[StatRX67]

OK. One week is left before I head on down to SE Fla. for (I hope) a flat stream and a few short days in Bimini. All arrangements are just about done. Now I just have one last question. How valid are the stories that float around up here regarding crime in the Bahamas? I've heard a few things in the past like the "Joe Cool" thing, which really don't apply as the thugs were just hijackers. I'm talking about the stories that just about everyone up here talks about when they hear of my intentions. I hear all this crap about piracy and boat burglaries.

I don't doubt some of it is true, but to hear how some of the other boaters around here (none of which has ever done this BTW) tell it, piracy in the Bahamas is rampant and to go there is akin to sailing past Nassau in the days of Black Beard. And to do so without twin 50 cals. mounted to the bow and a stinger mounted on the back is suicide.

My personal opinion, not that I've ever been there, is that Bimini may be a little more crime-prone than say Ocean City, Md. or Daytona. But it's probably no worse than some places I've been in my life. What's the general concensus with you, the ones that actually have been there. Some apparently pretty frequently? Should I really make sure to pack some iron for the trip?

[Hodderbiz]

Its not Bimini itself, its the crossing. If your only crossing the stream to Bimini I wouldnt worry about "pirates".

I too have heard a bunch of stories that I do not neccesarily discount but I personally on many trips to many islands have never encountered any problems.

Now bahamians are another story, they will act like your friend but really only want to scam you out of money. They are all corrupt! Maybe not all of them.

Have a great time! the water is great!

[StatRX67]

Thanks Hodderbiz, I figured as much. I haven't been taking the stories too seriously, at least the ones about the modern day swashbuckler's. Now, the one's about the stream itself are another story. For some reason being within 25 miles or so of land the whole time while crossing the Gulf Stream is a lot more concerning than going out 40 miles to the middle of nowhere to go fishing.

As far as the Bahamians are concerned, any time I go on vacation anywhere I figure the locals to be only after my money. That is after all a universal fact wherever you go. Always have to try to figure out who's palm gets the most grease.

[mbrunski]

The only "pirates" in the Bahamas are the ones running dope and people and the last thing they would want is your style of boat.

I have never had any problems at any islands especially Bimini. Just use common sence.

If you are staying at the Big Game Club bring a 12 pack of Bud bottles for Cisco the dockmaster and you are guaranteed no issues.

Have a good crossing. I was supposed to go this morning and got weathered out.

[ScarabChris]

Originally Posted by mbrunski

The only "pirates" in the Bahamas are the ones running dope and people and the last thing they would want is your style of boat.

I have never had any problems at any islands especially Bimini. Just use common sence.

If you are staying at the Big Game Club bring a 12 pack of Bud bottles for Cisco the dockmaster and you are guaranteed no issues.

Have a good crossing. I was supposed to go this morning and got weathered out.

Once again Brunski hit the nail on the head about Bimini. Ihave been over on my boat countless times starting in the early 90s and I have not hadone unpleasant experience.

There is almost no crime in Bimini especially towards boaters/tourists. The reason for this is simple. Because if word got out that tourists were becoming victims of crime we wouldn't go over there and the island would die, and they know this. The people of Bimini rely on our dollars for survival and the result of that is that they treat us very well.

The other reason is if one commits a violent crime there is really noplace to go.

Of course you will need to use common sence, don't leave anything of value in plain sight (wallet, jewlery ect) unattended because there may always be a local looking for a quick buck.

[StatRX67]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I really appreciate it. I kind of figured that there were a lot of unfounded assumptions up this way regarding crime down there in Bimini. Especially the fact that a 1998 Vista Cruiser probably ranks somewhere around 150th on the list of desirable boats for running contraband. Now all I have to do is pretty much just wait. Oh, and pick-up a couple six's of Bud flagships. Sorry to hear the elements weren't in your favor to get over there today.

[mycaptainchris]

Always makes me laugh, I couldn't imagine any Bahemian getting off his rear to try a bit of piracy.

I've done thousands of miles on multi-million dollar yachts in the Bahamas and am yet to see anything other than a Jolly Roger flown in jest.

