gulf Streem. Talk about hot!!! Should have the renovation done by end of March.
Swellmonster posted 01-29-2003 12:26 PM ET (US)
I heard people taking 13's and 15's over there!
Even a guy on a PWC strapping on extra fuel.
"this is when we would like to find extra pirates;)"
Its still sounds like a fun destination, but like I mentioned earlier, BigGameresort,com was too much money for me.
Smirkless,
You were talking about making a rendezvous, step up to plate babe! <;) Janis has been doing a trip there before and ya might want to get together with her for more input..
48 miles from port everglade, and I found a marina to leave the vehicle safely at for $6.00 p/d in Dania.
check out:
http://floridasportsman.zeroforum.com/zeropost?cmd=reply&id=400578
Nick,
From what Ive been reading, Id avoid going there on a holiday or weekend, hundreds of boat going through customs at one time..
smirkless posted 02-04-2003 07:37 AM ET (US)
If I go in the 17', I'm going from the closest point... Miami. It's 50 to 55 miles due East. 2-1/2 hours usually does the trick. The hard part is getting a good forecast. Mid May to mid June is usually a good time but everything depends on the weather when you are running over in a small boat. I've planned trips with two, three and four boats many times; weather always played a big role. Out of 30 plus trips, I�ve only turned back twice. One of those times I turned back around again and followed a larger boat. As my wife said... "it was just like butter". Hotels, ramps and trailer parking are easy.
I'll consider putting this thing together in a month or so. The newly renovated Sakonnet will have to have some kind of flotilla on the St. Johns or something in about a month. Old Blue's got a new mahogany sport coat to wear!
Smirk :-)
Bigshot posted 02-04-2003 08:39 AM ET (US)
Hotel? I'm bringing the full Mills cover and an air mattress. I would probably go Thursday to saturday so I could rest some on Sunday after the long trailering home, etc. I would also like some buffer in case the weather on Saturday is not nice, etc.
smirkless posted 02-05-2003 07:36 AM ET (US)
Cool. Saturday nights in Bimini are the most active with good live music at the Compleat Angler; seen Buffet there twice. The early morning trip back across with a hangover can be tough but if we go over on Thursday, Friday night is good for pounding some Hurricanes (the drink, not U of Miami football players).
With blue water fishing about 10 minutes out of the harbor, reef fishing, swimming on the concrete ship wreak, honeymoon harbor (protected crescent shaped white sand beach), the north rocks with its �swim through� hole, and lots more, I�m sure everyone would have a great time. Fishing permits are still $100 per boat :-(
I�ll post a couple of dates to see what�s gunna work. We will always have a backup date but as the time gets close its tough to juggle room and slip reservations.
More later. Smirk :-)
Bigshot posted 02-05-2003 09:39 AM ET (US)
$100.....guess I will wait till I am in international waters to fish or go on someone else's rig.....geez!
How expensive is gas there? Should we bring extra jugs or not worth the effort?
smirkless posted 02-05-2003 12:39 PM ET (US)
Gas is about double the price we pay. Last trip on a 23' Seacraft we took 2 30 gal. Barrels full and saved about $100. That boat didn�t seem to feel the extra weight. You�ve already got to carry as many provisions (beer), water, ice and other heavy items as you can because they cost a lot too. For those of you who like to troll for hours on end, keep the fuel cost in mind.
Swellmonster posted 02-05-2003 01:22 PM ET (US)
For those of us who have time to surf, check this site out, bimmini and other sites. Great info with numbers....
I for one can not afford to do this trip. its just out of my price range.
http://www.wadespage.com/B800DS02RF04.shtml
smirkless posted 02-05-2003 09:40 PM ET (US)
Okay... Here's a few more to check out. Some good resorces and info.
http://www.geographia.com/bahamas/bsbiac01.htm
http://www.biminibiggame.com/
http://www.biminifishing.com/BiminiLinks.htm
http://www.seacrestbimini.com/
http://www.boipb.com/island.php?islandname=Bimini
Going <�)((=<'en
Doug Weaver posted 02-13-2003 07:38 PM ET (US)
I would not worry too much about reaching Bimini in a small boat with the weather cooperating. My 1985 22' Outrage has been form Key Largo to Andros and back with teh previous owner. It took him 8 hours. Anyway, I've been itching to run over to bimini. Never been. Would love to make the crossing with others.
smirkless posted 02-21-2003 12:06 PM ET (US)
Interest is building in the Bimini trip. I have another whaler from the keys that will likely want to go. The time to go would be best around mid-May to mid-June. I'll start research to see when to avoid ternaments and other major rendezvouz. Those events are lots of fun to see the catch and add to the party atmosphere but usually make last minute hotel booking more difficult.
More later....... Smirk :-)
David Pendleton posted 03-01-2003 01:26 AM ET (US)
Whatever you come up with, please submit it to the Whaler Rendezvous Calendar.
