Getting to Bimini - From the Midwest

[tomblackwell]

Hi everyone,

I am new to this site and think it is wonderful to have found it. I am a 56 year old who lives in the midwest and owns a small boat company. Years ago, I had the opportunity to go to Bimini and fell in love with it. Five years ago I chartered a sailboat with my kids and sailed to Bimini and rekindled my affair with the area. I realize that alot has gone on over there and I would like to go back. I am looking for information on appropriate boat size, power, and any other info about getting to and from. My goal is to bring a boat down and leave it dry docked so that I can splash it nd with cooperating conditions head east or down to the keys. I am slow in the winter and slammed up here in the summer but can get away for 4 and 5 days at a time. Thank you in advance for input and I look forward to being part of Cruising and sailing forums.

Regards,

Tom Blackwell

[Therapy]

I would think it would be difficult to trust a boat on the rack for some time and then in a short period (1 day?) head offshore.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by Therapy

I would think it would be difficult to trust a boat on the rack for some time and then in a short period (1 day?) head offshore.

There's a lot do it in the UK.... ask the RNLI..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1cHDHg34GE

[Sunspot Baby]

I assume that with this schedule, you're looking at a power boat so you can make the trip quickly. I also assume you want to use the boat as lodging. Don't know how many people you plan to take, but let's say 2, you and a lady. You want it small enough to stack and big enough to not feel like you're camping out. Something in the 28' foot range. Outboards are easier to come by. Diesel is cheaper in the long run and lots safer.

Heck, you're in the boat business. You proably know all this and I don't fully understand your question.

[captainKJ]

things do not last that long in the bahamas is left unattended, locals have a way of helping thins disappear, donb't leave anything of value there,,,, personally with the time limit you have i would think a small powerboat with inboard engines would be better than a sailboat, you can get more places faster,,, not much in bimini to see after several times of going back there, it can get old very quick, with a power boat you can head to andros and staniel cay in a day

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you here.
kind regards,

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by captainKJ

things do not last that long in the bahamas is left unattended, locals have a way of helping thins disappear, donb't leave anything of value there...............

I'm sure there are exceptions to my experience, but I'd hesitate to brand the whole country with this accusation. Most of my cruising has been in Abaco, Eleuthra and Exumas and I've not heard of cases of theft among fellow cruisers there.
...'but back to the topic,- I do agree that something between 25 & 30 could suit this plan.