Lauderdale to Bimini

[Valpo]

Hoping to cross to Bimini next weather window. Would love to compare weather notes and or buddy boat

[CSY Man]

Go to No-Name harbor in Key Biscayne.
Usually several boats sitting there waiting for a weather window and looking for buddy boats for the crossing.
That being said, no big deal to cross the Gulf Stream if the weather is okay and if the boat is sea worthy.
If neither applies, don't go, buddy boat or not.
(Did the crossing 54 times, been there, done that)

[Bikini Blues]

Originally Posted by CSY Man

Go to No-Name harbor in Key Biscayne.
Usually several boats sitting there waiting for a weather window and looking for buddy boats for the crossing.
That being said, no big deal to cross the Gulf Stream if the weather is okay and if the boat is sea worthy.
If neither applies, don't go, buddy boat or not.
(Did the crossing 54 times, been there, done that)

Would an old Chris Craft 33' motor cruiser be welcomed as a buddy boat? She is sea worthy. She holds 150 gallons of fuel on twin 350's plus additional fuel storage. Never crossed the stream before .... saw this thread and had to ask? Thanx in advance for any info ... !

[CSY Man]

Any boat can be a buddy boat I s'pose.
Usually sailboats are slower than your Chris Craft so you may have to throttle back a bit. Because of crabbing into the stream I would average 4.5 knots over the ground.
On a good crossing day there is usually enough traffic between Florida and the Bahamas to always hail somebody in sight if safety is a concern.
On a bad day you may be the only one out there and buddy boating may be more important.
(My worst crossing was with wind and waves almost head on and waves up to 9 feet. It took 14 hours, never again)
Best crossings have been with the sea as flat as a mirror and 8.5 hours Eastbound. Usually somewhere in between. Look for a marine forecast with seas no more than 2-3 feet and settled weather, or go behind a weak front with South West winds. North winds tend to kick up the waves.
Plenty of good cruising guides on the subject.
Remember the most dangerous thing on a boat is a calendar...

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Valpo.