Florida to Bimini, Bahamas

[travellerw]

Originally Posted by ramblinrod

All I can say is, different folks have different pucker factors.

Every body of water deserves due respect, including the bathtub, where many have drowned.

IMHO, an EPIRB is not essential safety equipment for crossing Florida to Bimini. Meanwhile, I wouldn't cross the Atlantic without one.

Of course, if your boat sank, you'd kick yourself if you didn't have one, and a life raft, and a completely redundant mothership in tow.

There is no such thing as zero risk of something bad happening.

Everyone has to evaluate what level of risk they can tolerate.

I can easily tolerate the risk of crossing from Florida to Bahamas without an EPIRB.

You, obviously not.

That's OK. You are entitled to carry an EPIRB if you wish.

But to suggest others are wrong, or foolish without, is going to far IMHO.

This will take this thread off topic, but frankly I think anyone is insane to boat without an EPIRB. Even coastal.

Just 2 weeks ago a Canadian sailor was rescued near Bahamas in the nick of time. He had spend a week sending out distress calls on the VHF that everyone ignored. If he had an EPIRB, his story may have been different, he might not have lost his boat! He certainly would have been rescued much quicker.

There are $500 10 year EPIRBS now. Amortized over the life of the EPIRB thats about $8/month. Just pure stupidity to not have one!

[Anchor Mgmt]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Problem with trip to the Dry Tortugas, it would be almost 150 miles round trip from Key West and there's no fuel anywhere after you leave. Don't think the OP's boat has the range to make that with reserves.

yeah i only have 75 gallons, and i was just looking to see if there was fuel there and nope. dont think i could make the round trip

[scuba0_1]

Originally Posted by ramblinrod

Why would an EPIRB be necessary when one is never out of VHF range from one side or the other?

Ok if your radio stops working due to water your boat is probablyadly sinking thus you want your epirb to go off. Is this real.


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[Cormorant]

Or a PLB can be had for under $250.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Anchor Mgmt

yeah i only have 75 gallons, and i was just looking to see if there was fuel there and nope. dont think i could make the round trip

Nope, no fuel or anything else in the DTs unless you can barter for it with the fishermen or tourist boats. But, I have seen small power boats there...some with bow tents for camping.

Can get a bit nasty on the return trip when prevailing Easterlies kick up a bit. That can dramarically effect your fuel consumption and speed.

[ramblinrod]

Originally Posted by travellerw

This will take this thread off topic, but frankly I think anyone is insane to boat without an EPIRB. Even coastal.

Just 2 weeks ago a Canadian sailor was rescued near Bahamas in the nick of time. He had spend a week sending out distress calls on the VHF that everyone ignored. If he had an EPIRB, his story may have been different, he might not have lost his boat! He certainly would have been rescued much quicker.

There are $500 10 year EPIRBS now. Amortized over the life of the EPIRB thats about $8/month. Just pure stupidity to not have one!

I sure wouldn't consider anyone "stupid" who made a run from Florida to Bimini without an EPIRB. I suspect there are many a competent boater who has made that run without one, nor a life raft, nor an SSB radio, nor a sat phone.

Again, we all have our own personal pucker factor, and we all have to draw the line somewhere on the level of safety gear we feel is essential for intended voyage. Because one has a lower tolerance to risk, does not make others "stupid" for having a higher tolerance.

[tomfl]

Originally Posted by Anchor Mgmt

yeah i only have 75 gallons, and i was just looking to see if there was fuel there and nope. dont think i could make the round trip

Last time I was there I saw a 23 foot Wellcraft anchored way too close to me with a Danforth and no chain at all. Think he said he had 110 gallons for the trip. Not sure how many gallons an hour you burn but you could take some jerry cans or make arrangements with the fast boat captain before you left Key West, or both. Just as it is probably a good idea to buddy boat to Bimini the same is true for DT.

Not trying to talk you out of the Bahamas, it is a great trip. But it takes more planning to go there. Another thing to keep in mind is that one of the biggest problems boaters have is dirty fuel. While it is possible to buy gas in Bimini and it is usually clean with only one engine and on your first trip considerations like that are sometimes over looked.

Another option is to go to Boca Grande or the Marquesas. The Boca Grande Pass can be a real treat and I also like the Marquesas. Also consider Cay Sal which is the same distance from Marathon as Bimini is from Miami, just over 40nm.

None of these choices are bad, and you can do them in any order if you are living or traveling to Florida.

[scuba0_1]

Originally Posted by ramblinrod

I sure wouldn't consider anyone "stupid" who made a run from Florida to Bimini without an EPIRB. I suspect there are many a competent boater who has made that run without one, nor a life raft, nor an SSB radio, nor a sat phone.

Again, we all have our own personal pucker factor, and we all have to draw the line somewhere on the level of safety gear we feel is essential for intended voyage. Because one has a lower tolerance to risk, does not make others "stupid" for having a higher tolerance.

The cost of one now is so low I would certainly say it's a bad decision

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[travellerw]

Originally Posted by ramblinrod

I sure wouldn't consider anyone "stupid" who made a run from Florida to Bimini without an EPIRB. I suspect there are many a competent boater who has made that run without one, nor a life raft, nor an SSB radio, nor a sat phone.

