[scamp]

Can any of yall tell us about crossing to the islands. We hear all kinds of stories, We are think about doing it. We go more than 60 miles offshore. (gulf)Whats the smallest boat youve know to make the trip etc....any advice.

[TickleStick]

I am in the middle of going from a 24' center console to a 31' open and might be making the trip in the near future. I personally wouldnt consider going in anything smaller, but I have heard of many people who have.

Here is a write up from a guy who goes in a 17' skiff - http://www.biminicruisingguide.com/s...attobimini.htm

[Hodderbiz]

I have in my 21'

make sure your prepared (electronics, safety equip, supplies) and study where your going...

I will write more later, just got in and I am tired

[CaptStabbin]

I've seen a few people leave from my marina heading to bimini in 21-25foot boats regularly. It seems like you just have to pick a great weather weekend or dont go at all, and take all of the safety precautions. You can rent EPIRBs and satellite phones and if you make good decisions, i dont see why it would be very difficult/dangerous

[capt650]

Pick your weather correctly, and you can go in just about any boat. I've crossed hundreds of times in boats from 17' - 87' feet. Just remember, you need the same good weather to return!!!

[scamp]

Great info. in that article thanks. We would only go if with another boat if not large group. I need to reseach the island (marinas,Hotel,etc. all i know now is there is a island to the east, not even what part to shot for?

[SeeVee25]

It's not rocket science!! I have done it countless times when I was growing up and that was when a compass and VHF were the only nav-aids!! Know your boat. Clean fuel and spare parts (impellors, clamps, filters) are a must along with a few other common sense items. After that it is simple sense and safety in mind!! With todays electronics you would have to be blind to not make your destination in a navigaton sense! Good luck to all.. Anyone up for a trip to Rosie's in Grand Cay (next to Walkers)??

[Bushwacker]

Walkers was bought last year are they opened up again? Im up fo rit. I will be going to Marsh,Eluthera & some others from 6-2 6-13..Theres 4 of us renting a 42' diesel cat sport fish..... After that I would like to go!

Dont forget YOU NEED A PASSPORT NOW!

[SeeVee25]

Nah bush, Walkers is still out of commission. The neighboring island is called Grand Cay and that is where all the employees of walkers lived. Well they still live there and Big Rose is the man who pretty much runs the island as he owns the bar, restaraunt, fish market, and hotel. Oh and did I mention that he is BIG? rates arent bad either just check the link http://www.rosiesplace.com/ This place is incredibly old bahamas!! I was lucky enough to practically grow up on walkers and still have a lot of friends on Grand. Some of the best diving and fishing that Bahamas have to offer!!! Another nearby and uninhabited island called Double Breasted has to be the most beautiful sandbar and overnite spot I have ever stayed at. Every Bahama trip to the abaco's I have to stay here for a couple of nights. July 10 (bahamian Indipendence day) they have a party where the whole island goes and they do it right!!!! 100 miles from Palm Beach inlet and half the run is over the flats. Anybody up for a run I am definately ready!! Thinking of going this week if weather is permitting..

[captndaffy]

All of these words of advice are true. If you have nice weather you can do it in any boat. If you run a single engine, take the advice on spare parts, clamps and tools. Take Saftey equipment (Ipirb, flares, VHF)

Depending on where you leave from it's a short trip to Bimini from MIA, or about 55nm from FLL, and another nice option is to go to the Old Bahama Bay at West End, Grand Bahama, which is about 60NM fromFLL. Nice new marina and resort.

We're going to Bimini this Memorial Day, most likely.

If you're not confident, find another boater to go over with, then you have the best saftey plan.