Please send me the following for the calendar:
The date(s) of the rendezvous.
The rendezvous location, e.g. Bayfield, WI.
The official name of the Rendezvous if there is one.
Contact information for the organizer, including phone numbers, email addresses and web site addresses. And optionally, any additional pertinent details regarding the event.
Thanks.
Dave

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Author	Topic: Bahama trip
jhill	posted 01-20-2003 02:32 PM ET (US) Does anyone know if a Bahama trip is planned for this summer. I missed the one last year but would like to make it this time.
TRAFFICLAWYER	posted 01-20-2003 05:23 PM ET (US) There are a number of trips planned to the abacos,etc. check floridasportman site, tropical forum. Also Bahamanian tourism ministry has bahamas flings to different ports.
wayne baker	posted 01-23-2003 02:24 PM ET (US) what is would you say is the average cost of a nights stay over there if you made the trip in a center console? This is something my wife and I have heard about and would like to make this run one day.
lhg	posted 01-23-2003 02:51 PM ET (US) I have made the Whaler sponsored trip twice, and it runs about $3000 for the 9 days. Hotel rooms at the Bluff House or Green Turtle Club are about $150-$100 per night, and at $3.00/gal, you can easily spend $1000 on gas for the 600-700 water miles you will travel, including the boating when you get out there. Then there are the fees, food, drinks, ice etc.
Swellmonster	posted 01-24-2003 11:26 AM ET (US) I just booked my trip w/ fla sporstman trip to Bimmini. 50 mile run accross, but rooms are expensive where I booked ($160 + dockage @ $1.75 p/f + 18% tax and grat) high season Im gunna search other resorts prices....
lhg	posted 01-24-2003 03:40 PM ET (US) Unless you REALLY like to slum it, the only reasonable place to stay in Bimini is the Bimini Big Game Club. And even that is not all that fancy, and gets a lot of hard use by the party animals. Basically, the island is a pit. But the surronding water is beautiful, still with good fishing. Last time I went there was Memorial Day weekend, and the island and surrounding water was mobbed with a 1000 Florida boats, a real zoo, much of it the go-fast booze and cruise crowd. It was like being in Miami. Never again during a US holiday weekend. The only time to go there is mid-week, when no one is around. Then you can enjoy it. To get there, leave the inlet at 6am, on a day where the forecast is "light and variable winds", and with no North aspect to them. Sometimes you have to weave your way around early morning rain squalls. In a Whaler sized boat, passage over there not recommended much before May 1st.
David Pendleton	posted 01-24-2003 08:02 PM ET (US) Larry, You're the second person I've heard say Bimini is a dump, or pit as it were. Is Green Turtle Cay any better? Thanks.
North Beach	posted 01-24-2003 08:32 PM ET (US) Swell: You going to make the run in your 20 outrage?
lhg	posted 01-24-2003 09:49 PM ET (US) Dave - I think Green Turtle and the Abaco chain are a whole different world. Highly recommended. At the southern end of the Bimini chain, however, there is the very upscale private island of Cat Cay. But it not accessible to the public.
Swellmonster	posted 01-25-2003 05:34 PM ET (US) NB, I have no worries running there in the 20, as long as other boats are with me. Just talked again with my sweetie, and for the trip May 28th -june 1, its over 200 p/n over a grand for the trip and for that kind of money, we could rent a 4wd and cruise around costa rica!
Samars	posted 01-28-2003 07:22 AM ET (US) I just came back from spending a week in the Abacos. We stayed in Marsh Harbor and Hope Town. I enjoyed both sites and the people are friendly. Good food and great weather...and saw a year's worth of Whalers.
Bigshot	posted 01-28-2003 08:36 AM ET (US) Pat....we'll run over there one weekend. I do not want to d othat trip but I do want to run to Bimini or Freeport. Maybe we can set up a Bahama rendezvous?
smirkless	posted 01-28-2003 12:46 PM ET (US) Pat, I've been to Bimini over 30 times. I'm glad to think others don't like it, keeps the crowd to a minimum. When is your trip planned? I would love to go over!! Skip March and April - too windy. Personally, I like the Sea Crest Hotel. The top floor has a view of both coasts! Depending on the season, room rates are about $90/night. Smirk :-)
Bigshot	posted 01-28-2003 01:34 PM ET (US) taking Ole' Blue Smirk?
smirkless	posted 01-28-2003 05:50 PM ET (US) Definitely but depends on when. Last summer we had four days of glassy Gulf Streem. Talk about hot!!! Should have the renovation done by end of March.
