Bimini Bahamas depth

[svadagio]

Anyone been to North Bimini lately. What was the depth at the entrance? I draw 6 feet.
Bob

[Waterway Guide]

I haven't been recently, but I have recieved reports from several cruisers. There's plenty of depth all the way from the entrance to Bimini Bay Resort (10-12 feet). It has undergone recent dredging to accommodate the new high-speed ferry service and larger boats for the new resort. The entry corner does tend to encroach on the channel. We always recommend timing the entry for good light to read the water, just in case the markers are gone.

The location of the channel has changed from old charts, so make sure you're updated. The channel markers have always been a hit or miss, but recent reports are that they are there. Have a fun time!

[motion30]

I was there in november. There was a dredge working at the entrance to the north Bimini harbor

[rover88]

I was in Bimini in May and the depth is okay for six feet(which I draw) but the markers are confusing. At the first marker line up on the pink roof condos and not what appears to be the second marker. Head straight for the condos and make your port turn hugging the starboard shore. In fact you need to be so close to the shore you think you are way too close. Once you clear the entrance stay in the middle of the channel and you'll be fine.

They had begun dredging when I was there but the sand bar is notorious for shifting back into the channel.

If you plan to anchor just past the Big Game Club be mindful the holding there is poor and the bed is littered with junk.

[siroismi]

What about trying to bring a 7' draft and anchor in N Bimini?

Thanks for info

MS

[Cheechako]

a few years ago I went in with 6-5" of draft. Bumped a couple of times going in. Next time I never stopped, just went directly accross the banks.

[rover88]

Originally Posted by siroismi

What about trying to bring a 7' draft and anchor in N Bimini?

Thanks for info

MS

Maybe on high tide, but then if you did go aground there would be no margin left. My advice would be to anchor offshore, dink in and ask for local knowledge.

IMO 7' draft is really pushing the margins in Bimini.

I came out on a slack tide following my GPS breadcrubs from my uneventful entrance. There was a two foot swell and I kissed the sandy bottom more than once.

[CSY Man]

I was there last week and saw at least 8.5' going in and going out.
They are still dredging but otherwise the whole place was dead: A few Canadian boats and us and that was it.
24.5 degrees celsius in the water, quite refreshing.

I would think 7' draft is okay at low slack tide and low speed.

[siroismi]

Thanks everybody!

I've been there twice, anchored out and carried on without going into Bimini. I was just wandering for next time.

MS

[Sierahotel]

Anybody have a GPS track of a 6'+ draft boat through the Bahamas? I draw 6' and would really love to have the track of a successful tour.

[capttman]

Hmmm I never bird crumb tracks. Go with confidence you will be fine! Oh I draw 6 feet don't have a depth finder and get along fine.. Charts tides patience gets you there. Have fun

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Sierahotel

Anybody have a GPS track of a 6'+ draft boat through the Bahamas? I draw 6' and would really love to have the track of a successful tour.

You shouldnt have much problem at 6ft, just watch the charted depths and your depth sounder. You will get to know how to read the water pretty good.

[Mark_S.]

Originally Posted by Sierahotel

Anybody have a GPS track of a 6'+ draft boat through the Bahamas? I draw 6' and would really love to have the track of a successful tour.

I did all the Exumas last year with nearly 7' draft without problem. Get the Explorer charts for accurate depths. I did not go to Bimini, but would like to do so this year. I am hoping more people will post on the entrance and the dredging.

[AnchorageGuy]

Bob, reports are that the dredge comes and goes so it may or may not be there when you arrive. I have yet to be able to get lat and long for the entrance buoys but I have been told that if you get to the coordinates for the latest Explorer Chart that the markers are evident and the channel is well marked at this time. One storm can change all of that. There is plenty of water at this time for a 6 to 7 foot draft. Chuck

[AnchorageGuy]

Forgot to mention, you can contact The Big Game Club either by cell phone of VHF, Bimini Channel - Check Arrival Navigation Charts for Big Game Club Bimini as you approach Bimini to get local info for your entrance. They also have a chart on their website which is reproduced from Explorer Charts. Chuck