[TheBobman]

On the subject of crime, what you read above is all spot on. One note about current day Bimini however. I am a long-time fan of Big Game, but things are changing over there. You should check out Biminibay.com as it is a newer and much nicer facility. As of last fall, the rates were the same. Also, I do not know what your accomodation plan is, or if you are fishing every day, but you should take note. If you are staying on the boat overnite at the marina and had ideas to sleep in, it is almost not possible any longer at Big Game as the channel traffic from Bimini Bay will have you rolling and bouncing starting just before sunrise. On the other hand, staying at Bimini Bay adds 20 to 30 mins round trip to each pass down the channel. So pros and cons to both. Either way, it is still close to a religious experience for the lover of blue-green waters...

Enjoy!

[ScarabChris]

If you want the real Bimini feel then the Gig Game is the place to stay. For less money the Sea Crest is nice too, just doesn't have a pool or bar..but the Big Game is a short walk.

Bimini Bay is to fancy for me, plus the distance from the docks to your room is stupid. You need a golf cart to get everywhere.

Plus...Bimini Bay is all the way on the north end, the action is at the south end. Staying at Bimini Bay you need a golf cart all the time which adds to the expense.

[StatRX67]

Well, got back to Pa. two days ago. Due to rough Stream conditions (up to 13' combined seas at one point according to radio report!) we never did make it to Bimini. Didn't even try and ended up going to the Keys from Dania Beach via ICW for the bulk of the trip and hit the St. John's and Lake George for two days before heading back. Oh well, maybe we'll try again later this summer. Thanks for all of the info though through the various posts on the subject, I have it all printed out and will keep it for if we end up making another run at it. Overall it ended up being a very educational and stressful trip. Some highlights/lowlights. hopefully someone else making a trip from out of the area (like myself) can benefit from this info...:
1) Learned that the Keys are 99.999% coral and <0.001% sand....and that the Moh's Hardness scale is incorrect, diamond is actually a "9". Coral is in fact "10".
2) Coral very rarely will gradually rise, i.e. depths frequently can go from 20' to 2' in an instant. *I also noted this to be the case in Haulover.
3) A 22# anchor designed for a 40' boat will keep your boat out of the mangroves and keep your anchor alarm from beeping all night far better than a 14# anchor will when winds are consistently in the 15-20 mph all damn week.
4) If you go two channels north of the Haulover Marina and head east into the second channel there is a great little Cuban place with really good inexpensive food...and as a bonus there is a food market right next door! Thanks to the local officer for that gem!
5) I've literally been up and down the East coast inland and on the coast and you will not find a better deal than the Dania Beach ramp @ $6 and only $6/night to leave your rig while you explore for a while. Great ramps and phenomenal security too! (Props to Scarab on that one.)
6) In Key Largo a 1/4 mile 5 minute boat tow with 55 minutes "out" time is $600! If I hear one more person bitch about healthcare costs I swear I'll punch them straight in the throat.
7) A BoatUS membership is worth its weight in platinum (see above...and rethink the towing coverage of the standard membership.) Too bad after this trip I'll probably be banished and have to sneak over to Sea Tow (see below).
8) A cab ride from Key Largo to Dania Beach to pick up your rig when your boat breaks will run you about $200, after the hack bumps up your miles 20 or so.
9) Always check with the local NAPA first to see if they have the correct parts to fix your boat BEFORE taking above cab ride to retrieve your rig...:sigh: (they don't carry marine components up here.)
10) That little chain that holds the cap to your fuel/water fills and the septic pump-out to keep you from dropping them in the drink does not last forever.
11) Even 51 week old trailers rated well higher than your load can still break at 3 am in the middle of Bumf#@$, Va. make sure you pick-up the $10 additional coverage for trailering assistance with your BoatUS membership. I lost both rear axle spring shackles at 65 mph on I-95. Thankfully, boat and undershorts came through unscathed.

Of course there's far more, and Ill have plenty of work to do after I make the 12 hour r/t to above mentioned Bumf#@$ to pick-up my boat and trailer once the repairs are done to the axle. Did I mention the fridge also broke? Or that the.............................................