Swellmonster	posted 01-29-2003 12:26 PM ET (US) I heard people taking 13's and 15's over there! Even a guy on a PWC strapping on extra fuel. "this is when we would like to find extra pirates;)" Its still sounds like a fun destination, but like I mentioned earlier, BigGameresort,com was too much money for me. Smirkless, You were talking about making a rendezvous, step up to plate babe! <;) Janis has been doing a trip there before and ya might want to get together with her for more input.. 48 miles from port everglade, and I found a marina to leave the vehicle safely at for $6.00 p/d in Dania. check out: http://floridasportsman.zeroforum.com/zeropost?cmd=reply&id=400578 Nick, From what Ive been reading, Id avoid going there on a holiday or weekend, hundreds of boat going through customs at one time..
smirkless	posted 02-04-2003 07:37 AM ET (US) If I go in the 17', I'm going from the closest point... Miami. It's 50 to 55 miles due East. 2-1/2 hours usually does the trick. The hard part is getting a good forecast. Mid May to mid June is usually a good time but everything depends on the weather when you are running over in a small boat. I've planned trips with two, three and four boats many times; weather always played a big role. Out of 30 plus trips, I�ve only turned back twice. One of those times I turned back around again and followed a larger boat. As my wife said... "it was just like butter". Hotels, ramps and trailer parking are easy. I'll consider putting this thing together in a month or so. The newly renovated Sakonnet will have to have some kind of flotilla on the St. Johns or something in about a month. Old Blue's got a new mahogany sport coat to wear! Smirk :-)
Bigshot	posted 02-04-2003 08:39 AM ET (US) Hotel? I'm bringing the full Mills cover and an air mattress. I would probably go Thursday to saturday so I could rest some on Sunday after the long trailering home, etc. I would also like some buffer in case the weather on Saturday is not nice, etc.
smirkless	posted 02-05-2003 07:36 AM ET (US) Cool. Saturday nights in Bimini are the most active with good live music at the Compleat Angler; seen Buffet there twice. The early morning trip back across with a hangover can be tough but if we go over on Thursday, Friday night is good for pounding some Hurricanes (the drink, not U of Miami football players). With blue water fishing about 10 minutes out of the harbor, reef fishing, swimming on the concrete ship wreak, honeymoon harbor (protected crescent shaped white sand beach), the north rocks with its �swim through� hole, and lots more, I�m sure everyone would have a great time. Fishing permits are still $100 per boat :-( I�ll post a couple of dates to see what�s gunna work. We will always have a backup date but as the time gets close its tough to juggle room and slip reservations. More later. Smirk :-)
Bigshot	posted 02-05-2003 09:39 AM ET (US) $100.....guess I will wait till I am in international waters to fish or go on someone else's rig.....geez! How expensive is gas there? Should we bring extra jugs or not worth the effort?
smirkless	posted 02-05-2003 12:39 PM ET (US) Gas is about double the price we pay. Last trip on a 23' Seacraft we took 2 30 gal. Barrels full and saved about $100. That boat didn�t seem to feel the extra weight. You�ve already got to carry as many provisions (beer), water, ice and other heavy items as you can because they cost a lot too. For those of you who like to troll for hours on end, keep the fuel cost in mind.
Swellmonster	posted 02-05-2003 01:22 PM ET (US) For those of us who have time to surf, check this site out, bimmini and other sites. Great info with numbers.... I for one can not afford to do this trip. its just out of my price range. http://www.wadespage.com/B800DS02RF04.shtml
smirkless	posted 02-05-2003 09:40 PM ET (US) Okay... Here's a few more to check out. Some good resorces and info. http://www.geographia.com/bahamas/bsbiac01.htm http://www.biminibiggame.com/ http://www.biminifishing.com/BiminiLinks.htm http://www.seacrestbimini.com/ http://www.boipb.com/island.php?islandname=Bimini Going <�)((=<'en
Doug Weaver	posted 02-13-2003 07:38 PM ET (US) I would not worry too much about reaching Bimini in a small boat with the weather cooperating. My 1985 22' Outrage has been form Key Largo to Andros and back with teh previous owner. It took him 8 hours. Anyway, I've been itching to run over to bimini. Never been. Would love to make the crossing with others.
smirkless	posted 02-21-2003 12:06 PM ET (US) Interest is building in the Bimini trip. I have another whaler from the keys that will likely want to go. The time to go would be best around mid-May to mid-June. I'll start research to see when to avoid ternaments and other major rendezvouz. Those events are lots of fun to see the catch and add to the party atmosphere but usually make last minute hotel booking more difficult. More later....... Smirk :-)
David Pendleton	posted 03-01-2003 01:26 AM ET (US) Whatever you come up with, please submit it to the Whaler Rendezvous Calendar. Please send me the following for the calendar: The date(s) of the rendezvous. The rendezvous location, e.g. Bayfield, WI. The official name of the Rendezvous if there is one. Contact information for the organizer, including phone numbers, email addresses and web site addresses. And optionally, any additional pertinent details regarding the event. Thanks. Dave