Again, we all have our own personal pucker factor, and we all have to draw the line somewhere on the level of safety gear we feel is essential for intended voyage. Because one has a lower tolerance to risk, does not make others "stupid" for having a higher tolerance.

Personally I call it stupid.. Same as I call anyone who drives a car without a seat-belt stupid. Doesn't matter if they are driving down the street to a store, or across the country. Same as to Bimini or crossing the Pacific.

However, having an EPIRB does not excuse poor seamanship. The skipper is responsible for the safety of the boat and an EPIRB should only be used as a last resort.

[ramblinrod]

Originally Posted by travellerw

Personally I call it stupid.. Same as I call anyone who drives a car without a seat-belt stupid. Doesn't matter if they are driving down the street to a store, or across the country. Same as to Bimini or crossing the Pacific.

However, having an EPIRB does not excuse poor seamanship. The skipper is responsible for the safety of the boat and an EPIRB should only be used as a last resort.

Your derogatory inference stance is quite disturbing and inappropriate IMHO.

I don't consider an EPIRB for this voyage anywhere near as important as the seat belt analogy you are comparing.

An EPIRB is a communicating device to initiate SAR in the event of vessel loss at sea. It is about the 20th line of defense, following a hull breach.

A vehicle seat belt is a first line of defense against head injury in the event of an accident. Air Bags, second. Helmet third.

Do you and your family where helmets in your car when going around the block? If not, what does this make you? Helmets are cheaper than EPIRBs.

First curiosity; what is the maximum size of body of water that you would consider sailing without an EPIRB?

Second curiosity; what visible and audible emergency signalling devices do your carry aboard?

[travellerw]

Originally Posted by ramblinrod

Your derogatory inference stance is quite disturbing and inappropriate IMHO.

I don't consider an EPIRB for this voyage anywhere near as important as the seat belt analogy you are comparing.

An EPIRB is a communicating device to initiate SAR in the event of vessel loss at sea. It is about the 20th line of defense, following a hull breach.

A vehicle seat belt is a first line of defense against head injury in the event of an accident. Air Bags, second. Helmet third.

Do you and your family where helmets in your car when going around the block? If not, what does this make you? Helmets are cheaper than EPIRBs.

First curiosity; what is the maximum size of body of water that you would consider sailing without an EPIRB?

Second curiosity; what visible and audible emergency signalling devices do your carry aboard?

I find it very funny that you are comparing an EPIRB to a helmet.

In any case, I will still think people stupid for not having one on the ocean and you are free to boat without one. Opinions differ and I accept that.

As to other safety devices. We carry flares, an airhorn, a vuvuzela, whistles on every life jacket, a light clipped to every lifejacket, and a PLB worn by the on watch person. Lifejackets are worn whenever the boat is moving and we are out of the cabin, no exceptions.

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by travellerw

I find it very funny that you are comparing an EPIRB to a helmet.

In any case, I will still think people stupid for not having one on the ocean and you are free to boat without one. Opinions differ and I accept that.

As to other safety devices. We carry flares, an airhorn, a vuvuzela, whistles on every life jacket, a light clipped to every lifejacket, and a PLB worn by the on watch person. Lifejackets are worn whenever the boat is moving and we are out of the cabin, no exceptions.

What? No AIS MOB devices? Shouldn't leave the dock without 'em!

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by DotDun

What? No AIS MOB devices? Shouldn't leave the dock without 'em!

And tethers. Don't forget tethers. Can't leave the cabin without clipping in.

And why only wear lifejackets when the boat is moving. I've known a lot more people fall in the water getting on and off the boat at the dock than at sea, by a large margin. I know of two cases where people drowned getting on and off the boat.

[travellerw]

You fellas have your own rules and I have mine...

I think its funny that people get stressed that I vocalize I think they are stupid for not carrying an EPIRB. Attack my rules or theories all you want, fact is, none of these posts have changed that that I think being on the ocean without and EPRIB is moronic!

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by travellerw

You fellas have your own rules and I have mine...

I think its funny that people get stressed that I vocalize I think they are stupid for not carrying an EPIRB. Attack my rules or theories all you want, fact is, none of these posts have changed that that I think being on the ocean without and EPRIB is moronic!

First, you are 100% correct that you can make the rules on your boat. Like the old sailor's saying, "different ships, different long splices."

However, don't you think it's just a bit insulting to call others stupid and moronic for not setting the same rules as you do? Personally I'm not stressed at all, just amused but you seem to think it odd or funny that insulting others elicits a sarcastic response?

I certainly don't think carrying an EPIRB is a bad thing but stupid to leave the dock without one? Depending on the boat, the area, the season and the voyage I wouldn't hesitate to go without one. If going offshore I would carry a fixed and a waterproof, handheld VHF and a few other items appropriate to the trip and would take the EPIRB if I had one. Crossing the ocean? Don't leave home without it.

By the way, there are some very knowledgeable, experienced and careful world cruisers that make the conscious decision to sail without EPIRBs or life rafts. Some feel that it makes them subconsciously dependent to some degree on outside help or rescue and can lower their attention on fully preparing their own boat. Some also do not want to endanger the lives of potential rescuers based on a personal choice to take to the sea for fun. Of course if you have children on board and possibly guests this philosophy may not be appropriate.

So, if it makes you happy, call me a moron all day long and I'll wear the title proudly.